This Over 40s Lazy Adventure in Paris is for people who don’t want to rush around Paris like mad tourists, — hot, tired, exhausted – and looking to get away from other tourists.
Option 1 — Dates: September 2018 (to be confirmed)
Here’s the scenario:
You want to visit Paris but you don’t feel like buzzing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction, constantly travelling on public transport, getting sore feet with all the constant walking.
You’d really prefer to take it easy, perhaps along these lines:
be met by a mini-bus at the airport who’ll take you to your hotel
enjoy a Champagne Cruise on the River Seine the first night, and a Welcome Dinner in a delightful restaurant
have late breakfasts
do a bit of shopping
have morning and afternoon teas in cute French tea salons
maybe see a movie or wander down a delightful street in “hidden Paris” far from the tourist crowd
take a barge cruise under and around Paris for a couple of hours
drop into a pub we’re walking past in the afternoons for a refreshing beer, glass of wine or a cocktail
and then have a lovely dinner with lots of laughter whilst getting to know the other people sharing the same adventure
on the last evening we’ll have a celebratory Farewell Dinner
after breakfast the next morning, you’re free to use the Airport Bus already arranged for you, or head off to more adventures of your own.
Sound like you?
Spend 3 days and 2 nights where you can be lazy in Paris, and enjoy yourself totally with like-minded travellers. Couples welcome.
Please note:
there will be no visits to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or any other tourist destination
there will be no standing in queues for any touristy thing – ever, ok?
there will be no running, rushing or being out of breath
there will be lazy walking, strolling, sitting in lots of cafes and restaurants, lazy laughter and a general sense of all-round well-being – you ready for that?
Good, now let’s have some lazy fun!
What’s included in this Adventure?
airport pickup and drop-off in Paris (at a hotel of your choice or let me know if you need help with this)
surprise Welcome Gift :-)
fabulous Champagne Cruise on the River Seine at dusk on your first day
Day 1 Welcome Dinner
Final Night Farewell Dinner
metro/bus tickets for getting to/from our destinations
Barge Cruise
having fun whilst exploring the hidden Paris for 3 days and 2 nights.
Price for 2018 … $US (to be confirmed shortly)
The Lazy Paris Adventure lasts for 3 Days / 2 Nights
Dates: September 2018 (to be confirmed shortly)
What’s not included?
Your expenses in getting to Paris.
Accommodation in a Paris hotel (which may include breakfasts at the hotel)
Meals, drinks and all other expenses not included above.
Option 2 – Don’t have 3 days to spare?
Spend one lazy day with me in Paris for $US (to be confirmed shortly)
Meet and greet coffee or tea is included.
Want to know more about the Over 40s Lazy Adventure in Paris?
If you’re interested in this lazy relaxing way to see just a little bit of Paris, please do contact me today – ask me your questions, and join in the Adventure!
Want to see the other Adventures I host while I’m in Paris? Pop over to the Adventures page >>
I look forward to hanging around and taking it easy with you :-)
Above: the Lazy Paris Barge Cruise
If you enjoyed this, please feel free to share on Twitter, Facebook or anywhere you like (click one of the little icons on this page). PS — I’d love to hear from you!
How can it possibly be December? The past few weeks have flown by!
Hello hello — if you’re new to Postcards from Paris — WELCOME!
My name is Teena Hughes, I’m an Australian who has lived in Paris several times over a period of about thirty years, and I love to go back once a year if possible, and spend about six weeks feeling like a local Parisienne again :-)
While I’m there, I catch up with my friends I met there over twenty years ago, plus I host Adventures. I’ve also written a couple of books about Paris, and I love this city more than any other.
Enjoy the little French tidbits I have for you today, and do get in touch if you’d like to chat or ask a question. Here we go!
Want to meet up with me in Paris in July 2018??
I’m excited to tell you I’ve started planning my next trip to Paris – woohoo!
July 2018 sounds like a great plan — can you meet me there? I’ve got my fingers’ crossed!
I’m deciding which Adventures I’ll host and will post online soon — if you’d like to meet up with me for an Adventure, I’d love to hear from you!
Please send a Comment below, or click the purple icon on the right of this screen — and mention PARIS 2018 –let me know which Adventures sound perfect for you — thank you. Can’t wait to meet you!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Postcards from Paris December 2017!
Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website, or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.
Post a Comment below, send me an email, or click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re travelling to Paris, you may have wondered if there are easy ways to stay in touch apart from email.
I’m going to share my tips of what I use when I’m in gai Paree, and perhaps they’ll help you too.
iPhones texting iPhones
If you have people in your iPhone Contacts who also have iPhones, the great news is you can TEXT FOR FREE without signing up for any other software!
Make sure iMessage is turned ON in the Settings
Go to Settings:
tap on Messages
slide iMessage button to the right so it’s showing as “green”
you’re all set!
Chat with those in your Contacts lists you’ll need to contact while you’re overseas, and help them double=check their settings for iMessages being turned ON.
Now you can text for free :-)
My Favourite App
the Viber app – this is my go-to, hands-down favourite! Install it on your smart phone (Android, Windows and iPhone), and then install it on your computer as well (Windows and Mac).
the App will search your phone and connect with anyone in your phone’s Contact list who also uses the Viber app (this is so easy!)
if there are friends who haven’t installed Viber yet, contact them and ask them to install the App
you’ll be able to:
send free texts worldwide
call for free worldwide with anyone else who has the Viber app (your phone and computer will show which of your Contacts also uses Viber)
have video calls via your smart phone and computer, with your Contacts who also use Viber
it works over WIFI (pronounced “weefee” in France)
if I’m at home in my apartment in Paris, I can sit at my computer and type text messages on the laptop, or call friends over the computer using my Mac’s microphone over Viber
if I’m out and about and anywhere near a Wifi zone (which covers a LOT of Paris!) then I can still use Viber.
I also use this App when I am meeting Clients for one of my Adventures — it’s an easy solution, and even if you aren’t using your smartphone with “roaming” turned ON, you can still have your phone ON and have WIFI turned ON. Whenever you’re in a Wifi (pronounced “weefee“) zone, Viber will let you know have messages and the Viber phone will work.
PS — some friends of mine use WhatsApp, but I don’t have that one installed on my iPhone, as I’m very happy with Viber. :-)
My next favourite App
Skype! This is still a very easy way to connect over smart phone and computer, download/install the app or software, create a User name, and let your friends know what it is
I prefer to have Skype turned OFF all the time, and set up a date and time to chat via text beforehand (I do this otherwise I get non-stop calls via Skype).
Another favourite App
iPhone Facetime (it’s free worldwide from iPhone to iPhone)
you don’t have to use the video camera if you’re not ready for a video call — you can select “phone” rather than “video” when your phone rings
if you’re the one making the call, you can select Facetime “audio” call rather than “video” call (I don’t need to see friends in their pyjamas!)
you can also send text messages for free to other iPhone users if you’re in each other’s Contact list.
Do you have other tips you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments below
I hope you enjoyed my “Keeping in touch from Paris with help from the internet” article!
I’m excited to tell you I’ve started planning my next trip to Paris – woohoo! July 2018 sounds like a great plan — can you meet me there? I’ve got my fingers’ crossed!
Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website, or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.
There are ots of ways to get in touch — post a Comment below, send an email, click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!
My name is Teena Hughes, I’m an Australian who has lived in Paris several times over a period of about thirty years, and I love to go back once a year if possible, and spend about six weeks feeling like a local Parisienne again :-)
While I’m there, I catch up with my friends I met there over twenty years ago, plus I host Adventures. I’ve also written a couple of books about Paris, and I love this city more than any other.
Enjoy the little French tidbits I have for you today, and do get in touch if you’d like to chat or ask a question. Here we go!
I plan to create another one with different photos too — so stay tuned!
And for my Postcards from Paris subscribers, I’m sending you a freebie one-page Calendar too!
With love from me and a huge thanks for following along on my Paris adventures xxx Just check your email :-)
What’s happening in Paris in October?
Le Salon du Chocolat, that’s what!
The words in the video translate to:
Le Salon du Chocolat c’est le plus grand evenement mondial dedie au chocolat et au cacao == The Chocolate Salon is the the largest world-wide event dedicated to chocolate and cocoa.
500 participants, 60 pays = 600 attendees, 60 countries
5 Jours de Show = 5 Days
20 Robes en Chocolat = 20 Dresses made of chocolate
100 Demos Par les Plus Grands Chefs = 100 Demonstrations by the Top Chefs
12o Ateliers = 120 Studios
Le Salon du Chocolat Junior = the Junior Chocolate Salon
28 Oct – 01 Nov Paris Porte de Versaille = 28 October to 01 November at Porte de Versaille
Le Loir Dans le Théière 3 rue des Rosiers 75004 Paris
When I lived in Paris in the late 1980s, this became one of my favourite places, and I’ve heard that the name of this Tea Salon came from an unlucky dormouse which was thrown into a teapot during the Mad Hatter’s feast in Alice in Wonderland story.
Now in 2017, I still visit this gorgeous tea salon when I am in Paris each year, and I want to share it with you. This warm and cozy space is decorated with trinkets and knick knacks (odds and ends) and the aroma of the delicious gourmet cuisine (pies, large salads) wafts by and makes the mouth water. Keep an eye out for the dozens of pastries which include the incredible lemon meringue pie and the chocolate fondant cake.
Come weekends, it’s hard to find a spot to sit as …
The hottest temperatures in Paris are generally July and August (summer) with June and October almost as warm.
The coldest months are around November, December, January, February, March and April.
It’s hard to predict accurately as the weather can change from year to year.
Whenever you decide to visit, have a great time!
Bon Voyage!
Teena!
Question from Eshaana:
Hi Teena I am planning to relocate from Geneva to Parisin September this year to study French full time. I would love to start my orientation to Paris with your week-long silk painting course. Please let me know the dates of the next courses in July/August with details of costs etc. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards
Eshaana
My reply:
Bonjour Eshaana!
How lovely to hear back from you.
I totally understand, and yes it would be great to meet inParis for silk painting.
If you’re on my Paris newsletter list, you’ll be notified when I plan my next trip to Paris and will get other tips about the city I love.
Hi Teena. Are you still doing one day beginner silk painting? I’m a Canadian lady interested in a unique Paris experience.
My reply:
Hi Marion, lovely to hear from you!
I live in Australia, and travel to Paris each year for 6 weeks to host my Adventures. Unfortunately I won’t be there at the same time as you I do have online Courses though — I’m currently updating and adding some new ones in the next month or so, if you’d like to be notified please sign up at http://how-to-paint-on-silk.com/newsletter-sign-up.html — if you have any questions, please do let me know. And have a fantastic time in Paris!! Wish I could be there at the same time!
Bon voyage!
Teena
I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris October 2017 today!
I’m excited to tell you I’ve started planning my next trip to Paris – woohoo! July 2018 sounds like a great plan — can you meet me there? I’ve got my fingers’ crossed!
Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website, or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.
Post a Comment below, or click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!
Le Loir Dans le Theiere became one of my favourite places when I lived in Paris in the late 1980s, and I’ve heard that the name of this Tea Salon came from an unlucky dormouse which was thrown into a teapot during the Mad Hatter’s feast in Alice in Wonderland story.
THE DORMOUSE IN THE TEAPOT
3 rue des Rosiers – 75004 Paris
Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Now in 2017, I still visit this gorgeous tea salon when I am in Paris each year, and I want to share it with you. This warm and cozy space is decorated with trinkets and knick knacks (odds and ends) and the aroma of the delicious gourmet cuisine (pies, large salads) wafts by and makes the mouth water. Keep an eye out for the dozens of pastries which include the incredible lemon meringue pie and the chocolate fondant cake.
Come weekends, it’s hard to find a spot to sit as the place is filled with tourists who come for brunch. You may find yourself waiting for quite some time, so remember — you can’t make a Reservation, so come early (well before noon) or you may have to wait in the street.
I personally prefer this quaint corner during the week, when there are fewer tourists and crowds. Have fun – let me know if you check it out!
Le Loir Dans le Théière 3 rue des Rosiers 75004 Paris
I hope you enjoyed my “Le Loir Dans le Theiere” article!
I’m excited to tell you I’ve started planning my next trip to Paris – woohoo! July 2018 sounds like a great plan — can you meet me there? I’ve got my fingers’ crossed!
Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website, or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.
There are ots of ways to get in touch — post a Comment below, send an email, click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!
French breakfast in Australia – being Frenchified for 15 minutes!
That’s right! Lots more of them!
More, “Petit dejeuner francais en Australie!”
When I lived in Paris (and when I’m there for my six-week visits almost every year, living like a Parisienne), I totally embrace what I consider to be the French breakfast lifestyle.
OK, it might not be what all local French folks do, but to me it’s quintessentially French, and I love my breakfasts.
Croissants and coffee. GOOD coffee. EXCELLENT croissants.
Oh how I miss them!
Well I do make a fantastic cafe latte (and have done for years), but finding a FABULOUS croissant in Australia is not easy at all. Trust me, I’ve EATEN a lot of croissants, in fact a new “French” cafe opened near me recently and when I took a bite of the croissant, I was so disappointed. Full of air (hollow), no crunch outside, no flavour.
The best solution! A local FRENCH BAKER!
So when I found a fabulous French baker (who introduced himself in French as Steve) at my local Sunday markets in my little beachside village across from Moreton Bay, I was over the moon! So, so happy!
The croissants feel perfect!
They taste perfect!
Incroyable! Incredible!
So in the photo above, you can see the croissants I bought yesterday, which I heated in the oven this morning. The crunchy outside, the flaky outside pastry, the delicious interior – fantastique!
Steve’s secrets to the perfect French croissant:
he’s French :-)
the butter is French (essential!)
the flour is French (essential!)
he knows exactly how to make the perfect croissant.
So now I’m going to visit Steve on as many Sundays as I can in this little seaside village east of Brisbane (Australia), and buy some croissants so I can have at least ONE French breakfast in Australia each week.
What about you, have you found the perfect French food near where you live outside France? Let me know in the Comments below or pop over to the Facebook page to chat :-)
I’ve received a few emails from concerned travellers wondering if it’s safe in Paris for visitors.
As a citizen of the world who has had 45 home addresses in several countries (Australia, New Zealand, USA, France and Greece), I gave these questions a lot of thought before answering.
When I heard about the shocking and unbelievable atrocious terrorist attacks in Paris, I was stunned. Speechless. Disbelieving.
Then I kicked into gear and started contacting my friends who live in Paris, and further afield in other parts of France.
Hearing back from each one of them sent waves of relief flooding through me, until finally I’d heard back from them all.
As the entire world was stunned, we each had emotions which were hard to control, hard to understand, and felt unbelievable loss for many whose lives were taken way too soon.
I understand some people’s fear about travelling to Paris after this horrific event, but the bottom line is, awful things can and do happen everywhere.
If we live in fear and stay at home, we won’t have the amazing adventures we’re meant to have.
I can’t guarantee my own safety 100% outside my own door or anywhere in the world, but I still travel and do my best to stay safe.
In fact, when I was last in Paris, I was staying just a block away from one of the locations in the 11th arrondissement where people died — it was such a lovely neighbourhood and no-one could have known in advance.
I totally realise that something awful could happen in or near the sleepy little beach-side village where I live here in Australia — any time — any day, and so I choose to not be fearful.
To answer your question “Is Paris safe to visit?” – yes
But do your own research, and if your country’s government issues travel warning against Paris — listen to those – they won’t be permanent, just during unrest or other events.
In the meantime, continue to plan your trip and have the time of your life!
If you have any other questions, please do get in touch (by email or on Facebook) so we can chat further.
Happy travels!
Sending big hugs, and please do write back to me and tell me ALL your stories about the wonderful (or not) time you had in Paris :-)
My name is Teena Hughes, I’m an Australian who has lived in Paris several times over a period of about thirty years, and I love to go back once a year if possible, and spend about six weeks feeling like a local Parisienne again :-)
While I’m there, I catch up with my friends I met there over twenty years ago, plus I host Adventures. I’ve also written a couple of books about Paris, and I love this city more than any other.
Enjoy the little French tidbits I have for you today, and do get in touch if you’d like to chat or ask a question. Here we go!
What’s happening in Paris in July?
Important! Warning! There is NO BASTILLE DAY in France!
And please don’t say, “Happy Bastille Day” to a French person! Watch this video to find out why – Geraldine explains it so beautifully:
OK, now we’ve cleared that up, let’s see what else is going on :-)
Check out the list of July events in Paris:
From 14th July to the amazing annual Tour de France cycling event, exhibitions, events, fun and laughter, July is filled with a ton of things to do and see as the weather is summery and fabulous!
he Paris Tourist Office has an excellent list of things to do in July, so pop over here and have a look:
Commemorating Quatorze Juillet • 14th July • the French Revolution
I wrote about this some time ago (pop over here to read more) — those of us who are NOT French, think this day is called Bastille Day, mostly because that’s what we’ve heard in the media all our lives.
French folks NEVER call 14th July “Bastille Day”, and it’s not celebrated like Christmas or New Year. It’s a commemoration of an event.
The French Army played DAFT PUNK :-)
and Coldplay were live in the Paris Stadium on 15th July:
Best Coffee in Paris?
Would you like to vote?
Although I can’t verify all of these, I’d love to have the opportunity on my next visit to Paris!
I must admit I love “Thank You My Deer” Cafe — I found it one day near my apartment in the 11th arrondissement, on my last trip to Paris, and I went back a LOT!
It’s been a few years since I visited Coutume and Cafeoteque, and it will be nice to check them out again on my next visit.
Well – no :-) This is really “a thing” — Paris turns parts of the river Seine into a fabulous beach area with deckchairs etc, you’ve got to check it out if you’re in Paris.
8th July to 3rd September — a visit to PARIS PLAGES (Paris’ Beaches) along the River Seine is a MUST!
Where to find a shady retreat when it’s summer in Paris, and hot?
There are a few hidden places where you can be far from the madding crowd, from hotel bars to gardens overflowing with flowers, and here are a few to check out:
Metro Plaisance — L’Entrepôt — Not on the tourist list, this arts centre and cinema has a great shady garden. Cocktails are delicious (€8), and a Sunday brunch is around €26 – well worth a visit
10th arrondissement – La Sardine – is in Place Sainte-Marthe, in Belleville and far from the crowds of tourists
Jardin du Musée de la Vie Romantique — This is one of Paris’s secrets. This café adjoins the Musée de la Vie Romantique and is surrounded with beautiful roses and fuchsias, a lovely spot that feels far away from the crowds and noise.
Ménilmontant — a gorgeous shaded terrace can be found in La Bellevilloise — the ideal place to have brunch (and sometimes you’ll get to listen to some live jazz – fabulous)
18th arrondissement — check out Kiez — a biergarten near Guy Môquet metro, and a perfect shady spot to try some German beer near Metro Saint-Georges
Questions You Should Not Ask a French Person
I love this video – so straightforward!
As an Australian, I’ve been asked similar questions and I would often shake my head in disbelief that a stranger would think it was OK to ask me these things.
What about you? Has this kind of thing happened to you too?
Scroll down to the Comments and tell me what happened, it’s great to share when it helps us all learn something about a foreign culture — especially what we SHOULDN’T do or say :-)
Got some spare time? You might like to read previous Postcards from Paris
Before I go, I must share music from one of my favourite French singers, Julian Neel (Trudbol)
I love his barbershop quartets — he sings all the parts, and creates the videos!
Performed by Julien Neel
Music & lyrics by Edmund Goulding & Mack Gordon
— LYRICS
A small cafe, Mam’selle
A rendezvous, Mam’selle
The violins were warm and sweet
And so were you, Mam’selle
And as the night danced by, a kiss became a sigh
Your lovely eyes seemed to sparkle just like wine does
No heart ever yearned as much as mine does for you
And yet I know too well
Some day you’ll say goodbye
Then violins will cry
And so will I, Mam’selle
I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris July 2017 today!
I’m disappointed I won’t be in Paris in the next few months — I’m rearranging my next six months and may visit earlier in the New Year.
Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website, or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.
Post a Comment below, or click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re new to Postcards from Paris — WELCOME! My name is Teena Hughes, I’m an Australian who has lived in Paris several times, and I love to go back once a year and spend about six weeks feeling like a local Parisienne :-) I catch up with my friends I met there over twenty years ago, plus I host Adventures. I’ve also written a couple of books about Paris, and I love this city more than any other.
Enjoy the little French tidbits I have for you today, and do get in touch if you’d like to chat or ask a question. Here we go!
A Gift Just For You!
If you’re on my mailing list, you will have received a free gift attached to today’s email — a little “Thank You!” for wanting to have adventures in Paris, just like I do!
It’s a PDF listing all the Paris Museums which have free entry on Sundays – a little Tip Sheet to carry with you on your Parisian adventures :-)
Travel Man Richard Ayoade spends 48 hours in Paris
I love UK comedians and I also love travel, so this video series really caught my attention – Richard Ayoade is quirky with a unique and dry sense of humour – enjoy!:
“This most bohemian of Paris neighborhoods is known for its cobblestone streets, its village atmosphere, its nightlife, a big white church, and for the artists who found a home there more than a century ago. Up on a hill sits the former village of Montmartre, where narrow streets climb and bend their way up to Sacre Coeur, the big white church visible from most everywhere in Paris. Still famous for nightlife, it’s at the foot of Montmartre you’ll find Moulin Rouge and late-night bars.”
I have many great memories of the Montmartre area over all my visits to Paris — it’s a favourite! When I was in town and my friend Gaby was also in town from Mauritius, we always met up here for coffee and/or lunch before we spent hours combing through the textile and haberdashery stores. It takes a special kind of friend to want to spend a day with textiles :-)
I recently came across a great article with eleven fabulous things to do in and around Montmartre, which I thought you might enjoy too:
Sometimes when you’re travelling in a foreign country you can become exhausted by a foreign language, and even though French can sound romantic, it can be tiring trying to think and speak in French … when you’re not used to it.
Here are some bars where you can speak with other English speakers – have fun!
Hemingway Bar, Hôtel Ritz
15, place Vendôme, 75001
Métro : Concorde (lignes 1,8 et 12) ou Madeleine (lignes 8, 12 et 14)
01 43 16 30 30
Open every day from 6:00pm to 2:00am in the morning
The Brooklyn
58 rue Quincampoix, 75004
Métro : Rambuteau (ligne 11), Châtelet-Les Halles (RER)
06 23 46 60 66
Open every day from 6:00pm to 2:00am in the morningm except Sunday
Wide Open Spaces (W.O.S) Bar
184 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris
Métro : Luxembourg (RER B), Cluny La-Sorbonne (ligne 10)
01 43 54 30 48
Open :
Monday to Thursday from 12:00 noon to 2:00am in the morning
on Friday from 12:00 noon to 5:00
on Saturday from 2:00pm to 5:00am
on Sunday from 2:00pm to 2:00am.
Red House
1 bis, rue de la Forge royale, 75011
Métro : Ledru-Rollin ou Faidherbe/Chaligny ( ligne 8)
01 43 67 06 43
Open every day from 5:00pm to 2:00am in the morning
The Highlander Scottish Pub
8, rue de Nevers, 75006
Métro : Pont Neuf (ligne 7), Saint-Michel (ligne 4)
07 61 74 47 89
Open every day from 3:00pm to 5:00am, starting at 12:00 noon on the weekend.
I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris June 2017 today!
Next month on the 14th July is BASTILLE DAY! This is a huge celebration for all French people, and in French is called Quatorze Juillet (14th July).
Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website, or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.
Post a Comment below, or click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re new to Postcards from Paris — WELCOME! My name is Teena Hughes, I’m an Australian who has lived in Paris several times, and I love to go back once a year and spend about six weeks feeling like a local Parisienne :-) I catch up with my friends I met there over twenty years ago, plus I host Adventures. I’ve also written a couple of books about Paris, and I love this city more than any other.
Enjoy the little French tidbits I have for you today, and do get in touch if you’d like to chat or ask a question. Here we go!
As part of the global Museum Night event, Paris museums will open their doors free of charge for visitors until 1:00 am, as part of the global Museum Night. There will be special events and much more in many Paris major museums.
22nd May to 11th June: The 2017 French Open at Roland Garros
This is one of France’s most exciting and important tournaments. The French Open continues to host some of the world’s unforgettable matches. Buying tickets several months ahead is highly recommended.
Throughout May: le Foire du Trone (Annual Fair)
Parents and kids can look forward to the annual Paris fair (Foire du Trône), which runs through the end of the month and delivers all the traditional fun of a county fair, with Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and cotton candy included.
The Jazz Festival!
and a video:
.
11th to 22nd May: Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival
This is Paris’ most famous annual jazz festival which is on in the St. Germain district for the 11th year running. Jazz lovers should save a day or two for this fabulous event.
Metro: St. Germain des Prés
19th to 22nd May: Artists’ Open House in Belleville Galleries
This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get to know some of Paris’ contemporary artists and their work, with the plus side being you also get a glimpse of Parisian life. Over 200 artists living and working in the Belleville neighbourhood open their doors to show their work, art spaces and Studios every day from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Arts and Exhibits Highlights
Retrospective: Eli Lotar at the Jeu de Paume
Check out Franco-Romanian photographer and filmmaker Eli Lotar — a retrospective is at the Jeu de Paume National Galleries providing a fascinating look at Lotar’s perspectives on the world and his tremendous influence on artistic movements (including modernism).
Dates: 14th February to 28th May, 2017
Where: National Galleries at the Jeu de Paume
Vermeer at the Louvre Museum
This much-awaited exhibition is dedicated both to Vermeer and fellow Dutch masters at the Musee du Louvre and it is highly recommended.
Dates: 22nd February to 22nd May 22nd, 2017
Where: Musee du Louvre
The French Spirit: Countercultures in France, 1969-1989
A recent exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London on the spirit of the 1960s drew huge audiences; and now Paris has an exciting retrospective on French counter-cultures from the late 1960s to the late 1980s.
Rock music, photography, paints, posters and multimedia are all part of the many counter-cultural movements which resulted from the May 1968 student rebellion — with similar movements in Berkeley, London and New York. The exhibition is at the Maison Rouge exhibition space which is unfortunately soon set to close.
Dates: February 24th- May 21st, 2017
Where: La Maison Rouge
Did you know Gustave Eiffel did NOT design the Eiffel Tower (la Tour Eiffel)?!
From Travelandleisure.com:
“While Eiffel earned the naming rights for the Tower, it was actually two men who worked for his company—Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier—who drew the original design, according to Live Science. The two engineers teamed up with French architect, Stephen Sauvestre, on the plans for the monument and entered them into a contest to choose the main attraction of the World’s Fair.”
Learning French with Postcards from Paris May 2017
There are some great free videos and courses for learning French!
I use the Duolingo App on my laptop and iPhone every day for 5 minutes, just to keep French in my brain on a daily basis, and I’m amazed at how much this helps!
Here is a video which is very easy to understand:
This one makes it easy to understand as well:
Free Museums to Visit on the First Sunday of each Month
Timeout has a great list of museums to visit where you don’t have to pay an entrance fee on the first Sunday of the month >>
Restaurants, cafes and a sandwich bar I visited in the 11th arrondissement
I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris May 2017 today!
Let me know if you have any questions or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.
Post a Comment below, or click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!
Ciao ciao for now,
Teena
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Comme Une Française – Like A Frenchwoman – with Geraldine!
I have found a wonderful video from a delightful French woman, teaching French to folks like you and me — I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
What to do in Paris in April?
Here is a great article listing 10 Things to Do in Paris in April – some are alreading finished but it’s still worth learning more for April next year:
As the days start to get longer and the temperature warms up, you might want to check out some Parisian icecream :-) I’ve been to a couple of them, but not all! What about you?
Wander around this market which is spread across two avenues. You may not find much furniture or antiques, but there are all kinds of other goodies to find, such as scarves by Hermès, flapper dresses, vintage perfume bottles and toys, and possibly some beautiful French linens. Allow plenty of time to browse to your heart’s content.
Marché aux Puces de St Ouen
This one covers seven hectares, 3,000 traders and up to 180,000 visitors each weekend, and is generally considered to be the biggest flea market in the world! Well organised into a series of enclosed villages, you’ll enjoy walking around here as it’s not a messy bric and brac market at all, and has some entirely covered areas and others with open-air streets. This is however one flea market you’ll need to visit quite a few times to see everything.
Les Puces de Montreuil
At this market you’ll find trash and treasure, from vintage clothes and toys to old cutlery, 1940s light-fittings, furniture and antique glassware. Take your time and you’ll probably find something fabulous which you didn’t know you needed!
Want to know more about the Over 40s Lazy Adventure in Paris?
Want to meet up with me in Paris in July 2018??
Introducing the First Diary for A-Night-In-Paris.com — 2018 Diary
I do have online Courses though — I’m currently updating and adding some new ones in the next month or so, if you’d like to be notified please sign up at 
From Travelandleisure.com:
