Les Berges du Seine.. The riverbanks are a glorious new park

As of June 2013, the Seine Riverbanks between the bridges Pont de l’Alma and Pont Royal are dedicated to pedestrians. Sports, recreation, conversation and respite for all!

The section of the left bank of the River Seine situated between the Pont de l’Alma and the Musée d’Orsay is now an unbroken pedestrian zone 2.3 kilometers long with no motor vehicles in sight.

 

What will you find, aside from gorgeous views?  There is a mix for active and 'passive' enjoyment. Running tracks, gardens, children’s activities and much more, the new-look river banks have drawn  enthusiastic public from the moment they opened. Runners of every level head for the tracks at the  dawn.  Then come visitors, for a little relaxation before a day of sight-seeing.  During the day children play, people of all ages stroll, in the evenings a youthful crowd gathers along the many terraces and embankments for a drink or two. 

 

Another example of Paris' brilliant re-visioning of public space and 'parks'.

Sunny (Two Story) Terrace at 25 Est

If you like to explore up and coming Paris quarters, hop on the metro and ride to Stalingrad.  This area, along the Bassin de la Vilette, above the Canal St. Martin, has been developing into one of the hottest spots for Parisians in-the-know.  The city is investing heavily in making this a desirable residential quarter. 

Paris Plages, the 'beach' that arrives in Paris each summer along the Seine, is also installed along the lovely Bassin de la Villette making this a nontouristy summer hotspot for relaxation.

25° Est  is a bar with inexpensive bar food (good quality) and a wide range of libations, that has not one, but two terraces.  A sunny terrace with a water view is always sought after in Paris.  This one, er two, is no exception.

No exhaust fumes, regular concerts and musical performances and more.

Add to this two art-house cinemas nearby plus the Cité des Sciences and the Cité de la Musique, and you have the perfect spot for summer!

10, Place Bataille de Stalingrad.  Open 12-11 daily.

Something to make summer even sweeter.. new Pierre Herme in the Marais

Macaron and pastry master Pierre Hermé has opened his most recent boutique right in the heart of the Marais!  Great news for Marais-lovers and Hermé fanatics, this new shop will be open through the summer and sells all those glorious macarons and pastries that make Hermé shops look more like exclusive jewelry shops than patisseries...  pack a few Euros and pay a visit. You won't regret it.

Address: 18 rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie, 75004
Nearest transport: Hôtel de Ville (1,11)
Hours: Open every day from 10:30am-10:30pm
Telephone: 01 43 54 47 77

Sroll Along the Seine... Les Berges de Seine

The newly-opened quays of the Seine along the Left Bank of the 7th from the Musée d’Orsay (Pont Royal) to the Musée Quai Branly (Pont Alma) have replaced a noisy vehicle roadway with floating gardens, a climbing wall, picnic spots, cafés, bars, kids activities, open-air concerts, yoga sessions, and many other things to keep pedestrians entertained (the evening seems livelier than daytime, at the moment). Open year-round.  Check this out for a new Seine-side strolling option.

Summer Paris Sales Are On! June 26-July 30

The big, bi-annual Paris 'Soldes' are about to kick off.  July and January are the times, give or take a few days, that these substantial sales run in the Grands Magasins and in small boutiques.  If you have a certain item you've been wanting to buy hit the shops early on.

Remember, if you buy a substantial amount in one store (over 190 euros) take your passport to fill in the 'detaxe' forms so you can get a refund on your VAT taxes. The big stores like Galleries Lafayette and Printemps usually have special offices within the stores where you can file for the refund.

Great time to stock up on French chic.

Market Tours and Cooking Classes in the UZES area this summer

One of my favorite providers of market walks and intimately scaled cooking classes in Paris is now offering glorious-sounding market explorations and cooking classes in the Uzes area of Provence in July and August.  Meet outstanding food and wine artisans, tour authentic markets bursting with all that gorgeous bounty of the south and have a wonderful couple of hours with a charming accomplished cook.

The side benefit is that you also learn alot about French cuisine and culture in a low key engaging context.  Contact me at s.peabody@verizon.net for more information.  I know this will be a popular offering so don't wait too long to make your stay in Provence even more delicious!

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/