Friday, July 23, 2010

Monet et l'Abstraction at the Marmottan

The Musee Marmottan near the Bois de Boulogne is hosting a gem of a show through September. Much has been written about Monet's later works prefiguring modern abstraction and this show is an excellent opportunity to draw your own conclusions about Monet's impact on modern artists. I saw a similar show at the Thyssen Bornemissa museum in Madrid last April and it was one of the best small shows I had ever seen... provocative and interesting. The Marmottan is featuring 20 of their Monet masterworks and hangs them alongside works by Jackson Pollock, Kandinsky, Richter and others.

If you are in Paris this summer or early September this show should be on your list.

Musée Marmottan Monet: 2, rue Louis-Boilly, 75016, Paris. Métro: Muette. Tel.: 01 42 24 07 02. Open Tuesday, 11am-9pm, Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm. Closed Monday. Admission: €9. Through September 26. www.marmottan.com

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Four Perfect Parisian Spots for a Sip, Savor and Sun

Four Spots to Sip, Savor and Relax Outdoors in the Parisian Summer


Marché des enfants : Entrée au niveau du 39 rue de Bretagne,3E. M°République.

In a place where the stalls of this charming covered market adjoin the tables of small market restaurants. You can enjoy foods of France, Morroco or Japan. This is a wonderful calm spot for a drink or light meal in the upper Marais.

Café Suedois : Centre culturel suédois, 11 rue Payenne 3e. 01.44.78.80.11 M°Saint Paul

This lovely Swedish Cultural center in the Marais is known for its exhibitions, concerts and other events. But the backyard of this lovely space is home to the eminently worthwhile Le café Suedois, where customers gather all day for teas, coffee, light meals and excellent carrot cake. There is a charming small square across the street with flowers and benches if the café is full.

La Mer à Boire : 1 rue des Envierges 20e 01.43.58.29.43. M°Pyrénées.

Here's a terrace to love! Perched on the heights of Belleville's Park, you can enjoy a glass of organic wine while soaking up the panoramic views out over Paris.


le Thé : Musée de la Vie Romantique 16 rue Chaptal 9e 01 55 31 95 67 M° Saint Georges.

In the verdant garden ot the charming, intimate Museum of Romantic Life you can rest, sip good tea and enjoy cakes and light refreshment. This is in the heart of the interesting Nouvelle Athennes quarter near the superb rue de Martyrs market street.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Paris Hotels and Summer Specials

If you are going to Paris this summer talk with Your Great Days in Paris about special deals on hotels. We get numerous promotions from three and four star hotels that offer lower prices, often include breakfast, and sometimes include nice extras like Seine Cruises or Louvre tickets.

Yes, lots of cafes, bistros and small stores do close in August but Paris is always worth a visit. August offers less crowds, museums are open (and air-conditioned) and there are numerous film and music festivals. This is a great city.... it never shuts down!

sally@yourgreatdaysinparis.com or 781 391 6183

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Exploring the Canal St. Martin

The Canal St. Martin is atmospheric, a lazy canal largely for barges and the occassional sight-seeing boat heading to and from La Villette in the 19th from the Seine in central Paris. The canal has lovely broad quais, increasingly hip shops and cafes lining its banks, arched footbridges, leafy small gardens and generally, an interesting ambience.

The Canal goes underground several blocks up Boulevard Richard Lenoir from Bastille and its last length to the Seine is through a softly lit tunnel. But mostly the Canal is a splendid walk for a lazy hour or two in a still very real feeling section of Paris.

Check out the classic Quay-side cafe Chez Prune on Quai de Valmy or have an excellent 14 E three course menu at La Marine also on Quai de Valmy at #55. (Menu weekdays only at 14 E). Across the canal, the Pouya Iranian Cultural Center is an intimate oasis for lovely spiced teas or saffron flavored icecream.

Bring your camera, walk and take time to settle in and enjoy this vibrant quarter centered on this charming canal. Best metro stops nearby are Jacques Bonsergent or Republique. This is the 10th arrondissement.