Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

Postcards from Paris December 2017

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

Welcome to Postcards from Paris December 2017!

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!


Plus Size Woman Clothing with Teena HughesWant 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!


My 2018 Paris Calendar by Teena Hughes

My first 2018 Paris Calendar has launched!

So excited! 12 pages with a great photo for each month — grab your copy here >>

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 ax Just check your email :-)

2018 Paris Calendar with Gargoyle - One Page thumbnail


2018 Diary featuring the Eiffel Tower and other Paris photosIntroducing the First Diary for A-Night-In-Paris.com — 2018 Diary

I’ve designed a 2018 Diary and I can’t wait to get my copy in the post!

  •  each double-page spread is one week
  • each week has at least one of my own Paris photos
  • extra information about the 20 Arrondissements
  • extra tips and information about Paris.

I’ll let you know as soon as it’s available in the next few days! Woohoo!

 


.

Postcards from Paris December 2017 - RIVER SEINE

What’s happening in Paris in December?

  • The Christmas illuminations on the Champs-Elysées are always extraordinary at this time of year.
  • Have you heard of the Big Wheel which will be in the Place de la Concorde? It’s a must-visit at 70 metres high, with incredible views over Paris.

Need to do some shopping?

  • Check out the Christmas markets at Notre-Dame, Les Invalides and La Défense.
  • When it’s time to rest your weary feet, why not grab a coffee or a wine and a bite to eat in one of the surrounding cafes and bistros?
  • Taste some of the local and regional produce in the markets and find great gifts among the fabulous handcrafted piece.

Want to see some gorgeous Christmas window displays in Paris?

For a truly fabulous New Year’s Eve in Paris, head over to the Champs-Elysées on 31st December for the extravaganza light show!


Learning French:  Top 10 Words in French Everyday Slang (video)

Let me know which of these slang words you’re going to try :-)


Will you be in Paris in time for the Christmas Markets?

I’ve written about Christmas and the Yuletide season a few times, and I’d like to share these stories with you:

Things happening in Paris over the Holidays

What about New Year’s Eve in gai Paree?


Where to buy a pint of beer for 4 Euros or less in Paris?

 


Learning French: What happens in France for Christmas? (video)

.


Learning French: How to wish someone Merry Christmas in French (video)

.

.


From one of my favourite French singers – Julien (“Trudbol”) – first a song in English:

It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas (A Cappella Barbershop Quartet) – Julien Neel

and now one in French:

Cantique de Noël (Minuit Chrétiens – French O Holy Night) – Julien Neel

 

If you like Julien’s acapella music, you might like to hear more — if so, pop over to Trudbol’s Youtube Channel >>


Recent Posts you may have missed


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!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot ! Talk soon!

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


Keeping in touch from Paris with help from the internet November 2017

Keeping in touch from Paris with help from the internet

Keeping in touch from Paris is easy!

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:

  1. tap on Messages
  2. slide iMessage button to the right so it’s showing as “green”
  3. 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).
    1. 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!)
    2. if there are friends who haven’t installed Viber yet, contact them and ask them to install the App
    3. 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
    4. it works over WIFI (pronounced “weefee” in France)
    5. 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
    6. 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)
    1. 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
    2. 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!)
    3. 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!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot !

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


Postcards from Paris October 2017

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

Welcome to Postcards from Paris October 2017!

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!


My 2018 Paris Calendar by Teena Hughes

My first 2018 Paris Calendar has launched!

So excited! 12 pages with a great photo for each month — grab your copy here >>

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 :-)

2018 Paris Calendar by Teena Hughes


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
  • Info & Tickets http://salon-du-chocolat.com

What else is on in October:

 


Will you be in Paris in time for the Christmas Markets?

I’ve written about Christmas and the Yuletide season a few times, and I’d like to share these stories with you:

Things happening in Paris over the Holidays

What about New Year’s Eve in gai Paree?


Le Loir Dans le Théière

Postcards from Paris October

My old-time favourite Tea House / Salon de The

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 …

Read more >>


Recent Questions about Paris

Giovanna asks:  When is it summer in france?

I replied:

Hi there Giovanna,

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 Paris in 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 in Paris 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.

If you haven’t signed up yet, here’s the link:

Have a fabulous week!

ciao ciao,

Teena

Question from Marion: 

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

Recent Posts


Learning French

Here is another great video for you – let me know what you think!

“5 Weird French Expressions to Sound Like a Native”


and here is one of my favourite French singers – Trudbol:

For the lyrics in French and English, pop over to Trudbol’s Youtube Channel >>

 


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!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot !

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


Le Loir Dans le Theiere (favourite Tea Salon)

Le Loir Dans le Theiere Cafe / Restaurant

Postcards from Paris October - Le Loir Dans le Théière

My old-time favourite Tea House / Salon de The

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.

Le Loir Dans Le Theiere Cafe in Paris

 

 

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

See photos and more on their website:

Looking for other places to eat and drink, and enjoy Paris? Check out these pages:


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!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot !

Teena signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


French breakfast in Australia with Teena Hughes

French breakfast in Australia with Teena Hughes

What do I wish I had more of right now?

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:

  1. he’s French :-)
  2. the butter is French (essential!)
  3. the flour is French (essential!)
  4. 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 :-)

Ciao ciao for now! Talk soon,

Teena signature

 

Teena Hughes


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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

 


French Festivals in Australia

  • https://lefestival.com.au – Brisbane
  • https://www.bonjourfrenchfestival.com.au – Gold Coast

Postcards from Paris July 2017

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

Welcome to Postcards from Paris July 2017!

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!


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:

 

And next month:


Airline Safety Videos

This one by British Airways is great!


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?

Paris Cafe Cats - Postcards from Paris March

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.


Paris Plage (Paris Beaches)

What??!  A BEACH in Paris?? ARE YOU CRAZY?

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!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot !

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


Postcards from Paris June 2017

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

Welcome to Postcards from Paris June 2017!

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!


PDF - A list of free Paris Museums with free entry on SundaysA 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 :-)

Click to read more >>


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!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGsnOk1FJhE


What’s happening in Paris in June 2017?

Check out the list of July events in Paris:

 


.

Postcards from Paris June 2017

11 Great things about Montmartre

“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:


Paris bars for English speakers

Five Bars in Paris for English Speakers

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!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot !

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


Postcards from Paris May 2017

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

Welcome to Postcards from Paris May 2017!

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!

 

What’s on in May?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI_ueblWV2g


More of what’s on in May

I have a longer list of things to do in May here >>


Festivals and Events

20th May: Museum Night

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.

Tennis events - Postcards from Paris May 2017

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!

Postcards from Paris May 2017 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)?!

12 secret tips about the Eiffel TowerFrom 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.”

Read the rest of the 12 amazing facts about the Eiffel Tower which most people don’t know >>


 

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 >>


Traditional French restaurant in Paris - amuse bouche (image)

Restaurants, cafes and a sandwich bar I visited in the 11th arrondissement

More info about the 11th arrondissement

Paris City Map 75011 : Map of Paris France


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 Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


Postcards from Paris April 2017

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

Today’s Postcards from Paris April 2017

A quick hello to new subscribers!

It’s always so wonderful to receive email notifications when new folks sign up for news about Paris — let me know if you have any questions!


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:

  1. Paris Art Fair (March 30-April 2)
  2. Le Lac des Cygnes (April 2-9)
  3. Eat Cheap and Save for Summer
  4. Le Foire du Trone (March 31-June 5) [I love the Foire du Trone!]
  5. Celebrate Easter this weekend (April 16)
  6. The Color Run this weekend (April 16)
  7. Salon Sugar Paris (April 20-22)
  8. Marché aux fleurs et aux oiseaux (the Flower and Bird Markets)
  9. Fashions at the Musée des Arts décoratifs
  10. La Grande Mosquée de Paris (The Great Mosque of Paris)

Read more about what to do in April


Best icecream in Paris - Postcards from Paris April 2017

The best ice cream in Paris

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?

Here’s a list for you to try >>


I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris April 2017 today!

Was there one item you really enjoyed in today’s news? I’d love to hear from you.

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 — let’s chat soon!

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.

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot !

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


.

3 Flea Markets in Paris

3 Flea Markets in Paris worth visiting

  1. Marché aux Puces de la Port de Vanves
  2. Marché aux Puces de St Ouen (“puce” is “flea”)
  3. Les Puces de Montreuil

Here is a map showing these 3 plus more:

Map of 3 Flea Markets in Paris

 

Marché aux Puces de la Port de Vanves

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.

3 photos of flea markets in Paris

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!

Have fun!

 


 


Have you visited these 3 Flea Markets in Paris?

I’d love to hear from you — please do post a comment below or on my Facebook page and share your experience — which one did you like the most?

Postcards from Paris March 2017

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

Today’s Postcards from Paris • March 2017

A quick hello to new subscribers!

It’s always so wonderful to receive email notifications when new folks sign up for news about Paris — here are just a few of the names:

  • Bennette, Laurie, Veronika,Nick, Chantal, Shona, Ida, Kathleen, Kathryn, Martin, Melinda, Debbie, and many more delightful souls interested in gai Paree!

If I haven’t mentioned your name, don’t despair! Please do send a message to keep in touch — I’d love to hear from you :-)


The weather is getting better, Paris is moving out of winter (“l’hiver”) and into spring (“printemps”) — a beautiful time of year!

What’s Up In Paris

.

Paris Fashion Week 2017


 

Restaurants to check out

Frenchie To Go! Restaurant  /  Wine Bar  /  75002

Paris Cafe Cats - Postcards from Paris March

Le Café des Chats (The Cafe of Cats) /  75011

Are you missing your kitty cat while visiting Paris? Check out the cool cafe and pat a cat :-)

  • 9 Rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris
  • http://www.lecafedeschats.fr/acces/
  • ouvert du Mardi au Dimanche de 12h à 22h30 (le vendredi et le samedi jusqu’à 23H), sans réservation
  • open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 10:30pm (to 11pm on Friday and Saturday), without reservations

Who loves a Kebab?

When I lived in Paris the first time (for 3 years), I worked from 11am till 7pm, so I’d go out for drinks and dinner with workmates and friends after work.

Sometimes we’d forget dinner and just have a lot of fun over a lot of cocktails :-)

We’d definitely need to find something to eat late in the evening, and one of my favourite things was to find the best kebab in Paris! That was a long time ago, and now someone else has made a list of the current great places to grab a kebab — the page is in French, but I’ve translated the text at the top of the page for you:

Who did not wander the streets after a night of drinking, in search of a good kebab to mop up its excess alcohol? Obviously, they are far from all good … But here, in any case, is a small selection of kebab, falafel, dürüm — delicious and perfect to fill the empty hunger.

Pop over here to read more >>


Top 5 Films Showing Paris at its Best

“By projecting state-of-the-art English translations above the stage (the surtitles),
Theatre in Paris is the only company ​enabling visitors to experience celebrated French plays and musicals first-hand.” What a great idea! Check the website often to see what’s on and coming up.

.


Paris Bars

Looking for non-French Bars?

Here is a list of five to work your way through — let me know what you think!

I haven’t been to any of these but I’ll certainly check them out when I next visit my friends in Paris:

.


Postcards from Paris thumbnails

What’s On in Paris • Things to Do and See

 


 

Take your children to the puppet shows - there are a few around Paris

Will you be in Paris with Kids?

There are PLENTY of things to do in Paris with kids!

Here is a list of pages on this site to help you choose what to do first :-)

.

That’s is for today — if you have any questions, please do let me know!

Enjoy Paris!

Teena Signature

Teena!


 

If you have time, pop over to the Facebook page for a chat:

Postcards from Paris miscellaneous photos


I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris March 2017!

Let me know if you find anything you’d like to share about Paris  – now that Spring has sprung (Printemps) there’ll be lots more events and things to do and see.

Ciao ciao for now,

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


List of free Paris Museums open on Sundays

Modern Art Museum - Palais de Tokyo - List of free Paris museums opn on Sundays

 

A list of free Paris Museums with free entry on Sundays!

  • 1st Arrondissement: Musee du Louvre — free from October to March;  Rue de Rivoli, 75001 — Metro: Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre station (line 1). Entrance for visitors with special needs: “Disabled visitors and visitors with mobility impairments can enter directly at the Pyramid entrance, without having to queue.”
  • 1st arrondissement:  Musée National de l’Orangerie Jardin des Tuileries, Paris 1st – Metro Concorde
  • 5th arrondissement:  Musée de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de ParisHôtel de Miramion – 47, quai de la Tournelle, Paris 5th – Metro Maubert – Mutualité / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  • 3rd arrondissement:  Musée National Picasso  Hôtel Salé – 5, rue de Thorigny, Paris 3rd – Metro Saint-Paul / Châtelet – Les Halles
  • 3rd arrondissement:  Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature Hôtel de Mongelas –  62, rue des Archives, Paris 3rd – Metro Hôtel de Ville / Châtelet – Les Halles
  • 4th arrondissement:  Musée National d’art moderne – Centre Pompidou  Place Georges Pompidou, Paris 4th – Metro Hôtel de Ville / Châtelet – Les Halles
  • 5th arrondissement:  Musée National du Moyen Âge – Thermes de Cluny 6, place Paul Painlevé, Paris 5th – Metro Cluny – La Sorbonne / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  • 6th arrondissement:  Musée National Ernest Hébert Hôtel de Montmorency-Bours – 85, rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris 6th – Metro Vaneau
  • 6th arrondissement:  Musée National Eugène Delacroix 6 rue de Furstenberg, Paris 6th – Metro Saint-Germain-des-Prés / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  • 7th arrondissement:  Musée d’Orsay 1, rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Paris 7th – Metro Solférino / Musée d’Orsay
  • 7th arrondissement:  Musée du Quai Branly 37, quai Branly Portail Debilly, Paris 7th – Metro Alma – Marceau / Pont de l’Alma
  • 7th arrondissement:  Musée Rodin 79, rue de Varenne, Paris 7th – Metro Varenne / Invalides
  • 9th arrondissement:  Musée  National Gustave Moreau 14, rue de la Rochefoucauld, Paris 9th – Metro Trinité
  • 16th arrondissement:  Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine Palais de Chaillot – 1, place du Trocadéro et du 11 novembre, Paris 16th – Metro Trocadéro / Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel
    Cité National de l’histoire de l’immigration 293, avenue Daumesnil, Paris 12th – Metro Porte Dorée
  • 16th arrondissement:  Musée des Arts et Métiers 60, rue Réaumur, Paris 16th – Metro Arts et Métiers
  • 17th arrondissement:  Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner — 43, avenue de Villiers, Paris 17th – Metro Malesherbes

Map of Paris Arrondissements (Districts)

List of free Paris museums opn on Sundays

 

November to March — Other Museums with Free Entry

  1. 1st arrondissement:  Sainte-Chapelle 4, boulevard du Palais, Paris 1st – Metro Châtelet / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  2. 1st arrondissement:  Conciergerie 2, boulevard du Palais, Paris  1st – Metro Cité / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  3. 4th arrondissement:  Tours de Notre-Dame, 6 place du parvis Notre-Dame, Paris 4th – Metro Saint-Michel / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
  4. 5th arrondissement:  Panthéon, Place du Panthéon, Paris 5th – Metro Cardinal Lemoine / Luxembourg
  5. 8th arrondissement:  Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris 8th – Metro Charles de Gaulle – Etoile
  6. Château de Vincennes, Avenue de Paris, 94 – Château de Vincennes
  7. Château de Versailles 78 – RER Versailles – Rive Gauche

List of free Paris Museums as PDF

Would you like a PDF of this page? I’m creating one at the moment — if you received this update via email, just reply to the email and I’ll send it to you as soon as it’s ready.


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, I hope you enjoyed my List of free Paris Museums!

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

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

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


Page 3 of 12«12345»10...Last »