There are also the places that come immediately to everyone’s mind. You can sit along the sunny banks of the River Seine and enjoy the fresh air, while you do a little people watching. The beautiful grassy lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower is always a popular spot; Luxembourg Gardens, the possibilities for a picnic in Paris are endless.

Storer is a famous and award winning Boulangerie-Patisserie that bakes excellent baguettes among other things. I think rue Montorgueil is one of the best market streets in the city and you’ll find dozens of food shops and supermarkets all on a single street. You can choose a baguette, some fromage (cheese) add some fruit, and you’re nearly ready. You could purchase a sandwich made with a crusty baguette, some ham and fresh cheese, or a delightful croque monsieur, which is sort of an inside out grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Add a bottle of wine, head to the park, and have the romantic picnic in Paris that you’ve always dreamed of.

Are you wondering if it’s legal to drink wine in the park in Paris?

There are actually very real open bottle laws that the mayor of Paris has passed to reduce public drinking but they are very selectively enforced. The average picnicker probably won’t encounter them unless they are clearly drunk or publicly offensive but they are law nonetheless. The law is clear; it’s illegal to have an open bottle of any alcoholic beverage in a public park. The reality is to be discreet and you’ll be treated discreetly by the police. The police may approach people having picnics and ask them “please hide the wine bottle”, followed by a polite “bon appetit” as they move on. Just be aware that technically it is against the law.

When you’ve finished your picnic, you might want to finish with something sweet. You should try a delicious crepe while you’re in Paris – the vendors prepare them in front of you, and will fill them with your choice of filling; be sure to try a fresh crepe dripping with nutella. The warm, sweet nutella drips down your fingers, and is so delicious to savor.

Soon you’ll be sitting on a blanket spread on the grass with the one you love, gazing into each others eyes and toasting each other with a glass of wine, maybe watching the sunset over the Seine. Enjoy your picnic in Paris. Bon appetit!

All Seasons Hotel in Paris - Guest Room

ALL SEASONS PARIS GARE DE L EST CHATEAU LANDON – 3* – AUD 154.48 per room

1 AND 3 RUE DE CHATEAU LANDON, Paris, FRANCE, 75010

Near major train stations for TGV, Thalys, Eurostar and RER services to Roissy Airport and the Villepinte exhibition ground, a few minutes by metro from the centre of Paris. Enjoy the cosy comfort of this 160 room hotel. Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

Facilities

• Pets Allowed
• Car Rental Desk
• Wheel Chair
• Non-Smoking
• Data Port
• First Class
• Check-in Time : 1200
• Check-out Time : 1200
• Number of Floors : 8
• Number of Rooms : 160

Check Rates for ALL SEASONS PARIS GARE DE L EST CHATEAU LANDON

Pricing is correct as of 22 June 2010
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Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel - View from Room

Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel – 4* – AUD 154.31 per room

61 QUAI DE GRENELLE, Paris, FRANCE, 75738

The Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel is a hotel with 764 rooms overlooking the Seine, a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower. The hotel offers its business clients a wide choice of seminar and convention possibilities in its 29 rooms, including an auditorium seating 600 people.

Whether you are here on business or on vacation, the Japanese Benkay restaurant, international L’Envie restaurant, La Seine bar and free pool for hotel residents will make for an unforgettable stay in the capital. Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

Facilities

• Pets Allowed
• Car Rental Desk
• Family Rooms
• Fitness Facility
• Swimming Pool
• Wheel Chair
• Dining
• Meeting Room
• Non-Smoking
• Data Port
• Luxury
• Check-in Time : 1400
• Check-out Time : 1200
• Number of Floors : 31
• Number of Rooms : 764

Check Availability for Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel

Novotel Paris Tuor Eiffel - Bar

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Pricing is correct as of 22 June 2010

Hotel Plaza Athenee- Unique view of the Eiffel Tower

If you have ever wanted to stay in the most luxurious, most stunning, and most elegant hotel in not just Paris, but in the world; well then … you must visit Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, France.

At Plaza Athenee, the moment you enter, you will be treated like royalty. Their Chef Concierge, Jérôme Poret, and his team are entirely dedicated to your every desire, and no effort is spared to make your stay at the Plaza Athénée unforgettable.

Child Friendly

Plaza Athenee is also child friendly. With a majority of connecting rooms, the Hotel Plaza Athénée is ideal and magic for children. At the Plaza Athénée, the children are the stars, and as their parents do, they enjoy VIP treatment. From the traditional teddy bear to the special smaller Room Service table in the Royal Suite, nothing is too much for them. We are happy to offer a large choice of products especially made for the new generation. Our resourceful Concierge is always close at hand to make reservations for a family dinner, to offer suggestions for tomorrow’s outing. If requested, the Housekeeper will be pleased to arrange for babysitters through a professional local agency we have used for many years. ref – http://www.plaza-athenee-paris.com

Celebrity Status

Hotel Plaza Athenee has appeared in the final episode of the Sex and the City tv series, Rush Hour 3 with Jackie Chan and Chris Rock, and many more movies. The hotel has attracted celebrities such as Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, Sarah Jessica Parker and Elle MacPherson, all when travelling with their children.

Awards & Accolades

2010 Travel + Leisure Nominated by Readers n°1 hotel in Paris on the Travel + Leisure in the “500 world’s Best Hotels” 2010 list !

2009 Hospitality Awards
www.veryimportantchildren.com (the hotel website for kids and teens) rewarded

2009 Privillégiature Plaza Athénée, winner of “Best City Centre hotel in Europe” award 2009 Wallpaper Dior Institut at the Plaza Athénée has been awarded the Best Day Spa

2008 Daily Telegraph Best European Hotel

2007
The Virtuoso « Best Bar Experience »
Thanks to “its stylish cocktails and elegant ambiance”‚ The Bar of the Hotel Plaza Athénée has been rewarded with the prize for the “Best Bar Experience” at the recent Virtuoso Awards Event, Best of the Best in Las Vegas end of August 2007. Decorated by interior designer Patrick Jouin, a former protégé of Philippe Starck, the Bar du Plaza Athénée combines classic

History of The Plaza Athénée

In 1852, the Emperor Napoléon III commissioned Georges Haussmann to transform Paris, a quiet medieval city, into a modern and bustling capital which would enjoy world-wide recognition. During this period, many unique hotels were built which have today become symbols of traditional French style.

In 1911, at 25 Avenue Montaigne, the Plaza Athénée opened at the same time as the nearby Theatre des Champs Elysées: the hotel soon became the gathering place for the most prominent  composers and performers of the day.

By 1936, the hotel had achieved international fame. The Galerie des Gobelins and the restaurant “Le Relais Plaza”, its salons and apartments hosted many great personalities of this period including Joséphine Baker, Rudolph Valentino and Maurice Chevalier.

When Christian Dior opened on Avenue Montaigne in close proximity to the Plaza Athénée, a new era began.  Avenue Montaigne quickly turned into the avenue of ‘haute couture’, and the Plaza Athénée became Paris’ focus for fashion and the arts.  In the past, the Plaza Athénée has hosted such famous guests as Grace Kelly, Gary Cooper, Jackie Kennedy and the Ford family. The Plaza Athénée has now become a landmark.

Since the beginning of year 2000, the complete refurbishment of the Plaza Athénée has combined its traditional classical style with the most modern technology, further enhancing its already legendary reputation as one of the great hotels of the world. The Plaza Athénée is prepared to enchant its many visitors in the decades to come… ref – http://www.plaza-athenee-paris.com/history

Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris - Lobby

Guest Room - Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris

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Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Hotel Plaza Athenee

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When visiting Paris, you will need to know how to speak basic French. Below are a few common French words and phrases you might use when traveling in Paris, France.

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The Louvre Museum in Paris

From the royal fortress to the public, the Louvre Museum in Paris is unquestionably one of the most amazing art galleries in the world. Home to thousands of classic and modern masterpieces, the Louvre is the jewel in the crown of French culture, a towering testament to European civilization and history.

Its importance and quality is highlighted through its popularity as the Louvre is the worlds most-visited museum.

To walk through the Louvre Museum is to walk through the history of France and into the minds of kings and revolutionaries. The reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV saw major expansion and a linking of the palaces and halls, which make up the museum today

The Louvre contains over 35,000 pieces of artwork across numerous departments including Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings. Masterpieces by great artists such as Da Vinci and Delacroix are part of the permanent collection of this prestigious gallery.

Surrounding this iconic pyramid building are the Carousel gardens. These beautiful formal gardens are among the finest in the world and the perfect setting to discuss and reflect on the wonders of the gallery itself.

You can explore this amazing, world renowned gallery for free with a Paris Sightseeing Pass – that’s a saving over 9 euros. Other benefits of the Paris Pass are:

-  Free entry to over 60 museums and attractions

-  Free public transport

-  Loads of exclusive special offers for restaurants and more

Louvre Museum

Palais du Louvre, Paris 1er

Nearest metro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre

Opening Daily: 09.00–18.00

Closed: Tuesdays, 1 January, 1 May, 11 November 25 December. The museum is open until 22.00 (10:00 PM) on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Ref – www.louvre.fr and parispass.com

Click here for more information on the Paris Pass

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The Louvre, Museum Pass, Paris Pass, Visit Paris, du Louvre, Museums in Paris

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Moulin Rouge in Paris, France

Moulin Rouge (Red Mill in English) is a cabaret built in 1889 by Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. Close to Montmartre in the Paris red-light district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, it is marked by the red windmill on its roof.

The current show at the Moulin Rouge in Paris is named ‘Feerie’. Féerie is literally translated as Fairy in English. The show contains 4 main scenes with a total of 69 songs. The multiple acts are performed by a total of 100 artists including Doriss girls (similar to Las Vegas showgirls), dancers, acrobats, magicians and clowns.

‘Féerie’ consists of: a troupe of 100 artists, including 60 Doriss Girls recruited world-wide; 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, made in the most famous Parisian workshops; sumptuous sets in shimmering colours, uniquely designed by Italian artists; outstanding international acts, and the awaited return of the giant aquarium; all this performed to original music recorded by 80 musicians and 60 chorus singers.

Every cabaret show performed at the Moulin Rouge in Paris will take your breath away with amazement, atmosphere, beauty, talent, and sheer enjoyment.

Disneyland Paris

on. However Paris’ location makes it ideal for exploring some of the beautiful surrounding French countryside and smaller towns and cities. If you have the time – and the freedom of a car from Argus Car Hire – it is well worth venturing away from the city to one of the many wonderful destinations just a short drive away. Here are just a few of the possible tours you can make from Paris in your rental car;

1. Disneyland Paris

Europe’s top tourist destination, Disneyland Paris, is just 32 km (20 miles) outside of the centre of Paris, and can be reached by taking the A4 motorway Metz-Nancy (follow the signs). Featuring two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios), as well as ‘Disney Village’, seven themed hotels and Golf Disneyland, the whole complex is near enough one-fifth of the size of Paris itself.

Disneyland Paris is a perfect family attraction, with much on offer for both children and adults. It is widely praised for being more elaborately and thoughtfully designed than its U.S counterparts, although you should still expect to have to queue for the rides, particularly the popular ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ ride, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and the Indiana Jones Temple of Doom. There is a fast-pass system in place for those of you who simply cannot deal with the waiting in line.

Yes, Disneyland is always going to be an expensive trip – but if you have a budget to stick to, there are ways of cutting back on your spending while you are there. Food and refreshments in the park are notoriously overpriced – for low cost eats, it is advisable to bring snacks, drinks and sandwiches in with you, and get away with buying just one meal during the day.

2. The Loire Valley

The stunning Loire Valley is renowned for its opulent chateaux, luscious landscape and divine gastronomy and wine. Just two hours drive from Paris in your rental car will open up a whole new France to you – idyllic, aristocratic and peaceful, as opposed to the high-speed urbanity and dense population of Paris. The Loire Valley is a large area with many sights and attractions, and as such, in preparation for your day trip you may want to decide in advance which area you would most like to visit. Otherwise, an overnight stay may be the best option, should you want to spend a little more time in the area. There are many guesthouses, B&Bs and hotels throughout the region, with everything from luxury boutique hotels to more basic and budget-friendly establishments.

Self-drive with Argus Car Hire gives you the freedom to explore different towns and chateaux throughout the Loire Valley at a pace that suits you. Some of the highlights of the Loire Valley region are the Chateau de Villandry, the Chateau d’Usse, the picturesque town of Saumur and it’s imposing Chateau, and the Troglodyte village of Rochemenier. To save on money, you may want to simply appreciate some of the Chateaux from the outside rather than paying for a full tour. The area lends itself very well to picnicking, which is a low cost but very enjoyable way to eat in France – although eating out in this region is highly recommended, as the quality of the food and wine in this part of France is famous.

3. Reims

Just 135km from Paris is the Champagne City of Reims, one of the major centres of champagne production in France (and the world). There is a wealth of attractions to be visited in Reims, including the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, The Palace of Tau and the Porte de Mars to name but a few. Of course, no visit to Reims would be complete without a guided tour in one of the city’s world-renowned champagne houses. The tours are quite cheap, and for the low cost of admission you generally receive a sample of champagne as well as your guided tour. It is a good idea to book this in advance – particularly if there is a particular brand of champagne you are more interested in. Taittinger, Pommery, Ruinart, and Veuve Cliquot are among the famous champagne houses offering tours to visitors.

Be careful if you aren’t staying in Reims overnight – don’t indulge in too much champagne before your drive back to Paris. The limit here id 0.5mg/ml, so perhaps it is wiser to bring some champagne back to Paris with you if you don’t intend on spending the night.

4. Mon-Saint-Michel

Located 201 miles west of Paris, the drive to Mont-Saint-Michel will take somewhere in the region of 4 hours. It’s quite a trek, however the journey is worth the effort, and the drive through Normandy is quite pleasant. Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island, being an island at high tide, but attached to the land by a natural bridge at low tide. The peak of the island is the site of the wonderfully preserved and architecturally spectacular St Michel Abbey, a must-see on the island, and a relatively low cost attraction at €8 for adult admission. OAP and students can pay less to access the abbey, and it is free for children. Special rates and discounts are available for groups and schools.

Staying the night on the island is becoming more and more popular, with many tourists taking the opportunity to embark on a ‘night visit’ and witness the tide rushing in at an unbelievable speed. In general, the island is very tourist-heavy, and as such the prices of food etc are relatively high. Budget travelers, it is advisable to bring your own food and refreshments to avoid spending too much on food while you are there.

By Deirdre Murray

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Another thing to keep in mind about Paris, as a tourist, is that Paris is divided into districts called Arrondissement; there are twenty in total. This is significant because directions, guides and general tourist information will use these district identifiers for directions. For instance The Louvre is in the first district closest to the center of the city. Every district has characteristics that are distinct and represent the diversity and variety that this famous city provides. In addition The Seine also serves as a geographical division as well, with everything to the north of the river being The Right bank and the to the south; the Left Bank. The two regions also have distinct flavor and features.

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One of the most wonderful aspects of Paris is the cornucopia of museums. For example, the Louvre that was opened in 1793 has over 300,000 exhibits and is located at 99 Rue de Rivolli. Also located on Rue de Rivoli is the Mus’ee des Arts Decoratifs. Another interesting and lovely museum is The Mus’ee Marmottan, which is rarely crowded and features masterful works of art, this gem is located 2 rue Louis Boilly. Paris is also home of some of the most significant historical buildings in the world including Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Sainte-Chapelle. Other great points of interest include the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, and Sacre’-Cour, a Parisian Landmark since the 19th century.

Paris is packed with interesting and stimulating places. It has for years been like a magnet to artisans, writers and great thinkers. There are boutiques, bakeries and picturesque cafes; this is the destination of lovers of art and culture. There is something to do every moment of your trip, but be sure to relax and enjoy the ambience of this historical and charming city.

By Sharon Stajda

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View from Montparnasse Tower in Paris

Climb to an elevated position, and you’ve got yet another view of the French capital. A number of apartment buildings located on the Montmartre hill and in the nineteenth district offer panoramic views from their highest floors, but supply is short and not everyone can secure a temporary dwelling place with a million-dollar view.

So I picked four easy-to-access vantage points from where to admire the Parisian panorama. Some are self-obvious, others are not as well known. All are yours for the enjoyment.

Granted, some of these spots were obvious picks. But I bet you don’t know a couple of them. Here is the story.

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The Montparnasse Tower

The Montparnasse Tower is my first pick. As a matter of fact, it is one of the best man-made elevations you can get for the money in Paris.

The construction of the Montparnasse Tower started in 1958 and was completed in 1972 after a much heated public debate. Just like the Louvre Pyramid, and the Beaubourg Museum of Modern Art, the building of the skyscraper sparked two decades of furious controversy. The Montparnasse area used to be a small, quaint village, and the locals didn’t like the idea of having a 210-meter high structure disfigure their landscape.

The huge anthracite structure towers over the Montparnasse train station, and stands at the upper end of Rue de Rennes (Rennes St.). Because it was built off-axis, the Tower gracefully avoids closing the long perspective which connects Montparnasse to the St-Germain-des-Pres district. Thank the architects for their vision.

The Montparnasse Tower counts 59 floors crowned by a terrace which is accessible by helicopter. One of its 25 elevators is the fastest in Europe: it will take you to the top floor in 38 seconds flat. There is a bar on the 56th

floor where you can enjoy the view sheltered from the wind.

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Eiffel Tower

OK, that one was so self-obvious, it’s puzzling why I even picked it. Never mind, I like this spot as it is undoubtedly the best vantage point to view 360° of Paris.

Just a few facts: the Eiffel Tower is 324-meter high (including flagpole). Its first floor stands at 57 meters above the Seine, its second floor at 116 meters. It is 117-year old, and weighs ‘only’ 10,100 metric tons, concrete footing included.

Two elevators access both floors every 8 minutes. Note that this is without counting the time you spend waiting in line, since the Eiffel Tower is visited by about 6 million people each year (that means, an average 22-minute wait to enter the structure). If you have a taste for sport, take the stairs: 1665 steps to the very top – though this figure is a bit misleading since access to the third floor by stairs is restricted.

The first and second floors are home to two restaurants: Altitude 95, and Le Jules Verne, respectively. Both offer a rewarding dining experience.

Circling each floor, a map points to the monuments around you. I advise you to take a windbreaker with you; there is practically no obstacle on the platforms to shield you from the chilly wind.

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Arch of Triumph (Arc de Triomphe)

This vantage spot isn’t just as well known as Mr. Eiffel’s tower. Yet, it offers a very interesting panoramic view of Paris.

Commissioned in 1806 by French dictator Napoleon the 1st, the Roman-style structure was completed in 1836 under King Louis-Philippe. Its four pillars display the names of French military victories, and its base shelters the final resting place of an unknown French soldier who died on the killing fields of Eastern France during WWI.

The structure is hollow, and can be visited. The ticket booth is located under the plaza on which the Arch is built. It can be accessed at the end of a tunnel opening at the upper end of the Champs Elysees Avenue. Taking the tunnel is a much safer option than trying to cross the traffic-laden plaza on foot.

The entrance door opens into one of the two pillars facing the Champs Elysees Avenue. Several flights of stairs will lead you to the top of the Arch, which towers above the twelve avenues emanating from the star-shaped Place de l’Etoile. Inside the Arch, a small museum describes how it was built.

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Telegraph Street, Belleville Park

I bet you didn’t know this one! Who ever heard of the Belleville Highs? Mind you, this area is quite interesting, and it offers a good panoramic view of Paris.

The highest natural elevation in Paris stands at 40 Rue du Telegraphe (40 Telegraph St.), where the Belleville Cemetery has its entrance. The street took its name after French inventor Claude Chappe. He had picked the 128-meter high spot to set up his ‘tachygraph’, a precursor of the telegraph.

Just down from Telegraph St., the nearby neighborhood is dubbed “Hauts de Belleville”, or “Belleville Highs”. Belleville (literally “beautiful town”) used to be an independent commune built on a hill outside Paris until 1860.

Though the renovation of the district has been underway since the end of the 80’s, Belleville buildings still illustrate the conditions in which the poor and the working class lived in the early part of the twentieth century. Some streets of the area aren’t very safe at night; I advise you to tour the area in broad daylight.

The best vantage point of the district is the Belleville Park which was opened in 1988. This expanse of land is tucked between Rue des Couronnes, Rue Piat, Rue Jouy-Rouve, and Rue Julien-Lacroix. Its grassy slopes extend all the way to the bottom of the hill. The park features The Air Museum, which offers its visitors a full explanation of how pollution affects our daily lives. Tourists can follow the guided tour in English.

A last comment in regards to the Telegraph Road: visit the area on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and you will do your grocery shopping at the local fresh produce market, between 7 am and 2:30 pm.

By Phil Chavanne

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