Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with EuropeUpClose.com readers. In what city do you live?
Gentilly, touching the south of Paris (after the ‘Porte d’Italie’ and ‘Porte de Gentilly’).

Have you always lived here? If not, how long have you been living there? What brought you to the city?
I lived in Combs-la-Ville (in Seine-et-Marne, Parisian suburbs) for 20 years. Also, I lived in Amsterdam for 1 year in 2008. I’ve been in Gentilly for one year. I chose this city because it is close to Paris and less expensive. The public transportation is very efficient and user-friendly so I don’t need a car.

What are your favorite restaurants/bars in Paris?
Lao Sayam (161 Avenue de Choisy – 75013 Paris). It is a small Thai restaurant where the food is really yummy!

You’ll find really cool bars especially in the center of Paris, next to “Les Halles” but I don’t have a favorite. The neighbourhood of Montmartre next to the Sacré Coeur is pretty cool too. It really is a “must do”.

If you want something “classier” there is always the “Champs Elysées” of course. The restaurants are pretty expensive but I advise you to go to “Clément” because it is the only French restaurant I have been to there and it was a good experience.

Paris is a big city with really awesome food. Be curious and explore its streets!

What is your favorite season in the city? Why?
My favorite season is summer, of course, because everyone is happier than usual and people really “conquer” the streets! The energy is good and it is awesome to stroll along the river La Seine or in Montmartre, near Sacré Coeur.

What is a place, activity, etc. that is a “must see/must do” that most tourists might miss?
I advise you to explore the hill of Montmartre and its little streets. It is very charming. Did you know they make wine there? Yes there is a little vineyard where you can take a tour and purchase bottles of wine.

At the top of ‘les Champs Elysées’ there is ‘l’Arc de Triomphe.’ There is a stunning view from the top of it, which is better on a sunny day, of course. During rainy days you can still visit really great museums like ‘Le Petit Palais’ and ‘Le Grand Palais’ (metro George Clemenceau, line 1 of the metro) and of course Le Louvre. Do not forget the ‘Centre Pompidou’ in the center of Paris. I recommend a walk in the 4th ‘arrondissement’ (section) of Paris then because of its small streets and unique atmosphere. Also the ‘Parc Monceau’ garden is pretty amazing, especially in the hot season.

What are some of your most memorable moments in the city?
My most memorable moments in Paris are the days I have spent with my girlfriend there.
We went on a boat on the La Seine (we had strawberries while drifting down the river), ate ice cream in Saint-Michel, and had a later dinner in ‘La Butte Montmartre’…
Paris really is a city for lovers. Enjoy and take your time discovering it.

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com

Baron Georges Eugene Haussmann (1809-1892) was appointed by Napoleon III approximately 60 years after the French Revolution to “modernize” the city of Paris. Some of the goals were to encourage economic growth by improving transportation (and the layout of roads) and render the city “revolution-proof” by making it more difficult to build barricades. Haussmann’s answer was to demolish most of the narrow winding streets that had been constructed in the 18th century and replace them with wide, tree-lined boulevards and large green spaces and gardens (sound familiar?).This massive project encompassed all aspects of urban planning. Not just street patterns, but city facilities, public monuments, building facades, the sewer system, every aspect of the city was affected.

Though Haussmann’s approach to urban planning was vehemently criticized by his contemporaries, he is responsible for the “look” of Paris (long straight, wide boulevards with cafés and shops, open spaces for markets, parks/gardens, etc.) that many tourists have come to adore. Haussmann’s arrangement of boulevards is what many people think of when they think of Paris — rationally-conceived, spoke-like boulevards that extend out from central points in the city.

Haussmann also introduced a new style of building. From the beginning of his city redesign, Haussmann established construction specifications for the appearance of the buildings (including their height and the number of floors). You can recognize Haussmann buildings by their stone facades, the balconies on the second and fifth floors and their grey roofs. Haussmann’s vision was a uniform cityscape with basic architectural elements that would make up “la nouvelle Paris.”

Haussmann-style buildings typically have five to seven floors and were designed to house several families (in different sized spaces) under the same roof, thus making most neighborhoods in Paris accessible to a wider variety of social classes. The ground floor typically housed a business of some sort, so the first floor was the home of those who ran the business. The second floor was reserved for the wealthiest families who could afford to live high enough from the road to avoid noise, but wouldn’t have to climb too many flights of stairs. The top floor was generally reserved for servant staff and was comprised of a number of small independent rooms with common facilities.

Whether you love or loathe his work, one thing is for sure– Paris would not be the same city it is today if it hadn’t been for Haussmann.

Written By Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com

Thank you for agreeing to share your thoughts about Paris. What brought you to the city?
I arrived a year ago for work and because I have many friends who live in Paris.  I’m 29 and I work at the Department of Ecology.

What are your favorite restaurants/bars in the city?

- American Breakfast : A Pulp Fiction-style diner with good food.
Metro: Cardinal Lemoine

- Schwartz’s Deli : A typical diner in the historic Marais neighborhood.
Metro: St. Paul

- Aki : A great Japanese restaurant, try the okonomiyaki and noodles…yum.
Metro : Opéra

- The Bellevilloise: This is a nice bar, especially in the summer when you can enjoy the terrace, impressive architecture and     
eclectic live music programming.
Metro: Gambetta

- The Clockwork Orange: Nice owner, great happy hours and cheap cocktails.
Metro: Oberkampf

- Le Motel: Small bar hidden near the Bastille, very good cocktails, good techno music.

Metro: Bastille, Ledru Rollin
8 passage Josset
75011 Paris, France?

- The Rocket: Delicious, unique cocktails, nice ambiance
Metro: Beaubourg

- Le Rendez-vous des amis: Small bar with inexpensive, good wines (especially the reds).
Metro: Abbesses, Pigalle
23 rue Gabrielle

- Le Truskel: A bar where British rock stars go after their concerts, great rock music and beer.
Metro: Grands Boulevards, Bourse
12 Rue Feydeau
75002 Paris, France

What are your favorite arrondissements or neighborhoods?
Opéra for restaurants, bookstores and Japanese stores. Bastille and Oberkampf districts in general, Beaubourg for its cool bars and restaurants.

In your opinion, what are some of the most unique/interesting aspects of Paris?
The architecture, museums, restaurants, going out … there’s always something to do in Paris. Each arrondissement (district) is a mini-city to explore with its own characteristics.  

What is your favorite season in Paris?
Summer, because there are fewer Parisians around the city.

{Laughing} So, what is a place, activity, etc. that is a “must see/must do” in the summer that most tourists might miss?
In the summer, a walk / nap in the park of Buttes Chaumont , an artificial park that offers a beautiful view of the city.  Don’t forget to have a glass of wine at the bar Le Rosa Bonheur (in the park) that stays open until one o’clock in the morning, an ideal place to dance to 70’s and 80’s music while drinking wine.
Metro: Buttes-Chaumont

The area of Buttes aux Cailles is a very nice area for going out and dining. You’ll find a lot of lesser-known, small typical French bars and restaurants.
Metro: Tolbiac or Place d’Italie

Is there any general advice you have for visitors to Paris?
Paris is not a very spread out city, so if the weather permits, I recommend using the Vélib (bike rental) at automatic kiosks throughout the city at a very reasonable price. It takes about an hour to bike from north to south or east to west. Getting around by métro is faster but the sightseeing is not as good when using this mode. Finally, the bus can also be used even though the network is not very clear. Taxis are a more reliable way to return to where you are staying after 2:00 am on the weekend (because the métro shuts down).

Overall, avoid touristy bars and restaurants along the main avenues, where beers can cost up to 15 euros a liter. Go down the narrow side streets to find restaurants and bars that are authentic with more reasonable prices.

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com

Getting from Beauvais to Paris

Shuttle Bus
There is direct bus service from Beauvais to Paris’ Porte Maillot (located on the Metro line 1 and RER line C), which takes about an hour and twenty minutes. When returning to the airport, buses depart from Paris at the coach park on Boulevard Pershing, across from the Palais de Congrès. Buses leave from Paris 3 hours before each departing flight and from Beauvais Airport 20 minutes after each arrival. The cost for a one-way ticket is 14 euros. Tickets can be purchased at the coach station in Paris or at Beauvais Airport.

Train
You can catch hourly trains on the Paris-Creil-Beauvais (regional network) line that depart from the Beauvais train station (accessible via shuttle or taxi from the airport). Trains arrive at the Gare du Nord station in Paris (some transfer at the Creil train station). The cost is between 12 and 14 euros. The travel time without a transfer is typically an hour and a half.

Taxi
It is possible, yet pricey, to take a taxi from Beauvais to Paris. The hour and a half ride costs  about 120€ (minimum) and takes about an hour and a half. Taxis can be found right outside the arrivals terminal.

Car Rental
Most of the main car rental companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National/Citer, etc.) have branches at Beauvais. The car rental stations are located near the exit of the arrival terminal (the shuttle stop is also in this area) and cars can also be returned to this area or near Paris’ Porte Maillot (cars can also be rented here if you prefer to take the shuttle into the city).  
Driving from Beauvais to Paris is relatively simple. Follow the A16 south and it will lead you directly into the city. Ask your hotel’s concierge or host for more specific driving directions for when you arrive in the City of Lights. Via Michelin is also a good resource for charting your course.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

There are few views of the city more captivating than the one from Le Georges, the restaurant on the 6th floor of the Centre Georges Pompidou. I love the clean contemporary style of both the interior of the restaurant and its large terrasse. I recommend grabbing a kir (dry white wine with a dash of blackberry liquor), some escargot, and watching the sunset. Best to make a reservation by calling in advance.
Le Georges
Tel:+33 (0)1 44 78 47 99
Metro: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville or Châtelet

If you find yourself in Montmartre, head to L’été en pente douce, located at the top of rue Muller. I was immediately won over by the lively ambiance on la terrasse and the many locals who, according to my friend, frequented this spot. There was a glass full of Japanese rice snacks in different flavors on our table that we promptly demolished. Our server was happy to bring us refills, gratuit (free). We shared a bottle of La Treille Muscate at a very reasonable 15€ and their copious cheese platter, a steal at 5.90€.
L’été en pente douce
23, rue Muller
Metro: Abbesses or Anvers

K’fé court is a relatively new restaurant with five locations throughout Paris. I visited the 119 boulevard Pereire location and was impressed by the modern, relaxed feel of both the interior and their lovely terrasse. I was lucky to arrive during their extended happy hour (5-9 on weeknights) and enjoyed light dishes and selections from their extensive cocktail and wine list.

K’fé court
119 boulevard Pereire
Tel. +33 (0)1 48 88 01 20
Metro : Pereire

For a gourmet terrasse experience try Le Café Very, located in the middle of the Jardin des Tuileries. Chef Gilles Choukroun has created a menu of delectable small plates featuring a variety of fine cheeses and meats with a Mediterranean twist. These little gems along with a well-curated wine list and the verdant splendor of the Tuileries makes for a “very” satisfying outdoor dining experience.
Le Café Very
Metro: Tuileries or Concorde

One of Paris’ most stylish restaurants, Le Café de l’Homme, also happens to have one of the classiest terrasses. Seeing as its located directly across from the Eiffel Tower, one can hardly quibble about the view (you can also see la Seine and the sweeping Champs de Mars). The food is primarily trendy but with a traditional flavor (think roasted lamb with artichoke purée) and the wine list is superb.
Le Café de l’Homme
17 Place du Trocadéro
Metro: Trocadéro

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com

Photo by Bill Fogarty  for EuropeUpClose.com

Les Ombres at Quai Branly Muséum
Any meal, be it steak and pommes frites or a canard à l’orange; accompanied with a view of the Eiffel Tower, it tastes somewhat better. Located on the top floor of the museum building designed by French architect, Jean Nouvel, who also decorated the restaurant, les Ombres is named for the different ways that light affects the Eiffel Tower. One of the best times to visit the restaurant is at night when the Tour Eiffel sparkles. You’ll feel like you are in a fairy-tale.  Furthermore, summer guests can enjoy the beautifully decorated outdoor terrace with basins.  The menu showcases dishes prepared with ingredients and produce that reflect the traditions of people from Asia, America, Africa and Oceania, such as,  Jerusalem artichoke cream soup with candied chestnuts, roasted doe with cumin, or duck filet with tapenade. Seasonal and gourmet menus are available along with a carte.  Be sure to make a reservation, as the spot has become a favorite among the locals.  
27 Quai Branly
8th arrondissement
Tel: 01-47-53-68-00
Métros: Alma Marceau, Iéna or Ecole Militaire

Café at the Museum Jacquemart-Andre
In addition to boasting an impressive collection of Dutch and Italian Renaissance paintings, the museum houses one of the most charming Parisian cafes. With Tiepolo frescoes on the ceiling and 18th century wall tapestries, the café is a real heaven. Open for lunch, teatime and brunch on Sunday, the restaurant offers a simple and exquisite cuisine – salads, quiches, eggs or blinis and home-baked pastries – all quite reasonably priced. Tea time in the elegant and tranquil décor includes an assortment of sweets, ice-cream and sorbets. Hungrier guests may opt for the set meal menu. When the weather permits, you may have access to the terrace that overlooks the formal courtyard. A real gem!
158 Boulevard Haussmann
8th arrondissement
Tel: 01-45-62-11-59
Métro: Miromesnil or Saint-Philippe de Roule

Le Ziryab Restaurant, Institut du Monde Arabe
Perched on the 9th floor of the museum, Ziryab’s contemporary décor will make your jaws drop. Large windows surrounding the room open onto a vast terrace with one of the most magical views of Paris – the Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral. The quality of the cuisine matches the splendid setting: mezzes, mixed grills, chawarma chicken, couscous and honey-based pastries along with a great wine list. Lunchtime and evening menus are available along with an A la Carte option. Ideal for vegetarians.
1, rue des Fossees Saint Bernard
5th arrondissement
Metro: Jussieu
Tel: 01-55-42-55-42

Café Marly, The Louvre
One of my favorite hangouts at any time of the day or night remains the Café Marly. The half-modern, half-Napoleon III era brasserie overlooks the main courtyard of the Louvre and I.M.Pei’s glass pyramid. Both the stunning jewel-toned dining rooms with their molded ceilings and the long and sheltered terrace attract a trendy crowd. Roasted figs, tomatoes and goat cheese cake, and steak tartare figure among the most popular dishes. Gateau au chocolat Costes or coffee and chocolate macaroons are good any day, any time.   
93, rue de Rivoli,
1er arrondissement (enter from Louvre courtyard)
01-49-26-06-60
Métro: Palais Royal, Musée du Louvre and Pyramides

Written By Brigitte Aflalo-Calderon for EuropeUpClose.com

Le Festival Européen du Film Indépendant
March 12-March 14 2010
(European  Independent Film Festival) Between March 12- March 14, Paris will welcome over 60 of the top independent films made in Europe last year. Tickets range in price between 5-8 Euros, and all of the films are shown at these two locations:

Cinéma Le Grand Action
5 rue des Ecoles
75005 Paris
Métro : Cardinal Lemoine ou Jussieu

Théâtre le Triomphe
5, Rue Blainville
75005 Paris
Métro : Monge

elles@centrepompidou, women artists in the collections for the National Modern Art Museum
Centre Pompidou
May 27, 2009-February 21, 2011
If you’re a fan of contemporary creations by female artists, head to the Centre Pompidou  this spring (and into next winter) for this multifaceted exhibition. www.centrepompidou.fr

Le Carré des Ateliers de Paris (Paris Artist Expo and Sale)
First Saturday of the month between March and December 2010
From 10am to 7pm, artisans and artists in a variety of genres offer products for sale (including decorative objects, fashion accessories, jewelry, clothing, furniture, sculptures and lamps). Located on the Boulevard Richard Lenoir near Breguet Sabin metro station.
Métro : Bastille lines 1, 5, 8 or Bréguet Sabin line 5

The Paris Opera Ballet presents Siddhartha
March 18 - April 11 2010
With music by composer Bruno Mantovani and set design by visual artist Claud Lévêque, choreographer Angelin Preljocaj explores the story of the man who was to become Buddha.

Yves Saint Laurent at the Petit Palais
March 11 – August 2010
On March 11th, the Musée des Beaux Arts at the Petit Palais will open its first ever exhibition dedicated to high fashion- and the subject of the show is none other than the beloved French designer, Yves Saint Laurent (deceased in 2008). This comprehensive retrospective is sure to please design lovers and fashion aficionados.
Musée du Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
75008 Paris
01 53 43 40 00
Metro station : Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau or Concorde
RER C, Invalides ; RER A, Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
Full price: €11
Reduced price: €8
Half price: €5.50

Indochine at Stade de France
June 26, 2010
The 80s band Indochine is celebrating their 30th year performing together at Paris’ premier sports arena. Ticket prices range from 40-60 Euros and can be purchased online at

Paris is paradise for walking aficionados. The streets are full of cafes from which to people watch and, of course,  incredible architecture abounds. Many inviting little shops and galleries cover the tree lined streets and the hours can easily fly by when exploring the city on foot. Whenever you can, opt to stroll during your visit to Paris, you’ll see the city in a much more intimate way, stumbling by chance into nooks you would have otherwise missed. This is how I stumbled onto this eco hotel gem.

Hotel Gavarni is located just a few minutes from the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero area at the Passy metro stop. It’s very charming, quaint and although it’s listed as a 3 star hotel, it has 5 eco stars and rooms that are quite comfortable and luxurious. Some of the rooms have views of the Eiffel tower. The hotel is part of a city ecotourism project of sustainable development and environment protection. The hotel is 100% carbon balanced, and it features 100% renewable energy, 100% eco-friendly detergents, and an organic and fair trade breakfast. They hold a strong commitment to sustainability which has allowed them to become the first independent hotel in Paris to be awarded the European Eco lable. This label is awarded to businesses for their eco-friendly efforts, but it doesn’t come easy. In order to be eligible for the label, businesses must meet 84 strict ecological criteria.

Hotel Gavarni manager, Xavier Moraga, a fervent ecologist, worked tirelessly to upgrade the 100-year hotel to meet the eco-label standards, adding pressure regulators for showers, double-glazed windows, and increased energy efficiency. The Gavarni’s electricity derives from 100% renewable energy, and the bath products are guaranteed 100% natural. As in all well run eco hotels, the staff is the biggest part of maintaining the eco vibe of the hotel. The hotel offers environmental training for employees, and when the hotel was being renovated, part of the old furniture, blankets and bedcovers were given to charity. Old appliances and supplies were replaced systematically with green-friendly equipment. The hotel offsets their carbon emissions 100% and they support environmental NGO “Action Carbone”. Moreover, the hotel’s stationery is printed on recycled and FSC paper with green ink. Even trash bags are made out of potato starch rather than plastic and there are eco-action signs in all rooms. All employees come to work on public transportation or their own bicycles. They encourage guests to use the metro, the Vélib (public bicycle rental program) or just walk to discover the city. Also, the hotel offers the services of  Taxis-Bleus, a green hybrid taxi service.

Hotel Gavarni is very proud of their achievements to date and they have recently started offering tours by ParisChicShopping. The Paris eco chic shopping tour is conducted  by public transport or walking to reduce your carbon footprint on the environment. On this tour you will discover eco clothing stores, accessories and green cosmetics. A detour to the organic markets is also planned, where one can sample organic food and wines. This tour is a must for shoppers with a green soul.

It seems that Paris is going greener every day. There is even a tethered hot-air balloon that indicates real-time air pollution levels using a color-coding system that can be seen from up to 20km (12.4 miles). It’s located in the 15th arrondissement.  Visitors can travel 150m into the air to take in 360° panoramic views of Paris. Powered by an eco-friendly hydroelectric winch and 6,000 m3 of helium, the balloon can transport up to 30 people at a time.  Recently, the French have become famous for their crusade against genetically modified food, and it seems that the French have decided to pursue an organic lifestyle with panache and style. There are plenty of ways to make your next April to Paris a green one !

Written by Carla Scott, for EuropeUpClose

Unchanged as if time had stopped, Le Moulin Rouge stands proudly at 82 boulevard de Clichy in Paris’ Montmatre district, the same site where it first opened. The red wings are still there and the mill man and his wife continue to exchange flirtatious looks. As always, twice a night, every night, guests from all over the world walk through its doors, anticipating an evening of magic.

Les ailes de Montmartre (The wings of Montmatre), as it is affectionately called, was born out of the vision of two businessmen: Joseph Oller, who also owned the Olympia, and Charles Zilder. Both men aspired to build the most grandiose temple of music and dance in the world. They found a spot in Montmartre, the red-light district that was filled with cafes, bars and cabarets and attracted crowds looking for the dazzling and the extravagant.

The Moulin Rouge opened on October 6, 1889. Soon after, the public came en mass to discover the extraordinary cabaret with its huge dance floor, mirrors everywhere, and a garden decorated with an elephant. The Moulin Rouge quickly became the “in place”, where people would go to see and be seen. Artists, princes, girls of easy virtue, aristocrats, hooligans, all mingled in an ambiance of sheer euphoria. Soirées, mixing circus, dance and theatre captivated an ever-growing clientele. But, more than anything else, what gives the Moulin Rouge its cachet is the ‘Quadrille,’ an eight-minute dance to a boisterous rhythm where young women lift their legs showing their—underskirts. The erotic, somewhat scandalous choreography enthralled the public. When they discovered it, the British were totally taken with the ‘funny, loud dance that came from France.’  They baptized it the “French Cancan.” More than 100 years later, the show continues, featuring the Doriss Girls, the world’s best French Cancan performers.

Over the years, the show has evolved into spectacular revues. In the 1960’s, after the huge success of Frou-Frou, the director of Le Moulin decided to name each new review with a word beginning with the letter “F”.  This goes for the current show, Féerie, featured since 1999. The average life-span of  a Moulin Rouge revue is 10 years. Most nights are sold out with an annual attendance of 600,000 spectactors. The huge success of Le Moulin should not come as a surprise, knowing what goes into the spectacle.

Eight million Euros were invested to create Féerie. For each performance, about 100 performers wear 1000 costumes made of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, while strutting around in 800 pairs of custom-made shoes. Le Moulin hires only top designers to create these fabulous costumes and each show includes performances from international artists of exceptional talent.

The show, Féerie, will truly take you into a fairy world. It comprises four parts and includes: The Moulin Rouge Today,Yesterday and Forever; Sandokan (the adventures of a pirate in Indonesia); The Circus (the circus comes to town with its parade of clowns, acrobats and six miniature horses); and The Moulin from 1900 to…. a tribute to women’s beauty. And you will hold your breath when a woman dives into a giant aquarium with 40 tons of water and five pythons and twists and twirls her body with amazing grace and, apparently, no fear.

Happy Birthday, Le Moulin Rouge!

To honor this big birthday and for the first time in its history, the Moulin Rouge has launched its own line of accessories – shoes, bags, jewelry inspired by the peformer’s costumes, and gadgets in the Belle Epoque style.  During the day, you can browse through the collection at la Boutique Souvenirs, 11, Rue Lepic.  If you attend a show, you will have access to the Boutique Salon Toulouse Lautrec.

Practical Information:
Interested in a soirée at the Moulin? You can either see the show only (the cost is about 100 Euros per person and includes a half-bottle of champagne) or indulge in the full treatment with dinner and dancing (the cost ranges from 160 to 180 Euros per person.)
Address : 82, Boulevard de Clichy
Metro : Pigalle, Blanche, Place de Clichy

Hotels near le Moulin Rouge

Hotel Moulin Plaza
39 rue Pierre Fontaine
9th arrondissement

Chat Noir Design Hotel
68 Boulevard de Clichy
18th arrondissement

Hotel Le Relais Montmartre
6, rue Constance
18th arrondissement

Written by Brigitte Aflalo-Calderon for EuropeUpClose.com