Xin Jin Lou, A Foodie's Gem in the 13th

Check out my article on Xin Jin Lou in Paris.. fantastic French food in a Chinese Traiteur out in the 13th... worth the short bus or RER trip from central Paris. Posted today on Bonjour Paris, an always excellent info letter on Paris.

http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/xin-xin-lou-foodies-gem-13th/

European Museums Night is May 18

European Museums Night. Stay up with culture and art!

May 18, 2013
If you will be in Paris on May 18^th,  save some energy and plunge into  La Nuite Européenne des Musées, the European Museum Night, when museums stay open late and hundreds of special events are planned across Paris. Discover the cultural heritage of Paris while enjoying concerts, varied events and free entrance to many museums.  
Website: http://www.nuitdesmusees.culture.fr/

Boudin Exhibition at the Jacquemart Andre

The Jacquemart André museum is showing a lovely exhibition of Eugene Boudin's paintings and pastels.  This is the first show of Boudin's work in many decades and while not huge, is proving to be an extremely popular 'must-see' for art lovers. Monet once referred to Boudin as the man who taught him how to paint.  Monet and other Impressionists painted with Boudin in the lovely Honfleur area of Normandy and enjoyed long friendships.

The Jacquemart André is a gorgeous 19th century mansion, once the home to a wealthy art collecting couple, who gifted the mansion and its contents to the foundation that now runs the museum.  The 'café' is the original dining room and features lovely tapestries, fireplaces and painted ceilings by Tiepolo.  In the 9th eme. Open daily.  Boudin show is there through June, it is well worth a visit.

Festival des Nomades May 24-26

The Marais sure knows how to put on a party.  The annual Festival des Nomades sponsored by the Mairie of the 3rd arrondissement is three day feast of gallery openings, performances, ephemeral events all over the Marais.  www.parismarais.com has a copy of the 40 page (yes 40 page) pdf outlining all the events.

If you are in Paris in late May check this festival out.  It is sure to have something to engage and delight you!

Savoie Cheese, Charcuterie and Wine Bar Near Luxembourg

I'm in Paris now with my France Through Eyes of Faith group having a wonderful time exploring the spirited mind of the middle ages.  In the bodily nourishment department I'm discovering several new gems that I'll share on this blog over the next several days.  Les Fromages de Savoie is a lovely new cheese, charcuterie and wine shop/cheese-bar just steps from the Luxembourg Gardens on 9 rue de Corneille (runs from Vaugirad down towards Odeon along the side of the Theatre de Europe).

This gorgeous place is open 10-9 Mondays through Saturdays. You can buy Beaufort and numerous other delicious Savoie cheeses, plus charcuterie and sausages from the region. They sell Savoie wines and some prepared foods including a line of fabulous looking soups that include cheese... have microwave, will dine!

This is a great spot to stop in for assembling a picnic or for a bite to eat in their downstairs cheese bar.

Monsters In Fashion

The Gaite Lyrique theatre in the 3rd is a place worth bookmarking. This hyper-creative theatre and performance space offers films, performances and shows.  Currently there is a fanciful exhibition of fifty major fashion designers who designed their 'inner monster'. Playful, engaging.  Fun for all ages. Check it out.  http://www.gaite-lyrique.net/en/theme/arrrgh-monsters-in-fashion

Shared cab or private cabs from Cityzen Mobility

Check out a new service that is part of the 'solutions' to making Paris easier to move around in, and in and out of.

CityZen is a pre-booked private OR shared taxi service that will you to and from the airports, the railstations, and within Paris to set destinations.  You can book a cab that will be shared with others or book a private cab for up to five people.  Book on the easy to use website and voila, you have a guaranteed price for your trip and can pre-pay before your trip, up to 24 hours in advance.

Note the caveat that for airport cabs that are shared you cannot bring more than a carry on bag. That may be a problem for international travelers... but if you are booking a private cab, say for two, email CityZen and ask if there is room for big bags..

I'm using the service for two trips with clients to Gare Montparnasse to catch trains for Chartres and Angers as part of my France Through Eyes of Faith trip in early April. I've been very impressed by the responsiveness of the staff and the ease of booking... now to see if it all works!

http://www.cityzencab.com/