Cahier de Paris English

Classy contemporary designer hotel in a unique location

Martin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:45:32 +0000

Montparnasse is a lively and charmingly Parisian district, vibrant, artistic and bohemian, and Rue de la Gaité is one of its cultural centers with legendary theaters and cabarets in the cute little street. In this same street, right across from Théâtre Montparnasse, stands Hotel le M, a stylish contemporary 4-star designer hotel. Other famous places such La Coupole and La Rotonde are virtually just around the corner, and there are plenty of lesser known but just as excellent cafés, restaurants and bars. The district’s landmark, Tour Montparnasse, is only a couple of minutes away, and so are the Galeries Lafayette department store, boutiques, shops, the TGV train station and anything you need.

The M in “Hotel le M” obviously stands for Montparnasse, but this way the name suggests a different, trendy, contemporary approach which also reflects in the design. From the outside not much is revealed, although the building does stand out with its unconventional shape. Entering the hotel a contemporary and elegant interior welcomes visitors: a high atrium with glass walls letting ample natural light in, a Daliesque reception desk and a comfortable and discrete lounge. There is also a nice cocktail bar and a small inner yard, as well as business facilities and meeting rooms.

The charming rooms, located on four levels served by two lifts, reflect the same contemporary design as the rest of the hotel. The rooms come in different sizes and shapes, but all are classy, comfortable and very unique. The rooms have some interesting features such as round windows, and some rooms have their own balcony. Needless to say, there are air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, direct telephone, mini-bar and all that. The atmosphere is ambient, the staff are friendly and attentive, the service is personal and exclusive. And it all comes at a very moderate price – especially so considering the location, the class and quality.

Hôtel Le M Paris ****
20 bis, rue de la Gaîté
75014 Paris – France

Official website: http://www.hotelmparis.com/

Espace Dalí

Martin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:48:20 +0000

Located in the charming and lively Montmartre district, not far from the Sacre Coeur and the famous square Place du Tertre, the museum Espace Dalí is dedicated to the work of Salvador Dali, the Catalan master of surrealism. The museum has the biggest collection of sculptures in France, as well as engravings, drawings and other artworks. The permanent exhibition consists of more than 300 original pieces.

Famous artworks in the Salvador Dali collection include the sculptures titled “Space Elephant” and “Alice in Wonderland” as well as drawings and sketches, most notably the works “Memories of Surrealism”, “Moses and monotheism” and “Don Quixote” The view of Paris from the gallery in also fantastic, making a visit to the museum even more worthwhile.

Apart from the permanent exhibition there are also regular temporary exhibitions. Current exhibition:

Signé Dalí – The Sabater Collection
10 February – 10 May 2012

Works that Salvador Dalí presented to his friend and secretary for over ten years, Enrique Sabater, exhibited for the very first time in France. The collection consists of over a hundred watercolors, oil paintings, drawings, sketches and photographs.

Espace Dalí
11 rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris

http://www.daliparis.com/

Luxury serviced designer apartments in Paris’ best districts

Martin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:28:55 +0000

A novel idea by Helzear, a group based in Paris which offers luxurious apartments in the best districts with a twist: there is a resident host on site helping visitors. There are also other services such as cleaning and laundry, everything is taken care of. Very much like an aparthotel, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds: the style and independence of Parisian home living and at the same time the convenience of having a serviced room and a hotels concierge. The décor of the elegant and refined apartments were created by famous interiour designers who blended modernity with tradition, luxury with comfort. The apartments are designed to provide a relaxing and entertaining setting.

Helzear received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2011. Their luxury high-class designer apartments are located in some of the most prestigious Paris districts: Quartier Montorgueil (Marais) and Faubourg Saint Honoré.

Apartments in the Montorgueil / Marais area:
Apartment Le Nôtre
Apartment Gabriel
Apartment Mansart

Apartments in the Faubourg Saint Honoré area:
Apartment Eiffel
Apartment Haussmann
Apartment Garnier
Apartment Brongniart
Apartment Guimard
Apartment Viollet le Duc

Website: http://www.helzear.com/

Helzear apartments are perfect for organisations to provide accommodation for their consultants, managers and customers.

Modern 3-star hotel at the Eiffel Tower with cheap rates

Martin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:48:41 +0000

Located only a couple of minutes from Champ de Mars, the park where the Eiffel Tower stands, the 3-star Europe Hotel Paris is extremely good value. It is in the Grenelle quarter of the 15th arrondissement, a pleasant residential and shopping district. It’s a less touristy area than the other side of the park in the 7th, but nevertheless it has its own character and charm and prices tend to be much more reasonable. It’s a great and authentic Parisian neighborhood, with excellent restaurants, cafés, bars, boutiques, gourmet shops, and even a little street market – the things that make a holiday in Paris so special. At the same time the location is perfect for business as well, with the Trade Center, Parc des Expositions, also nearby. And those who are after the real bohemian Paris nightlife don’t have to go too far either, with lively and vibrant Montparnasse, with its legendary cafés, cabarets, theaters and cinemas, only a few minutes ride on the metro.

The hotel is in a newer town house, with modern and comfortable rooms that are bigger than the Paris average, especially in historical buildings. Contemporary and modern, the rooms are discretly charming and elegant. Ranging from singles to triples, the air-conditioned rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs (satellite and cable), telephone, Wi-Fi, personal safe and a mini-bar. There is lift in the hotel and some rooms are suitable for disabled people. Also, it’s a family friendly hotel with a baby cot provided on request. The reception on the ground floor is open 24 hours, and there is also a spacious lounge with a bar, an internet kiosk, business corner and conference room.

Another important thing is the cost – and, despite the quality, service and location, Europe Hotel Paris is surprisingly reasonable, I would even consider it cheap with Paris standards. At the time of our visit a double/twin was just below 100 euro a night, a triple room below 150 euros – rates that you are charged in a 2-star hotel on the outskirts. Whether you visit Paris for tourism or business, as a solo traveler, family or with a group, Europe Hotel is an excellent choice at a great price.

Europe Hotel Paris ***

103, Boulevard de Grenelle
75015 Paris

Website: http://www.europehotelparis.com/

Cheap central Paris hotel in a quiet green setting

Martin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:49:27 +0000

Paris is a busy and lively city and the 11th district of the Right Bank is especially so. The Oberkampf and Bastille areas, popular with locals, offer an authentic Parisian feel – but, unlike the neighboring Marais quarter, without the hordes of tourists and without being ridiculously overpriced. Being close to sights, attraction and the vibrant nightlife is great, but when you choose a hotel a calm, quiet location is also important. The cute little Garden Hotel has it both: it’s close to the action and there is good access to all the sights, but at the same time its location is a green and tranquil haven in the center of the hustle and bustle of the capital. Located in a quiet street across from a beautiful park, the hotel offers an ideal setting to wind down and relax after a tiring day or a night out.

The 2-star Garden Hotel is a cheap budget place, yet, it’s very classy and stylish, with that charming Paris boutique hotel feel. It is in a classic Haussmann residence, with rooms ranging from singles through doubles and twins to triples and quads. The décor is simple but tasteful, the rooms are practical and contemporary. They are air-conditioned – not that common in budget hotels – and there is television, free Wi-Fi and phone, windows are double-glazed, the bathrooms are clean and modern. The rooms offer a view on a green park and some rooms have their private balcony – a perfect place to enjoy your breakfast in the morning, while listening to the birds sing.

The Garden Hotel is convenient either for young or older travelers, couples, individuals or families. Also a baby cot can be provided on request, it’s a family friendly place. A perfect base to discover Paris, to visit the monuments, museums and other sights, to sample excellent restaurants and cafés, to have a wonderful night out – everything is near, yet, you’re in a tranquil and peaceful setting. And, best of all, it is a very moderately priced hotel, value for money!

Garden Hôtel **

1, rue du Général Blaise
75011 Paris

Official website: http://www.garden-hotel-paris.com

Paris 2012 Winter Sales – Les Soldes

Martin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:50:45 +0000

It is now becoming a global phenomenon, that is the New Year starts with some crazy shopping. The winter sales are now on in Paris and across France, it started yesterday and will last for 5 weeks, ending on the 14th of February. The dates of the winter as well as the summer sales have been announced by the Directorate General of Consumption. Most shops, department stores and boutiques have the sales during this period, however, there are some exceptions – they are listed below.

Guadeloupe (January 7 to February 10, 2012)
Guyana (January 4 to February 7, 2012)
Landes (January 4 to February 7, 2012)
Meurthe-et-Moselle (from January 2 to February 5, 2012)
Meuse (from January 2 to February 5, 2012)
Moselle (from January 2 to February 5, 2012)
Pyrenees-Atlantiques (January 4 to February 7, 2012)
Reunion (September 1 to October 5, 2012)
Saint-Barthélemy (May 5 to June 8, 2012)
Saint-Martin (May 5 to June 8, 2012)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon (from January 18 to February 21, 2012)
Vosges (from January 2 to February 5, 2012)

The summer sales in 2012, apart from the exceptions, will start on the 27th of June and finish on the 31st of July.

Further info: http://www.economie.gouv.fr/soldes-dhiver-debutent-11-janvier-2012

A true gem with a view of the Arc de Triomphe

Martin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:40:08 +0000

Located on tree lined Avenue de Wagram, the 3-star Hotel Elysees Ceramic is in one of the most elegant districts of Paris. It’s a stylish and classy boutique hotel in a magnificent Art Nouveau building, with some of the rooms offering a view on the Arc de Triomphe. Despite the superb location and class the hotels very moderately priced. It’s a true hidden gem in the prestigious 8th district, in a tranquil and green neighborhood, only minutes from Champs-Elysées, rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré and the luxury stores, the beautiful Monceau Park and other Paris sights.

The hotels Art Nouveau façade, decorated with stone carvings and painted ceramic sculptures, is listed as a protected historical site. Its elegance and style stand out even in such an upmarket quarter. Step inside, and a refined lounge area offers a tranquil and warm setting: a blend of marble, antique furniture, wood and classic design. The reception is open 24 hours, providing services such as photocopying and fax, tickets and reservations, baby-sitting and car rental. You’ll always find international newspapers in the lounge, which is an ideal place to enjoy a quiet drink – and so is the inner floral patio, with green plants and trees.

There is a wide selection of rooms ranging from single to quad/triple, ideal for individuals, couples and families with children alike. The décor of the rooms is in the same Art Nouveau style, like the rest of the hotel, elegant and charming. The rooms, looking out either on Avenue de Wagram and the Arc de Triomphe or onto the green inner patio, are soundproofed to guarantee a good nights sleep. They are comfortable and equipped with all the modern luxuries one needs, such as LCD TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, mini-bar, direct-dial telephone, personal safe and alarm clock. With prices starting at around 100 euro for a twin or double room, Hotel Elysees Ceramic is excellent value indeed!

Hotel Elysées Céramic ***

Official website: http://www.ceramic-paris-hotel.com

34, avenue de Wagram
75008 Paris

Chinese New Year of the Dragon celebrations in Paris

Martin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:03:01 +0000

Paris is a diverse and colorful city, a pool of cultures from all over the world. Major events are celebrated by the different ethnic communities, and many of these events became part of the mainstream Parisian scene of attractions. With a sizable Chinese community you can be sure the Chinese New Year is celebrated in a spectacular way.

Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese traditional festival. According to the Chinese calendar, the date of the New Year’s Day 2012 is Monday, January 23, 2012. We say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and then begins the Year of the Dragon.

The Chinese New Year Parade 2012 will take place on Sunday, January 29, 2012. Events are organized by the Chinese community and town halls in Belleville, the 13th arrondissement and other districts of Paris. There are parades of dragon and lion dances, traditional folk dances, martial arts demonstration, demonstration of Traditional Chinese costumes and other activities. You can also enjoy the delicacy and richness of the traditional Chinese culture at the Shen Yun Show to be held in Paris and the provinces. The festival lasts for 15 days in China, with the Lantern Festival marking the end.

In Chinese tradition people also used to go watch all kinds of theaters and shows (Peking Opera, traditional dances etc..) during the Chinese New Year. These kinds of shows or theaters often tell true stories and traditional Chinese legends. Fortunately, today it is possible to do the same in France thanks to the 2012 world tour of the Shen Yun Show, which showcases the five millennia of Chinese civilization.

Information and images: http://nouvel-an-chinois.com/

Shen Yun Show: http://fr.shenyunperformingarts.org/

This is a golden opportunity to discover the true Chinese culture.

Learn a few Chinese phrases

All Chinese festivals in 2012

Chinese Calendar 2012

Send a greeting card to your friends Chinese

A unique designer hotel on the Paris boutique hotels scene

Martin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:30:11 +0000

In the lively Republique-Oberkampf area, a trendy up-and-coming quarter in the center of Paris near Marais, Bastille and Place des Vosges, a new designer hotel is to open its doors on the 15th of February 2012. According to its website and the images displayed, Hotel Angely will be a very unique contemporary Paris boutique hotel. We will make sure to check the hotel out in February and give you our first-hand opinion – keep tuned! And for now, here are a few inages from the hotels official website.

The striking designer hotel rooms come in different styles, labelled with suggestive names like Solo Velvet, Sunset or Diamond Lover Suite. Booking is open if you want to be one of the first to try place, and rates seem reasonable.

HOTEL ANGELY

22, RUE DU GRAND PRIEURÉ

75011 PARIS

Official website: http://angelyhotelparis.com/

Happy New Year Paris 2012

Martin — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:36:04 +0000

Wherever you are, whatever language you speak, we wish you a Happy New Year!

It’s Happy New Year in English, Bonne Année in French, Buon Anno in Italian, Gutes Neues Jahr in German… but what about some other lesser known languages? What about in Basque, Catalan, Chinese or Zulu? Following are some of our pick, but you can find a more comprehensive list on: http://www.freelang.net/expressions/newyear.php

Our favourites:

AFRIKAANS gelukkige nuwejaar / voorspoedige nuwejaar

ALSATIAN e glëckliches nëies / güets nëies johr

ARABIC عام سعيد (aam saiid) / sana saiida

BAMBARA aw ni san’kura

BASQUE urte berri on

BERBER asgwas amegas

BULGARIAN честита нова година (chestita nova godina)

CATALAN bon any nou

CHINESE xin nian kuai le / xin nian hao

ESPERANTO feliĉan novan jaron

ESTONIAN head uut aastat

GEORGIAN გილოცავთ ახალ წელს (gilocavt akhal tsels)

HEBREW שנה טובה (shana tova)

KURDISH sala we ya nû pîroz be

MAORI kia hari te tau hou

THAI สวัสดีปีใหม่ (sawatdii pimaï)

WELSH blwyddyn newydd dda

ZULU unyaka omusha omuhle