“Bonne Annee” in French means Happy New Year in English
I hope you rang in 2017 with lots of laughter, fun and festivities, and I do hope you have a spectacular year ahead filled with love, adventures and success!
There is so much to be grateful for in our daily lives, and I’d like to send you a big hug with my thanks for opening up Postcards from Paris each time I email it, and for being part of my life-long adventure!
New Years in Paris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IZqTbYgbME
A Great Light Show for New Year’s Eve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqzz5e2-uJQ
Great news — I’ve finally done it! I’ve designed some Paris goodies and launched them TODAY!
Something I’ve wanted to do and have tried in the past is to set up a few little Parisian goodies to share with you, and now I’ve finally found a reputable place to sell things to remind me of Paris — if you have a moment, please do pop over to the Store and have a look. I’m planning all kinds of new designs, and if you have any REQUESTS, please do let me know by clicking the CONTACT link in the menu above!
Carnaval de Paris where Parisians come out in their hundreds to participate in this wonderful yearly procession, which is also known as the Pantruche Carnaval and the Saint-Fargeau
(typing this to you in Australia on a little island off the east coast, at my local cafe right on the beach where I’m watching the yachts bobbing in the breeze!)
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Joyeux Noel means Merry Christmas – Happy Holidays to one and all!
Bonjour a tous! Hello one and all! Today I’d like to share a couple of things with you:
my Message from Santa
and a new PDF download in French to help you build on your language skills
some Christmas in Paris videos
what to do in gai Paree over the holidays
a few new French lessons — I hope you like them :-)
Here’s my Message from Santa — whatever you celebrate — the holidays, Christmas, Hannukkah or anything else — my message to you comes from the hearyt – enjoy yourself and share the love with family and friends!
Have a look at Harper’s Bazasar video: “From the twinkling lights and stunning architecture to the festive Eiffel Tower, check out just how beautiful Paris is during Christmas time. ”
The famous Shopping experience, Les Galleries Lafayette, looks extraordinary in this video!
“Les balcons, la coupole et le toit des Galeries Lafayette décorées pour les fêtes de noël (balconies, dome and roof of the Galeries Lafayette decorated for Christmas) année 2016.”
Paris Christmas Markets
“December is a special time in Paris, when days are short and you bundle up for the cold to stroll down busy streets or enjoy the lights twinkling along the Seine.
Travel across the continent and you’ll discover a spectacular selection of Christmas markets, with beautifully decorated log cabins and inviting beer halls, where you can cosy up with a warming glass of mulled wine.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Mk1bVosd8
“But Christmas markets aren’t all about beer and bratwurst; they’re also the perfect place to pick up handmade gifts, ornate decorations and tasty sweet treats for your seasonal hamper.
Here’s the best Christmas markets in Europe, complete with jingle bells, mulled wine and gifts galore.” (Read more on Youtube)
A new downloadable Frenchified Printable just for you!
I’ve created a shiny new PDF of French words based on the Christmas season, you can grab it here:
I hope these PDFs help you when you’re in Paris, or planning your trip, or just daydreaming about being in the city I love — gai Paree :-)
Speaking French With Green Peas
A new way to teach you a little bit of French, tongue-in-cheek, which I hope you enjoy!
And this one:
Speaking of Speaking French …
I am still using DUOLINGO every day on my laptop (it’s an APP available for smart phones in many languages), and I am totally amazed at how much I’m enjoying polishing up on my French on a daily basis.
I don’t often come in contact with many/any French speakers, so it’s been great to keep the ol’ brain active and Frenchified.
Speaking of Frenchified, I have found a French Barista who makes my double-shot latte just right!
Here’s a coffee he made me recently — how cool is this?? How lucky am I? His name is Florent and he’s loving Australia so far; his English is excellent and I love to surprise him with some obscure French I’ve picked up over the years :-)
Do you have a French cafe near where you live, or do you get to speak with French people (if you’re not in a French-speaking location?? I’d love to hear about it – feel free to reply to my Newsletter email, post a Comment below or send a message on the website, or pop over to Facebook to say “Hello!”
Getting Around Paris — cheap as chips!
Not too keen on using the Metro or buses? Or simply in a hurry?
Or perhaps you’re a bit challenge with mobility and want to get around as quickly and easily as possible? I hurt my back before arriving in Paris last time, and reeeeally found it difficult to get around. LeCab made it so much easier for me!
LeCab is a car service which is like a taxi but much better, feels like a chauffeur service, and is so inexpensive! I’ve mentioned it before, but I still think it’s worth mentioning again :-)
8 Euro for any one-way trip within Paris
48 Euro to the airport (it’s like being in your own limousine!) and soooo worth the money!
make bookings via the App on your smart phone – easy peasy.
If you check it out, let me know what you think!
Au revoir mes amis (my friends)! Cheerio for now, and wherever you are in the world, may your holidays be filled with love and laughter and may all your dreams come true in the New Year!
(typing this to you in Australia on a little island off the east coast, at my local cafe right on the beach where I’m watching the yachts bobbing in the breeze!)
Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?
Pop over there now and sign up so you don’t miss out!
Can it really only be about 8 weeks until the Yuletide season? Gosh where did this year go?
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 of these delicious new Francophiles:
Martin of UK, Melinda of USA, Graciele of France, Cynthia, Victor, Betty of NZ, Lili of USA, Carolyn of Australia, Diane of Australia, Joanna of France
Make sure to keep in touch — I’d love to hear from you :-)
What’s on in late October through November in Paris?
Make sure to keep in touch — I’d love to hear from you :-)
Let’s just start by saying I WANT ONE OF THESE!
My favourite daily dose of French!
I added this free App to my iPhone and use it EVERY DAY! I love it! It only takes a few minutes, and it gives your brain a great workout to help you learn and remember.
It’s available for iPhone, Android, desktop and laptop Mac and Windows and more!
This is a very easy-to-use program, suitable for beginners with no experience, and is so helpful. Now that I’m practicing my French every day, it keeps the French language at the front of my memory and I’m thoroughly enjoying this little daily dose of gai Paree.
On your phone, go to the App Store and install DUOLINGO
Oh wow — I cannot WAIT to check out this service when I’m next in Paris! Having breakfast delivered to my apartment would feel like the height of luxury :-) If you check it out, please do let me know!
Speaking of food, here’s a cafe/restaurant I really liked
Les Nicois was within walking distance of the apartment I rented, and it became a favourite place to meet friends for dinner and drinks. Fab atmosphere, excellent food, great vibe — I highly recommend it!
LeCab Car and Driver App is a great alternative to taxis
A friend recommended I try out this App last time I was in Paris, and I did. Soooo much better than taxis — and each journey has a PRE-SET total fare, so if you’re stuck in traffic, it did not cost extra! I also used it as my preferred way to get back to the airport for my departure. I usually use a mini-bus service which picks up other passengers along the way, so it takes longer and you have to be picked up much earlier than you’d like. It’s also available on desktops and laptops, so I’ll be able to book a pick-up for my arrival when I next visit Paris — I’m loving this!
Fixed price :
CDG (Charles de Gaulle) airport to anywhere in Paris — 48 Euro (as at Sept 2016)
The Chauffeurs were lovely, cars fabulous, iPad to do a spot of internet surfing, music — such a great way to get to the airport stress-free and on-time!
I thought I’d find a funny French video to share with you, and this was at the top of the list on Youtube :-) It made me giggle, and I thought it might tickle your funny bone too!
This one is both funny AND useful! I particularly like the final example too :-) Which one do you like?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FkhE8yrSXM
Au revoir, more soon! Don’t forget to write to me or post a voicemail in the little box on the right hand side of this web page :-)
Great news! Over the years I’ve had a few people contact me and ask about travel journals, and I’ve finally published the first one, and I’m thrilled to bits!
In this first Paris Journal Notebook, the pages are formatted for Bullet Journal users who love tiny dots on the pages instead of lines. The tiny dots help the users to sketch or write so that lines aren’t necessary.
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, or just love the thought of Paris, this Journal is a great way to make notes, add sketches, or use your Bullet Journal skills to turn this into a book you can add to over time and treasure.
It’s available on amazon right now if you’d like to check it out — click the book below and please do let me know if you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you!
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If you’d like to find out more about bullet journals, here’s a little video I found which might help explain it a bit.
Today’s French love phrases can be found in a fabulous song “l’Amour et Moi” by Jenifer.
“l’Amour et Moi” translates into “Love and I”.
The video shows:
English subtitles at the top of the screen with
French words below.
Please click the video to listen and learn this delightful French song:
French version:
found on: http://lyricstranslate.com/en/lamour-et-moi-love-and-i.html
L’Amour et Moi
Je me fous des princes charmants
Leurs promesses je les oublie
Ces voleurs de sentiments
Au petit matin ils s’enfuient
Oh oh
Je parie sur les amants
Quand vient le printemps a Paris
Les mariés sont moins marrant
Ils te menottent à leurs vies
Ohoh
L’amour et moi ça fait deux
Ne tombez pas amoureux
L’amour et moi ce n’est qu’un triste jeu
Ne tomber pas amoureux
Envie d’entendre tout ce qu’il ne dit pas
Envie de bras chauds sous mes draps froids
L’amour et moi ça fait deux
Ne tombez pas amoureux
Ohohoh…
Mes amis sont des amants
Ils ne volent que mes envies
Les mariés trop exigeants
Avec le temps ils m’ennuient
Ohoh
Les mariés sont moins marrants
Ils te menottent à leurs vies
Je me lasse de ces amants
Ils ne t’aiment que pour la nuit
Ohoh
L’amour et moi ça fait deux
Ne tombez pas amoureux
L’amour et moi ce n’est qu’un triste jeu
Ne tomber pas amoureux
Envie d’entendre tout ce qu’il ne dit pas
Envie de bras chauds sous mes draps froids
L’amour et moi ça fait deux
Ne tombez pas amoureux
Ohohoh…
L’amour et moi sa fait deux
Ne tomber pas amoureux
L’amour et moi sa fait deux
Ne tomber pas amoureux
I don’t care about delightful princes
I forget their promises
These feelings thieves
They escape at early morning
Oh oh
I bet on lovers
When spring comes in Paris
Married people are less funny
They handcuff you to their lives
Oh oh
Love and I don’t go together
Don’t fall in love
Love and I is just a sad game
Itch of hearing everything which it doesn’t tell
Itch of warm arms under my cold sheets
Love and I don’t go together
Don’t fall in love
Ohohoh…
My friends are lovers
They only steel my desires
Too much demanding married people
They are bored in time
Ohoh
Married are less funny
They handcuff you to their lives
I get tired of these lovers
They only love you for night
Ohoh
Love and I don’t go together
Don’t fall in love
Love and I is just a sad game
Itch of hearing everything which it doesn’t tell
Itch of warm arms under my cold sheets
Love and I don’t go together
Don’t fall in love
Ohohoh…
Love and I don’t go together
Don’t fall in love
Love and I don’t go together
Don’t fall in love
Don’t fall in love
Your Say About French Love Phrases
Do you have any favourite French songs or movies you’d like to share?
Do send me an email, or post a Comment below, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to chat more :-)
It’s a beautiful day in Paris today! I’ll be heading out shortly for the wonderful Barge Cruise which I love to experience each time I’m in Paris — it takes 2.5 hours, and there is a choice of morning or afternoon, so I’ve decided on the 2:30pm Cruise to show my client another side of Paris in a leisurely, relaxed way – woohoo!
I’ve been having an amazing time with my client these past few days, she has flown half way round the world to be part of one of my Adventures, and we’ve been having the best time!
Coming to a foreign country where you don’t speak the language can feel like a very large, nervous step to take, but once you’re in Paris, you’ll find so many French people who will speak English withyou. that you’ll feel at home in no time :-)
If you use Facebook, you might like to pop over and see what I’ve been posting — photos and videos!
Great question! I usually visit in summer so I wasn’t sure how quickly it would turn to autumn, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised:
I have not worn a coat
I have worn scarves every day, and if I get too warm in a store or cafe, I simply remove the scarf
I have mostly worn one long-sleeve item each day, and I haven’t needed multiple layers of long sleeves … yet!
I have worn either short-sleeved or sleeveless tops under my long-sleeved top
temperatures have been around 18-20degC during the day
I have used my umbrella a few times, and it’s a very small fold-up one so it stays in a plastic bag inside my handbag; so if it’s wet, and I go into a cafe etc, I can put it in the plastic bag and NOT leave it behind when I leave :-)
“Teena, what’s different since the last time you were there?”
There’s a tram! It’s been here about two years and works around the outskirts (the “peripherique”/periphery) of Paris.
So many people want to speak English! Waiters, staff in stores, EVERYwhere! No more excuses about French people not speaking English, dust off your passport and suitcase and come on over :-)
In the past two weeks I have met so many kind, helpful, wonderful French people that it’s almost overwhelming! From taxi drivers (Bonjour Bernard!), to waiters and waitresses, sales people in stores of all kinds (Bonjour Ariella, Silvina, Marion, Warda!) , people on the street who answer my questions, a gorgeous woman I met at a bus stop when the buses were running hours late (because of a “manifestation” / public strike) who had a drink with me and my client while we all waited in a local cafe (BONJOUR CHRISTINE!)
There will be lots more things to add to this list, but that’ll do for a Sunday morning when I haven’t had coffee yet!
Here is one of my favourite travel videos to keep you smiling :-)
A fantastic in-flight one from Virgin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtyfiPIHsIg
I’m heading to the Barge Cruise very soon, so I’ll say AU REVOIR and CHEERIO for now :-)
2023 UPDATE – Find public toilets in Paris by using the FLUSH APP on your phone – so easy=!
MY TIP: Carry a small amount of toilet paper – just in case. I keep mine in a small plastic zip-lock bag.
2015 – I met a couple on the flight to Paris the other day, and the husband told me the one thing which bugged him about visiting Paris was “not being able to find toilets”.
I gave him a few tips — and thought I’d share them with you too :-)
How to find public toilets in Paris
Here are the easiest ways:
find a McDonalds, go in and try the door – if it needs a code, ask for one
find a Starbucks, go in and try the door – if it needs a code, ask for one
look out for any number of public toilets to be found in the streets and parks of Paris, you may need coins to open the door
go into any cafe, bistro, brasserie and look for a toilet, or a set of stairs going down with a sign anywhere saying “Toilette”; if you can’t find one, ask to use the toilet in you most polite way — you may be asked to buy a drink, and say, “Of course — bien sur!“
if you still can’t find one, go into any shop and ask, “Ou se trouve les toilettes, s’il vous plait?” which means, “Where can I find the toilets, please?”
Lots of cafe and restaurant toilets do not have seats – do NOT freak out
I know, I know — this sounds awful — but really, let me explain.
There are millions of tourists in Paris every week, and they all need to find toilets.
We expect the toilets to be kept clean, and that requires a LOT of work on the part of the locals.
By using well-designed toilets which do NOT need seats, and are very comfortable, the need to keep cleaning smelly toilet seas has been removed.
You can easily wipe the toilet before you sit down, and please — understand this is NORMAL in Paris, so don’t be snotty or mean about it, just get used to it, OK? Great :-)
To all you folks from America and other places which don’t normally use the word “toilet” and instead use the word “bathroom”, you’ll need to start saying “toilette”.
If you ask for a “bathroom”, the French person may think you want to go home with them to have a BATH or SHOWER — and will understandably be a little wary of agreeing to this without actually knowing you :-)
Let me know if you use other apps or have tips for finding public toilets in Paris
record an audio for me – big button on the right of this web page
UPDATE 27 Aug 2022 – a Google search shows Le Chat Gourmand – this cute little lunch bar as “permanently closed”.
Don’t despair – thre will be other new places I haven’t had the good fortune to find yet, as I haven’t been in Paris for a few years due to COVID
Today (10 Sept 2015) I popped into a little patisserie/lunch bar in Rue Saint Maur in the 11th arrondissement, which is owned by chef Alain (who loves cats, hence the name “The Greedy Cat” / Le Chat Gourmand).
This is not a café or restaurant – it’s where you can buy sandwiches and tasty treats, then walk to the nearest park and have a picnic :-)
Everything is made fresh by Alain, from baguette sandwiches with delicious fillings, to home-made quiches, fresh salads (carrottes rapées = shredded carrot, epinards – spinach, etc), tasty pasta and much more).
If you’d like your quiche etc heated, not a problem.
The menu is a “Formule” (a “set menu”):
1 x dish, 1 x salad, 1 x dessert or drink = 9,00 €
The prices are very reasonable, the food is fresh and delicious — eat in, or take away — yum!
If you’re in the 11th on or near Rue Saint Maur, do pop in and say Teena sent you :-)
Alain is a charming guy with a great personality, singing along to great songs on the radio, dancing a bit when and if required, always welcomes you with a big smile and a friendly “Hello!” :-)
PS — ask for a Carte de Fidélité (a Loyalty Card) – after 10 purchases you get ONE MEAL FREE!
Cafe/Restaurant: Le Chat Gourmand (The Greedy Cat)
Bonjour a tous! Hello everyone!
Already on the list? I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris in 2016!
Bonjour a tous! Hello one and all! Today I’d like to share a couple of things with you:
Speaking of Speaking French …
“Chou” is the French word for cabbage, and is pronounced as “shoo” — I love this little word and I use it a LOT!
Vache is the French word for COW,so using the French word VACHEMENT makes you think you’re saying, “Cowly!” — but in fact, it’s quite different.
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