Savvy Travel to Paris

Savvy Travel to Paris

Join me on January 10 at 5:45 for my Savvy Travel to Paris Class at Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Cambridge MA. Great material, good information and the class location is right next store to Burdick's Chocolates where you can pick up a cup of real Parisian style chocolat chaud before or after the class.

Meilleurs Voeux,

Sally Peabody

New and Gorgeous: Carette on the Place des Vosges

Carette, a new gourmet hot-spot has arrived on the Place des Vosges, amidst the modern art galleries, cafes and small,lovely hotels. A beloved Parisian institution, the original Carette is located on Place du Trocadero near the Eiffel tower and has long been a fine destination for good tea, coffee, snacks or meals. This second more luxurious space was designed by Hubert de Givenchy and sits within the arcades of one of the prettiest squares in France. One can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, their celebrated macarons, croissants and other artfully made patisserie. At tea time (between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.) you can opt for assorted finger sandwiches or a plate of 5 mini-macarons. A range of choices for a discerning palate are on the menu. The fabulous decor is reminiscent of the glory days of the former Place Royale. The elegant interior is pure Louis XVI style. Marie Antoinette would have loved this spot. You will too!

25 Place des Vosges, Paris 3 (Marais)
Tél 01 48 87 94 07
Métro: Saint-Paul or Chemin Vert

Skating in Paris In Some Special Places

One of the loveliest winter traditions in Paris are the 'temporary' ice skating rinks set in magnificent places. Yes, ice Skating on the Eiffel Tower. From Dec. 15th through Feb. 9th, you can skate on the first level of the Eiffel Tower. It is a small rink but rather magical. Skating is free with paid admission to the Tower. And if you like to skate you’ll find several other rinks around Paris, including in front of the magnificent Hotel du Ville. Skates are available for rent.

Holiday Season Concerts at Notre Dame

Holiday Concerts at Notre Dame Cathedral? Here are three concerts in December.

Tuesday, December 13, 8:30PM, Tickets 18 euros- Organ recital of Bach, Dupré, Messiaen, and Reber by organist Pascal Reber from the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral
Tuesday, December 20, 8:30PM, Admission free - Christmas concert with organist Olivier Latry
Friday, December 29, 8:30PM,Tickets 18 euros- Gregorian Chants

http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/spip.php?article1198

Check Pariscope for other concerts during the holiday season. Paris is always a musical feast and the holiday season is especially rich.

Stuff Parisians LIke

Now here is one finely observed, very funny book (and e-book). Olivier Magny, who is known to many as an ace sommelier and wine expert (O'Chateau winetastings and wine bar) turns out to be a very funny writer as well. Olivier's book is all about deciphering the often puzzling, sometimes irritating behaviors of that special breed of person... the Parisian. Stuff Parisians Like will have you laughing out loud... repeatedly and heartily.

After reading about how St. Pellegrino water is now the bottled water of choice for hip Parisians I couldn't help but look around in every bistro when I was in Paris in October. No Evian, no Perrier, no, no no. Yep, 'St. Pe' on every table. Decipher Parisians elaborate social rituals around getting together, eating and drinking, differences in the ways men and women view food, sex, wine. And oops.. how do 'they' see us? Where's the Beauf indeed. This is a hilarious book. A great gift and a good read anytime.

Paris With Children (or teens)

In Paris with the kids? Your Great Days in Paris is working with a new specialist private tour guide who focuses on families with children, and taking her clients to child-friendly neighborhoods, parks, places to drink amazing chocolate or find that best eclair. She also is aces for shopping tours or cultural tours for teens, with or without their parents. Contact us.

Uh Oh. SNCF Strike around the Holidays

If you are in France in December and planning to use the trains to travel, beware.

SNCF drivers for the national France rail network have filed plans to strike every weekend in December, including busy Christmas and New Year's Eve weekends. The notice was posted at the blog maintained by FGAAC-CFDT, the union of professional train drivers.

This will present significant problems for everyone trying to move about during a super busy season. A big lump of coal.