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/

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!