Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

West Country Girl Crepes in Paris 75011

West Country Girl Crepes in Paris 75011

West Country Girl creperie is a local restaurant in Paris

There are so many great eateries in the 11th arrondissement, and I decided to try out this one for  dinner.

In a little side street called Passage Saint-Ambroise, this is the only foodie place in the entire street, making it easy to find. The menu is small, but boasts all quality local ingredients, and it looked very warm and inviting.

If you’re nervous about speaking French, don’t be — the servers also speak English :-)

I ordered a mixed salad (which generally means a green salad of lettuces and a dressing) for €3.

For a main course, I decided to try the Champignon, Chevre et ciboulette crepe, which is a Mushroom, creamy Goat’s cheese and chives for around €8.

Normally crepes are served with cider, but this little resto has all kinds of alcohol available. I went with a traditional cider for €3 a glass, which was delicious — the choices were a sweet cider or a very, very dry one. After tasting the dry one, I opted for the more regular sweeter one – t turned out to be an excellent choice.

West Country Girl crepes and cider in 75011

Everything was tasty, and perfect for a very light meal; you may need a few more crepes to fill you up for dinner :-)

Ambiance was great, lots of laughter from the guests, great music, terrific vibe. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit.

Cafe/Restaurant: West Country Girl

6 Passage Saint-Ambroise, 75011 Paris, France

Metro: Rue Saint-Maur / Saint-Ambroise

For other cafe/restaurant reviews, pop over here >>

Cafe Thank You My Deer in the 11th arrondissement

Cafe Thank You My Deer is a real find, located in the 11th arrondissement 75011 of Paris

Today I was walking along Rue Saint-Maur and almost walked past this little café, but the blackboard sign outside made me want to go in :-)

The girls here are from Slovakia, Italy and Mexico, and offer gluten-free delights as treats or lunch (closed for dinner).

After chatting with the Barista to see how they make their coffees, I ordered a double-shot latte and was really, truly pleasantly surprised! Made with arabica beans, real fresh milk (not long-life milk like the average French cafe) and tasted great! Woohoo!

Do drop by and have a look if you’re in the area — their menu is fresh and sounds delicious.

Cafe:  THANK YOU MY DEER

Located at: 112 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris

Open:  8:00am to 6:00pm

Update: 9 Sept 2015

I popped back to this café this morning for “P’tit Dej” (Petite Dejeuner = breakfast), where there’s a variety of gluten-free muffins and and cakes, home made granola, and eggs – yum!

Ave de la Republique, Paris

Ave de la Republique

The Ave de la Republique is busy and full of character!

I arrived in Paris last night and went for a walk this morning, to get my bearings.

Restaurants, cafes, creperies, shops of all descriptions — and a reminder to me that not all shops open at 9:00am!

Restaurants may open at 12:00 noon, whereas sandwich shops may be open by 10:00am.

Clothing stores might open at 11:00, and I saw shoe stores open at 9:30am.

So it depends on the store, but generally assume 10:00 for a lot of places, some cafes at 7:00 and others at any other time after that.

Prefer to see the photos on Facebook? Pop over here >>

Postcards from Paris September 2015

Postcards from Paris is a newsletter about the city I love!

 

Today I have been printing off my e-ticket to fly from Brisbane to Paris via Dubai, airport bus pick-up vouchers at both ends of the journey, access info for my rented apartment, sticky labels for the postcards and cards I’ll send to friends from gay Paree —

Follow my photos and videos on Facebook >>


MEET ME IN PARIS — OOH LA LA!

Got some spare time while you’re in Paris? Join one of my Adventures – it’ll be a lot of fun!

Only got time for a coffee or a cocktail? Get in touch and see what we can work out :-)


 

Postcards from Paris - other things to do

 Q & A • Question about Paris September 2015

A question from Sylvia:

“Hi Teena, how long will it take for you to get to Paris this year?”

Excellent question, Sylvia! This year I decided to pay a bit more for my airline tickets in order to reduce the waiting time inbetween flights, and I’m so pleased!

In the past I’ve had layovers in Guangzhou (pronounced “Gwang-joe”, China), Abu Dhabi, Singapore and this time the layover will be in Dubai.

Some of those layovers have been horrendous, time-wise, facilities, and many other factors.  In Abu Dhabi one year there were hundreds of us transit passengers who had to sit on the floor of the airport, in corridors, because the management refused to open the Translit Lounge until the flight was ready for boarding. Was it five hours, six or even seven? More? Thank heavens I’ve blocked the details from my brain, but take it from me — sitting on a floor for all those hours with so many rules and regulations about what we weren’t allowed to do, did NOT make for a fun time. Nerves were frayed, everyone was exhausted, we felt like cattle. Not a happy time.

Jumping forward to NOW, I am thrilled to say I will only have a 2 hour layover in Dubai, making the whole journey so much easier!

Here’s how it’ll work for me tonight:

  • catch a ferry to the mainland
  • airport bus pickup about 10pm, drive for about an hour to the airport
  • three and a half hours waiting for the flight to depart at 2:30am
  • fly to Dubai — 16.25 hours in the air
  • then a two hour layover
  • fly Dubai to Paris for 7.15 hours
  • 45 minute wait for scheduled airport bus pick-up
  • about an hour to drive in Paris
  • total travelling time approximately 32 hours all up.

And THAT’S why I stay for 4 weeks — if it was only 10-15 hours away, I’d be flying to Paris ALL the time :-)


 

Artists' Open Doors in Paris 2008 -- Paris September 2015

What’s on when I’m in Paris in September 2015?

What am I looking forward to in September?

One of the very first things I love to do after arriving in Paris — generally AFTER I’ve had my first croissant :-) — is to take a barge cruise on the outskirts of the River Seine, to reacquaint myself with the outer suburbs and the fascinating history (as told by the Barge storyteller). For two and a half hours I soak up the Parisian atmosphere without having to plan anything — I wave to the folks on the banks and on the little bridges which go across the river in its narrower parts. When the barge navigates down the locks of different heights, it’s a great way to be reminded about nature. We then slowly venture UNDER Paris, and when we get to the bit under the Bastille monument (in the 4th arrondissement), I heave a sigh of ‘history’, remembering what happened here (storming of the Bastille).

I’m also remembering the wonderful years I spent living just a few steps from this majestic Paris icon. OK – that’s enough waxing lyrical :-)

Here’s a bit more about it, with some of my photos:

I’m also looking forward to checking out the wonderful artists and their artwork at PORTES OUVERTES:

  • 25-26-27-28 September 2015

Brushing up on a few of my tips about Paris

 

Here’s a little video I made when I was in PARIS in 2012:

  • jump to 2 mins 29 seconds for a walking tour with me:

I’ll be making more videos this trip too — so stay tuned!

 


I’m heading to the airport in a few hours, so I’ll start waving to you now :-)

The next update will be from gay Paree! Woohoo!

Maybe I’ll see you there — that would be so fabulous :-)

ciao ciao for now,

Teena!


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Pop over there now and sign up so you don’t miss out!

 

Sign up for Teena Hughes' Postcards from Paris Video Newsletter today!

Paris Transport Changes September 1st 2015

At the beginning of September 2015,  a major overhaul of the Paris transport pass [Le Pass Navigo] will affect most locals and tourists — and change is good.

Paris Transport Changes come into force September 2015

What are the Paris transport changes?

The Navigo transport pass:

Le Pass Navigo will now be one unique price for the entire five zones in Ile-de-France region, making it so easy for everyone.

The price for a Navigo pass covering all of these zones will be set at €70 a month or €770 a year, meaning all commuters in and around the capital will pay the same price.

The idea is to make it easier and cheaper for those living in areas outside Paris, with the hope they will leave their cars behind and jump on a train instead. An added bonus is that it could creating a more regional identity, rather than the ‘us and them’ division between Paris and the suburbs as which currently exists.

Someone travelling to Paris from Orly will pay the same as someone who only travels through the centre of Paris from the Eiffel Tower to the Pere Lachaise.

Wondering what else is happening in September? Pop over here to find out more >>

Visit the French public transport website for more info (in English – or click the British flag icon) >>

Silk Exhibitions Paris Exposition Soie

Silk Exhibitions in Paris -- translates to Exposition Soie
Silk Exhibitions are happening in Paris throughout the year, and in French, they are called an “Exposition Soie” (translates to “Silk Exhibition).


2015 August / September Silk Exhibitions

Du samedi 22 août au dimanche 6 septembre 2015 :

L’Association “D’ART et de SOIE” présente “Evasion colorée dans les fibres textiles”. Exposition de peintures sur soie et œuvres textiles en hommage à Monsieur Jean-Jacques BOUCHER.

“Vieille Halle de Bracieux – Espace Nicole Lagravère” 41250 BRACIEUX.

Au programme: Des démonstrations gratuites pour grands et petits, des stages différents avec Annie Poignavent, Marie-Marthe Dufaud et Lydie Ottelart.

Pour toute information complémentaire: 01 42 54 33 33 – ottelart@club-internet.fr

Translation:

From Saturday 22 August to Sunday 6th September 2015:

The “ART & SILK” Association  presents “Evasion in colorful textile fibers”, an Exhibition of paintings on silk and textile works in homage to Jean-Jacques BOUCHER.

Where:

“Vieille Halle Bracieux – Space Nicole Lagravère”

41250 BRACIEUX, outside Paris.

Program: A free demonstrations for children and adults, different courses with Annie Poignavent, Marie-Marthe and Lydie Ottelart Dufaud.

For further information: Phone 01 42 54 33 33 – or email:  ottelart@club-internet.fr


 

The video below from the Cernuschi Museum is for an amazing exhibition which ended in January 2015, and encompassed painting on silk and paper.


Video length: 4:26 seconds


Le Japon au fil des saisons | Musée Cernuschi by paris_musees

Read more about silk exhibitions here:  LE JAPON AU FIL DE SAISON >>


 

French National Anthem – La Marseillaise

French National Anthem -- LA MARSEILLAISE

The French National Anthem

La Marseillaise is the famous Anthem sung by the French, and I love it — here are a couple of versions I hope you enjoy!

This first version is by the very talented Julien Neel, a Frenchman who creates his own Barbershop Quartet videos using himself in the singing roles — very creative, charmant (charming!) and delightful:

 

This second version was recommended to me buy a dear friend, Michael, and is a bit more traditional and beautiful too:

 

 

Lyrics and translation:

Allons enfants de la patrie
Arise children of the fatherland
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
The day of glory has arrived
Contre nous de la tyranie
Against us tyranny’s
L’étendard sanglant est levé !
Bloody standard is raised
Entendez-vous dans nos campagnes
Can you hear in the fields
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?
Howling fearsome soldiers?
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras
They are coming into our midst
Egorger nos fils et nos compagnes
To cut the throats of our sons and consorts
Aux armes citoyens ! Formez vos bataillons !
To arms citizens! Form your battalions!
Marchons, marchons ! Qu’un sang impur
March, march, let impure blood
Abreuve nos sillons
Water our furrows

I do hope you’ve enjoyed the French National Anthem

“La Marseillaise” is sung by two extraordinary singers — listening to these talented people is a great way to start your day :-) Have you found a great version you’d like to share? Let me know by email or on the A Night In Paris on Facebook page :-)

Paris transport disabled

Finding Paris transport disabled and handicapped information is becoming easier, thank heavens.  More businesses, stores, buildings are becoming aware this is an important feature to provide, and there are many business people who are willing and keen to comply.

Having said that, you may still experience challenges in all older buildings where it is impossible to change the structure and layout.  So although Paris  is not the most  handicapped-friendly city in the world, there is a great move to change that in the coming years – the French are definitely trying to upgrade metro and other access wherever possible.

Paris transport disabled and handicapped

For more transport in Paris info and indepth notes on wheelchair rental and access to museums etc in Paris, please visit the Wheelchairs in Paris page.

Wheelchair/Handicap accessible Metro

Line 14, bus line 20 and some buses on the 91 line

Some SNCF trains, and RER lines A and B.

Book vehicles for handicapped/disabled travellers

There are now a few companies which provide transportation specifically for the disabled. Call 48 hours in advance to make your booking.

Aihrop – for adapted vehicles to and from airports call:  33 1 41 29 01 29

GiHP – for adapted transport within the city call:  33 1 33 41 83 15.

A very helpful site is http://www.access-able.com.

Look for the Tourisme et Handicap label, found in many places (more common now in Paris).

Wheelchair-friendly cafe

I did notice recently that there are a few Starbucks cafes with lifts/elevators and wheelchair-friendly toilets and restrooms.

Paris Transport Disabled Links

Paris transport disabled and handicapped optionsWhere to rent a Wheelchair.

Paris transport disabled and handicapped optionsRestaurants with handicap access.

Paris transport disabled and handicapped optionsDownload  listing of museums and hotels with disability rating.

Paris transport disabled and handicapped optionsAccessibleEurope.com – Tours, helpful tips for disabled/handicapped travellers

Paris transport disabled and handicapped optionsFamily and Disabled Traveler Tours with FrenchLinks.com

Paris transport disabled and handicapped optionsPersonal story of hotel accessibility in Paris for disabled travellers

Other Paris transport system options

Getting around in Paris >>

Postcards from Paris July 2015

Postcards from Paris July 2015

Bonjour mes amis! Hello my friends of Postcards From Paris!

Bonjour from Teena Hughes of Postcards from Paris

In just under six weeks I will be winging my way across the planet to fly from Brisbane, Australia to Paris, France — magnifique!

I can’t wait to taste my first delicious croissant (or Pain au Chocolat!), see my friends, catch up with some of my Postcards from Paris followers, and make Paris my home for the next month :-)

The taste of the first baguette, first coffee, first time seeing the Eiffel Tower again — these and many others are what I crave when I’m not on Parisian soil, and I will savour each and every one of them.

If you haven’t had a look at my Paris Adventures yet, you might be interested to see the new ones I’ve added this year — I’m sharing my love of some unusual things and I do hope those that sign up for them will enjoy them as much as I do :-)

Want to meet me in Paris? Check out these dates and let’s catch up!

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURES IN PARIS TODAY!

 

More details from Youtube:

1 – 00:05 – Jardin alpin
Nestled in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes, the Alpine garden includes more than 2,000 mountain plant species .
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/ngNvu

2 – 00:15 – square des peupliers
This small private street ( no cars ) created in 1926 is an exquisite romantic and green place to take photos for a fashion shooting for example
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/qC1kU

3 – 00:25 – Terasse de l I.M.A
The Arab World Institute (IMA) is a Parisian cultural institute dedicated to the Arab world.
You can go for free on the rooftop and have an incredible view
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/zP50L

4 – 00:35 – les Passages Couverts
Real covered galleries in the middle of buildings and generally housing shops , Secret Parisian walkways are an architectural curiosity full of charm.

Map : https://goo.gl/maps/Nl96T

5 – 00:44 – Panthéon Boudique
The giant bamboos and stone slabs make of the Garden of the Buddhist Pantheon one of the most zen secret place of the capital .
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/LCp09

6 – 00:55 – Collèges des Bernardins
The collège was used until the French Revolution as a residence for Cistercian monks students at the University of Paris.
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/5VAg9

7 – 01:03 – Hôtel Dieu
Hotel-Dieu de Paris is the oldest hospital in the capital.
You can enter for free and climb at the last level to have a view over notre dame … but please be respectful of the people resting inside, it’s still an hospital.
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/yxK9T

8 – 01:13 La Petite Ceinture
The little belt railway was a Parisian railway that, from 1852, was a circular connection between Paris’s main railway stations. In a partial state of abandonment since 1934. Many French railway enthusiasts and associations would like to see the abandoned railway and its remaining stations preserved and protected as a part of France’s national heritage.
Map : this place is all around Paris, and it’s forbiden to enter so i will not give the information but if you really want to go just look on internet for « accès petite centure »

9 – 01:24 Jardin d’Agronomie Tropical
The Garden of Tropical Agriculture is in northeastern edge of the Bois de Vincennes. there you can find a half-wild nature and remnants buildings of the French colonial era sometimes half covered by vegetation.
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/eVXEb

10 – 01:34 Design & Nature
The Design and Nature gallery specialises in the creation of stuffed animals, in entomology (the science of butterflies and insects) and in osteology, as well as in the presentation of organic and vegetal species.
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/Py8v8

(Video by Stern Mathieu)

 

FINALLY! MY BOOK LAUNCH DATE IS NEARLY HERE!

Book - Memories of Paris by Teena HughesMy first print book to be published on Amazon will be ‘live’ in August, maybe even as little as a week away!

I’ve talked about it over the past year, published a short Kindle book on Paris last year, but now I’ve finally finished my 42 page “Memories of Paris” book based on a selection of my photos which I’ve turned into watercolour paintings.

I’m just waiting for the first ‘proof’ copy to arrive in the post for me to approve, then it’ll be available to the public — I can’t express how happy this makes me, I’ll be a published author sharing pix of my most favourite city in the world.

Because of my love of Paris, I created this website 8 years ago, and I’ve met the most amazing warm and funny folks through this site, people who send emails, tweets, Facebook messages, audio messages, Youtube and video messages — it is so lovely to share my love of Paris with others — thank you to each and every one of you! I’ll keep you posted and send a quick update when it’s on Amazon – woohoo!

What’s on when in Paris in August?

  • visit the BEACH in Paris! Yes, that’s right! “Paris Plage“!
  • Cinema en Plain Air [Open Air Cinema]
  • Paris Quartier d’Ete
  • read more >>

What’s on when I’m in Paris in September?

July and August are traditionally the hottest months, and many Parisians take off for the whole of August to be closer to the seaside and cooler weather. By deciding to be there for September, I’ll be visiting at a lovely time of year, still summer but not too hot …

Postcards from Paris - other things to do

 Q & A • Question from Facebook

Here’s my Paris page on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ANightInParisFrance

“Dear Teena, I am very concerned about the things I’ve read about the crime and pickpockets in Paris. Do you have any recommendations to try and avoid being victimized? Also we are taking the train in from Brussels. We get in at 10:30am but can’t check in our hotel until 2pm. Would it be safe to store our luggage in a locker or would we be better off going to our hotel with our luggage? I’m really nervous about having my stuff stolen. K”

Let me see if I can put your mind at ease.

CONTACT YOUR HOTEL

Your questions are all good and relevant — I suggest contacting your hotel and ask if you can bring your bags there first, most hotels have a secure storage area for arriving and departing guests. That way you know they’ll be safe and then you only have one place to go back to after your first adventure.

WHAT ABOUT PICKPOCKETS?!!

In regard to pickpockets, don’t wear anything on your back as that makes it easy in a crowd for someone to access your backpack while you’re being jostled. Generally Paris is extremely safe and if you stick with other people as you walk you should be very safe. When you’re eating or drinking, don’t leave your wallet, handbag or smartphone on the table or bar, as that makes them easy targets. If you have a handbag or shoulder bag, wear it or carry it in front of you so you can always see it.

USE YOUR PHONE/CAMERA + ONLINE STORAGE

Using your smart phone or camera, take photos of your passport’s relevant pages, and all cards in your wallet (backs and fronts) — upload them to secure storage like Dropbox.com for free, so you can access them easily from anywhere.

 

WHEN I FIRST ARRIVE IN PARIS

I love to see Paris from the water each time I arrive after my trip from Australia (where I live), so I take a 2.5 hr barge cruise for about $US30 (either morning or afternoon), and also I love the Champagne cruise at sunset to see the skyline, Eiffel Tower etc at night – beautiful! Here are links on my website for both of these:

  1. https://www.a-night-in-paris.com/paris-tours-barge-cruise.html
  2. https://a-night-in-paris.com/what-to-do-in-paris-france/drinking-champagne-on-a-river-cruise-in-paris.html

A bit more expensive at about $80, but such a fabulous thing to do!

Apart from that, I just love to stroll the streets, sit in sidewalk cafes and restaurants, go to wine bars at night and meet the locals. With only two days, there’s a chance you’ll try to see TOO MANY tourist attractions so my advice is — don’t. Only see one or two max, and spend the rest of the time being part of the Parisian culture.

I hope you have a simply marvellous time, do let me know how you get on!

 


 

 Q & A • Question from Facebook

“BonSoir! Love your fabulous blog and spicy ideas! I’m about to move to Paris again soon and i would like to find a job, if you know something feel free to let me know. Love and Happiness all over Merci :)))”

FINDING A JOB IN PARIS

Bonjour! So lovely to get your message.

How exciting you’re moving to Paris, woohoo!!!

I live in Australia, and visit Paris each year or two, so I’m sorry I don’t personally know of any jobs for you right now — it will of course depend on many things — your age and your nationality (under 30s from some countries can work for a year), as well as whether or not you can work legally in France. But don’t despair!

“Most of the Americans, Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders living and working in France fall into one of three categories:

  1. They are married to a French (or another national of the European Union) citizen.
  2. They inherited dual citizenship from their parents.
  3. They are highly-skilled professionals sent to their company’s French office to achieve a specific task.  France currently has working holiday agreements whereby Canadian, Australian and New Zealander citizens aged between 18 and 30 years can undertake paid employment for up to one year.”

Doesn’t sound promising, does it?

I have written a blog post or two about jobs, so here are a couple of pages I’ve written which might help:

Here are a couple of articles which might also help:

Best of luck! Let me know how you get on!!!
Teena!


 

French Movies I Can Recommend on DVD

French movie HEARTBREAKER and ORCHESTRA SEATS

 

I watched both these movies this week and thoroughly enjoyed them both – read more >>

You should be able to find them on DVD, and if you do, let me know if you liked either of them :-)


 

 Q & A • Question from the website

 “Teena, what tips do you have for being organized for your arrival in Paris?”

Great question!

MY PARIS TRAVEL TIPS

Here are some things I do:

  1. research and book my flights a couple of months in advance if possible
  2. research accommodation (I like to rent an entire apartment, so a studio apartment is perfect)
  3. check out Google maps for the address where I’ll be staying, search for things “close by” like cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, Metro stops, bus stops (I may even print off a page or two from the map so I have it with me for me first day in the new location)
  4. organise a mobile phone — I bought one just to use in Paris about 5 years ago, so I take it with me, plug it in as soon as I arrive at my accommodation so it’ll be charging straight away;  find a place to buy a “recharge” for the phone so I can start using it (generally Tabacs are a good place to start, or you can also find a store for the brand of phone card you’re looking for)
  5. book a pick-up from the airport to your hotel, which can be done online, print the receipt and have it in your wallet for when you land in Paris;  call the toll-free number once you’ve collected your bag, and tell the operator which Terminal you’re at (there should be signs everywhere); now it’s a waiting game until you mini van arrives. If this all sounds too slow, grab a taxi instead.
  6. before I get on the plane to leave Australia, I turn off “roaming” on my iPhone (mobile phone) so I won’t be socked with a huge bill on my return to Australia, (a) I will still be able to use my smart phone to access the internet whenever I am in a wifi (pronounced “wee-fee” in French) zone (see how easy it is to do this in Paris) just by walking into any park or government building, (b) I’ll be able to make calls and send texts all over the planet for free by using the VIBER APP in a wifi zone when I’m out and about (I love love love this app!), (c) I also downloaded Viber onto my laptop, so I can type messages and make/receive phone calls via my computer when I’m back at the apartment
  7. once I’ve arrived, I take a photo of my building from the street (if it’s the first time I’ve been there), then I take a photo at the corner of the street so it’ll be easy to recognise on my way back;  if I then take a bus or the Metro (train) I take photos of the bus stop or Metro sign so I can remember HOW to get back home later that day
  8. after my first Parisian breakfast in a cafe, I head to the nearest Metro (train station) and buy a “carnet” of tickets (pronounced KAH-NAY) — ten tickets is a good place to start unless I want to get a monthly ticket. More info will be available at the Metro so read and work out which is best for your needs.
  9. next I like to visit the nearest Post Office to buy some stamps, so that when I’m whiling away the hours people-watching in a cafe I’ll have some stamps to put on those postcards I’ve just purchased.

Here’s a little video I made about PLANNING A TRIP TO PARS :

All of this gets me into my “Frenchified Teena” mode :-)


 

  • Do you have anything you do when you first arrive in Paris (if you’ve already been), or something you’d LOVE to do if you visit in the future? I’d love to hear from you — if you received my Postcards from Paris newsletter via email, just click REPLY. If you’re reading this on my website, just post a Comment below :-)
  • Would you like to recommend any cafes or restaurants, or things for me to do? Feel free to share! One of my long time readers – Michael (from USA) – has sent me some wonderful suggestions and restaurants to check out, as have a couple of other folks, so do please send them along!

NOT ON MY MAILIMG LIST YET? CLICK HERE >>

A Night in Paris - Join Teena in Summer (Image)A bientot! See you soon in gay Paree!

Cheerio for now

Teena
MEET ME IN PARIS IN SEPTEMBER 2015!

 

 

One last video to whet your whistle about Postcards from Paris

French Movie Heartbreaker and Orchestra Seats

French movie HEARTBREAKER and ORCHESTRA SEATS

Last night I watched a movie on SBS TV in Australia, and it was one of the funniest French romantic comedies I’ve seen for a while — you should be able to watch this online if you’re in Australia (follow this link) or see if you can find it as a DVD (made in 2010):

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/18612803780/heartbreaker

Featuring Romain Duris and Vanessa Paradis, it was funny and poignant, and well worth watching (it is in French with subtitles).

I also watched another French romantic comedy:

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/316285508000/orchestra-seats

This too was a great movie, quite touching and unexpected, starring young actress Cecile de France, Valerie Lemercier and Albert Dupontel and made in 2006.

 

 

Postcards from Paris 26 May 2015

Postcards from Paris is a newsletter about the city I love!

Bonjour mes amis! Hello my friends of Postcards From Paris!

I thought I’d start off today’s edition with a HUGE welcome to my last few subscribers this month! Maybe you’re one of these folks? If you are, please do write back to me and say BONJOUR! I’d love to hear from you :-)

  1. Bonjour from Teena Hughes of Postcards from ParisTeri from San Diego, USA
  2. Stephen from Vancouver, Canada
  3. Rod from Cleveland, USA
  4. Victoria from Mcdonough, USA
  5. Jim from Mesa, USA
  6. MaKenzie from Bloomington, USA
  7. Paula from Benton, USA
  8. Linda from Pasadena, USA
  9. Robin from Perth, Australia
  10. Liz from Georgia, USA
  11. Lida from Houston, USA
  12. Jenifer from Sanford, US
  13. Craig from Paris
  14. Bettie from South Africa

I do hope you enjoy my little tips and stories about the city I love — I live in Australia and I try to get to Paris every year or two to fill my soul with the joie de vivre (joy of life) I feel whenever I’m in this extraordinary city!

Ways to Meet Me in Paris in September!

I’ve been totally revamping all the things I love to share when I’m in Paris:

  • Painting Workshops
  • Plus Size Fashion Adventures
  • Over 40’s Lazy Paris Adventure

and I’d love to share some new options — but I want to know if any of you think these might be of interest … just because I’d love to do these doesn’t mean anyone else would :-)

  • Stationery Lovers’ Adventure (there are some beautiful traditional pen and paper stores!)
  • Coffee Conversations in French — meet me for an hour and a half in a cafe with 3 other people and learn the right amount of French to survive in a cafe on your own :-)
  • Textile Tidbits Adventure — would you love to find some fabulous stores in Paris specialising in hand-made haberdashery (ribbon, beads, leather, twine, knitting needles, silk, felt)? The two stores we’ll visit have goodies from the 1890s to 1930s, a real feast for the eyes.

I will be finalising the dates and details within the next few days, so I will send a quick email to let you know all the “deets” (details). Can’t wait to be there – woohoo!

Learn French from a wonderful little French girl telling a story based on a mix of other fairy tales :-)

I just came across this video and I have to share — listening to French children is a great way to learn the language! Let me know what you think of this — I think it’s adorable!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RQMVKcNgFw

I’ll be in Paris in September 2015 – will you be there?

Textile Tasters in Paris with Teena Hughes of How-to-paint-on-silk.comLast edition I wrote:

I have been dreaming in French, and in my dreams I’m in Paris, and when I wake I am speaking or singing in French — what do you think that means?!!

You’re right!

It means I’m way overdue to visit the city where I’ve left my heart, and to where I return whenever possible, from the other side of the planet in Australia -)

and the great news is I have booked my Paris apartment and am finalising my flights this week to spend an entire month speaking French and dipping my croissant into my hot coffee!

What about you? What would you love to do in Paris? Send me a message, I’d love to hear!

  • I am finalising the pages for the Adventures I will be hosting, so do pop back and check this page (I’ll add a link HERE) and you can also follow the Facebook Postcards from Paris page too where I post updates >>

Here are some of the ways to do that:

  1. click the “Say bonjour to Teena” button which should appear down the right side of the web page — you can record your voice straight away — and some of you have already been using this, I love it!
  2. take a “selfie” video or photo with your phone or camera, then email it
  3. record a voice message on your phone, then email it
  4. email me on bonjour [at] a-night-in-paris [dot com]
  5. connect via Facebook, Twitter or my website.

If you do ANY of these things, I’d love to have your permission to share on my website, newsletter etc — if that’s not OK, let me know when you contact me :-)

So – what’s on in Paris in June 2015?

Postcards from Paris June 2015 Goutte d'Or en Fete

Excellent question! There is a ton of wonderful things to do in Paris in June each year, from jazz festivals, to fairs like the Foire St-Germain, and I’ll mention some of them here:

  1. 10-14th June — Goutte d’Or Music Festival
  2. 21st June — La Fete de La Musique #FDLM – read more in English >>
  3. 20th June – 14th July — Festival Chopin a Paris : Chopin Festival in Paris >>
  4. more things to do in June in Paris (and plan ahead for July!)

FESTIVAL-CHOPIN-2015_3072527867408385000

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fete-du-velo-2015-tousavelo

 

 

 Other news in Paris

The famous “love locks” which have appeared over the last few years are being removed from Paris’ centuries-old bridges, monuments, tourist attractions and other fences as the weight has become quite problematic, and placed some bridges under too much stress and strain.  Everyone has an opinion on it, but the bottom line is there is no area which has been created specifically for this type of romantic gesture.

Read more >>

Click the video below to play >>

What else can you do in Paris in June and July?

Have a picnic of course :-)

Buy a baguette, cheese, wine etc and go to one of the many beautiful parks in Paris.

Take a barge cruise UNDER Paris! I love this!

For an added adventure, take your picnic on a Barge Cruise — this is one of my all-time favourite things to do when I arrive, I get to relax for a couple of hours as I take in Paris and the outskirts from a barge, which also takes me on a magical journey BELOW Paris!

Oh you must try this if you’re there — it’s away from the madding tourist crowds and such a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon in the city I love.

I wrote more about it here :

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Postcards from Paris - other things to do

Other fab things to do:

Ready to try something really unusual?

How about brunch, lunch or dinner in someone’s home? This is a great idea which has been going on for decades and is a great way to meet Parisians and other adventurous travellers — check out the article I wrote about this a while back:

“How do I get to my hotel?”

One of the most common questions I hear is about transport from the airports and major train stations to accommodation. I always use the Paris Shuttle for $27 which I book in advance, and there are some other great choices too.

Facebook Updates

Do you use Facebook? You might like to check out my page and join in the conversation:

Have you enjoyed this Postcards from Paris?

Please do write and let me know :-)

Hopefully I’ll see you there in September!

A bientot (see you soon), and don’t forget I’ll be sending you a quick email when the new Adventures are online in the next few days!

Teena!

 

Great little cafes with secret gardens in Paris

I’ve been researching great little cafes off the beaten track in Paris, which have little gardens are are situation in a garden, rather than the typical Parisian cafe which is on the footpaths or sidewalks of this beautiful city.

I will be adding more information very soon – approximate pricing, a photo and other tips. In the meantime, if you get a chance to check any of these out, feel free to send me a photo, video or selfie and I’ll add it to my site if you’re ok with that :-)

75003

Café Suédois
11 rue Payenne, 3e

75004

Terrasse du Café de la Gare
41 rue du Temple, 4e

75005

Le Salon du Panthéon
13 rue Victor Cousin, 5e

75008

Café du Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill, 8e

75009

Musée de la Vie romantique
16 rue Chaptal, 9e

Hôtel Amour
8 rue Navarin, 9e

75010

Café A
148 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 10e

75014

L’Entrepôt
7-9 rue Francis-de-Pressensé, 14e

75017

Le Bistrot des Dames
18 rue des Dames, 17e

75018

La Recyclerie
83 boulevard Ornano, 18e

Kiez
24 rue Vauvenargues, 18e

Le Café du Studio 28
10 rue Tholozé, 18e

Bal Café
6 impasse de la Défense, 18e

75019

Le Pavillon du Lac
Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 19e

Le Café Caché
104 rue d’Aubervilliers et 5 rue Curial, 19e

75020

Au Fond du Jardin
39 rue Pelleport, 20e

La Maroquinerie
23 rue Boyer, 20e

La Bellevilloise
21 rue Boyer, 20e

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