Hello hello — if you’re new to Postcards from Paris — Bonjour ! Salut ! Bienvenu ! (Hello! Hi! 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!
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 the Alice in Wonderland story.
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!
One of the first things people ask me about is how to speak French — and that’s a tall order, so I recommend starting with something small, like numbers or common words you might use in a shop or store. Here is a little video to get you started
Over the past few years I’ve had quite a few questions about this, and often it’s the language differences which make it difficult for both sides. I’ve updated this page this month to make it even easier for folks to work out what to do first.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of POSTCARDS FROM PARIS January 2018!
I look forward to hearing from you!
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!
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!
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!
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
Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?
Pop over there now and sign up so you don’t miss out!
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:
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?
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!
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.“
“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.
That’s is for today — if you have any questions, please do let me know!
Enjoy Paris!
Teena!
If you have time, pop over to the Facebook page for a chat:
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
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Pop over there now and sign up so you don’t miss out!
“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!)
Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?
Pop over there now and sign up so you don’t miss out!
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 :-)
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 :-)
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Questions via the Website
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:
Bonjour a tous! Hello everyone!
Bonjour a tous! Hello one and all! Today I’d like to share a couple of things with you:
Speaking of Speaking French …
