There’s so much to see in Paris and so many sights to enjoy. If you are in Paris with your family, make sure to take them to see the stunning scenes in these highly recommended family attractions.
Ride a Pony at Jardin des Tuileries
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity which your children are rarely taking part in, try letting them ride a horse through Paris’ beautiful Jardin des Tuileries. It would be unusual to see ponies and children march through the park in the middle of Paris, but this pony-riding activity spearheaded by Monsieur et Madame Gascard is very well-known in Paris and children of tourists are often seen here playing with the cute ponies.
Watch a theatre presentation in Le Lucernaire
If you want to learn more about the culture of Paris, the history of France, and the lives of so many prominent European, the best way to see history re-enact itself would be at Le Lucernaire. Le Lucernaire is an educational theatre that presents only interesting and entertaining plays. You can find Le Lucernaire in 3 rue Notre-Dame des champs, 6th Arrondissement.
Watch a puppet play
Children like toys, playing, and watching entertaining presentation. After watching a play at Le Lucernaire, you may also want to head down to Jardin du Luxembourg and find Guignol, a popular puppet show held in the heart of Paris. Guignol’s puppet show is very interesting and children, most of all, will love it.
Shop for old- or vintage toys in La Tortue Electrique
Forget Marche aux Puces and Puces de Saint Ouen and head down to La Tortue Electrique, instead. This is just one of the many shops in Paris where you can find old toys, trinkets, and accessories for yourself or for your home.
La Tortue Electrique is located at 5 rue Frédéric Sauton 75005, Paris.
Eat delicious pastries at La Pâtisserie des Rêves
La Pâtisserie des Rêves is different from all the other patisseries in Paris because its interior will remind you of a giant gingerbread house where everything is edible. In reality, the La Pâtisserie des Rêves is not edible but it surely makes you think that the entire place is made of sugar and candy. Treat your kids to a delicious cupcake; you might also want to have some for yourself. La Patisserie des Reves is located in 93 rue du Bac, 7th Arrondissement.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
5 Must-Visit Restaurants that Serve Exotic Dishes
The heart of Paris may be considered a bit crowded; after all, it is home to 12 million people, but don't let the population count scare you. There are simply so many things to do in Paris, you will hardly notice that the city is in fact, crowded.
You will meet several kinds of people in Paris: some of them are blue-blooded Parisians who have been in Paris all there lives, and you might also meet immigrants from other countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Due to the diverse cultures that flock Paris, there has been a healthy amount of influential and cultural sharing in Paris, as you can see from the restaurants in the city.
While French restaurants do flood the city, there are several other restaurants in Paris that serve exotic food. If you're feeling adventurous, head down to these unique restaurants located in different districts across the city:
For Greek cuisine, go to the 5th arrondissement. In this area, you will find Mythos, a Greek cafe that serves delicious Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Their specialty includes the Moussaka which is made of eggplant and tomato. You might also want to check out La Taverne Grecque in 8 Rue de la Huchette. They serve both French and Greek cuisine.
For Asian cuisine, the best place to go to is at the 13th Arrondissement, specifically in rue de Tolbiac, Avenue de Choisy, rue Beaudricourt, and Avenue d'Ivry. You can find the following Asian restaurants in this area:
Restaurant Chine Massena
13, place de Venetie
Their specialty includes dimsum, noodle soup, and some seafood recipes.
Rouammit & Huong Lan
103 Avenue d'Ivry
They serve Thai cuisine and their specialty includes the Thai Sticky Rice.
For Jewish or Kosher meals, the best neighborhood to go to would be at the Marais in the 4th Arrondissement. For starters, visit L'As du Falafel in 34 Rue des Rosiers. They serve delicious falafel as well as other delicious Jewish meals. If you plan to go informal, order Kosher burgers from Micky's Deli in 23 Rue Des Rosiers.
There are still so many exotic restaurants in Paris and the best way to find them would be to spend your time walking around, seeing as many sights as you can and interacting with the locals, expatriates, and immigrants.
You will meet several kinds of people in Paris: some of them are blue-blooded Parisians who have been in Paris all there lives, and you might also meet immigrants from other countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Due to the diverse cultures that flock Paris, there has been a healthy amount of influential and cultural sharing in Paris, as you can see from the restaurants in the city.
While French restaurants do flood the city, there are several other restaurants in Paris that serve exotic food. If you're feeling adventurous, head down to these unique restaurants located in different districts across the city:
For Greek cuisine, go to the 5th arrondissement. In this area, you will find Mythos, a Greek cafe that serves delicious Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Their specialty includes the Moussaka which is made of eggplant and tomato. You might also want to check out La Taverne Grecque in 8 Rue de la Huchette. They serve both French and Greek cuisine.
For Asian cuisine, the best place to go to is at the 13th Arrondissement, specifically in rue de Tolbiac, Avenue de Choisy, rue Beaudricourt, and Avenue d'Ivry. You can find the following Asian restaurants in this area:
Restaurant Chine Massena
13, place de Venetie
Their specialty includes dimsum, noodle soup, and some seafood recipes.
Rouammit & Huong Lan
103 Avenue d'Ivry
They serve Thai cuisine and their specialty includes the Thai Sticky Rice.
For Jewish or Kosher meals, the best neighborhood to go to would be at the Marais in the 4th Arrondissement. For starters, visit L'As du Falafel in 34 Rue des Rosiers. They serve delicious falafel as well as other delicious Jewish meals. If you plan to go informal, order Kosher burgers from Micky's Deli in 23 Rue Des Rosiers.
There are still so many exotic restaurants in Paris and the best way to find them would be to spend your time walking around, seeing as many sights as you can and interacting with the locals, expatriates, and immigrants.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
More Food Destinations in Paris
As they say, Paris is a foodie’s paradise and every restaurant, cafe, and diner here don’t just offer food, they also offer delicious cuisines and healthy meals. Parisian chefs are truly concerned over the health and welfare of their patrons that is why, every thing you eat in Paris is well thought out and of course, flavorful.
Now, if you plan to go on a little excursion around Paris to search for the best restaurants, cafes, and diners, why don’t you start your search with these highly recommended food destinations.
Bofinger Brasserie
5–7 rue de la Bastille
Located near the Marais district, Bofinger Brasserie is a historical location in Paris which was first opened in 1860. Since then, it has served millions of local Parisians and tourists with delicious meals, courses, and wine. Bofinger Brasserie's specialty includes an very varied Alsatian menu of seafood and pork. This restaurant is where you can find luxury and culture under one roof. Dince underneath brass chandeliers and enjoy the Art Nouveau stained-glass ceiling that adorns the building.
Au Limonaire
18 Cité Bergère
18 Cité Bergère
There's never a dull moment when you dine at Au Limonaire. This restaurant is where you can find French cuisine, amazing wine and stunning interior. The restaurant itself is known throughout Paris as a high-class rendezvous that offers high-class services and delicious meals.
Café Marly
93 rue de Rivoli
If you love the Louvre and want to enjoy your meals in a restaurant located near it, you might want to check into Cafe Marly, an elegant restaurant located in Rue de Rivoli. This is one of the most amazing restaurants in Paris: they serve a variety of cuisines; of course, their specialty is French, and they are also known throughout the city for their high-quality services. Enjoy seafood meals, traditional French cuisine, or eat the usual American recipes here, in Cafe Marly.
Café at the Orsay Museum
1 rue de la Légion d'Honneur
Even the Orsay Museum boasts its own elegant restaurant. Housed within the Orsay Museum, Café at the Orsay Museum is a restaurant that serves delicious meals. If you love art and good food, get the best of both worlds right here.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Renting a Luxury Sports Car in Paris
Believe it or not, you can actually drive a Bentley, Ferrari, Maserati and any car of your choice along the streets of Paris when you rent a luxury sports car.
It may be considered a dream come true for many people who want to drive through the streets of Paris in style. Instead of renting those old, buggy cars from car rental companies, you could rent luxury cars instead. Renting a luxury car does not come cheap though; however, if you have a few hundred dollars to spare for this experience, you should definitely give it a shot.
Cars you can choose from
If you want to rent a luxury car, you can choose from any of the following exclusive brands: Mercedes, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini. If you’re not fond of driving or if you are unsure of the directions to take while in Paris, you could hire a chauffeur to take you around. Hiring a chauffeur means you’ll have to pay extra, as well.
How to Rent a Luxury Car
The process is pretty much the same as renting any other rental car; however, the qualifications before you can rent a luxury car and the rental rates to pay are much higher and stricter. You have to provide the right requirements as requested by the rental company before they will allow you to rent their cars.
The most common requirements will include a proof of your residence in Paris, credit card or cash security deposit, an international driver’s license, a few IDs, and perhaps a birth certificate or any similar document that will prove you are at least 21 years old.
It is highly recommended to make reservations before you even arrive in Paris. You need not visit the luxury car rental company in person; you can even make reservations over the phone or online and handle the rest of the rental process when you get to Paris.
Some of Paris’ most popular car rental companies include AutoEurope, which lists down car rental companies in Paris, France and all across the continent. If you’re already in Paris, you could head down to Karscom in 76 avenue Champs Elysees 75008 or Gentleman Luxury Car in 22 rue Louis Armand, Paris.
Aside from a luxury car, you might want to look into luxury apartments in Brussels, as well. Choose the perfect accommodation at http://www.Welcome2Belgium.com.
It may be considered a dream come true for many people who want to drive through the streets of Paris in style. Instead of renting those old, buggy cars from car rental companies, you could rent luxury cars instead. Renting a luxury car does not come cheap though; however, if you have a few hundred dollars to spare for this experience, you should definitely give it a shot.
Cars you can choose from
If you want to rent a luxury car, you can choose from any of the following exclusive brands: Mercedes, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini. If you’re not fond of driving or if you are unsure of the directions to take while in Paris, you could hire a chauffeur to take you around. Hiring a chauffeur means you’ll have to pay extra, as well.
How to Rent a Luxury Car
The most common requirements will include a proof of your residence in Paris, credit card or cash security deposit, an international driver’s license, a few IDs, and perhaps a birth certificate or any similar document that will prove you are at least 21 years old.
It is highly recommended to make reservations before you even arrive in Paris. You need not visit the luxury car rental company in person; you can even make reservations over the phone or online and handle the rest of the rental process when you get to Paris.
Some of Paris’ most popular car rental companies include AutoEurope, which lists down car rental companies in Paris, France and all across the continent. If you’re already in Paris, you could head down to Karscom in 76 avenue Champs Elysees 75008 or Gentleman Luxury Car in 22 rue Louis Armand, Paris.
Aside from a luxury car, you might want to look into luxury apartments in Brussels, as well. Choose the perfect accommodation at http://www.Welcome2Belgium.com.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
How to Give Your Home a Parisian Makeover
Parisian homes are very elegant and are comfortable from the first look and to recreate the same appeal, you will have to think like a Parisian. You will have to learn how to match colors and most importantly, learn how to experiment with different textures.
Use warm colors on your walls and curtains.
Parisian homes tend to use warm colors such as red, orange and yellow on walls and curtains. but you may also experiment with adding cool colors into the mix to create a bit of an accent. Red and orange are both the colors of choice for most homes because they tend to make rooms feel more comfortable. If you want to experiment with different hues of red, orange, and yellow, play with colors like rose, light yellow, or red-orange. You may also use dark blue, black, beige, and white on your walls but these colors can seem a bit industrial and do not exude that old Parisian charm. If you do use any of these colors, make sure to compensate for the lack of warm colors on the walls by using wall decals and decorations that look old and elegant.
As seen here, the Louvre - Palais Royal apartment has white clean walls but makes use of red sofas and chairs to compensate for the lack of warm colors. The curtains are also yellow, a warm color.
Use wooden furniture.
If possible, use a lot of wooden furniture and if even more possible, use your old grandmother’s hand-me-down furniture and fixtures. Wooden furniture made pre-1950‘s are very elegant and although they do not capture the kind of elegance that authentic old-French furniture tend to bring, vintage furniture do stand out in a room. Wooden furniture also looks better and more-French than furniture made of steel, which look very modern and industrial.
If you are fond of playing with different designs, you could use modern-looking furniture but use old-style decor on your walls like black and white framed posters of Audrey Hepburn or Edith Piaf.
Use elegant decor.
Use porcelain statuettes, bronze vases, black and white photos and perhaps, landscape paintings on your walls to give off that elegant charm. If you are willing to go the extra mile, you could install a non-working well-designed fireplace in the middle of your living room or redesign your old fireplace and add an intricate golden frame like the ones you see in old homes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different furniture, colors, and themes. If you’re lost in the middle of your project, browse through stunning Paris apartments and get inspired.
Use warm colors on your walls and curtains.Parisian homes tend to use warm colors such as red, orange and yellow on walls and curtains. but you may also experiment with adding cool colors into the mix to create a bit of an accent. Red and orange are both the colors of choice for most homes because they tend to make rooms feel more comfortable. If you want to experiment with different hues of red, orange, and yellow, play with colors like rose, light yellow, or red-orange. You may also use dark blue, black, beige, and white on your walls but these colors can seem a bit industrial and do not exude that old Parisian charm. If you do use any of these colors, make sure to compensate for the lack of warm colors on the walls by using wall decals and decorations that look old and elegant.
As seen here, the Louvre - Palais Royal apartment has white clean walls but makes use of red sofas and chairs to compensate for the lack of warm colors. The curtains are also yellow, a warm color.
Use wooden furniture.
If possible, use a lot of wooden furniture and if even more possible, use your old grandmother’s hand-me-down furniture and fixtures. Wooden furniture made pre-1950‘s are very elegant and although they do not capture the kind of elegance that authentic old-French furniture tend to bring, vintage furniture do stand out in a room. Wooden furniture also looks better and more-French than furniture made of steel, which look very modern and industrial.
If you are fond of playing with different designs, you could use modern-looking furniture but use old-style decor on your walls like black and white framed posters of Audrey Hepburn or Edith Piaf.
Use elegant decor.
Use porcelain statuettes, bronze vases, black and white photos and perhaps, landscape paintings on your walls to give off that elegant charm. If you are willing to go the extra mile, you could install a non-working well-designed fireplace in the middle of your living room or redesign your old fireplace and add an intricate golden frame like the ones you see in old homes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different furniture, colors, and themes. If you’re lost in the middle of your project, browse through stunning Paris apartments and get inspired.
Friday, April 13, 2012
5 Reasons Why You Should Be in Paris This April
The best months to visit Paris would be during June and July; however, if you are considering to go on an early vacation, try to schedule your trip this April instead. There are a lot of things to do in April in Paris despite being rainy season. If you are still indecisive, here are 5 reasons that will surely help you make your decision.
1. See Paris in full bloom!
Since April is already springtime in Paris, most parks and gardens located in the city center are in full bloom. You could spend the rest of your vacation in these parks and gardens or if you are adventurous, you could hop on a train or bus and head down to Versailles or Fontainebleau to visit the lovely gardens and chateaus located in these areas.
2. Neither too hot nor too cold.
It’s not too cold in Paris at this time of the year, but it is not too warm either. From time to time, it might rain suddenly and stop abruptly. The weather is very unpredictable in Paris during April, but the best way to adapt to these sudden weather changes is to wear something light and comfy (in case it gets warm outside suddenly) but make sure to wear something that will be useful against the rain, just in case it rains suddenly, as well. You might also want to bring a foldable umbrella wherever you go; after all, you can use the umbrella for shade in case it gets too hot.
3. Technically, it’s still low season.
For those who are fond of traveling, low season basically means that apartment rental companies are receiving little reservations and are often willing to hand out discounts to increase their booking. You could save a lot on your rental if you book for a long period this April.
4. Tons of events are scheduled during April.
Some of the events for this April include the Banlieue Bleues Paris Jazz Festival, Tim Burton's exhibit at the Cinematheque Francaise, and several others, mostly artsy in nature.
5. Best time to dress up.
Due to the weather’s unpredictability, you are not expected to wear the all-black attire most Parisians are known to wear. In fact, you might want to experiment with different styles that are ideal for wearing when it rains and when it’s hot outside.
Since April is already springtime in Paris, most parks and gardens located in the city center are in full bloom. You could spend the rest of your vacation in these parks and gardens or if you are adventurous, you could hop on a train or bus and head down to Versailles or Fontainebleau to visit the lovely gardens and chateaus located in these areas.
2. Neither too hot nor too cold.
It’s not too cold in Paris at this time of the year, but it is not too warm either. From time to time, it might rain suddenly and stop abruptly. The weather is very unpredictable in Paris during April, but the best way to adapt to these sudden weather changes is to wear something light and comfy (in case it gets warm outside suddenly) but make sure to wear something that will be useful against the rain, just in case it rains suddenly, as well. You might also want to bring a foldable umbrella wherever you go; after all, you can use the umbrella for shade in case it gets too hot.
3. Technically, it’s still low season.
For those who are fond of traveling, low season basically means that apartment rental companies are receiving little reservations and are often willing to hand out discounts to increase their booking. You could save a lot on your rental if you book for a long period this April.
4. Tons of events are scheduled during April.
Some of the events for this April include the Banlieue Bleues Paris Jazz Festival, Tim Burton's exhibit at the Cinematheque Francaise, and several others, mostly artsy in nature.
5. Best time to dress up.
Due to the weather’s unpredictability, you are not expected to wear the all-black attire most Parisians are known to wear. In fact, you might want to experiment with different styles that are ideal for wearing when it rains and when it’s hot outside.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
What Tourists Must do During Emergencies
Even if you are a tourist, you must know and understand the security measures taken by locals whenever they encounter any emergencies either in public places or in private locations. If you witness an accident on the streets or in markets, you must try your best to respond immediately to help those in need unless if the situations calls for you to risk your life, as well.
If you find yourself in the middle of a situation, you should always try your best to distance yourself from it before calling the cops. Even when you are far away from the problem, you should able to observe the issue closely so you can alert the cops in case the case worsens.
During emergencies, it is recommended to help the person in need but never act beyond your abilities. Never step up to offer something that only medical experts are well-versed in, and never do anything drastic or too heroic if you are so unsure of the results.
Like 911, Paris utilizes certain numbers on the telephone to alert the police, ambulance and the fire department. Remember to put the following digits on speed dial on your cellphone because they might just save your life!
As soon as the other line picks up, immediately inform them of the following:
If you find yourself in the middle of a situation, you should always try your best to distance yourself from it before calling the cops. Even when you are far away from the problem, you should able to observe the issue closely so you can alert the cops in case the case worsens.
During emergencies, it is recommended to help the person in need but never act beyond your abilities. Never step up to offer something that only medical experts are well-versed in, and never do anything drastic or too heroic if you are so unsure of the results.
Like 911, Paris utilizes certain numbers on the telephone to alert the police, ambulance and the fire department. Remember to put the following digits on speed dial on your cellphone because they might just save your life!
- If you need an ambulance, dial 15.
- If you need the police, dial 17.
- If you need the fire department to respond to a fire or a cat stuck on a tree, dial 18.
- If you need to call all three departments at once, dial 112 on your cellphone. This is a special number which is used all over Europe, not just in France.
As soon as the other line picks up, immediately inform them of the following:
- Tell them your current location; if you don’t know where you are, mention a landmark.
- Mention your name and your cellphone or telephone number so they can call back.
- If there is an emergency, mention what is happening or what has happened.
- If people are involved, tell them what is happening (ie is anyone injured or unconscious?)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Safety Items to Buy Before Your Trip
Wherever you go, you should never be too sure or relaxed about your safety and security. Who knows who you’ll meet during your trips and if you are not prepared for the worst, you might never be prepared at all.
Paris is one of those commonly visited mega-cities where you can find all sorts of people from all walks of life: you might meet tourists such as yourself and locals who have lived in Paris all their life. On certain days, you might stumble into people who are very sensitive about their personal space and might not be so open towards tourists, but there are also people in Paris who are very eager to help tourists are exploring their hometown.
But like in most mega-cities, you might also stumble upon troubled youths and adults who want to take advantage of tourists or strangers to Paris. Meeting street rogues is not common in Paris, but there have been instances wherein unsuspecting tourists were victimized by thieves in the metro and in some popular parks.
To protect yourself and your items from being stolen, it would be wise to invest in extra secure bags and locks intended for traveling.
First things first, invest in highly-secure padlocks for your luggage. You will need them for your suitcases, large bags, and even your carry-on luggage. If you are bringing a laptop along your trip, it would be wise to invest in an extra-secure laptop bag.
When you plan to go out and do a little exploring, always keep your valuables close. Invest in a travel pouch which you can wear around your neck so you can keep your documents, keys, cards, and cash in one place. Never keep anything important in your back pocket since this is often targeted by pickpockets.
The places where you should be particularly carefully are at the metro and in parks. The metro is often crowded and people might purposely approach you or squeeze next to you as if they are waiting for a ride. When the train does arrive, they tend to leave the scene immediately as if they have abruptly changed their minds. Be careful -- they have either stolen something from you or they can’t find anything valuable to steal.
When you are near the grounds at the Eiffel Tower, beware of small groups of women carrying sheets of paper which might look like petition sheets. When you see them approaching you, leave your spot slowly and naturally and act as if you are leaving. If they continue to follow you, approach a nearby cop. These women are only waving the petition sheet before you to keep you preoccupied while they look through your pockets and belongings to steal valuables.
Also, be careful of little girls and even adults who would, from out of nowhere, tie a homely-looking bracelet around your wrist. You might think it’s sweet, but when they begin to crowd around you and charge you a ridiculous amount like 15 Euros, you would wish you reprimanded them before they even got close.
If you’re quite the photographer, always keep your camera, be it a digital camera or a DSLR, close to your body. Better yet, invest in an anti-theft camera strap; they look like the usual camera strap but one part of the strap is made of braided steel. There are affordable camera straps online, but you might also want to check out Carrefour or Monoprix in Paris.
Paris is one of those commonly visited mega-cities where you can find all sorts of people from all walks of life: you might meet tourists such as yourself and locals who have lived in Paris all their life. On certain days, you might stumble into people who are very sensitive about their personal space and might not be so open towards tourists, but there are also people in Paris who are very eager to help tourists are exploring their hometown.
But like in most mega-cities, you might also stumble upon troubled youths and adults who want to take advantage of tourists or strangers to Paris. Meeting street rogues is not common in Paris, but there have been instances wherein unsuspecting tourists were victimized by thieves in the metro and in some popular parks.
To protect yourself and your items from being stolen, it would be wise to invest in extra secure bags and locks intended for traveling.
First things first, invest in highly-secure padlocks for your luggage. You will need them for your suitcases, large bags, and even your carry-on luggage. If you are bringing a laptop along your trip, it would be wise to invest in an extra-secure laptop bag.
The places where you should be particularly carefully are at the metro and in parks. The metro is often crowded and people might purposely approach you or squeeze next to you as if they are waiting for a ride. When the train does arrive, they tend to leave the scene immediately as if they have abruptly changed their minds. Be careful -- they have either stolen something from you or they can’t find anything valuable to steal.
When you are near the grounds at the Eiffel Tower, beware of small groups of women carrying sheets of paper which might look like petition sheets. When you see them approaching you, leave your spot slowly and naturally and act as if you are leaving. If they continue to follow you, approach a nearby cop. These women are only waving the petition sheet before you to keep you preoccupied while they look through your pockets and belongings to steal valuables.
Also, be careful of little girls and even adults who would, from out of nowhere, tie a homely-looking bracelet around your wrist. You might think it’s sweet, but when they begin to crowd around you and charge you a ridiculous amount like 15 Euros, you would wish you reprimanded them before they even got close.
If you’re quite the photographer, always keep your camera, be it a digital camera or a DSLR, close to your body. Better yet, invest in an anti-theft camera strap; they look like the usual camera strap but one part of the strap is made of braided steel. There are affordable camera straps online, but you might also want to check out Carrefour or Monoprix in Paris.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Museum of Lost and Found
Lost a sock, a hat, or your luggage on your way to Paris? Not to worry, if you can't find it where you left it, it has probably found its way to the Museum of Lost and Found and is now sitting there, waiting for you to retrieve it.
Paris is overrun with museums but none of which may be as unusual as the Museum of Lost and Found located in 36, rue des Morillons. The museum is very small; in fact, it is no bigger than the size of a one-bedroom apartment but it houses some of Paris' most unusual and most interesting finds. The museum is maintained by the Lost and Found Department which is a division of the Paris Police and although the museum is basically a large lost and found counter, tourists do swing by from time to time to take a look at the new interesting lost treasures found by the Paris Police.
Visits were discouraged in the past but today, the Paris Police has opened the museum to the public and entrance is free for French citizens below the age of 21. A small fee may apply for tourists who want to see the museum or you may retrieve a museum pass and use that, as well. The museum if open from Mondays till Thursdays starting at 8:30 AM till 5:00 PM, but closes early on Fridays, at 4:30 PM.
Some of the museum's oddest and still unclaimed "pieces" include a wedding dress, wooden peg leg, funerary urn, a helmet, some skulls, and a presumably dead lobster. The museums racks up unusual items every week so make sure to drop by and see what they have up for exhibit. Who knows, they might have something you've lost in the subway, too.
Musée du Service des Objets Trouvés
36, rue des Morillons,
15 arrondissement
Paris, France
Mondays thru Thursdays at 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closes at 4:30 PM on Friday
Paris is overrun with museums but none of which may be as unusual as the Museum of Lost and Found located in 36, rue des Morillons. The museum is very small; in fact, it is no bigger than the size of a one-bedroom apartment but it houses some of Paris' most unusual and most interesting finds. The museum is maintained by the Lost and Found Department which is a division of the Paris Police and although the museum is basically a large lost and found counter, tourists do swing by from time to time to take a look at the new interesting lost treasures found by the Paris Police.
Visits were discouraged in the past but today, the Paris Police has opened the museum to the public and entrance is free for French citizens below the age of 21. A small fee may apply for tourists who want to see the museum or you may retrieve a museum pass and use that, as well. The museum if open from Mondays till Thursdays starting at 8:30 AM till 5:00 PM, but closes early on Fridays, at 4:30 PM.Some of the museum's oddest and still unclaimed "pieces" include a wedding dress, wooden peg leg, funerary urn, a helmet, some skulls, and a presumably dead lobster. The museums racks up unusual items every week so make sure to drop by and see what they have up for exhibit. Who knows, they might have something you've lost in the subway, too.
Musée du Service des Objets Trouvés
36, rue des Morillons,
15 arrondissement
Paris, France
Mondays thru Thursdays at 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closes at 4:30 PM on Friday
Monday, April 9, 2012
Mime Schools in Paris
Educational tours are very common in Paris and families who are visiting the city especially during summer vacations and winter breaks are often encouraged to enroll their children in an educational program to make their time in Paris more exciting. There are several tours geared towards children; but some schools, most especially mime and drama schools, hold special short courses geared towards adults who want to study the art of mimodrama.
The mimes which we are more familiar with are often funny looking characters wearing black and white striped suits and their faces painted pale white, but the mimes often found in Paris' top mime schools are actually very different from how they are portrayed in pop culture. Real mimes are not limited to wearing funny clothing and contrary to pop culture, are not limited to street performances.
The life of a mime is actually very fun and exciting, and in Paris, you can find them in stage theaters, as well as in carnivals and museum events. Like most occupations, if you want to become a mime, you must undergo half a year to almost a year of intensive training in a mime school where you where learn playing in stage plays, theaters, and in musical performances. You must also learn the two popular types of mime techniques, namely the Marceau Technique and the Decroux Technique.
There are several mime colleges located in the heart of Paris that are open to foreigners, tourists and foreign exchange students all year round. If you plan to learn the art of miming, these schools are where to learn them:
Ecole Internationale de Mimodrame de Paris Marcel Marceau
17, Rue René Boulanger
75010 PARIS
One of Paris' most popular schools, the Marcel Marceau Paris International School of Mimodrama as it is called in English, teaches both methods of theatrical mime. The school opened in 1978 and has since gained tremendous amounts of support from foreign mimodrama schools.
Looking for an apartment nearby? Try Opéra Victoire I - B5 -- the perfect abode for a family of 5.
Ecole Internationale de Mime Corporel Dramatique
10 ter, rue Bisson
F - 75020 Paris
The Ecole Internationale de Mime Corporel Dramatique offers summer workshops for two weeks starting on the 2nd of July until the 14th. If you are coming at the later end of the year, you may participate in a stage event for beginners and advanced students.
Hippocampe Corporeal Mime
2, Passage de la Fonderie
75011 Paris
The Hippocampe school offers year-long instruction in mime and also caters to students 18 years and old and above, with or without prior theater experience. Workshops are also held during the months of June and July: the first workshop is on the 25th of June till the 6th of July and the second workshop is scheduled on the 9th of July till the 13th.
Looking for a place nearby? Try the Marais - Temple Penthouse which accommodates up to 8 residents.
The life of a mime is actually very fun and exciting, and in Paris, you can find them in stage theaters, as well as in carnivals and museum events. Like most occupations, if you want to become a mime, you must undergo half a year to almost a year of intensive training in a mime school where you where learn playing in stage plays, theaters, and in musical performances. You must also learn the two popular types of mime techniques, namely the Marceau Technique and the Decroux Technique.
There are several mime colleges located in the heart of Paris that are open to foreigners, tourists and foreign exchange students all year round. If you plan to learn the art of miming, these schools are where to learn them:
Ecole Internationale de Mimodrame de Paris Marcel Marceau
17, Rue René Boulanger
75010 PARIS
One of Paris' most popular schools, the Marcel Marceau Paris International School of Mimodrama as it is called in English, teaches both methods of theatrical mime. The school opened in 1978 and has since gained tremendous amounts of support from foreign mimodrama schools.
Looking for an apartment nearby? Try Opéra Victoire I - B5 -- the perfect abode for a family of 5.
Ecole Internationale de Mime Corporel Dramatique
10 ter, rue Bisson
F - 75020 Paris
The Ecole Internationale de Mime Corporel Dramatique offers summer workshops for two weeks starting on the 2nd of July until the 14th. If you are coming at the later end of the year, you may participate in a stage event for beginners and advanced students.
Hippocampe Corporeal Mime
2, Passage de la Fonderie
75011 Paris
The Hippocampe school offers year-long instruction in mime and also caters to students 18 years and old and above, with or without prior theater experience. Workshops are also held during the months of June and July: the first workshop is on the 25th of June till the 6th of July and the second workshop is scheduled on the 9th of July till the 13th.
Looking for a place nearby? Try the Marais - Temple Penthouse which accommodates up to 8 residents.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Where to Buy Unusual Souvenir Pieces for Friends Back Home
It has become quite a habit to bring home souvenirs to our friends and family waiting for our return back home. Giving away souvenir gifts to friends is also a special way of sharing one's experiences in Paris although they were not there in person.
Many tourists make the mistake of going to malls and shopping stores to buy souvenirs without realizing that what you find in a French mall could be ordered online or bought wherever you are in the world. If you want your gifts to stand out this year, here are four places to visit:
Muji is a small shop in Les Halles that sells unique gifts and souvenir pieces. If you want a truly French gift to take home, Muji is where you can buy a wooden toy kit of the Parisian skyline.This wooden piece is the perfect wall decal for you, or your friends' rooms, back home.
If you want something unique and historical, it would be best to hit museums. There are hundreds, even thousands, of museums in Paris alone and each establishment has its own souvenir shop. Make it a part of your tour plan to drop by the popular ones and buy a cheap souvenir.
If you want gifts that are odd and cheap, the best place to find them would be at the Puces St. Ouen in Porte de Clignancourt. You can find old medical tools here, vintage items, and even taxidermy pieces. Most of the merchandise sold in this part of town is cheap but you could still ask for a discount from the merchants.
Finally, there are certain streets in Paris that sell unusual paintings and sketches; perhaps the most common of these areas would be around the Marais, Notre Dame, and Canal St. Martin. You could get an oil painting of yourself or a friend here and perhaps buy little office pieces like Gargoyle-shaped erasers.
Many tourists make the mistake of going to malls and shopping stores to buy souvenirs without realizing that what you find in a French mall could be ordered online or bought wherever you are in the world. If you want your gifts to stand out this year, here are four places to visit:
Muji is a small shop in Les Halles that sells unique gifts and souvenir pieces. If you want a truly French gift to take home, Muji is where you can buy a wooden toy kit of the Parisian skyline.This wooden piece is the perfect wall decal for you, or your friends' rooms, back home.If you want something unique and historical, it would be best to hit museums. There are hundreds, even thousands, of museums in Paris alone and each establishment has its own souvenir shop. Make it a part of your tour plan to drop by the popular ones and buy a cheap souvenir.
Finally, there are certain streets in Paris that sell unusual paintings and sketches; perhaps the most common of these areas would be around the Marais, Notre Dame, and Canal St. Martin. You could get an oil painting of yourself or a friend here and perhaps buy little office pieces like Gargoyle-shaped erasers.
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