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.

Great Gift Idea: winetasting gift certificates for Paris

Olivier Magny and his enterprising vinophile crew at O'Chateau offer a variety of wonderful wine tastings, wine dinners and things-wine. They are expert at sourcing out delicious wines from smaller or lesser-known producers ranging from roses, to a world of whites, to luscious reds. Check out http://www.o-chateau.com/paris-wine-tasting for details on getting you or a loved one a gift certificate.

December Special Tour of Holiday Treats French-style

One of our Paris colleagues is offering a delicious-sounding holiday season tour in Paris. First of all, feel the spirit of Christmas with a special holiday market tour before sampling a variety of regional holiday specialties. Participants will discover traditional French products in famous shops known for their expertise. Taste samples of fine chocolate and other delights, including a few of "the 13 desserts" (artisanal candied fruits, nougat, gingerbread, marrons glacés, Christmas Cakes).

Then experience the warmth of Christmas-tide in a Parisian-style tearoom while enjoying a hot beverage. The guide will tell you about the history of French Christmas traditions.

« Price includes beverage and tastings:
« Monday to Saturday, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm (in December only)
«1 English-speaking guide for a maximum of 8 people

115 Euros per person, 2 persons minimum Contact sally@yourgreatdaysinparis.com

Nov 25 Only... discounts on Paris Apartments this winter

One of our best colleagues in Paris, Haven In Paris, www.haveninparis.com is offering a great 'Black Friday' deal. Only on Nov. 25 you can book one of their lovely Paris apartments for December, January or February (Christmas week not included) for substantial discounts. This beats hitting the malls for sales!

Check out their website and talk with me about planning some fabulous custom shopping or foodie tours. Winter is wonderful in Paris... and airfares are lower too!

Newly Rennovated Orsay Museum Opens

The Orsay, with its stunning collection of impressionist painters, sculptures and decorative arts from the turn of the (20th) century era, has reopened after a thorough renovation. The art is now displayed against a soft grey background, a color palette carefully chosen to highlight the tones within the paintings. The cafes and restaurants have all been redone to improve the visitor experience. It will be wonderful to be able to re-visit all our favorites in this stunning rehab of a grand old train station once again!

And a little further afield, be sure to catch the exhibition of the Stein family private collections at the Grand Palais. Rich in Picasso's, Matisse, Braque and so much more, this private collection is a lovely compliment to the works in the Orsay.