Fans fill the stadium to cheer on race at the Grand Steeplechase of Paris

Paris is gearing up for one of the most exciting events in the horseracing world, the Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris. This highly anticipated race will take place on Sunday, May 19th at the Hippodrome d’Auteuil. The hippodrome, nicknamed the “temple of jumps” is located just across the western border of Paris in the 16th arrondissement. The race was first run by talented horses and jockeys in May 1874 and since then has been one of the city’s most prestigious spring events.

The Grand Steeplechase of Paris is the most acclaimed jumps race in France, and one that both horse trainers and jockeys dream of one day competing in. The race stretches over three miles and challenges the horses to leap over an impressive twenty-three fences. Audience members hold their breaths in excitement as the horses leap over each of the race’s jumps. Horses must be five years old to participate and clearly at the top their talent. This year fans will be watching to see if three-time winner, Mid Dancer, will be victorious once again and make history as the first horse ever to win the Grand Steeplechase four times.

The event will be enjoyed by attendees of all ages and even offers a merry-go-round for its youngest guests. For the full experience, visitors can sign up to walk the course before the race to see the event from the horse’s perspective and gain a deeper appreciation for their talent. Doors open at 12:00PM for the main event, but book a spot in advance to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Paris has much to offer throughout the spring season, but for a heavy dose of excitement, history and culture make sure to check out the Grand Steeplechase Race!

Website: www.grandsteeple.com
Find tickets for the race and pre-booking to walk the course here.
Entry: €8
Discounted entry for students and over 60s
Free for children under 18.

Hippodrome d’Auteuil- Route des Lacs- Paris XVI
Metro: Porte d’Auteuil (line 10)
Bus: Porte d’Auteuil (PC1, 52, 123, 241)
Car: Ring Road, Porte d’Auteuil exit
Parking: €2

Image credit: Grand Steeplechase by LALLA-ALI

One could spend days perusing Paris’s museums, so how will you spend your night?

One of the many amazing features that draw travelers to Paris is its world-renowned museums. Visitors can see some of the most famous pieces of art in just a day, or, for the special event this Saturday, in a night. Paris will take part in European Museums Night on Saturday, May 18th when museums leave their doors open till as late as 1:00AM with free entry. There are roughly 250 museums in Paris and almost all of them will be participating in the event. Paris’s collection of museums is impressive not only in number, but in its rich history, diversity, and presentation. Part of what makes these museums so special is the beautiful buildings with strong historical significance that house them.

European Museums Night was created in 2005 by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication and is now sponsored by the International Council of Museums, Council of Europe and UNESCO. France is accompanied by nearly 40 other participating countries with a total of 3,000 museums opening their doors for the night. Last year France alone welcomed two million visitors to its museums for the event. An amazing, but not surprising, turnout as the deep appreciation for art is a fundamental part of French culture.

Just some of the many special events that will be taking place at museums for the night.

To top off the extended opening hours and free admission, many of the museums will organize special installations, exhibits, and activities. Some of these cater specifically to families and children, while others will please a more mature crowd. Musée de l’Orangerie near Tuileries gardens will set the tone with jazz music played throughout several galleries. Musée d’Orsay will host choreographed performances by the Myriam Gourfink Company and will treat guests to free admission for its exhibitions.  In the 7th arrondissement, Musée Rodin will welcome a surprise installation in its gardens. These are just a few highlights of the night’s program that will undoubtedly intrigue visitors to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

The Louvre exudes a magical aura at night, come experience it for yourself this Saturday.

Paris is a city of mystery and romance, and what better way to embrace this ambiance than to explore and discover its many fascinating museums by night. Find out more about all the events planned for this year’s European Museums Night here.

Photo credits: Musée l’Orangerie by fmpgoh, European Museum Night from Paris Musées, Louvre by Hilary Kay

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.

Café Charbon in Paris

Originally a coal shop, Café Charbon has embraced its industrial past in its hybrid design that beckons back to 19^th 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 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 Earth – a 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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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 (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

Imagine relaxing in your own Paris apartment with this stunning view of the Eiffel Tower!

We have more exciting news for our readers who are searching for that perfect apartment to buy in Paris! Recently we shared about an apartment for sale … and it was snapped up without hours of the announcement. That’s really how quick the best apartments sell in Paris. And now we have another treasure to share with you … the gorgeous Cabernet apartment is now for sale for €895,000. Find out more about the apartment for sale below and to make a serious enquiry contact us right away at: news@parisperfect.com.

This remarkable one bedroom apartment boasts the most incredible straight on views of the Eiffel Tower from two sets of large French doors and from its cute balcony. The location in the 7th arrondissement is ideal, it’s fully air conditioned (a rarity!) and it’s beautifully remodeled and decorated – in essence, a perfect Paris apartment! Just take a peek at the Cabernet apartment in this video that shows the amazing views, beautiful decor and Paris neighbourhood.

And if that doesn’t have you dreaming Parisian dreams … just take a look at the incredible perks this apartment offers!

• Stunning direct views of the Eiffel Tower from two sets of large French doors in living room
• Lovely balcony with bistro table – perfect for breakfast or making a toast at night with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop!
• Fully air conditioned – a rare feature in Paris apartments!
• Ideal location in charming 7th arrondissement surrounded by cute cafés and excellent restaurants
• Enjoy romantic strolls along the Seine nearby
• Beautiful views from 5th floor location – with the comfort of an elevator in the building
• 540 square feet plus a narrow balcony
• Shop along the famous rue Cler market street and enjoy the marvelous open-air markets in the 7th
• Walk to Paris landmarks and museums and enjoying strolling, picnicking and relaxing in the beautiful Champ de Mars gardens
• Beautifully remodeled and decorated apartment is ready for you to enjoy from the moment you walk in the door!

Step out on the balcony at the Cabernet – this apartment offers once in a lifetime chance to call these amazing views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower your own!

If you’ve stayed in one of our Paris vacation rentals with a balcony, you’ll know just what a wonderful feature that is. Enjoy your breakfast while watching the elevators run up and down on the Eiffel Tower or parents walking children to school on the streets below. Soak up the sun while enjoying a good book or plan a romantic dinner for two on the balcony at night. You’ll have front row seats to watch the magical light show on the Eiffel Tower after dark!

Spacious and beautifully decorated living room is filled with light from the two sets of French doors that open to the balcony

We love the spacious living room in this Paris apartment! The two sets of large French doors fill the room with a beautiful light. There’s plenty of space to relax, enjoy watching a movie on the comfortable sofa (which also opens out to a bed for additional sleeping space!) or enjoy dinner with the same remarkable Eiffel Tower views.

As if the views weren’t enough … this apartment is ideally located in the 7th arrondissement just moments from the Champ de Mars gardens. Stroll to the Seine where you can enjoy walks at sunset in Paris, discover the excellent shopping in the neighborhood and have fun getting to know the little food shops and finding your favorite baguette from the local bakeries. You’ll have to try them all to find out!

Take leisurely walks along the Seine and watch the colors of sunset in Paris

The 7th is also home to the rue Cler market street, one of the best food shopping spots in Paris! Stroll over with your basket and enjoy picking out the freshest ingredients for your dinners at home. Shop alongside Parisians in the cute cheese shops, local bakeries and at the open-air markets nearby.

Shop for food along the famous rue Cler market street – one of the most charming streets in Paris!

You’ll love exploring your new neighborhood in Paris and finding all the best food shops, patisseries for desserts and stopping in at a café and feeling just a local. There is a wonderful selection of patisseries and famous chocolate shops nearby – perfect for something sweet to enjoy on the balcony with a glass of champagne at the Cabernet!

Some of the best patisseries and cafés in Paris are located nearby

This apartment is located on the 5th floor of a classical Parisian building, which has an elevator – a very important feature! Step into the welcoming entrance that leads past the kitchen and bathroom and into the spacious living room with dining area. The bedroom is located off the living room and features a dual king size bed and en suite shower room. It’s nicely designed apartment with a lovely kitchen and the added feature of one and a half bathrooms – great for a one bedroom apartment! Take a peek at the floor plan below:

Enter the apartment and you’ll find large storage closets on the left and the kitchen on the right. Just beyond is a full bathroom on the right before entering the spacious living room and dining area. Around the corner to the right is the bedroom with en suite shower room.

What doesn’t fit on a floor plan are the views …. just look at the Eiffel Tower glow at night from this Paris apartment. Absolutely enchanting! There’s nothing quite like the experience of watching the Eiffel Tower – as the sun rises, seeing the elevators taking visitors up and down all day, seeing the lights come on at dusk and then having such a picture perfect view of the show as thousands of lights twinkle every hour on the hour after dark!

Magical view of the Eiffel Tower from this apartment for sale in Paris

Enjoy relaxing at home in the evenings in this comfortable Paris apartment. You’ll have two spots to have dinner … and they both offer stunning views of the Eiffel Tower! The dining area in the living room is conveniently located near the kitchen, or step out on the narrow balcony to enjoy dinner at the bistro table. How will you find better views than this?

Enjoy romantic dinners at home either in the dining area or on the bistro table on the balcony – pure Parisian magic!

This Paris apartment is an excellent investment property and a welcoming pied-à-terre when you visit Paris. Even better, the sale includes everything, down to the espresso cups, dishes, balcony table, furniture and appliances. This is a wonderful benefit for buyers since you won’t have to worry about a thing! There won’t be any costly or confusing renovations that can cost over €250,000 and mean constant trips to Paris to make sure everything turns out just as you want. This apartment is being offered “clé en main” – or key in hand – so it’s yours without any worries!

Peaceful master bedroom with dual king size bed and en suite shower room

Best of all, our award-winning team will manage everything while you’re away so you don’t worry about a thing. Priceless! When you arrive in Paris the apartment is ready for you and your guests. All that’s left is to sit back, enjoy the marvelous views and all the charms of the Parisian lifestyle!

The Cabernet is available to buyers who are interested in having us continue our excellent service managing the apartment while the owners are away.** 

The romantic bedroom at the Cabernet with en suite shower room

Take a look at just some of the rave reviews this apartment has received from guests:

“The apartment was perfect. The location couldn’t have been better! The street Rue Sant Dominique was full of shops, restaurants and had everything we needed. We were in short walking distance to the metro and the buses. We could walk to many of the sites. Of course the Eiffel Tower was right outside our window. What a site each night to see the lighted tower!” – Mary, USA

“The Cabernet apartment was exactly as shown and described on your web site. The view of the Eiffel Tower was, if anything, understated. We couldn’t wait each evening for the Tower to twinkle! We loved the 7th with its markets, bakeries, wine stores, cafes and restaurants. We could not have been in a more perfect location.” – Jan & Robert, USA 

This apartment conveniently features two fully remodeled bathrooms – one with shower, toilet and sink and the en suite bathroom with shower and sink.

“Cabernet was everything we hoped for. A charming, well-appointed apartment in a vibrant, friendly neighborhood. Merci!” – Daniel, USA

“You’ve done it now!! We are completely spoiled, forever! We have been to Paris many times, but this trip was the best EVER … For the first time, we really felt a part of Paris , as if we were living there in our very own apartment. Every AM I left our apartment, stepped across the small street to the Patisserie and returned to coffee waiting for us and the best pastries in the world. What a way to start your day!” – Linda, USA

Beautifully designed kitchen with modern appliances and loads of light from large window

Enjoy cooking at home in the beautiful kitchen with granite counters and cherry wood cabinets. With all the wonderful food shopping spots just outside your front door or a short stroll away, dining at home in Paris is a real pleasure!

Spacious and beautiful living room is ready for you from the moment you walk through the door!

The Cabernet is one of the rare Paris apartments that has all the right features – spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower, a private balcony, perfect location in the 7th arrondissement, sunny upper floor location in a building with elevator and is even fully remodeled and beautifully decorated. You won’t have to worry about expensive or extremely complicated renovations and our reknowned rental management service will continue uninterrupted. This is truly a dream apartment in Paris!

See more photos and details of the Cabernet apartment for sale in Paris here.

This apartment is on the market for the price of €895,000. We urge you to act quick! If you have more questions or are interested in making a serious offer, contact us right away at news@parisperfect.com. Stunning apartments like this one go quickly, and the sale is on a first come, first serve basis. We’ll keep track of the order that requests come in … so the faster you contact us, the better your chances of owning this remarkable one bedroom apartment in Paris!

Please include the following information in your email correspondence:
Name:
Home & Office Phones:
Cell Phone:
Address:
Will you require financing for the purchase?

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**Please note: If you’ve booked a stay with us in the Cabernet apartment, don’t worry!  As we have done with dozens of other apartments in the Paris Perfect portfolio, this apartment is for sale to buyers who wish to have us continue to manage the apartment while they’re away.  No need to worry about your reservation, the transition is flawless and you’ll be in the same good hands when you arrive!

850 years old and as beautiful as ever!

Anniversaries often inspire us to not only reflect on the past, but to take a fresh outlook on the present and future. Notre Dame’s monumental 850 years anniversary has done just that with renovations, events and installations planned to celebrate the globally renowned cathedral. We featured one of these extraordinary renovations in a previous blog post about the New Bells at Notre Dame, depicting the initiation of nine new bronze bells. (Listen to the new bells ringing at Notre Dame here!)

Fueling the anniversary’s celebration this year will be the Jubilee Way, an impressive structure that envelops most of Notre Dame’s plaza. The entryway to the installation is a 13.3 meters high structure adorned with a tribute to two beautiful stained glass windows by master glassmaker Jacques Chevallier in 1937. One of the windows pictures Geneviève, Patron Saint of Paris, and the other Saint Marcel, one of the first Bishops of the city.

Stained glass window by Jacques Chevallier

After passing through this temporary belfry, visitors follow the ramp leading up to the major body of the structure, a wide set of stairs that descend directly in front of the cathedral. The view that is introduced walking up the pathway truly makes you slow down to take in the unique angle of the cathedral’s gothic style architecture. I was surprised at how close you feel to Notre Dame’s intricate façade and towering shape. To be at eye level with the gargoyles and flying buttresses is an experience that has until now been impossible for the public, and one that I am sure to remember. The view manages to temporarily throw you back in time as the immense building consumes your span of vision. One can’t help but admire the gothic technique that is so entirely different from anything created today.

A closer look at this collection of masterpieces

The installation’s grand set of stairs fills up throughout the day with travelers and locals enjoying its ideal location and plentiful seating. Families sit to share a snack and friends bring drinks to relax and soak up some sun, all while enjoying the impressive presence of Notre Dame.

The Jubilee Way structure allows one to better see every aspect of the cathedral and develop a deeper appreciation for the work that went into making such an inspiring building. Don’t miss the opportunity to get a closer look at the most visited monument in France. The Jubilee Way will stand in the plaza of Notre Dame until November 24, 2013.

An unforgettable and unique new way to experience the beauty of Notre Dame!

Find out more about all of the events honoring Notre Dame’s 850th anniversary on the Notre Dame de Paris 2013 website.

Image Credits: Stained glass window, all other photos by author

Peeking out from under my umbrella at April’s showers over the steps at Place du Trocadero

A Parisian might duly warn visitors en avril ne te découvre pas d’un fil, mais en mai, fais ce qu’il te plait. This French equivalent to April showers bring May flowers, advises not to lose even a thread of clothing in April due to the lasting cold, but promises that we can do as we please in the coming month. While this expression holds true in its caution against the cold, it is the promise of May that better reflects the feelings of anticipation that are sweeping across Paris.

After a long cold winter, Parisians and visitors alike are looking forward to the coming spring with excitement. Although the city’s beauty never fails to amaze no matter the time of year, springtime looks especially good on Paris. The streets come alive with the fresh energy of change and the many parks and accents of nature throughout the city step into the spotlight, flaunting an aesthetically perfected style that defines French landscaping.

Lovely spring window displays at Le Bon Marché in the 7th arrondissement, one of Paris’s most fabulous department stores

The inspiring springtime hues we associate with sunny skies, outdoor activities, and fewer layers of clothing first appeared throughout Paris’s countless shops and boutiques in their always-beautiful springtime collections. As we approach May, I am all too ready to finally debut my springtime attire that has been simply a tease since spring clothes hit stores late January. Now spring colors are trickling into all other aspects of Paris, as the months race the changing seasons. Signs of spring are popping up in forms other than fashion across Paris such as flowers, fruit, and foliage.

First of the many flowers to bloom in the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, the enormous park leading up to the Louvre seen in the background

Leaves slowly begin to unfurl throughout the trees and the flowers dare to blossom despite the last traces of cold weather. Those who have come to love Paris’s parks can’t help but wait with impatience for the day we can once again sit and read around the fountain at Tuileries, or find a new courtyard to stop and share a bag of delicious chouquettes (a must try you can find at most boulangeries). There are too many parks, squares, and courtyards in Paris to know them all, which allows for the opportunity to often stumble upon a new one. I recently discovered Square René Viviani located a few steps away from the famous Shakespeare & Company bookstore. The whimsical archways drew me in to the courtyard, which is an ideal spot to start a new book. As I turned towards the Seine I was surprised with one of the best views of Notre Dame I’ve seen in the city; one that kept me from forgetting this lovely little square.

Square René Viviani in the 5th arrondissement

The daylight stretches longer into the evenings and the colors of spring wash over the sky with the setting sun, inspiring us once again to daydream of dusting off our sunglasses and leaving the house without an overcoat. The parks of Paris await our company, the markets offer us those mouthwatering seasonal fruits and the streets tempt us to break in our new spring attire. Bienvenue Springtime, Paris is ready for you!

A pastel pink sunset enjoyed at place de la Concorde

Favorite Paris Spots in the Springtime:

Place du Trocadero: 11 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75116. Métro- Trocadero

Le Bon Marché:  24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007. Métro- Sèvres-Babylone

Jardin des Tuileries: Place de la Concorde-Le Louvre, 75001. Métro- Concorde, Tuileries

Square René Viviani:  Quai de Montebello/Rue Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre. Métro- Maubert-Mutualité, Saint-Michel

Image Credits:  Bon Marché window displays by Retail Design Blog, all other photos by author.

Delicious asparagus soup in the springtime!

One thing we learned during our cooking lessons with acclaimed Italian chef Franco Taruschio is that Italians never waste food!  What we might normally discard, they find a home for in soups, casseroles, pies and other dishes. When we started to make his delicious asparagus lasagne, he taught us to keep the asparagus peelings to make this tasy asparagus soup. It’s perfect for the spring when the fresh asparagus starts to appear in the markets in Paris!

ASPARAGUS SOUP RECIPE

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs asparagus trimmings, chopped up including some tips for garnish (3 per person)
• 1 leek including 2 inches of green top
• 1 baking potato
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon
• Fresh tarragon leaves for garnish

STEPS

1. Put the asparagus trimmings in a saucepan, add the leek, potato and stock.  Bring to boil and reduce heat, simmer partially covered for 20 minutes until vegetables are soft.
2. Blend the soup til smooth and put in clean pan.
3. Add cream and tarragon, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
5. At the same time, cook the asparagus tips in lightly salted water.
6. If the soup is too thick, add more stock.
7. Serve with asparagus tips and a few tarragon leaves as garnish

Bon Appétit!