Paris Vacation Rentals - Paris Luxury Apartment Rentals in France
From the plush towels to ideal location, our apartment was perfect. Thanks for living up to your promises! Justin, Melbourne

Archive for February, 2012

Longchamp’s Famous Le Pliage Bag Now in Leather!

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Founded in Paris in 1948, the Longchamp brand is synonymous with luxury leather goods and accessories and can now be found in hundreds of boutiques and department stores worldwide.  In 1993, Longchamp introduced its “Le Pliage” line, a collection of foldable travel bags made of vinyl and leather trim.  Its popularity led them to create Le Pliage Cuir, a similar bag to Le Pliage but one that is made of extremely fine leather. Available in five different sizes and eight fabulous colors, this stylish bag folds easily and is great for holidays or shopping trips.

From March 5th to March 20th, Galeries Lafayette will be launching the new Le Pliage Cuir leather handbag in a world-wide exclusive! If you’re in Paris, don’t miss your chance to be one of the first to buy one of these gorgeous bags.

Pinterest

Recipe for Brodetto (Fish Casserole)

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

We learned to make this delicious fish stew last summer when we took Italian cooking lessons by renowned Italian chef Franco Taruschio … who lives  in Wales!

This is the fish casserole of the Italian region of Le Marche. For centuries it was the dish of the fishermen to use up the fish not wanted by their customers. It evolved into a more refined but still robust dish, over the years. There are many ways of preparing this dish according to which seaside town one hails from, great arguments are to be heard as to which is the best method with saffron or without- with vinegar or without and so it goes on. Originally Brodetto always had 13 different types of fish corresponding to the number of people present at The Lords Last Supper. Nowadays less are used but never 12 as this is considered an unlucky number, reminding them of the traitor Judas.

RECIPE FOR BRODETTO (FISH CASSEROLE)

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.6 kilos fish, a mixture of red mullet, monkfish, whiting, gurnard, sole, mussels and Dublin bay prawns as available
  • 425g squid
  • 1 onion very finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
  • 150ml dry white wine
  • White wine vinegar
  • 425g fresh tomato passata
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • Bruschetta

STEPS

  1. Clean the fish and cut into largish chunks. Clean the mussels and prawns but do not shell the prawns. Discard any mussels that are damaged or open. Clean the squid and slice thinly.
  2. Fry the onion and garlic in olive oil in a shallow pan (preferably one with 2 handles) until golden. Add the squid to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, wine and a few drops of vinegar, the tomato passata and a little salted water to the pan. After a few minutes, add the 2 tablespoons of parsley, prawns and the thicker pieces of fish. Leave to cook a few minutes, and then add the remaining fish and the mussels.
  4. Cover the pan and cook over a medium heat until the fish is done, shaking the pan from time to time, so that the fish does not stick. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to rest, covered with the lid, for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Serve sprinkled with the remaining parsley and the bruschetta.

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING TOMATO PASSATA

You can buy Passata at most supermarkets or alternatively make from scratch. Makes 900ml

  • 1 kg very ripe plum tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

STEPS FOR PASSATA

  1. Roughly chop the tomatoes.
  2. Gently fry the onion and garlic in the olive oil until soft and golden, add the tomatoes and cook until soft.
  3. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
  4. Pass the tomato mixture through a vegetable mill and you have your passata.  It freezes nicely.
Pinterest

Ice Skating in Paris at the Hôtel de Ville

Friday, February 17th, 2012
Ice Skating in Paris at the Hotel de Ville

Unforgettable memories ice skating in Paris!

Paris winter afternoons are made for people watching. One of most festive and fun spots to pass time is at the ice skating rink created each winter at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville just across the Seine from the Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral. Grab a vin chaud or chocolat chaud to keep warm while watching the first timers and experts alike taking a spin around the rink.

Hotel de Ville Winter Carousel

Take a ride on the colorful carousel at the Hotel de Ville

The ornate Hôtel de Ville with its turrets and statues makes a beautiful backdrop to this winter Parisian scene. Home to the city’s council since 1357, the Hôtel de Ville is still the location of Paris city administration offices, the mayor’s offices, along with large salons for receptions and exhibitions. The grand mansion dates from 1822 with the front façade a near replica of the 17th-century town hall that burned down on January 18, 1871 during the Paris Commune.

If you’re in a shopping mood, just across the square you’ll spot the entrances to BHV (Bazar de Hôtel de Ville), a huge department store where you’ll find just about everything – including a French kitchen sink!

Hotel de Ville and BHV shopping in Paris

Visit BHV - a truly Parisian shopping experience!

The winter ice skating tradition at the Hôtel de Ville is popular with locals and travelers, and the scene is especially lively on the weekends. Along with ice skating on the Eiffel Tower, it’s one of those magical memories that you won’t soon forget! If you’d like to take a spin yourself while you’re in Paris, the entrance to the rink is free and skate rentals are only €5.

Ice skating in Paris Hotel de Ville

Ice skate in style in Paris!

Ice skating at the Hôtel de Ville is open until March 4, 2012. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 12pm – 10pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 9am – 10pm. Closest Métro: Hôtel de Ville. Bring a warm pair of gloves and ice skate in style in Paris!

Photo credits: Laura Thayer

Pinterest

Where to Say “I Love You” in Paris

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

I Love You in Paris

Our Paris Perfect team was recently asked by a guest where to propose to his girlfriend in Paris when he comes next spring. He is staying at the lovely and romantic Calvados apartment, where the balcony has been the ideal location for a number of engagements in its history!  You can even find candle wax on the paving where numerous suitors have lit dozens of candles in preparation for the special moment.

Romantic Eiffel Tower view from Paris Apartment

Romantic Eiffel Tower view from the balcony of the Calvados apartment

Our team had a wonderful time gathering some of our favorite romantic spots. Paris is a city of romance everywhere you turn, but here are some perfect places for saying “I love you,” surprising your loved one with a renewal of the vows or popping the big question in Paris!

 

The Eiffel Tower

Tom Cruise proposed to Katie on the Eiffel Tower

Tom Cruise proposed to Katie on the Eiffel Tower

Towering above the rooftops of Paris, lit with a golden glow at night or sparkling during the magical light show each evening, the Eiffel Tower is the classic spot in Paris to say “I love you.” Its romantic allure also makes it one of the most popular and irresistible spots to pop the question to your partner. Even Tom Cruise asked Katie Holmes to marry him on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, and the whole world knows how that turned out! Another favorite is to make reservations at the Jules Verne restaurant on top level of the Eiffel Tower for a romantic and memorable proposal.

The Most Magical in Paris - Eiffel Tower Proposal

 

The Pont Alexandre III

One of our team’s favorite romantic spots in Paris is the beautiful Pont Alexandre III bridge that crosses the Seine between the Invalides and the Grand Palais. At sunrise or sunset, the golden statues and beautiful lamps create an unforgettably romantic setting overlooking the Seine River. Surprise your loved one with a moment of romance on one of Paris’ most lavish and beautiful bridges!

Romantic spots to propose in Paris

Say "I Love You" on the stunning Pont Alexandre III at sunset

Paris Memories of a Lifetime

Promenade Plantées

The Promenade Plantées is very romantic and off the beaten path spot to pop the question. Once a railway line that has been cleverly replanted with charming gardens, it’s a lovely spot for a Sunday morning stroll. Stop by Le Reservoir for a Sunday jazz brunch, listen to fantastic music and then enjoy a stroll along the promenade.

 

Chateau de Versailles

Wedding at the Palace of Versailles

The palace and gardens of Versailles are a dreamy setting for your romantic moment or special proposal in Paris. Why not rent bikes and ride to the opposite end of the Grand Canal and propose with the chateau as your backdrop? Don’t forget the bottle of wine or champagne and picnic!

 

The Pont des Arts

Strolling along the Seine River and crossing one of its many bridges is a favorite leisurely pastime for romantics. Another perfect spot for saying “I love you” or asking that magical question is on the pretty Pont des Arts bridge. This pedestrian only bridge is a very romantic spot located near the Louvre and overlooking the Ile de la Cité.

The Pont des Arts - an ideal location in Paris to say I Love You

Romantic Pont des Arts bridge in Paris

A romantic favorite - the Pont des Arts bridge looking toward the Il de la Cité

The Key to My Heart - Bring a Lock to the Pont des Arts

Parc Monceau

If you’re in search of a peaceful garden setting for your romantic moment in Paris, visit the stunning English-style gardens at Parc Monceau. Propose to your loved one while strolling through the landscaped gardens and over the picturesque bridges. You’ll find Parc Monceau northeast of the Arc de Triomphe in the 8th arrondissement.

 

Carrousel du Louvre

Pyramid du Louvre Romantic Evening

With the Louvre as a backdrop, the Carrousel du Louvre is an impressive setting to wow your loved one with a romantic surprise. Sunset is the perfect time, and the setting is made complete by one of the many musicians you’ll often hear playing in the arcades.

 

Bois de Boulogne

In Love in Paris

Another romantic favorite is to rent a little paddle boat in the Bois de Boulogne gardens and propose floating on the small Lac Inférieur. Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens with your loved one for an unforgettable day in Paris.

 

Palais de Chaillot

Proposing in Paris the Palais de Chaillot

Across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower you’ll find the Trocadéro and beautiful Palais de Chaillot that houses the Musée de l’Architecture. On the top floor of this fascinating museum, head to center window that looks straight out to a perfectly framed view of the Eiffel Tower. What a romantic spot to propose or say “I love you!” You’ll also enjoy strolling through the lovely first floor and across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower.

 

Most Romantic Paris Perfect Apartments

Of course, one of our guests’ favorite spots for proposing, renewing vows and treasuring romantic moments together is on the balcony of one of our Paris Perfect apartments. Many feature those absolutely stunning Paris views that make a magical setting for romance.

Romantic paris short term apartment rental

The Sancerre Paris Apartment - Unforgettable Vacation Memories

We know guests are going to fall in love with the incredible Eiffel Tower views from the Viognier, our newest Paris Perfect apartment. This gorgeous 2 bedroom, 3 bathroom vacation apartment has unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower from so close you’ll have to pinch yourself to believe it’s real! We think the Viognier has one of the most romantic bedroom view of the Eiffel Tower – simply magical!

 

Most romantic bedroom in Paris with Eiffel Tower Views

Paris Perfect's most romantic bedroom in Paris at our new Viognier

Our Chablis studio apartment in Paris is top pick with guests looking for the perfect spot for romance. The Eiffel Tower soars above the large French windows in this charming apartment in the 7th arrondissement.

Romantic Paris apartment perfect for romance

Our romantic Chablis holiday apartment - perfect for romance!

If you’re planning a special moment in Paris, our reservations team will be thrilled to help you find the perfect apartment and suggest tips for creating an unforgettable romantic holiday in Paris!

Recommended Photographers in Paris:

We thank Anthony and Audrey from Oneandonlyphotography for contributing some of the beautiful photographs they have taken of couples in Paris. They capture magical moments in Paris so incredibly well, including proposals, weddings and honeymoons.

Ian Holmes is another excellent photographer in Paris whose photos also appear above.  Ian was originally a fashion photographer and was asked by a client to photograph his wedding.  He was afraid to do it since he wasn’t formally trained to do weddings, but the client insisted and was delighted. Now based in Paris, Ian offers romantic portraiture in the worlds most romantic city.  Simply contact through his website to arrange a photoshoot.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Pinterest