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.聽 In 1993, Longchamp introduced its “Le Pliage” line, a collection of foldable travel bags made of vinyl and leather trim.聽 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.

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聽 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.聽 It freezes nicely.

Ice Skating in Paris at the H么tel 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’H么tel de Ville just across the Seine from the Ile de la Cit茅 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 H么tel de Ville with its turrets and statues makes a beautiful backdrop to this winter Parisian scene. Home to the city鈥檚 council since 1357, the H么tel de Ville is still the location of Paris city administration offices, the mayor鈥檚 offices, along with large salons for receptions and exhibitions. The grand mansion dates from 1822 with the front fa莽ade a near replica of the 17th-century town hall that burned down on January 18, 1871 during the Paris Commune.

If you鈥檙e in a shopping mood, just across the square you鈥檒l spot the entrances to BHV (Bazar de H么tel de Ville), a huge department store where you鈥檒l find just about everything 鈥 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 H么tel 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鈥檚 one of those magical memories that you won鈥檛 soon forget! If you鈥檇 like to take a spin yourself while you鈥檙e in Paris, the entrance to the rink is free and skate rentals are only 鈧5.

Ice skating in Paris Hotel de Ville

Ice skate in style in Paris!

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

Photo credits: Laura Thayer

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!聽 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 鈥淚 love you,鈥 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 鈥淚 love you.鈥 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鈥檚 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鈥 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 Plant茅es

The Promenade Plant茅es 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鈥檚 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鈥檛 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 鈥淚 love you鈥 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 Cit茅.

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 Cit茅

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

Parc Monceau

If you鈥檙e 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鈥檒l 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鈥檒l 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 Inf茅rieur. 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鈥檒l find the Trocad茅ro and beautiful Palais de Chaillot that houses the Mus茅e de l鈥橝rchitecture. 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 鈥淚 love you!鈥澛燳ou鈥檒l 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鈥 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 鈥 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鈥檙e 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.聽 Ian was originally a fashion photographer and was asked by a client to photograph his wedding.聽 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.聽 Simply contact through his website to arrange a photoshoot.

A Beautiful 3 Bedroom Home in London

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

For those who are thinking of visiting London to explore the sites, take in the amazing theatre scene, shop and enjoy, we鈥檙e pleased to present the beautiful 3 bedroom Hornton vacation home in Kensington at London Perfect. This remodeled home is located in a quiet mews tucked away behind lovely Victorian homes in the sought-after Kensington neighborhood.

London Vacation Home in Kensington

The Hornton vacation home in London's Kensington neighborhood

The Hornton has a wonderful history as 200 years ago it served as the stable for the horse and carriage of a wealthy Victorian family. London mews were the little cobblestoned streets built behind tall white Victorian homes. The stable was located downstairs and upstairs was where the groom and chauffeur lived. Many mews still have the original cobblestone paving, and today they seem to appear magically off busier streets. With real estate values in central London soaring over the decades, the quiet little mews homes have been transformed into beautiful homes worth millions of pounds. The Hornton is just such a home. You’ll discover it as you wander down a narrow lane, which opens to a small enclave of homes.

London holiday at Kensington Victorian Mews Home

Entrance to the charming Victorian news at the Hornton

The owners have beautifully remodeled this property, transforming it into a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home that comfortably welcomes up to 6 guests. We love the Hornton鈥檚 charming d茅cor, and its quiet location right in the heart of Kensington can鈥檛 be beat!

London Holiday Home for Rent in Kensington

Relax in the Horton's comfortable living room

Three bedroom apartment for rent in London Kensington

Third bedroom in the Horton Kensington Home

Click here to view more pictures and details about London Perfect’s beautiful Hornton mews home in Kensington.

Paris Perfect – the Team Gets Together!

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

 

The reservations team tried ice skating on the Eiffel Tower!

We were thrilled to host our annual staff meeting last week in Paris. This brought together all our employees from six countries on four continents for planning sessions to discuss our successes and challenges, with one goal in mind … to ensure our guests experience the vacation of a lifetime.

Paris Perfect Annual Meeting 2012

Our team came together from around the world - including our littlest members!

Our staff from Paris Perfect and London Perfect gathered in Paris for a week, including our reservations teams, sales, marketing, IT, customer service, welcoming greeters, and housekeeping crews. We reviewed our past year, focusing on what worked and especially on ways we can improve. During our meetings we talked about every aspect of the customer experience, from the moment you visit our website to booking your apartment, arrival and greeting services, the contents of your welcome basket, toiletry items, our welcome guide filled with tips and suggestions, to apartment improvements and more. Every detail is important to us in achieving our goal to exceed your expectations and ensure you are delighted with your Paris Perfect stay.

Paris Perfect Apartment Rental Reservations Team

Some of our friendly Reservations Team answered emails between meetings

We also had time for some fun during our annual meeting, including a Seine dinner cruise aboard Le Capitaine Fracasse, which was a delightful evening. Even the food was good, a rarity on many of the Seine dinner cruises.

Our tables were full of laughter and socializing as we enjoyed a lovely meal while watching the beautifully lit landmarks of Paris glide by. Funniest comment of the evening was hearing how English webmaster John met his fiancee’, Stephanie.聽 Stephanie commented that she had started a new job picked him out because he was so good looking.聽 John’s take was quite different.聽 He and colleague Nick聽 conferred about her after the first week.聽聽 ‘Nick and I decided she had to go because she was just too nice!’聽 Australian Tash kept toasting the couple, declaring ‘John, she’s a keeper!’

Dinner cruise on the Seine River in Paris

One of our little team members fell asleep during our Seine dinner cruise!

Some members braved the cold – and the climb of 300 plus steps – up to the first level of the Eiffel Tower for an evening of ice skating and fun. What a wonderful and uniquely Parisian memory!

Manager Natasha shared what she declared was an Australian tradition to stand in front of monuments to measure how big they really are. She demonstrated the technique on the balcony of one of our newest Paris Perfect apartments, which has a fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower.聽 What a perfect spot!

Eiffel Tower Paris Perfect Vacation Apartment Rental

Tash measures the height of the Eiffel Tower - it's a little bit taller!

It was the best meeting ever. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful people to work with — with lots of diversity, good humor and fabulous ideas . We treasure this time together to strengthen our team, share ideas and build solutions that will make our guests treasure every moment of their stay with Paris Perfect.

We would like to take a moment to thank our wonderful guests for the valuable feedback, kind words and continued support over the past years. We hope to welcome you to Paris in 2012 … and beyond!

 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...