Pablo Picasso – Elsa's Travel Blog on Paris

Leave a comment December 11, 2015 Elsa Fridl

If you want to have lunch after a visit to Sacre-Coeur or simply want an oasis from crowds in the 18th arrondissement, La Maison Rose offers authentic French food in a beautiful setting.

La Maison Rose (“The Pink House”) has carved out its own space in the 18th arrondissement. Located at the corner of rue des Saules & rue de l’Abreuvoir, its pink exterior set against a block of white buildings is hard to miss. You can sit outside, on both sides of the street — just look for the pink tables — or inside: either way, you’ll enjoy an authentic French meal in relative quiet.

If you sit inside and enjoy the stucco walls with vintage artwork and lighting, don’t be surprised if you hear voices of the past whisper in your ear: the restaurant has been frequented by many artists over the years such as Pablo Picasso, Gertrude Stein, and Maurice Utrillo, who painted La Maison Rose before the second story was added.

La Maison Rose in Montmartre, painted by Maurice Utrillo before the second story was added.

There is something for everyone at La Maison Rose. Their offerings to savor include: Magret de canard (Duck breast), Escargot, Pork Tenderloin, Salmon, Roast Chicken with Rice, French Onion Soup, Spaghetti Bolognese, Nicoise Salad and Caesar Salad. Remember that Les Entrees are the American version of appetizers, so expect small portions. (Les Plats are Main Courses.) The restaurant also offers options suitable for children, such as a Cheeseburger with Frites (French Fries). Finish your meal with a sweet crepe, such as Creme Caramel, Mousse au Chocolat (Chocolate Mousse), au Nutella (Nutella), or avec Fraises (with Strawberries). If you want only a glass of wine with your meal, ask for un verre de vin (a glass of wine). Otherwise, you might get a pichet (pitcher) of wine.

One oddity: La Maison Rose does not take credit cards of any kind, only cash. There is an ATM not too far away.

Paris is pricey, and La Maison Rose is a respite from the crowds in the middle of a very touristy area. You’re paying not only for authentic French food, but for the haven of quiet. After walking all day, La Maison Rose is just the place to recharge before going on your next adventure — perhaps taking in a cabaret show at the nearby Lapin Agile.

La Maison Rose
2 rue de l’Abreuvoir
75018 Paris
01 42 57 66 75

Closest metros: Lamarck-Caulaincourt or Abbesses

Bon Appetit!

Photograph of La Maison Rose by CanStockPhoto. Image of Maurice Utrillo’s La Maison Rose painting found on Pinterest, CCBY 2.0.

Leave a comment November 27, 2015 Elsa Fridl

There’s a lot to do in Paris during the holiday season. Start your planning with Paris Insiders Guide’s recommendations for best things to do in December 2015. Activities include museum exhibits, castles, a recommended restaurant, and of course, Christmas lights.

Source: The 45 Best Things To Do In Paris – December 2015 | Paris Insiders Guide

Paris on a rare snowy day.

You might think there is less to do in Paris in the winter time, but the only thing you’ll see less of are the long lines to get into museums and monuments. As a general rule, Paris doesn’t get very cold during winter — when I was there in December 2014, the temperature didn’t get much below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees Celsius). It did rain a lot, however — but that didn’t deter me from enjoying the city. There’s nothing like waking up in Paris to the sound of rain hitting the rooftop and windows.

Here are four activities that caught my eye in The 45 Best Things to do in Paris in December:

Picasso’s “Guernica” will be exhibited at the Grand Palais until February 29, 2016.

1. Pablo Picasso and the Modern Masters at the Grand Palais. Exhibit ends February 29, 2016. Metro: Champs-Elysees Clemenceau. The Modern Masters portion of the exhibit includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol. Click here for the Grand Palais website and to book tickets. Price ranges depending on day of the week.

Chateau d’Amboise was a fortress, so it was built 81 meters (about 88.5 feet) high.

2. Private Tour: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip From Paris. Choose between two sets of castles (chateaux, or singular, chateau) — Amboise, Checoneau and Chambord, or Villandry, Langeais and Azay le Rideau — and enjoy lunch at an 18th century inn or at the park of Chateau de Langeais. Price varies depending on season and number of people in your party. Click here to book or see availability.

Chef Jerome Banctel heads Le Gabriel restaurant.

3. Featured Restaurant: Le Gabriel at La Reserve Hotel. The restaurant is headed by Chef Jerome Banctel and features a Japanese-French Fusion menu. The restaurant is located within La Reserve Hotel. Click here for a review by Paris Insiders Guide. Click here to see the rave reviews given by TripAdvisor users. Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysees near the Arc de Triomphe in 2014.

4. The Christmas Lights along the Champs-Elysees are positively beautiful no matter how you view them. Walk arm-and-arm with someone you love and take in the lights. You’ll never be the same.

Please note: It is my information that the Christmas Markets are closed due to the terror attacks in Paris on November 13.

Au revoir.

Image of Snowy Christmas at Eiffel Tower by CanStockPhoto. Image of Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” by Martine, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Chateau d’Amboise by Christina Hsu, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Chef Jerome Banctel by Rota das Estrelas, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Christmas lights on the Champs-Elysees by Elsa L. Fridl.