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.
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!
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.
