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Archive for the ‘Parisian Living’ Category

Five Cafés Not to Miss in Paris

Friday, May 10th, 2013
Coquelicot des Abbesses Montmartre Paris

Le Coquelicot des Abbesses in Montmartre

While wandering the streets of Paris, there seems to be an unlimited number of idyllic cafés that it can be nearly impossible to decipher which offers the best tasse du café in the city. Determining factors, such as the heavenly flakiness of a fresh croissant or the mellow rhythms of a live jazz trio playing in the background are all quintessential to the making of a classic Parisian café experience. To save you hours of listless wandering, below are five incredible cafes in Paris that will leave you longing to return.

For those looking for a quaint respite in Montmartre, be sure to stop by Le Coquelicot des Abbesses. Le Coquelicot des Abbesses is a classic Parisian café that offers a variety of delectable items, from the irresistibly simple pain au chocolat to main menu items such as quiche Lorraine and crepes. The laidback atmosphere makes this café an ideal place to meet up with friends for a weekend brunch or for a quick treat before a day of exploration.

Cafe Charbon_Paris Perfect

Café Charbon in Paris

Originally a coal shop, Café Charbon has embraced its industrial past in its hybrid design that beckons back to 19th century France. The intimate décor and authentic vibe attracts a lively bohemian crowd throughout the day and into the night. Wednesdays through Saturdays the café transforms into a cozy nightclub as the lights are dimmed and DJ’s spin tracks for an easygoing dance scene. After dinner at Café Charbon, be sure to check out their sister bar, Nouveau Casino, next door for fantastic live electronic and experimental music.

Both sophisticated and vintage, Le Bar du Marché is a prime café to linger and people watch for an entire afternoon. This Parisian hotspot attracts a diverse clientele representative of the “bobo” sensation, a mixture of bohemian and bourgeoisie, through its old-city atmosphere and its great location. The simple, yet elegant, bistro fare and antique jazz posters beckon back to the times of the Golden Age, making this café a must for anyone in search of the iconic Parisian café.

Le Bar du Marche_Paris Perfect

Le Bar du Marché in Paris

La Palette provides visitors with a subtle and charming café experience with its rustic décor and menu comprised of classic French fare. Since its opening in 1905, La Palette has drawn a variety of clientele, ranging from Picasso to Harrison Ford, and continues to be popular with students from the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Although a majority of the customers are students, the crowd diversifies in the evening when young professionals venture in for an evening of cocktails and delectable cuisine. The year-round terrace also makes this café the perfect spot for warm summer evenings, where you can while away the hours with a great bottle of wine and friends.

Visiting the upscale Café de Flore has become a pilgrimage for those in the know of its bohemian history. Serving as a creative hub for French existentialists such as Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, Café de Flore is the perfect place to savor exquisite hot chocolate while soaking in its intellectual heritage. Although relatively pricey compared to most cafes, Café de Flore provides customers with an unparalleled experience through its premium location and high quality offerings. Be sure to sit on the conservatory-like patio for an elegant experience sampling aperitifs and people watching rain or shine.

 

Le Coquelicot des Abbesses
24 Rue des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement
Metro: Abbesses

Café Charbon
109 Rue Oberkampf, 11th arrondissement
Metro: Parmentier

Le Bar du Marché
75 rue du Seine, 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

La Palette
43 rue du Seine, 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Café de Flore
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

 

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Guest post contributed by Party Eartha global media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in major cities around the world.

 

Photo Credits: Le Coquelicot des Abbesses by Bruno! and all other photos by Party Earth

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An Early Spring Stroll in Paris

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013
Paris Spring Blossoms Martha Jackson

Spring buds about to burst open in the parks and gardens of Paris!

The romanticised archetype of Paris in spring is one that recurs frequently in films, literature and tourist guidebooks. Despite the rose-colored expectation of sun-dappled boulevards and dreamy strolls by the river, Paris really is a delight in the springtime! An icy hangover from the winter months still lingers, but the skies are clear and the sun hints at the prospect of warmer weather. This time of year is ideal for exploring Paris – the leaves are just budding on the trees and the city feels fresh, invigorated by the daubs of green and bursts of colors that reappear in its streets and squares.

Notre Dame Paris Spring Blossoms

Spring blossoms along the Seine in Paris

Wandering down past Notre Dame, ducks line the river’s banks, unperturbed by the throngs of tourists that pass by, and even the odd over-zealous photographer. The St-Germain-des-Près area just across the river is lovely in the spring; there are several little morning markets selling fresh produce, and of course a multitude of little cafés if the spring air gets a bit chilly.

Ducks Along the Seine Martha Jackson

Photogenic ducks sleeping along the Seine

Montmartre is also a bit of spring gem – the streets around the Sacré-Cœur are not quite as crazy as they get during the summer months and the views over the city are phenomenal when the clouds disperse. Leaving the well-trodden tourist track behind and exploring further afield in Montmartre is well worth the effort. This area has some really good places to eat, and if in doubt, just follow the French!

Spring Blossoms Montmartre Paris

Beautiful signs of spring in Montmartre

The main attraction of springtime Paris is being able to comfortably wander around and discover the places that the guidebook doesn’t mention. The cooler temperatures of early spring mean that the big attractions aren’t quite as overwhelming as in high season, and it’s easier to navigate the metro and bus systems. For travelers who love to walk and explore, Paris at this time of year is undeniably lovely and a joy for all those who visit!

 

Image Credits: Notre Dame in the Springtime by sansplans, Spring blossoms in Montmartre by Paloma+Luismi, all other photos by author.

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French Lesson at the Jardin du Musée Rodin in Paris

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013
Rodin Museum Gardens Paris

Learn French while exploring the beautiful gardens at the Rodin Museum in Paris

By Marguerite Monnier, French tutor in Paris and founder of French As You Like It

If you are visiting Paris and looking for ideas of fun things to do, why not practice your French while visiting some cultural locations? It doesn’t take much to acquire some basic knowledge and it’s a great way to interact with French people as there’s nothing Parisians like more than to help “correct” visitors’ French. Why not try asking someone casually what time is it? Quelle heure est-il? Or even on a more practical level, is this seat available? Est-ce que ce siege est libre? How much does it cost? Combien ça coute? You’ll know you’re getting somewhere when you’re able yourself to give directions – go straight and turn left: allez tout droit et tournez à gauche.

I have given hundreds of French lessons at cultural sites both on and off the traditional tourist path. And when the sun is shining one of the nicest locations to practice French is the Musée du Rodin. While I find the whole exhibition captivating, when you don’t have much time or prefer to be outside on a beautiful day, I recommend skipping line and buying a ticket for just the garden from the machine inside the entrance. Slide past the line of fidgeting tourists and for only €1 you have all day access to the beautiful garden and many of Rodin’s sculptures.

Rodin Museum Rose Garden Paris

The beautiful gardens at the Rodin Museum are a lovely spot for a private French lesson in Paris

The gardens were overrun and wild when Rodin rented a portion of the hotel as an atelier in 1908. Today, covering more than 7 acres, the garden is divided into a rose garden in the north, a large ornamental garden in the south, the rocky “Garden of Orpheus” in the east and the “Garden of Springs” with a reflecting pool in the west.

Rodin started putting his work and sculptures from his personal collection in the garden in 1908. Greek and Roman copies of male and female torsos are intermixed with Rodin’s The Thinker and The Burghers of Calais. In 1995, the museum created the marble gallery to preserve the marble sculptures that were being damaged by moss and the weather. Through wide glass windows, you can see these sculptures with your garden admission.

French Lesson Rodin Museum Paris

Have a good think about your new French skills during your lesson at the Rodin Museum gardens in the 7th arrondissement!

To practice your French, here is a short text about the museum and some vocabulary in French:

Les jardins du musée Rodin

C’est le secrétaire du sculpteur, le poète Rainer Marie Rilke qui a découvert le lieu en 1908 : « Vous devriez, cher grand ami, voir ce beau bâtiment… Ses trois baies vitrées donnent sur un jardin abandonne. » Rodin aime ce désordre végétal, il s’y installe le 15 octobre de la même année.

En 1993, l’architecte paysagiste Jacques Sgard va respecter l’aspect classique du jardin (tapis vert, bassin, alignement de tilleuls) et redessiner les deux grands parterres comme des parcours thématiques. L’équilibre est trouve, esthétique et poétique.

Des bronzes de Rodin jalonnent la promenade dans le parc : la monumentale Porte de l’Enfer accueille le visiteur des l’entrée ; le Penseur, figure symbole de l’artiste, domine la roseraie ; les Bourgeois de Calais jalonnent le sous-bois, au centre du bassin ; Ugolin dévore ses enfant ; Orphee enfoui dans la verdure se découvre au détour d’un bosquet.

 

Musée Rodin Vocabulary 

jardins – garden

le lieu – rental

baies vitrées – bay windows

tilleuls – lime trees

jalonnent – to mark

dévore – devour

un bosquet – a small grove

 

Are you interested in a personalized French lesson on a specific topic or at a site “off the beaten path” in Paris? Contact us at info@frenchasyoulikeit.com or visit our website www.frenchasyoulikeit.com.

For more free online classes similar to this one, visit our blog (www.frenchasyoulikeit.com/blog) or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/French-As-You-Like-It/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/FrenchAsYouLike).

 

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Rodin Museum
Location: 79 Rue de Varenne, 75007
Public transportation:  Line 13 at Varenne or Line 8 and 13 at Invalides
Hours: 10am-5:45pm Tuesday through Sunday; between October 1 and March 31 the garden closes at 5pm
Website: www.musee-rodin.fr

 

Image credits: Rodin Museum gardens and The Thinker by billandkent, Roses at Rodin Museum by Todd Martin

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Paris Restaurant Review | Reed in the 7th Arrondissement

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013
Reed Restaurant Paris 7th Arrondissement

The warm interior of Reed Restaurant tucked away in the 7th arrondissement in Paris

Reed is a small, charming restaurant in the 7th arrondissement getting rave reviews from diners “in the know.” In business only two years, Reed is owned and operated by Catherine Reed, a Canadian from Quebec City, who was a private chef for 17 years in Switzerland and France. Catherine is, in fact, the owner, chef, greeter, and server, and will ensure you are well taken care of. The restaurant is very cozy and only accommodates about 16 diners. It has an open kitchen concept, which is perfect for her cooking class that she hosts on Wednesdays (see details below).

Reed Restaurant Review 7th

A beautiful and delicious dinner at Reed in Paris

The small menu is typically French, with Italian influences as well, and changes according to what is fresh at the market that day.  Catherine prefers small, local producers, and on an evening in February, we enjoyed creamy broccoli soup, winter salad, risotto with roast pumpkin and ham,  and beef bourguignon. Desserts were home-made as well, and so yummy…chocolate gateau, creamy raspberry pie, and apple tart tatin with vanilla ice cream.

Catherine Reed Restaurant Paris

Catherine Reed (on right) with one of our friendly reservations team members!

Catherine’s cooking classes are taught in English on Wednesdays and feature seasonal ingredients and techniques cooks can use at home. After the hands on class, students sit down to enjoy their hard work with a glass of wine … or two! Reservations are required for the class and friends can join later for the lunch. The spring menu looks delicious!

 

Spring menu 2012

Asparagus with mousseline sauce

Free range chicken with morel sauce , mashed potatoes with herbs and tangy salad

Chocolate profiterolles

Reed is located on 11 bis rue Amélie in the 7th arrondissement, jut off Rue St. Dominique and one block east of Rue Cler. Reservations are recommended for dinner and are required for the cooking class. Reed is open for dinner Tues-Friday (closed Sun & Mon). Email Catherine for reservations or more information: catherine.reed@wanadoo.fr.

Reed
11 bis rue Amélie
75007 Paris
01 45 55 88 40

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Thank you to Mary Ann Grisham for this review for the Paris Perfect Blog!

 

Image credits: Reed by freddie boy, all other photos by author

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