Paris1972-Versailles2003

This is my latest from my belle France; And it is that time again to tell you my latest rants about some news from France. An eventful post in my blog that I have enjoyed together with you for the last 12+ years , And for those non Roman CCCXCI is 391 ! ,I have come back to new posts and continue the saga of this series with news of my belle France ! Of course chosen by me; there are many others. Hope you enjoy the post as I.

The sale of books of 10 cardboard metro tickets is ending… And then? This time it’s the right one. Disposable sesame will only be sold individually from September 21 2023. Users must therefore turn to rechargeable passes or their smartphone to benefit from an advantageous rate (1.69 euros).

Bordeaux and Lyon, these two large cities whose prices fall more than in Paris according to the Meilleurs Agents estimation platform, In Bordeaux, a real estate agent notes: “As soon as we exceed 500,000-600,000 euros, it has become very complicated to sell, the market is sluggish. We have noted a decline of around 10% in prices over the past year. The fall in apartment prices is spreading and intensifying in certain large cities. In Bordeaux, it has reached 8.6% (at 4,573 euros/m2) and 8.1% (4,979 euros/m2) in Lyon for a year, according to data recorded by the online estimation site Meilleurs Agents as of September 1st. This is almost twice as much as that recorded in Paris (-4.5%, at 9,944 euros/m2) over the last twelve months. In Paris: the 15éme pushes the capital below 10,000 euros per square meter, Since September 1, 2023, the average price per square meter has fallen below the symbolic bar of 10,000 euros in the largest district of Paris, in turn pushing the capital’s average below this threshold. All departments of Île-de-France, except Seine-et-Marne, are seeing property prices fall. And it’s not over.

The “Lumière sur Patrimoine” association, which works to defend heritage in Paris, filed a complaint for theft and concealment of theft at the Paris Center police station. The reason ? The association noted, on the site of a large auction house, the resale of two stained glass windows from Notre-Dame Cathedral. They had been missing for 161 years. Two stained glass windows, one with a diameter of 39.5 cm representing a ceroferous angel, the second 42.5 cm representing a thuriferous angel, had in fact been stolen in the middle of the 19C when the building was already in renovation course. The two medallions, whose design date seems to date back to the 13C, were then dismantled. It was only in June 2015 that these two glass pieces, formerly attached to the rose window of the north arm of the cathedral’s transept, resurfaced during an auction.!!

From September 8 to October 28, the French XV will face teams from around the world at home during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Nothing better than a comfortable place, with a big screen, a good beer,with a cocktail or soda, and fans with whom to celebrate victory (or acknowledge defeat…). We are watching all the matches !!! The French Flair is the bar par excellence for watching rugby matches! With its 2 giant screens and 3 televisions, you are not about to miss a test. A beer or a delicious cocktail, friends, a good atmosphere.. The French Flair 75 bis, boulevard de Clichy 9éme Open every day until 02h and 5h Friday and Saturday webpage: https://thefrenchflair.fr/ Also, Fitzroy is clearly one of the best spots to fully enjoy the matches in Paris. In its Beer Garden, the bar-restaurant invites all fervent supporters to vibrate to the rhythm of the matches broadcast throughout the competition on no less than 7 screens, including 1 giant screen. On the program: good beers and comfort food. Le Fitzroy 49, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine 11éme Monday to Friday from 17h and Saturday from 15h. webpage: https://www.fitzroy-paris.com/

You are invited to have your accessories blessed this Saturday in the Madeleine Church ,8éme arrondissement of Paris. Inside, a chapel was designated the capital of Christianity from the Rugby World Cup until the end of the 2024 Olympics. The blessing of Notre-Dame-des-Sportifs, a dedicated chapel, is organized within the church, a first in France.

The Westfield Forum des Halles shopping center will increase the number of sporting events. After the inauguration of the first official Paris 2024 store last November, this dynamic is gaining momentum with, on the program, demonstrations and meetings with athletes.All gear up for the 2024 Paris Olympics !

The Théâtre de la Ville reopens its doors this past Saturday, September 9, after seven years of work. The interior metamorphosis is complete. The armchairs, the giant screens, the air conditioning… and even the name. Everything changed ! Webpage : https://www.theatredelaville-paris.com/en

The future memorial to the victims of slavery will be erected in the Trocadéro gardens, The monument, which was originally to be installed in the Tuileries, will pay tribute to the four million slaves of the former French colonies and, more generally, to the victims of human trafficking and slavery. A symbol since it is the place where the Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 was signed. The physical monument should be erected by May 2025.

Parc Astérix: dated tickets required to avoid reliving the Halloween nightmare. The record crowds for the Halloween weekend in 2022 caused huge traffic jams and some spectators were even turned away at the entrance. This year, management has decided on drastic measures: visitors will be required to have a dated ticket for the days of October 28, 29, 30 and 31.2023, webpage : https://www.parcasterix.fr/en

As the facade of the Opéra Garnier is under construction for a long period of time, what could be better than adorning it with works of art? The artist JR therefore attached a large trompe-l’oeil cave, representing a large cavern, in reference to Plato’s allegory visible until September 25 2023 for renovation work which will last until the end of 2024. Palais Garnier, Place de l’Opéra, 9éme.

And how about those favorite libraries we like to go me especially for travel books and history/architecture, These are my favorite over the years in Paris, This is located in the heart of the Galerie Vivienne, this bookstore has held the top shelf since 1826. The windows are dark, the books are often dusty, the bindings are gilded and cracked, the shelves are heavy and the works are as surprising as they are moving. Also note: many books on our beautiful Paris. In short, a temple for the Parisian reader. Librairie Jousseaume, 45-47, Galerie Vivienne 2éme, Don’t go there to buy the latest trendy novel or simple paperbacks. This bookstore is rather a place for good deals, between old gems and great promotions on books mainly dedicated to art and photography. Librairie Mona Lisait 7, bd Bonne Nouvelle 2éme and 17 bis, rue Pavée 4éme, Here we find mainly works dedicated to the art and artists of the 20C. And as the bookstore is next to the Picasso, Beaubourg museums and other galleries, we can put into practice everything we learn in books to tell our stories. Librairie des Archives 83, rue Vieille-du-Temple 3éme, And you know, Ernest Hemingway was there. The writer talks about this bookstore in “Paris est une fête”,or A Mouvable Feast , a sign that it is more than just a bookstore; it is an institution for lovers of English literature, with its dense shelves of books stretching from floor to ceiling on wooden shelves. You have to at least set foot there once… Shakespeare & Company 37, rue de la Bûcherie 5éme, And can you tell a good bookstore by its age? If so, Galignani is in the running since she has been an “expert in literary matters since 1801” and in book sales since 1520! Here the books are of quality, they are also found in English and sometimes antiques. There is contemporary literature, old literature, but also exceptional art/design books. We recommend it for gifts, for decoration and above all to devour your eyes. And so many times to use up time while working next door for several years !!! Librairie Galignani, 224, rue de Rivoli 1ér

The friperie or thrift store is a bit like every fashionista’s Alibaba cave and Paris is full of them. More or less well stocked, expensive or sophisticated, it’s not always easy to make your choice among this jungle of second-hand stores. With an airy surface area of 320 m2 and well-sorted clothes, you can wander easily between the aisles without having to search too much. Each piece offered here is unique and refurbished. What’s new is that a Ukrainian painter has now set up shop in the new room of the store to offer you unique and unusual pieces, but also group painting workshops RETRO 20, rue de Turbigo 2éme From Monday to Saturday from 11h to 20h, Sunday from 14h to 19h No Web, This is THE vintage clothing store from the 20C. For more than 30 years, Le Coffre has been a true pillar of its neighborhood. There is an absolutely fantastic selection of vintage and second-hand clothing. Le Coffre also offers a line of new clothing with 80s inspirations, such as jumpsuits available in several colors, shirts with vintage prints, etc. Le Coffre 62, rue Rochechouart 9éme Open Monday to Saturday from 10h30 to 20h webpage: https://lecoffrevintage.fr/ This thrift store is located in the heart of the Marais, where everyone does their shopping. Avoid going there on weekends or in the evening and you will be able to do real business. We can say that it’s a bit like the star of thrift stores, because the choice is vast. Several Freepstar stores I know of 21 Rue de Rivoli 4éme and 37, rue du Temple 4éme Monday to Friday from 11h to 21h. And Saturday to Sunday from 12h to 21h. webpage: http://www.freepstar.com/ If go by the weight likee 3kg of jeans and 200g of t-shirt, please! Original concept for this vintage store where you weigh your clothes like market vegetables, Kiloshop offers very attractive prices. Located at 10 Boulevard Montmartre, 9éme webpage:https://www.kilo-shop.com/boutique/grands-boulevards/

How about islands to get away from Paris!!!All around the City to boot ! These are my favorite amongst several, The Île aux Cygnes 15éme, this small island lined with trees, 850 meters long and 11 meters wide. And one thing is certain, the calm and serenity will transport you far from Paris. After all, the replica Statue of Liberty is just a few meters away. The first island downstream from Paris, Ïle Saint-Germain(Hauts de Seine 92) The largest has been a green paradise since the beginning of the 20C. Today, it is formed by the grouping of two islets: Saint-Germain upstream and the island of Billancourt downstream on which you can still discover pretty opulent houses. That’s no less than 18 hectares of greenery, gardens and artists’ studios. And the most Arty and known perhaps is the ïle des Impressionites ( Chatou,Yvelines 78) People flock there to enjoy the taverns, away from Paris. Today, you can still wander through this bucolic atmosphere and try to draw a little inspiration from the painters who once worked there., The Ïle de Reuilly 12éme , located on Lake Daumesnil in the Bois de Vincennes, the island offers lush flora and a perfect feeling of escape. If you wander around a little, you will find gardens, the kiosk or even the cave. The Île de Belvédère 19éme, It is one of the wonders of Paris. Located on the lake in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, this little haven of peace and calm is the ideal place to relax in the shade to read a book or in the sun to tan without fear of being observed! As for the entrances, it’s up to you to choose between access to the west via the stone bridge or to the south via the small suspended wooden footbridge, The Île de Puteaux (Hauts de Seine 92) , As soon as the sun comes out, you head to the island of Puteaux to enjoy the parks and especially the outdoor pool of the Palais des Sports and its sandy beaches. More comfortable than in Saint-Tropez. And everything is planned to make you feel good: jacuzzis, giant games, deckchairs and beach bar. Enjoy them all !!!

And Paris does it again with some of my favorites cuisines ! Head to Mexico with Qué Gusto, the festival that takes you on a journey without leaving Paris. See you from October 14 to 22 2023 to have a good raid on burros filled with salsa. Qué Gusto, a festival dedicated to Mexican gastronomy, is taking place in several Parisian restaurants to thrill your taste buds. The opportunity to devour quesadillas, burritos, tacos… And much more! The festival introduces you to the inventive, friendly, surprising and colorful culture of Mexico, all with top chefs like Michelin-starred chef David Gallienne, sponsor of the 2023 edition. The little extra? This year, you will discover all the specificities of the state of Hidalgo, located north of Mexico, with its tortillas, its chili con carne and its chilaquiles to die for, Official webpage : https://festivalquegusto.com/

And the Cubans are coming out ! Looking for the cheesiest and crustiest sandwich in Paris? You can go to El Lechón, (the pig or porc) a Cuban sandwich counter opened in February, 2023 in the heart of Pigalle which will delight you with its original and, above all, very generous recipes. A stone’s throw from Pigalle station, rue Pierre-Fontaine, El Lechón offers delicious, super cheesy Cuban sandwiches and sides of all kinds that will make you love it. Although the name of the Cuban sandwich seems to honor its origins, it is nevertheless in Miami that it is most popular! Hyper popular product of Florida street food, its origin dates back to the 19C. It would have been imported to American shores, and more specifically to Key West and Tampa, by Cuban emigrant workers, before becoming a staple of the entire region and the east coast. Ham, cheese, suckling pig (in the original recipe), mustard and pickles. On paper, nothing really revolutionary, but what makes it popular is above all its super soft bread, with a very thin crust, and toasted for a very warm and crispy result. El Lechón 17, rue Pierre Fontaine 9éme Open every day from 12h to 15h and from 19h to 23h. webpage : https://www.el-lechonparis.com/

And get ready for Oktoberfest in Paris ! A true player on the Parisian scene, BAPBAP  took on the crazy challenge of transforming its artisanal microbrewery into a real Biergarten, on the occasion of Oktoberfest. On the program, two days of celebration where the brewing magic happens, at the foot of the vats and barrels, sheltered by a metal structure from the beginning of the 20C in an industrial setting… and much more. Other artisanal brewers made in Paris will also be there: Brasserie Fauve, whose brewpub on Rue de Charonne fills the Bastille district with delicious, colorfully designed beers; and  Les beers de Belleville, a young brewery established in the 20C, to brew an ultra-local beer full of character. BAPBAP is responsible for finding you a German-inspired food offering with onions, to eat between two pints. BAPBAP 79, rue Saint-Maur 11éme Open ready Friday September 29 2023 from 17h to 22h and Saturday September 30 2023 from 14h to 22h, Free admission, webpage : https://www.billetweb.fr/oktoberfest-by-bapbap

There you go folks, my latest round of my some news from France coming to you freely by the road warrior travel guy . Again, hope you enjoy this post as I,

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