Archive for October, 2020

October 31, 2020

Paris and the seasons!!!

Well Paris is always Paris, and  I can never be tired of writing about it, even if now I am a bit away in the Morbihan of Bretagne! I was last due to the wuhan virus last Nov/Dec 2019 and drove all over as was there for a month on a job assignment just by Roissy en France (CDG airport). This is a combine post with updated text only. The Black and White series!!!!

I was there again with the wonderful Parisien feel. Not too shaby for a boy of Versailles, and now Breton lol! I have been driving in the city for several years now, and can tell you that if you learned to drive in NJ/New York City, (like me!) Paris is a piece of cake!

One of my favorites areas is Auteuil, yes the old village annexed to Paris in 1860 by Baron Haussmann grand project that we see today by orders of Napoleon III.   This is still a village life, full of close quarters; stores, bars, restaurants and the local feel of a small town inside a bigger one. Auteuil will be always be that. Then went to classy 7éme arrondissement, that is the Tour Eiffel for a spin around it. I walked Suffren up and down, went to Fédération, and then pl Joffre standing on the other side of the Ecole Militaire.  The speed and traffic lights radars are increasing so be be careful on the road too, big fines awaits you. On top of having to pay more for parking in Paris, where are we heading? Due to more restrictions for the automobile without a well design plan to avoid congestions; it’s a mess really!

Some webpages I never leave home without looking are infotraffic and zagaz: Here they are:

Infotrafic: https://www.infotrafic.com/home

Zagaz: https://zagaz.com/

The time is beginning to be cold and more rainy, as if the cold winter is just around the corner, its also the Holiday season with Halloween, then Christmas and New Year’s . And I just became romantic of all those wonderful movies we/I saw about Paris!

How about the wonderful movies about Paris! Let me start with the one just facing Ile Saint-Louis on the quai de la Tournelle, the movie with Goldie Hawn. Everybody says I love you or in French Tout le monde dit I love you. Again, it was Woody Allen who let us know more about the bouquinistes of the rive gauche or left bank in Minuit à Paris or Midnite in Paris. A  bit higher you have quai de Montebello, where we had Jeanne Moreau give us a performance in Jules et Jim, and Audrey Hepburn  walk with Cary Cooper in Charade as well as Julie Delpy in the interior of the bookstore Shakespeare and Co for the movie Before Sunset.

You have again by Notre Dame the Quasimodo de Paris, or Paris burn. you visited the interior of the  Palais de Justice, in L’Ivresse du pouvoir or the power of drunk (sp?) , and the location of Quai des Orfévres ,and then 36. At the point of the island, the square du Vert Galant, gave us the loves of  La Désenchantée ,the dischentament, and Les Amants du Pont Neuf or the lover of the pont neuf. In fact ,it was in an apartment of the île Saint-Louis that the very British mannequin found in Les Poupées russes and Actrices.

Moving to the bridges at the pont Alexandre III  you saw Angel-A , then le Baiser mortel du dragon, as well as  Pars vite et reviens tard or leave early and come back late. The pont des Arts gave us Boudu sauvé des eaux ,and Vanessa Paradis jumps into the water at the passerelle Debilly in La Fille sur le Pont or the Girl on the bridge. On the pont de Bir-Hakeim, we saw the greatest and my blog title(Paris1972) Maria Schneider and Marlon Brando in Dernier Tango à Paris or the the Last tango in Paris. We have in the pont de Grenelle , the movie Dans Paris,and Inception.

In the Quartier Latin , we have La Traversée de Paris, and on Rue Daubenton Bourvil and Louis de Funés  at the hamman of the Grande Mosquée de Paris in the Grande Vadrouille. By Place du Panthéon, we have Corniaud, and as well the Lycée Henri IV where Sophie Marceau give us Boum. Moving along to the Opéra area we have Au Bonheur des dames at the place de l’opéra and Un Long Dimanche de fiançailles.  As well the maps given to Arséne Lupin wih Romain Duris.

By the St Germain des Prés area we had , J’ai vu tuer Ben Barka or I saw killing of ben barka. The great Simone Signoret in Le Temps de l’Innocence as well as Woody Allen in What’s next pussycat. Also,  Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob. In the Grands Boulevards area we have, Chansons d’Amour, and by the blvd Bonne-Nouvelle we see the theater du Gymnase where Coluche triumphs . At the other end the pl de la République we see Romain Duris again in Le Péril  Jeune.  By the Champs elysées we have Le Roi des Champs Elysées and Remontons les Champs Elysées as well as Taxi 2, Les Chevaliers du ciel, and the Le Gendarme à New York. At the end we see Zazie dans le métro, and Seuls Two. By the  place de l’Etoile, its the Arc de Triomphe that rises in Drole de frimousse of Audrey Hepburn and the loves of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in one of my all time favorites Casablanca. You have by the Louvre in Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou in the search for Da Vinci Code. Then its on to Bande à part, and Belphégor. Under the colonnade of the Palais Royal we have Charade. On the jewels of the Place Vendome or Le Cercle rouge. The galerie dorée of the banque de France shows in Marie-Antoinette, Vatel, and Tous les matins du monde.

Of course these are just some of the many hundreds that have made Paris, the most beautiful city in the world!!!

Now for the Christmas shopping, coming up these are tops and still available:  La Librairie des enfants.Children books . 89, rue de Levis (17éme).  Francis Kurkdjian-Saint Honoré,exclusive perfums of the best . 5, rue d’Alger 2éme). Maison Sarah Lavoine.  tendance mode from the wife of French singer Marc Lavoine; 49, rue Saint-Roch (Iéme).  And to have something from my region now while in Paris see Henri Le Roux caramélier et chocolatier.  butter caramels candy salted made in Quiberon (see entry on my blog) 1, rue Bourbon-le-Château, (6éme). Sœurs. this is brand clothing for women/girls. Here you have the Violette, one of daughter of Inès de la Fressange, manequin model of the brand . 88, rue Bonaparte (6éme). And, Boutique de l’Opéra Garnier for princesses facing n°8, rue Halévy (2éme).

And some if not all Paris Christmas market and children’s playgrounds. Ready for this year! Of course verify before in case of virus constraints. Amongst the lighting the most beautiful me think are those by the Champs-Elysées, Montmartre, bd Saint Germain, rue de Richelieu , Place Vendôme ; Forum des Halles, et Tour Eiffel.

Marché Paris Champs Elysées until January 2, 170 chalets. Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 8éme. 

Village du Père Noël de Saint-Germain-des-Prés  until Jan 2nd ,25 chalets along boulevard Saint Germain. Boulevard Saint Germain, 6éme.

Village de Noël de Montparnasse Dec 5-30th ,40 chalets, at the foot of the Tour Montparnasse,and inside the shopping center. 15 éme

Marché de Noël de Notre Dame  from Dec 11-27th art and gastronomy of France. Notre Dame, Square Viviani / quai de Montebello, 4éme. More on this year special spot:  https://www.marche-de-noel-paris-notre-dame.fr/index.php?lang=fr

Marché Noël at Auteuil, Fondation d’Auteuil from Dec 14-18  with local products of food wines, and decoration items as well as concerts 40, rue Jean de La Fontaine, 16éme.

The Marché de Noêl Alsatian at the Gare de l’Est. The famous Alsatian Christmas Market will once again take over the pavement of Gare de l’Est from December 2 to 18, 2020. For a little over two weeks, producers and artisans will be on hand to show us typical Alsatian culinary treasures! What if we went there to find good products and discover new flavors thanks to the many tastings planned!

Marché de Noêl BHV . The BHV Christmas market is becoming a must-see for end-of-year walks! Authentic snow-covered wooden cabins take place all along the rue de Rivoli. Craftsmen from all over France offer the most beautiful Christmas decorations, unique gifts but also delicious treats. And inside the department store, Santa Claus sets up his studio at the BHV Marais Observatory and invites young and old children to immortalize this unique encounter. Mid-November to mid-December

Marché de Noêl in the parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville: Located in the heart of Paris, the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville houses wooden chalets surrounded by a pine forest. Local artisans present their know-how and their products. The older ones feast on waffles and mulled wine while the younger ones take turns on the large carousel with wooden horses, climb aboard a small train and even set off… to meet Santa Claus! mid dec to early jan.

The Marché de Noêl at Champ de Mars Christmas village: With its 60 artisanal chalets, it offers a magical moment under the magical setting of the great iron lady. Many activities are offered to the youngest: tastings of specialties, board sports and a beautiful ice rink of 300 m² (skate rental 6 € / glove compulsory). December to January

 The Marché de Noêl at Montmartre- Abbesses: Perhaps less famous, the Montmartre Christmas market is certainly not the least picturesque. Fifteen small wooden chalets are spread over the streets surrounding the Butte, in a warm and festive atmosphere. Handicrafts, local products and many gift ideas are on offer. The youngest can meet Santa Claus there and even give them their letter. From late November to early January,

 The Marché de Noêl under the Canopée des Halles takes place from mid November to end. A total of 30 exhibitors await you in the Chatelet-les-Halles district to share with you the magic of the holidays in Paris.

The Marché de la Défense  until 27th December. 350 chalets, on the parvis,for many years the biggest in the area. all kinds of items for Noel Christmas including foods and toys  Parvis de la Défense, Puteaux (92).

The Marché de Noêl à Beaubourg about 50 châlets around centre Georges Pompidou carrousel, children’s activities, and white Christmas tree showcasing French products.

Here is the city of Paris entertainment site in English on Christmas marketshttps://www.sortiraparis.com/arts-culture/walks/guides/34166-christmas-markets-2020-in-paris/lang/en

Again the city of Paris on lightings during the Christmas season 2020 in English: https://www.sortiraparis.com/arts-culture/walks/guides/99607-christmas-lights-2020-in-paris/lang/en

And again, the city of Paris on window shopping during Christmas in Paris 2020 in English: https://www.sortiraparis.com/interests/shopping-fashion/guides/57271-christmas-windows-2020-in-paris/lang/en

There you go folks always a magical moment, France does it well and Paris is sublime out of this world. Hope you are planning and if circumstances cannot make it enjoy it on youtube or video delay basis, worth the time. Hope you enjoy the post as I did writing it.

And remember,happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

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October 31, 2020

Paris: musée Grévin!

This small museum doesn’t get much attention, but if you are into museum you should look into them. They are in great areas, easily accessible, and great history in each. In my times here, I have taken the time to walk, and see many museums, and I like to bring your attention to these gems that in my opinion should get more coverage. As in latest post, this is an article with no pictures just book black and white style. I guess is my new area of entertainment but I rather like the architecture and history stories of these marvels. Enjoy the Grévin wax museum and Paris!

The musée Grévin, or popularly the wax museum is at 10 blvd Montmartre, 9éme arrondissement reach by metro Grands Boulevards lines 8, and 9. It has been renovated and has about 300 wax figures inside,from Charles de Gaulle,Céline Dion, to Michael Jackson etc. The great Hall of mirrors created for the Universal Expo of 1900 is great, a display sequence of the history of France, and a great children’s corner. This museum is going on since 1882, its magical inside especially if with young adults.

The musée Grévin museum is a private wax museum property of Grévin & Cie, and inaugurated on June 5, 1882, a subsidiary of the Compagnie des Alpes since its privatisation and located in the 9éme arrondissement of Paris. The Grévin theater (performance hall) and the Palais des Mirages (attraction using the principle of optical illusion) are also part of the museum visit. The Hall of the Cupola and the Hall of the Columns have very beautiful decorations in the Baroque style dating from 1882.

A bit of history I like

Until the 17C, it was common after the death of a royal figure to exhibit a representation of his face in wax. From this century, this work developed and became a court art in its own right. Thus, the wax funeral mask of King Louis XIV of France by Antoine Benoist is famous. He even made the wax cabinet fashionable, by creating an exhibition presenting all of Queen Marie-Thérèse’s immediate entourage.

A century later, around 1770, the Bernois Curtius was invited to Paris by the Prince de Conti, who authorized him to present at the Palais-Royal the exhibition: “the royal family at the Grand Couvert at Versailles”. A young girl whom he considers being his niece and who is none other than Marie Tussaud helps him. During the French revolution, the latter molds the dead faces of Marat, Robespierre and the royal couple. After the death of her uncle and master, she moved in 1795 to London, where in 1835 she established the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum.

In 1881, Arthur Meyer, then director of the daily Le Gaulois, wanted his readers to be able to “put a face” on the personalities mentioned in his newspaper. At that time, photography had not yet become the norm in the press. Meyer then decides to reconnect with a principle that is more than a century old and turns to the sculptor, caricaturist and theater costume designer Alfred Grévin ; who had produced caricatures for his newspaper and asked him to create the sculptures of the personalities that make the news. On June 5, 1882, the Grévin museum opened its doors and success was immediate.

The public walks through the following themed rooms: The large marble staircase; The Palace of Mirages; Red carpet ; Grévin Theater; Magic Box; Literary café; Elysée gastronomy; History; Imaginary; Sportsmen; Music; The Voice; The dome ; Detroit; The Columns Room and the Boutique.

The official musée Grévinhttps://www.grevin-paris.com/

The Paris tourist office on the Grévin museumhttps://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71063/Grevin-Paris

So now you see my black and white version lol! This is like writing a book, and I am looking forward to that in my next life… Hope you enjoy the Grévin wax museum of Paris!

And remember, happy travels, good health,and many cheers to all!!!

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October 31, 2020

Paris:musée du Luxembourg !

This small museum doesn’t get much attention, but if you are into museum you should look into them. They are in great areas, easily accessible, and great history in each. In my times here, I have taken the time to walk, and see many museums, and I like to bring your attention to these gems that in my opinion should get more coverage. As in latest post, this is an article with no pictures just book black and white style. I guess is my new area of entertainment but I rather like the architecture and history stories of these marvels. Enjoy the Luxembourg museum and Paris!

The musée du Luxembourg you get there on Metro St Sulpice line 4 or RER B exit/sortie jardin du luxembourg.  It was the first museum in France open to the public in 1750 and in 1818 became the first museum to contemporary arts in Europe. Today is under the administration of the national museums of the Grand Palais. 

The musée du Luxembourg museum is an art exhibition space installed in a wing built perpendicular to the orangerie of the Luxembourg Palace by 19 rue de Vaugirard, in the 6éme arrondissement of Paris. Its current vocation is to periodically present thematic and original artistic exhibitions favoring three programming axes, in connection with the history of the place: the Renaissance in Europe, Art and power, and the Palace, the Garden and the Museum.of: Luxembourg in the heart of Paris, capital of the arts.

A bit of history I like

Luxembourg was the first neighborhood or quartier of Paris to have a public painting gallery, almost fifty years before the creation of the Louvre museum. Opened on October 14, 1750, on the very site of the Marie de Medici gallery, in the east wing of the Luxembourg Palace, the Royal Painting Gallery of the Luxembourg Palace had very early attracted foreign visitors, both for its wealth than by the diversity of the collections.

It was the Count of Provence, the future king Louis XVIII, who closed the gallery in 1780: in 1760 he had started to store his archives in the Luxembourg Palace, which he received as a supplement to his appanage in 1778. The administration crown took back the paintings as well as the set of paintings by Rubens, and deposited them in the Louvre in 1790, where the creation of a large museum had long been considered ,which finally happened in 1793 as the Central Museum of Paris.

There is a decision to create a Luxembourg museum in 1801, at the request of the praetors of the Senate and at the instigation of Joseph-Marie Vien, a prominent senator and painter. It then competes with the special museum of the French School, in Versailles, which also exhibits the masterpieces of national genius: many paintings are transferred from Versailles to Luxembourg (all did it from Versailles!), which precipitates its disappearance, which occurred in 1810. The museum then began its expansion into the palace, by annexing three rooms in the west wing, following the Rubens gallery, on the rue de Vaugirard side. Until around 1820, they hosted Views of the Ports of France by Joseph Vernet, then other canvases by Rubens and Lesueur. Following the restitution of works from the seizures of the Napoleonic wars, a large part of the canvases constituting the Musée du Luxembourg were transferred to the Louvre to fill in the gaps left by these restitutions.

King, Louis XVIII, wanting that the museum which was in the room of the Peers become again important and alive, decided in 1818 that in the same place would be arranged a museum of the living French artists. On April 24, 1818 opened, in the galleries of the Luxembourg Palace, the museum of living artists, with 74 canvases by living artists and 17 old artists, which were withdrawn in 1821. There were then exhibited, among others, works by David, Gros, Girodet, Ingres and Delacroix. They therefore reflect the official taste of the time, giving pride of place to history painting, portraits and classical landscapes, according to a well-established hierarchy of genres. This is how several sculptures now exhibited in the garden entered Luxembourg, including The Greek Actor or The Dancing Faun.

The victory of the Republicans in the elections of 1879 made it possible to change the choice of works presented at the museum. It was to create a museum of contemporary arts in the Orangerie Férou, built perpendicular to the  Orangerie, in 1839 and then temporarily assigned to the museum to house the sculptures, the new wing was inaugurated on April 1, 1886. Since 1861, the Musée du Luxembourg   opened up to foreign schools and this section finally became large enough to constitute an independent museum installed at the Jeu de Paume museum in 1922 and renamed “Museum of Foreign Schools” in 1932. The Caillebotte bequest allows the impressionists to enter the Luxembourg museum in force. At the same time, the State also began to acquire works by more modern artists. .In 1909, the collection of Alfred Chauchard was offered, rich in a formidable set of paintings from the Barbizon school, including the famous Angelus de Millet. In 1911, Isaac de Camondo made a bequest comprising four of Monet’s Cathedrals of Rouen. In 1937, the Luxembourg Museum was replaced by the Palace of Modern Art Museums, located in the Palais de Tokyo built for the International Exhibition, which only partially opened in 1942, then fully in 1947. It hosted from 1976 in 1978 the Salon of Young Painting. In 1979, the museum was reopened to focus on the art of the French regions.

From 2000, the management of the museum was taken over by the Senate of France, which turned towards the presentation of more ambitious artistic exhibitions, in particular of ancient art by forging links with Italian institutions and also wishing that the exhibitions of modern art are curate by museum curators or internationally renowned art historians. In 2010, the Senate delegated the management of the museum to the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais with the mission of organizing exhibitions there, favoring three programming axes linked to the history of the place, such as the Renaissance in Europe, Art and power and“ the Palace, the Garden and the Museum: Luxembourg in the heart of Paris, capital of the arts.

The official musée du Luxembourghttps://museeduluxembourg.fr/fr

The Paris tourist office on the musée du Luxembourghttps://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71452/Musee-du-Luxembourg

The boutique of museums on the shop of the Luxembourg museum: https://www.boutiquesdemusees.fr/en/shop/museum/musee-du-luxembourg/

So now you see my black and white version lol! This is like writing a book, and I am looking forward to that in my next life… Hope you enjoy the Luxembourg museum of Paris!

And remember, happy travels, good health,and many cheers to all!!!

Tags: , ,
October 30, 2020

My Restaurant hunts in Paris, revisit!!

Paris, the name along means good times, good food, and great company, it can ,also entails ideas of romance pourquoi pas n’est pas….! I have written on some of these properties before with photos,  but this is an update of an older post that I like to update now and hopefully you find it helpful when visiting again Paris! 

I have several places that no matter the number and choices in Paris always seems to salivate towards them. Its a habit pershaps of the many choices available once try so many eventually you will settle for a few good ones of your opinion and taste. These I like to share with the readers of my blog it could be the start of the same trend, and become yours for years to come as they have been of mine. Hope you enjoy them and the reading about them. They wont be in any particular order of preference just memory as names come up. I will note those that i as a family have fond memories of yet by now they are closed. Hopefully not to many in the future with the current virus pandemia going on!

Au Trappiste, 4 rue Saint Denis, 75004. open from 11h to 02h Monday thru Sunday and from 11h to 04h on Fridays and Saturdays. metro Chatelet line 4,11. Here you are in Belgium with the monks; lots of good beer, simple good portions of food, moules or mussels and fries,and grill sausages. The first or ground floor is more noisy ,the second floor more calm and better views!of Chatelet. Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/autrappisteparis/

Café L’ Imperiale, 240 rue Rivoli, 75001. open from lunch and dinner long hours. Metro Concorde or Tuileries lines 1,8,12.  This was and is my stop for a quick meal, coffee or a drink with a magnificent location across fromt the jardin des tuileries. I used to work nearby so for an after lunch coffee or an after work quiet happy hour with business folks it is great. Quick meal on your way to the Louvre: Webpage: http://limperialrivoli.com/

La Gare, 19 Chaussée de la Muette, 75016; open from 11h to 02h everyday.  Metro La muette line 9. It used to be the train station La Muette for this village of Paris annexed in 1860. Very nice area, my all time favorite, come here often with the family and take my good visiting friends and family over and over. You have formules specials for lunch, a Brunch on Sundays for 33€ all you can eat; and the service is grand. Highly recommended, the webpage: http://www.lagare-paris.com/

Septiéme Vin , 68 bis Avenue Bosquet, 75007 open mondays to Fridays from 12h to 15h and 19h to 23h, Saturdays and Sundays from 19h to 23h.  metro Ecole Militaire line 8. A grand friendly and wonderful ambiance with great food. The entire staff is superb. I had many meetings here of the culinary kind and all great, highly recommended. Lunch formule is good but I prefer the evenings and great beef and good selection of wines. webpage : https://www.restaurant7emevin.fr/

Café de la Paix, 5 place de l’Opéra, 75009 open from 12h to 15h and from 18h to 23h30 all week. Metro Opéra line 3,7,8.  An institution in Paris for over 150 years since 1862 as part of the Le Grand Intercontinental Hotel, cant get any classier than this.In a prime Paris location with style;if you want to experience the branche chic glamour of Paris this is one of its top places.The first televised broadcast from France to the USA was done here in 1948 by Maurice Chevalier, Yves Montand ,and Henri Salvador. The service, the food and every detail is magnificent, come and splurge you will spend your best money ever. Webpage: https://www.cafedelapaix.fr/en/

Cuba Compagnie Café, 48 bd Beaumarchais, 75012 near Bastille, open everyday from 7h to 02h.  metro Chemin Vert line 8 or Bastille line 1,8. Another location near Clichy but this one is much better. Cuba in Paris with great mojitos to boot; happy hours from 16h to 20h, and live music on fridays and saturdays from 20h to 02h. assortiments of tapas at 18€ or the brunch at same price is excellent value and a great introduction to Cuban cuisine. Webpage: https://www.cubacompagnie.com/

Agua Limon, was at 12 rue Theophile Roussel, 75012 . The best Valencian in Paris, the food of Valencia paella per excellence and Horchata drink. It was a great ambiance and welcome by the owner ,natives of Valencia,Spain. However, this resto is close and the owners have opened another one not visited yet due to the virus, the new is Le Petit Calamar 243 Rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine, their Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/lepetitcalamartapas/

Au Métro, 18 bd Pasteur, 75015, Open from 7h until there is nobody in the place ! even Sundays during world cup plays. Metro Pasteur lines 6,12. The cradle of rugby in Paris, if you like beers,and good fun, great ambiance, friendly people and can see a match of rugby than comes here you wont be disappointed. Always something happening. Lots of finger food, sandwiches, and salads, plus plenty to drink . Great for a start of your evening here and then go for more substantial restaurant or a very late night snack ! Cannot confirm if still open but it will be dommage this was/is a great place in Paris. They do have a Facebook page back to nov19 here: https://www.facebook.com/AU-METRO-418319114921433/?rf=1483859501873992

Hacienda del Sol, 157 bd Montparnasse, 75006; open from mondays to saturdays from 19h to 23h, at lunch only with advance request reservation, min 10 persons. Metro Vavin line 4. A real Mexican chef and family run, you will feel like at home. Menus decouverte or discovery menus with substantial food or great chimichangas and Bohemia beers. However resto and Douglas Rodriguez closed down both restos in Paris this one and Anahuacally. Here just for the memories and the Mexican connection.

Chez Clement, 17 bd Capucines, 75008.Open every day continuous service from lunch to dinner. Metro Opera lines 3,7,8. One institution in traditional French cuisine that has not disappointed for many many years and on several location including the one in Nantes.  Great family restaurant ,nice friendly service, and quiet ambiance, a chain now closed all restos in Paris. I heard some of the employees continue to open individual restos like this one at Porte Maillot but cannot confirm, their site: http://chez-clement-porte-maillot.zenchef.com/

Paris chez clement daytime closed feb14

Bistro Romain, 122 ave Champs-Elysées,75008  open  11h30 to 15h and 19h to 23h weekdays and Saturdays. Metro George V line 1 near Lido.  A nice cozy Italian chain that wont break your bank and allows for a nice family meal. This is the location of my first date with what was my dear late wife Martine, so its an annual pilgrimage for us too. It was not expensive ::) Unfortunately , after been taken over by Le Groupe FLO ,they were closed. Here just for the memories of old always good to remember!

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Aux Amis du Beaujolais, 28 rue d’Artois,75008. (Closed since  early 2010) Metro George V line 1 or Saint Philippe du Roule line 9. An eternal from the Picolet family since 1921, great food done fresh everyday according to the season, and the region of Beaujolais. The owner have winery in the region so the one is from the house and straight from the vinyards. Of course, in season try the Boeuf Bourguignon ho ho ho!! This was a find and even brought friends from US visiting Paris here unfortunately the son could continue the business after the parents passed away and the restaurant closed in early 2010. Again, here just for the memories of older days.

Casa del Campo, 39 bd du Temple, 75003. open mondays to wednesdays from 11h to 00h, Thursdays to Saturdays from 11h to 02h. Metro République lines 3,11,9,8. A real Spanish tapas resto with flamenco live music from Thursdays on in the evenings. I like the fact that can eat Spanish and listen to some good flamenco music with guitarist Baptiste while in Paris. Great tapas platters and you can mix as you wish. Beer and wines of Spain too. Happy hours from 17h to 20h Mondays to Fridays.  They have still branches in Cour Saint Emilion Paris, Rouen ,and Bordeaux. Here, again, just for the memories and the good cheers with the Franco-Espagnole community of Paris including the current mayor!!! https://www.casadelcampo.fr/contact.php

Joe Allen, 30 rue Pierre Lescot,75001. Open  Sundays to Wednesdays from midday to 00h30 ,and Thursdays to Saturdays from midday to 01h. Metro Chatelet lines 11,4. The New York address in Paris and a great place to meet with me and other Franco-Americans in Paris. Try the steaks and pork ribs to kill for,with great wines from USA, and a great raspberry cheesecake. Another resto cannot confirm if open due to the virus, but it has a Facebook page but no link to the webpage; here then just for the memories of the eternal Paris: https://www.facebook.com/joeallenparis/

La Cantine du Faubourg, 105 Faubourg Saint Honoré,75008. Open every day from 11h to 04h, Saturday and Sundays from 19h to 04h. Metro Saint-Philippe du Roule line 9, Miromesnil lines 9,13, Franklin D Roosevelt lines 1,9. The chic models par excellence location, very high end ambiance with the latest trend, a place to look and be look, to say you have arrive in Paris. Models of the great houses frequented and some even start working at the tables. The food and drinks are sublime tender roastbeef and caviar, with champagne. A place to go in romantic or your better half or impress your boss..which is how I find out about the resto but the otherway around the boss invited the Finance team here first, and then well we came with the family. Unfortunately another that bit the dust and closed, I hear now there is a similar name in Dubai! but cannot confirm the same owners. Therefore, here for the memories of good old Paris!

Footsie’s ,10-12 ,rue Daunou, 75002 open from  12h to 16h then 18h to 02h. metro Opera line 3,7,8 . Walking distance from the Opéra Garnier. The concept is you have four screen plasma TV and its setup like a stock exchange, so the prices on the drinks change according to the demand. It is up to you to choose the cheapest base on less consumption or the tops of the demand and pay more. Played the numbers games and have lots of fun . One of my most hangouts after work, happy hour, and business meeting! love it and unfortunately it is closed. Another memorable spot in my Paris.

La Perla, 26 rue François Miron, 75004. Open from Mondays to Sundays from 12h to 02h Tel +33 01 42 77 59 40. metro hotel de ville line 1,11. behind the Hôtel de Ville de Paris. Tequila I found you in Paris, great bar, and fast texmex food, huge selection of cocktails and beers. A great chic crowd after work, and a fantastic place to start or end your day in Paris. They have other properties in UK ,Australia, Holland, etc. A great after hours, happy hours or apéritif time in Paris. Webpage: http://www.cafepacifico-laperla.com/lppf.html

O’Sullivans Café Bar, 1 bd Montmartre ,75002, open Mondays to Thursdays from  11h to 05h, Fridays 11h to 07h, Saturdays midday to 07h ,and Sundays midday to 05h. Metro Grands Boulevards line 8,9. You can catch the latest football/soccer games here, popular with the expat community of Paris. Great drinks and ambiance.bumper burgers, finger food,and quick bites with plenty to drink. Several location in the Paris region but my favorite was this one. Webpage: https://www.osullivans-pubs.com/pub-irlandais/grands-boulevards/

Le Comptoir du Relais, 9 carrefour de l’Odéon, 75006.Open mondays to fridays from 12h to 23h. Metro Odéon line 10 or Marbillon line 10. a great location ,great food and great service cant ask for more. People passing spectacle in a nice area; relax after a long walk in Paris or come after work. Liévre a la royale is sublime ,one of my favorite dishes in France, this is hare=liévre. In the bottom of the excellent Relais Saint Germain hotel and the great chef Yves Candeborde. Webpage: https://www.hotel-paris-relais-saint-germain.com/restaurants/le-comptoir

There you go some still going strong ,others gone ,but the memories and the good cheers with friends and family continues. One good reason to have in eternity in my blog. Hope you can enjoy them as much as I do. Paris has an enormous amount of choices, and we all have our favorites for x reasons. At least you know some of mines, maybe one day we will be there same time!

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

October 30, 2020

Sightseeing in Paris, by land and water!

Another post update folks, too  many old post left in the vault. Now is the best time to bring them out and have them more visible. Hope you enjoy my black and white series….

Over time I have read some folks claiming to want to be in Paris with limited time, sometimes even in between correspondance at the airports. Even thus I do not agree this is the best way to see the city, sometimes time and money comes into play. So if you are in Paris or near and want to take a quick look at the city general overview to perhaps get into the feeling to see more in depth later (believe me you will ::)) than do these suggestions. FYI, I have written individually on some of these in my blog already. Hope it helps you enjoy my eternal Paris!

Bateaux Parisiens are an institution in Paris , my favorite ,my first taste ever with the Seine river back in 1972 (hint:blog title). It has been my favorite always. Day or night cruises, Lunch or Dinner, Enchanted cruises for children, romantic cruises for all. You get in at Port de la Bourdannais just off the Eiffel tower on the river Seine down the stairs to your right. Site in English: https://www.bateauxparisiens.com/en/the-company.html

The perennials on the block or how river cruising was started by the Bateaux Mouches ,lunch and dinner cruises, night and day cruises, you get on board at Port de la Conférence, Pont de l’Alma. Site in English: https://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/en

The old fashion way of navigating the rivers anywhere, the Canal Saint Martin experts Canauxrama, 2,5 hrs of cruise into parc de la Villette, full day cruise to guinguette country (french country music), and now the Seine river cruises. You get it at port de l’Arsenal at the bassin de la Villette, 13 quai de la Loire. Site in English:  https://www.canauxrama.com/en/

The ride on the bridges of Paris by the Vedettes du Pont Neuf, at the square du vert galant near pont neuf of course. Site in English: https://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/

Batobus is a noble concept of taxi on the river, you can get on and off all along its route per day. 9 stops on the Seine river to discover Paris. Take at port de la Bourdannais near Eiffel tower on the river go down to your left. Site in English: https://www.batobus.com/en/parcours

Paris Canal, is a newer concept to take you beyond the city into the river Marne, and Canal de l’Ourcq, as well as Canal St Denis, etc, you can on it at bassin de la Villette ,19 quai de la Loire, or quai Anatole France just next to musée d’Orsay boat ramp, or inside the parc de la Villette in front of the folies des visites du parc. Site in English: https://www.pariscanal.com/cruise-seine-canal/

Vedettes de Paris , take it at the port de Suffren, near Eiffel tower once go down on the river stairs to your left. Its a ride under the bridges of Paris on the Seine, very nice indeed. You have it for children, night, etc.  site in English: https://www.vedettesdeparis.fr/?lang=en

Cityrama was a world known brand of bus tours in cities, no exception in Paris . Now they have change name to Paris Tours.  Site here in English  :https://www.pariscityvision.com/

Euroscope, bus tours in minibuses with professional guides with pickup and return at your hotel,transfers to hotel/train/airport stations. At 46 rue de Provence, 75009. Site in English here  https://www.euroscope.fr/contact/

France Tourisme, visit Paris main monuments, diner cruise on the Seine, or Eiffel towers restos ,also booking for cabarets such as Lido and Moulin Rouge. One stop shopping. Also, tours all over France . Its at 6 rue Amiral de Coligny, 75001 or 33 quai des grands Augustins, 75006. Site in English here : https://www.francetourisme.fr/index_en.html

Paris Authentic, a special way to see Paris in a 2CV car Citroën with chauffeur or driver. Many wonderful surprising places to go. You will be pickup at your hotel or train station in Paris for the ride, enjoy it ,its unique! Site in English : https://www.parisauthentic.com/en/

Les Cars Rouges, tourist coach/bus  service  for visiting Paris in English or Spanish. The original tour in double decker buses.  They have change name to the Big Bus Paris. Site in English: https://www.bigbustours.com/fr/paris/bus-touristique-paris/

These have been over the years my favorites and even if some change names they are still reliable. Hope you enjoy the short visits or when the feet gives in ….Enjoy Paris!!

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

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October 30, 2020

Paris and getting around!!

So here I am again, trying to update much older posts since I started my blog in November 26 2010! And one of them is transports in Paris or how to get around. Let me do my best to update this information for all. Hope you enjoy it.

Many visitors and even folks outside of Paris ask for ways to move about in Paris and to come in. Many guides abound on this ,and I will try to give you my five cents worth stemming from personal experiences over the last 17 years.

First, most folks come thru CDG(Charles De Gaulle) airport which is known as the main Paris airport but is not in Paris but in Roissy-en-France town in the department 95 Val d’Oise , and Tremblay-en-France a town in the department 93 Seine Saint Denis. It is now in zone 5 and can cost over 10 euros minimum to come into Paris while in the city it cost less than 2 euros to move about. Versailles is in zone 4.  Several ways to come in into the city such as taxis, buses,  RER trains or reseau express regionale and roissybus etc. 

Some things never change for a long time and one of them is the line from the CDG airport at Terminal 2 between wings CD and EF follow signs for TGV/SNCF to the platform direction Paris, and take the RER B. There is one almost every 12 minutes, and the travel time is about 30 minutes to Châtelet les Halles inside Paris.  If you arrive in Terminal 1 you take the the automatic airport metro train CDGVAL to terminal 2, the buses or navettes are the line 1 stops at level or niveau 5 or you can walk from the automatic walking escalators. The return out can be done on the buses to level or niveau 5 at portes or doors A5 and B6 stops TGV/RER. From terminal 3 on foot to Roissypole about 250 meters. 

You can, also, take the Roissybus a bus service from all terminals to Rue Scribe/rue Aubers on the side of the Opéra Garnier, place de l’Opéra. Every 15 minutes or so and it takes about 50 minutes travel time. All is done between 5h45 and 23h each day.  The old Les Cars Air France,were given a bit of confusion as many folks believe you needed to come on Air France to use them, when in fact all could; therefore, now they are call the le Bus Direct (no longer running here for the memories). You still have line 1 to Place Charles De Gaulle or Arc de Triomphe on the side of 1 av Carnot or from Porte Maillot on the side of Blvd Gouvion-Saint-Cyr, now, also Trocadero, every 15 minutes from 5h45 to 23h. Line 2, to the Tour Eiffel,Place de l’Etoile, Porte Maillot. Line 3 to Orly airport connection, and line 4 to Montparnasse at rue du commandant Mouchotte or from gare de Lyon at bd Diderot, every 30 minutes from 7h to 21h30. 

If you arrive very late you can take the bus Noctilien, from midnite to 5h. You have five points in Paris at Chatelet, gare de Lyon,gare Montparnasse,gare de l’Est,gare du Nord , gare Saint Lazare and Orly airport. For updated info here: https://www.ratp.fr/en/getting-around-night/its-easy-get-around-night

You can take regular bus services No 351 from CDG to areas such as international bus terminal at Galliani or porte de Bagnoles, Vincennes or Montreuil for 2 euros to connect with the metro. Taxis stands are waiting outside terminals or main railroad station the best known are Taxi G7, and Alpha Taxis. My experiences in the region have been with G7 always good.

From Orly airport,situated on the town of Orly in department 94 Val de Marne, the transportation is from Orly Sud and Orly Ouest , take the OrlyVal until Antony then RER B to CDG or into Paris. You also have buses Le Bus Direct line 3, all every 30 minutes from 6h to 22h30 ,(weekends out is 7h). Between terminals Sud and Ouest you have free connections on OrlyVal, navette buses. By bus on Orlybus depart from Paris at place Denfert-Rochereau in front of entry to RER station, every 15-20 minutes, from 5h35 to 23h05 travel time about 30 minutes.

You can interconnect from CDG T1 and T2 airport to Orly Sud or Ouest  by taking the RER B from CDG T2 until Antony, then OrlyVal, frequency every 10 minutes from 6h to 23h or Le Bus Direct. I admit this is web information as not been thru Orly well believe since 2010. My second home is CDG.

You can also take the TGV fast trains from Terminal 2 at CDG to north, south and west lines as well as Thalys. I have connected even to Disneyland and Brussels Midi from here too.

There are many shuttle private companies operating to suit must tastes, mine have been serve well by yellow van on several occassions. However, not taken them since 2011 and now they are call the Paris Shuttle info here: https://www.parishuttle.com/

You can purchase several options of tickets according to your lenght of stay and needs, I will compare all before deciding on the ones to purchase as per personal choices/needs. The single ticket in Paris zone 1-2 is 1,90 Euros on machines and counters ,on the buses is 2 Euros. then you have the carnet of 10 tickets for 16.90 euros, usually enough for most people. The airport prices are apart and different, these are from CDG RER B to Paris 10.30 euros, the Roissybus is 13.70 euros, the Orlybus is 9.50 euros, the T7 is 1.90 to Orly, Bus 183 from porte de Choisy to Orly is 2 euros, and the OrlyVal is 9.30 euros. These have change a lot and could in the future especially next by Jan 1 2021.

You can buy a daily card call Mobilis for the whole day of travel on zones 1-2 Paris for 7.50 euros. You can buy for a whole week the Navigo Semaine for all Paris proper métro, RER, bus, Tramway and trains except the line Orlyval, all zones 22.80 euros ,the same for the month is 75.20 euros. There is a newer pass Navigo Easy to travel in metro, RER lines inside Paris, bus lines in the region of Ïle de France, OrlyBus , RoissyBus, tramways and the cable car of Montmartre to charge on the card according to section travel.

To Versailles zone 4 is 3.65 euros, and to Disneyland Paris is zone 5 RER A 8.40 euros. The touristic Paris Visite Pass never used it. You can buy for one day on zones 1-3 for 12 euros. Again, these are today’s prices they have change a lot over the years and bound to change again by Jan 1 2021.

To book trains, and I am a grand voyageur member is the old SNCF voyages now oui.SNCF webpage: https://en.oui.sncf/en/

To come to Versailles take the metro to pont-Sévres on line 9 in Paris and take the bus No 171 leaving you right in front of castle!  The RER C trains from Paris takes you to Versailles rive gauche château station as well as regular trains takes you from Saint Lazare to station rive droite (my old station) and  Montparnasse to station Chantiers. From the airports there is no direct line, you need to come to Paris then Versailles.

The bus lines are my favorite when not using the car in Paris. The lines are numbered from 20 to 199. To understand the number we go to a nice definition: The first number correspond to a quartier or neighborhood of Paris such as the lines Saint-Lazare/Opéra for the lines 20 to 29 , and Gare de l’Est for the lines 30 to 49.  The second number corresponds to the periphery neighborhoods ; for example  the west or ouest for the  3 ,and the southeast or sud-est for the 7. The lines 20 to 99 are the ones inside the city of Paris and the near periphery. The bus lines 100 to 199 are for the suburbs of Paris and some like the lines 102, 109, 111, 132 , and 169  entered a bit inside Paris.

The above list could not be all inclusive but gives you a general details of ways into and out of the city. If any doubts you can ask me and will gladly help out. As for me, I have been using public transports in Paris since 1990, all modes at all times and days; whether on business or personal. After a few years, I have become accustomed to do public transports on business trips still need to do in the area and on personal trips I use my car. Yes ,you can drive in Paris.... if used to do so in big cities of course if your experience is from smaller towns than Paris might seems overwhelming at first.

Hope it helps your travels in the region of Ïle de France, my old home region in my belle France. Travel is easy on normal days, nowdays are not normal so plan ahead and have alternative plans. Hope you have enjoy the post.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

October 29, 2020

Paris passes, needed?

This is one of earliest posts in my blog back in 2010, and its time for an update….They have become rather popular, don’t ask me why… I believe that if coming to see 3 monuments or more they are worth it. However,  i never see 3 monuments in a row so never use them. This is an informational post.

paris louvre musee from tuileries gardens mar13

Museums are wonderful exponents of life in Paris. It showcase the culture and way of life of its people and often of others interelations with France. It is one of the main attractions for visitors to Paris. First, there is the Paris Museum Pass

With the pass you can enter for free without waiting in line and as many times as you wish in more than 60 museums and monuments in the Paris region. You may have to go thru security lines on them but they go quickly and certainly more quicker than buying individual tickets for them.  The trick is to decide what museums to see and how many to see, this as in anything in travel needs planning ahead of time. It is a good idea to involved all members of a family in decision and the planning processus.

You have choices of 2, 4 or 6 days passes, with the prices correspondingly. You can purchase the pass at the museum and monuments included in the pass ; at the tourist office of the city of Paris, 25 rue des Pyramides   1éme, the tourist desks at the airports CDG ; Orly airport , and FNAC stores such as Champs-Elysées,Saint-Lazare, Ternes, and Forum Les Halles, as well at Disneyland Paris main entrance. Also, at Versailles at tourist office avenue de Paris.  Usually there are individual discounts for the under 18 and residents of the UE under 26 yrs old. There are free on the first Sunday of every month; see individual museum or monument for latest details

The Paris Museum Pass is a very practical tourist card that quickly pays for itself, allowing you to avoid queues and have unlimited access to more than 50 monuments and museums in Paris and its region. It should be remembered that only visits to the permanent collections are included with this pass. If you wish to access temporary exhibitions or guided tours, you will have to pay for the entrance separately.  Before you start using the Paris Museum Pass, you will need to write the date of the first visit on the back of the pass, along with your first and last name. I recommend that you make your first visit in the morning to make the most of the first day and get the most out of your pass. Please note that these are consecutive days. The Paris Museum Pass has another important advantage to take into account: this skip-the-line will save you from having to stand in lines , usually endless in Paris. 

The official Paris museum pass in English: https://www.parismuseumpass.fr/t-en

The Paris tourist office on the museum pass: https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/paris-pass/paris-museum-pass

The city of Paris has join several other cities to issue a Paris Pass card offering unlimited access to more than 50 tourist attractions and museums in Paris, while avoiding the queues. This pass will also allow you to travel stress-free thanks to unlimited access to public transport included in zones 1 to 3. This card is aimed at a very specific audience: if the purpose of your trip is to go shopping on the Champs-Elysées or to take your children to Disneyland, this pass will obviously not be profitable. On the other hand, if you want to explore Paris and discover every nook and cranny of the city, this card will help you save big. If you hesitate between buying this card or the Paris Museum Pass combined with the Paris Visite card for transport; it will depend on whether you plan to use the tourist bus, take the boat on the Seine or make a few additional visits (Opera, Wax Museum, Espace Dalí…).

The official Paris Pass Card in English: https://www.parispass.com/

The Paris tourist office on the Pass Card: https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/paris-pass

By purchasing the Paris Visite card, your trips will be made easier since it includes the Paris Visite pass. You can therefore take unlimited public transport in zones 1 to 3 of Paris.

The RATP Paris Visite card on transports here: https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs/paris-visite-travel-pass

Of course these are not all the museums or monuments of Paris, there are over 1000 of them, the passes is a city and regional tourist effort to regroup the best known generally speaking. At least hope it gives you some heads up for future visits to the city of lights!

And remember, happy travels, good health and many cheers to all!!!

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October 29, 2020

The districts of Versailles!!!

Oh well here I am again looking back at my previous posts and darn it cannot find anything on the districts/neighborhoods of my beloved Versailles!!! An oversight indeed! I wrote on the other cities but not on the one I lived! Well time to remedy that in my blog, for the memories of old! Versailles is it!!!

Well what else. I need to bring you up to speed on this historical ,Royal and magical town of France. Of course, my beloved Versailles. Usually, cities are divided into districts and then neighborhoods and they give you a feeling of an idea of where you are going. And you need to come to Versailles!

The districts/neighborhoods of Versailles are Bernard de Jussieu-Petits Bois-Picardie , Chantiers, Clagny-Glatigny, Montreuil, Notre-Dame , Porchefontaine, Saint-Louis, Satory, and Instance du château(the castle).

Let me give you the views on most from my views on living there in no particular order.

Notre-Dame (my district!): the most chic district, in the hyper-center, around the Place du Marché, the shopping streets and Notre-Dame Church, which extends roughly from the Lycée Hoche to the Château. At the avenue de l’Europe stop, before the Prefecture, all buses pass. Just a stone’s throw away, the essential Monoprix where toddlers and their mothers dress. The icing on the cake is located between Versailles Rive-Droite station and Boulevard de la Reine, it is the famous “Quartier des Prés”, highly prized for its strategic location.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Saint-Louis is a former military-traditional district with its ex-swarms of children in velvet breeches and worn yellow oilskins, Saint-Louis has changed well ,and attracts today many young families with a more contemporary look. In this 18Cdistrict, the oldest of Versailles, several emblematic streets like the rue Royale and its shops , which crosses the historic Carrés Saint-Louis, the pedestrianized rue de Satory, ideal for a lunch in the sun. far from the Potager du Roi and the delightful Parc Balbi, finally the rue du Vieux Versailles, which has become a mecca for children’s activities with all kinds of workshops, each more delicious than the next.

Versailles back of hotel de ville nov12

The Satory district in priori trusted by the families of gendarmes and soldiers, this somewhat out-of-the-way district now hosts an industrial center of excellence.

The Chantiers district undergoing major changes, this district where very little was happening is undergoing titanic works around the train station. It is reborn in the form of a modern district, inspired by Art Deco, where transport, housing, offices and shops coexist.

The Porchefontaine district is a former popular suburb of Versailles, today it is the area where young families with small children live and dream of a home. The nearby forest and its sports facilities ,including a beautiful, little-known equestrian club and tennis courts that are more accessible then Jardy are its assets. On the Rive-Gauche-Château RER C train line therefore serving the south of Paris.

The Montreuil district is a small village in the heart of Versailles, dominated by the Saint-Symphorien Church and its curious republican architecture. The rue de Montreuil conceals shops, each more charming than the next.

The Jussieu-Petits Bois-Picardie district is a quiet HLM (low income housing) district with large parks, ideally equipped for children, a stone’s throw from Montreuil train station.

The Clagny-Glatigny district is the most residential and green because right on the edge of the forests of Fausses-Reposes in Versailles and on the edge of the Haras de Jardy and Sans-Souci, in Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt. With buses A, H and G, close to the center and the Rive-Droite train station.

From a more touristic version

The Notre-Dame district (of course my old neighborhood) is the oldest district of Versailles. It was built by king Louis XIV to beautify the surroundings of the castle. King Louis XIV undertook to create this district north of the Castle, on virgin land, in order to beautify the surroundings. The inhabitants gradually settled in from 1671, building according to precise rules along streets surprisingly straight and wide for the time. The district still revolves around the original institutions: visit the Notre-Dame Church, which was the king’s parish. There is also the Montansier theater, opened in 1777, and the Place Hoche, originally Place Dauphine, the first octagonal square in France. A few steps away, installed in a charming 18C mansion, the Lambinet museum will immerse you in the atmosphere of a period mansion, unless you prefer to discover the collections on the history of the city of Versailles and the French revolution etc.

The Saint Louis district is made up of two historically distinct parts: Old Versailles and the Saint-Louis district itself. The Old Versailles, which corresponds to the location of the medieval village acquired by king Louis XIII, is the historic heart of the city. Stroll through the heart of this district: you will discover a large number of remarkable and particularly well-preserved monuments such as the Récollets convent, the Grand Commun built under king Louis XIV to house the court kitchens, the former Hôtel des Affaires Etrangères and the Mariners built under king Louis XV. The most emblematic site of Old Versailles is the Salle du Jeu de Paume, which was the scene of a major episode of the French revolution. You will admire the Saint-Louis Cathedral , a superb church which preserves a very fine collection of period paintings as well as the King’s garden or Potager du Roi, designed to supply the castle’s plethora of population. Moved on to the Carrés Saint-Louis, this collection of small houses built under king Louis XV to serve as shelter for a new market. There is a very friendly atmosphere there!

The Antiquaires or Antiquarians district a place steeped in history, near the castle, the Notre-Dame market and the Lambinet museum, is a privileged walk for all amateurs and professionals of antiquity. In the center of Versailles, 50 antique dealers welcome you. Whether you are a lover of beautiful objects, jewelry or silverware, antique or art deco furniture, old, modern or contemporary paintings; or collector of weapons, old books, engravings, earthenware and porcelain, old toys or archaeological remains; or simply occasional bargain hunter, here you will find something to satisfy your curiosity and meet your desires from the most reasonable to the craziest !

The Montbauron and Montreuil districts are located further upstream from the Avenue de Paris leading to the Château. The neighborhood of Montbauron is dominated by the Butte Montbauron and bounded by the avenues of Paris, Saint-Cloud and Europe, this district has everything of a small village which deploys its cobbled streets around a central square, Place Charost. It is in the middle of the city, on a height, that the four reservoirs of Montbauron were built in 1686 to collect water from the surrounding ponds. Of these four reservoirs, only two remain and only one is still assigned to supply the fountains of the castle.

The neighborhood of Montreuil has a village feel and was not attached to Versailles until 1787. It has therefore developed a little away and retains the charm of a village, gathered around the Saint-Symphorien Church, an early example of neoclassical architecture. It is in this district that, under king Louis XIV, the Italian musicians assigned to the chapel of the castle settled. Visit their home, which now houses the Union Compagnonnique museum. Its proximity to the Château also meant that Montreuil was chosen by some great ladies of the court in the 18C for the installation of beautiful mansions, such as the domaine of Madame Elisabeth, sister of Louis XVI, whose park you will appreciate!

From a more touristic point of view they are group into Notre Dame, Saint Louis, Antiquaires, and Montbauron-Montreuil. As above translated from Versailles tourist officehttps://www.versailles-tourisme.com/visiter-et-explorer-versailles/versailles-une-ville-a-decouvrir/visite-des-quartiers-historiques-de-versailles

From living there the neighborhood councils or conseils de quartiers of the city of Versailleshttps://www.versailles.fr/mairie/les-conseils-de-quartiers/

From the Maisons du quartier or neighborhood home of the city of Versailles: https://www.versailles.fr/maisonsdequartier/

And why not this is another city but just crossing the street and you are in Versailles, my boys high school was here so will tell you a bit on its districts too ok. Le Chesnay used to be called the town now is call Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt. A very nice place too even if not in the tourist trail.

The Plateau St Antoine district: A stone’s throw from the Rive Droite train station and adjoining Saint-Jean-Hulst stand up, majestic and opulent, the millstones of the Plateau, which make the peepers of any self-respecting local housewife shine; nonetheless, they are far from affordable for all budgets and sell out in the blink of an eye in a market that remains very confidential.

The Bas-Plateau district: if you have not managed to reach the coveted peaks of the Plateau St Antoine, you can nevertheless find what you are looking for in the northernmost district of Chesnay, in other words the Bas Plateau with pretty houses, sometimes terraced, often dating from the 1930s, nestled at the foot of Saint Antoine, offer a family setting and proximity to Blanche and Saint Jean.

The Parc Aubert district  is built around the pretty Aubert park, this predominantly residential area is close to Parly 2 mall and access to the A13 autoroute de Normandie; on the other hand, it will appear off-center to those looking for the proximity of Versailles train stations.

 The Parly 2 district is to all those looking for the cachet of the old, go your way! For everyone else, this huge condominium, which dates from the 1970s and is one of the largest in Europe, has real assets: functional apartments, greenery, a nearby shopping center, as well as easy access to the Domaine de Versailles.

The Old city/town hall district stretches from rue de Versailles to the brand new library: it has quite diverse habitats, ranging from residences on rue Caruel Saint Martin and rue de Versailles, animated by its small market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, in very quiet social housing and very close to the library, through the workers’ houses on rue de la Celle ;some in red brick are reminiscent of their English counterparts: do not think about you there however, everything is spruced up, raised, refurbished by families looking for houses and gardens in the immediate vicinity of Versailles and its stations.

The city of Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt on the heritage and history in French: http://www.lechesnay-rocquencourt.fr/D%c3%a9couvrir/256/

And as I am at it, why not the other nice town we like ,next to Versailles. To the East of Versailles, the small town of Viroflay cultivates its discretion, nestled between two forests of Meudon and Fausses-Reposes on either side of the D910, which connects the castle to the Pont de Sèvres in Paris. Among the best served in the Ile-de-France region, the town has three train stations such as lines L and N to Saint-Lazare and Montparnasse, RER C (rive gauche château), tramway T6, bus 171(to château) and so on. With excellent public and private schools, dynamic sports and cultural associations and a covered market, this charming little family village is mainly made up of houses built at the start of the 20C, many of which are millstone. The shops are divided into three points: near the market by avenue du Général Leclerc, and around the train stations of Viroflay Rive Gauche and Chaville-Vélizy. When you’ve tasted it, you don’t want to leave!

The city of Viroflay on its heritage and history in French: https://www.ville-viroflay.fr/decouvrir-viroflay/histoire-et-patrimoine.html

And now I feel better, you have a full picture of my old home, and glorious places. Hope you can come and see it again or first time, you will be back. It is a must my beloved Versailles.Hope you enjoy the post.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

October 29, 2020

The other churches of Versailles!

Well read all about it, no photos !!I feel bad to do this post but feel the information is useful for many including me. And yes, this is Versailles! where I lived for almost 10 years! I have written about my area Church ND and the Cathedral, and couple other churches like Ste Elizabeth and St Symphorien  with photos, and not these ones.

Therefore, need to change that and will post for information only and maybe one day as a visitor can finally take a picture lol!

The Church of Jeanne d’Arc built between 1923-1926,in the quartier or neighborhood of Clagny-Glatigny, 17 rue Albert Joly, Built initially in wood, it responds to the wish made by Mgr Gibier, Bishop of Versailles on August 31, 1914. He would have promised to build a church in honor of Joan of Arc if the city survived the German offensives.

On May 16, 1920, Joan of Arc was canonized in Rome. In Versailles, Canon Subtil, in charge of the fulfillment of the vow and pastor of the new parish, instituted the tradition of a preparatory novena, so that “the city does not forget the vow made to the Saint”. In 1930 the Mutin / Cavaillé Coll organ, donated by a parishioner for the temporary wooden chapel, was installed in the gallery. In 2007, the parish acquired the organ from Studio 103 from Radio France. It was inaugurated in September 2008. The walls covered with stone arabesques contrast with the large fresco in the apse. In 1934, the oil painting on mounted canvas covering the entire apse and representing four scenes from the life of Saint Joan of Arc was placed at the back of the choir; it is signed Henriette Lebon-Delore, a pupil of Maurice Denis. It has four scenes: on the left, Jeanne, keeping her sheep near Domrémy, hears the voices of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Marguerite. In the center, the coronation of Charles VII in Reims. On the right, his martyrdom in Rouen. And above, Joan is welcomed into Heaven by her holy protectors. The three large glass roofs with geometric figures are by Maurice Rocher. Their surface is insufficient to provide the required clarity. When the double front door is not open, Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc Church remains a rather dark church.

The official webpage: http://jeannedarc-versailles.com/

The Church Sainte Bernadette des Petit Bois built 1930 in the quartier or neighborhood of Jussieu-Petits-Bois-Picardie at 7 rue Saint Nicolas. The first stone of what was then a chapel was laid on February 21, 1937. The presbytery was not built until 1963. This church became a parish on September 30, 1959. The main facade of triangular shape was pierced in its center by a bell tower pierced with rectangular bays. A triangular porch surmounted by a tympanum surmounted by a cross precedes the entrance. A front porch flanks the first porch.

The official webpage: http://sainte.bernadette.free.fr/

The Saint Mark’s Church ,and English Anglican speaking church in Versailles going back to 1814 at rue Peintre Lebrun, where there was a hospital caring for British soldiers, the church was built in the same spot in 1912.

St. Mark’s Church, dedicated to St. Mark the Evangelist, It is attached to the Anglican Diocese of Gibraltar. It is believed that the origin of the Anglican Church at Versailles dates back to the purchase of a piece of land in 1710 by the then British Ambassador at the court of Louis XIV. However, there is no document attesting to this hypothesis. The first documentary trace that we know of dates back to 1814 and concerns the funeral of a British soldier who died in the hospital, just before the Battle of Waterloo.

Between 1825 and 1859 the church rented the reformed church on rue Hoche. In 1860, the construction of a new building for St Mark’s Church, made of wood and iron, which is apparently the old iron church destroyed in the fire of 1911, was inaugurated. The tiny church was rebuilt in 1912 on the same site, and reopened on November 21. It still exists, now occupied by the Protestant Church of the Nazarene, webpage : https://www.chapelleversailles.org/

In 1985, a large plot of land was purchased, along with an old house, at 31 rue du Pont Colbert on the outskirts of Versailles in the Porchefontaine district; the old church was sold to the Protestant Church of the Nazarene (see above). A large room of worship for 250 faithful was inaugurated on May 13, 2012. The old room of worship, now on the ground floor, will be used for group activities, such as catechism. The main entrance is at 31 rue de Pont Colbert.

The official webpage: http://www.stmarksversailles.org/

The Church Saint Michel, 18 rue des Celestins, in the district of Porchefontaine, began as a chapel in 1908 to become a church in 1926. It is name Saint Michel because consecrated church on the saints day. Many musical concerts happened here all the time.

The facade of the main entrance is slanted and consists of a gable wall. The portal is slightly raised, accessible by a staircase. A clock surmounts the front door. The bell tower, pierced with bay windows, is at the crossroads of the entrance body and the nave. The sidewalls are supported by buttresses, and pierced with arched windows. Originally, a first chapel was built and inaugurated in 1908, and this is the front part in millstone. It became a parish in 1928. The church was enlarged in 1937 ,it is the part corresponding to the central nave.

The official webpage: https://paroisse-saintmichel-versailles.fr/histoire-de-la-paroisse/

To celebrate the Roman liturgy you come to the Chapelle Notre Dame des Armees, at 10 impasse des Gendarmes, born out of the spirit to serve the soldiers in 1852 ,built in 1877 ,when the military no longer use it, the city took over, then fideles Catholiques took over and administered since 1988 under the Roman rituals of 1962.

An association of prayers spiritually supports this soldier’s home. Pope Leo XIII, canonically erected an archconfraterny in 1875. Notre-Dame des Armées, which then had several thousand members throughout France. Neo-Gothic in style, it is located at number 10 Impasse des Gendarmes, near avenue de Paris and next to the Hôtel de Ville of Versailles; previously served by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint-Pierre, it is today priests of the diocese of Versailles who perform the offices there according to the extraordinary form of the Roman rite, aided in this by the canonical association of Saint John Bosco.

On September 8, 1914, an apparition took place in this chapel to Marcelle Lanchon, 23, child of Mary who would become a nun, under the name of Sister Marie-France. It is an apparition of the Virgin, of Saint Teresa, of Saint Michael and of the Lord. The message concerns the love of the Virgin Mary for France, the invitation to pray for France and the Lord’s desire to reign over France. The Lord asks to see the image of his Sacred Heart reproduced on flags. Miss Marcelle Lanchon, a nun who had received the name of Sister Marie-France, born December 31, 1891 in Rouen, died October 20, 1933 in Les Chesnay (today Les Chesnay-Rocquecourt) in her community at 6 avenue de Bellevue. She would have witnessed Marian apparitions and the Sacred Heart in the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Armées and was a member of the Pious Union of Adorers of the Heart of Jesus. No canonical investigation by the bishop of the diocese has yet been opened, and the Catholic Church has not recognized these apparitions. She rests in the Notre-Dame cemetery; at 15 rue des missionionnaires in Versailles.

The Official webpage: https://notredamedesarmees.com/

At 3 rue Hoche you will find the Protestant Temple, it was a site to celebrate the feast of the king , and finally in 1821 the English Protestant  community took over ,after many works including one that took them to do their rituals inside the castle by the cour des marbres, the temple is now recognised as cultural association according to the 1906 law of separation of state and church. About 1250 protestant families belong to the Temple today. The parish is a member of the United Protestant Church of France.

On May 24, 1821, under king Louis XVIII, the government authorized the establishment in Versailles of a Protestant church of the Anglican faith. It was established in 1926 at 3 rue Dauphine, since then renamed rue Hoche, in a former Catholic chapel. The chapel then dates from 1769, built under king Louis XIV on the site of the mansions of Marcillac, La Rochefoucauld and Conti to serve as a resting place during the Corpus Christi procession, which led from the Church Notre-Dame de Versailles to the Royal Chapel of the castle. Desecrated during the French revolution, the chapel was used as a meeting room and then as a temple for the Theo philanthropists.   In February 9, 1828, under king Charles X, the government authorized French Protestants, of the Reformed and Lutheran faiths to celebrate their worship in the Anglican Church. From that time on, the temple was therefore a united Protestant church, bringing together in a spirit of openness and tolerance several denominations in the same temple. The current temple was built from 1880 to 1882, according to a sober and classic plan of Protestant architecture of the time, with an open Bible on the pediment.

The official webpage: https://www.eglise-protestante-unie.fr/versailles-p71718/histoire/histoire-de-l-eglise-protestante-reformee-a-versailles-42

Ok ok, there are a lot more, this is a very traditional city, royal town of France! So here are a few more listed!

Chapelle de l’Ermitage, 1 Rue de l’Ermitage
Chapelle du Couvent des Sœurs servantes du Sacré Cœur,109 Avenue de Paris
Chapelle du Lycée Notre-Dame du Grandchamp,(chapel in a historic high school),97 Rue Royale
Chapelle du lycée Sainte-Geneviève (chapel in a historic high school),2 rue de l’Ecole-des-Postes
Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Espérance, 37 rue du Maréchal Joffre
Chapelle Saint-François de Sales,9 Rue de l’École des Postes
Chapelle Saint-Joseph de Glatigny,29 Boulevard de Glatigny
Chapelle Saint-Maurice de la caserne Satory (Fesch), (military chapel)De la Martinière (Satory)
Église adventiste (Adventist Church), 22 rue des Réservoirs
Eglise du Couvent des Récollets, 9 rue des Récollets
Église Évangélique de Pentecôte(evangelical Pentecost) ,15 bis rue du Parc de Clagny
Église Évangélique du Nazareen, 15 rue du Peintre Lebrun
Mosquée de Versailles, 31 rue Jean Mermoz
Synagogue,10 Rue Albert Joly

Well I hope you will come to see the history of Versailles in its churches next time. And do take pictures!! I promise will do when this virus is over eventually. Stay safe!

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

October 28, 2020

My best restaurants in Versailles!!!

Well since I am with the resto bug, might as well continue. Versailles was my town where I lived for 10 years, and it’s time to update this list now that I come back just to visit from Brittany. The original post was done in 2011!!! Looking back, I realized was not into going out so much as cooking in house but then again there are a few.

By now, I have done Restaurant lists in some of the mayor areas I have been so see France, Brittany, Madrid, Mexico etc in my blog. The France post I did some times for eating habits here ,but for the rest I just tell you about the names of my favorite local restos,bars, cafes, etc.

Le Boeuf à la Mode, 4 Rue au Pain, 78000, ,this is the sublime cozy romantic, French traditional restaurant of old I like to seek and keep. It was our favorite while there. Very near Castle on the marche Notre Dame area tuck away in rue au pain ,but well known.  You wont go wrong here for an evening in Versailles.  webpage: http://www.leboeufalamode-versailles.com/

Relais de Poste, 2 Rue des Etats Généreaux. Well this one is a simple clasic old post relay place tuck by the direction of the Chantiers train station ; but close enough to the Rive Gauche train station too. If you want simple French food amongst locals then come here, its one of my favorites for lunch. Now new owner and name Le Paris Versailles is there, their webpage: http://www.leparisversailles.fr/

Broadway Cafe, 15 rue Ducis, by the marche Notre Dame around the old bays of the market the street goes around them. Tex-Mex well done and nice Coronas, great for lunch and inexpensive. No webpage

Sister’s Cafe, 15 rue des Réservoirs.An American in Versailles. hamburgers, big juicy like back in the old home all made to order, plus big salads another great lunch suggestions. Right by the street on the right side of chateau looking at it,cant missed it right past the théatre Montansier same sidewalk. More here:  https://www.sisterscafe78.fr/

Au Chien qui Fume, 72 rue de la paroisse, Tel  +33 01 39 53 14 56,
near church Notre Dame and marché Notre Dame. A great institution of the highest French culinary experience, great for dinner,you can’t go wrong here.  Here since 1839 serving delicious oyesters dishes. webpage  https://www.lechienquifume.com/

Angelina, Cour des Princes, pavillon d’Orléans, Chateau de Versailles.  Tel  +33 01 39 20 08 32.  It also has a coffee shop at the Maison du Suisses in the Petit Trianon building inside chateau properties. Refine as the Paris legendary store, a must for pastries and hot chocolates for me! Our break from walks and jogging in the gardens by the Petit Trianon! More here:  http://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/facilities/angelina-petit-trianon

La Flotille, Parc du Chateau, by the Grand Canal inside Chateau property.  Another classic in the Chateau de Versailles with great views over the Grand Canal in the terrace in summers. Great menus from 26€ but try the monkfish dish delicious . webpage  https://laflottille.fr/en/

Taverne de Maitre Kanter, 5 Rue Colbert. Later it became the Pavillon Colbert by 2019 , and now closed.  Tuck away right to your left coming out of chateau, little street, cozy with great views over the parvis ,and splendind Alsacien cuisine, I go for the Choucroutes Lol! Here just for the memories

Brasserie du Théatre, 15 rue des Réservoirs, Just next to you guess it, Théatre Montansier(marie antoinette love it), I love the food and be in history right in my city, cant go wrong for the ambiance and decor.  webpage: https://www.brasseriedutheatremontansier.fr/

Bistrot du Boucher, 12 rue André Chénier, in the marché Notre Dame area as well. It’s a chain but great, traditional old fashion French cuisine and great cuts of beef par excellence. webpage here :  https://www.bistrotduboucher.fr/nos-restaurants-bdb/restaurant/28-versailles.html

Le Montbauron, 23 rue Jouvencel . This is the perfect place to have a nice simple dinner and a great evening of pool playing American and European styles. Great ambiance.  Best way to get here is come up chateau on ave de Paris straight past govt building on your left ave de l’Europe, continue 100 meters and the next street to your left is rue Jouvencel. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/Montbauron

Le Saint Claire, 2 Rue de Satory, right by castle on the Sceaux side to your right coming out of Chateau. Great terrace in summers looking at Chateau for wonderful views, service is continous. Live music. Traditional French cuisine, webpage:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/French-Restaurant/Le-Saint-Claire-149616765077704/

La Crêperie Royale, 5 Boulevard du Roi. If you want something light and very French try a Crêpe, great tasting with different combinations, and wont bulge your wallet. Walk to your left from Chateau, continue going around it and you will get to rue des Résérvoirs stay on this road that changes name to boulevard du Roi ,the crêperie is on your left hand side. Easy walk and see the city Lol!!! webpage:  http://www.creperieroyale.com/

Pizzeria César by Simone Zanoni , 8 avenue due Général de Gaulle. When you want to eat pizza but not from the chains, this is it, and live karaoke music too, great ambiance especially in the evening, and great for the budget menus from 14,50€ to 18€ in the evenings. From rive gauche train station RER cross the street and its on the Les Manéges building. webpage: https://www.facebook.com/pizzeriacesarbysimonezanoni

Subway , 35 rue du Maréchal Foch. Yes you got it its the American sandwich chain, all over Paris but has one in Versailles, when my rave for the old calls for this is the place to go ,close to me and my kids school. Very friendly fast service. So bring your simple big inexpensive appetite to this store. More here:  https://www.subway.com/fr-FR/FindAStore?zip=versailles

Pub O’ Paris, 15 rue Colbert. The place for sports and beer and have a great time very near the Chateau just to your left going out. This is the rugby and football/soccer place to be in the evenings, live music, and just great friendly time. Come and be merry; webpage  http://www.puboparis.com/index.php

Les Caves du Roi Soleil, 5 Passage Géole. An old institution of prison for reformers,now a bar/danse club, great ambiance and very quiet normal people great for all ages. you have different themes with especially the Tuesday evening champagne soirée. Just by the marché Notre Dame north area to your left. Something to let you loose while in old Versailles ;more here:  https://les-caves-du-roi-soleil.business.site/

Planéte Food, 7 Rue du Général Leclerc,  simple kebabs Lebanese and Greek foods well done, clean, inexpensive delicious for the lunch taker or quick bite family. Many students come here including mine. Very near Castle, from train rive gauche turn right on second street turn right the resto is on your right hand side. From castle ,turn right take first at Sceaux left then on Satory turn right into Rue du Gen Leclerc turn left , resto on your left hand side. Now open for take outs.

Le Canard d’Or, 30 bis rue des Résérvoirs. The best Chinese resto in town, very near Castle just go around to your left coming out and take the last street as rue des résérvoirs turn right and the resto is on your right hand side about 200 meters.  webpage: http://lecanardor.fr/restaurant/

Not really a full restaurant per se, but as the only hotel that I can recommend because been there as a lodging tourist and visit as a resident and know it very well is the Hotel du Cheval Rouge , 18 Rue André Chenier off the Marché Notre Dame. You are in the middle of it all ,walking distance maybe 7 minutes to the chateau, it is an old horse stables of the king and now a hotel with breakfast and inner court private parking. webpage : http://www.chevalrougeversailles.fr/fr/

Well these are my favorites,over time living and visiting Versailles and its area. There are many more to explore! I was last there in November 2019. Hope you can enjoy them when stopping by my beloved Versailles.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!

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