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!
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?
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)
November to March — Other Museums with Free Entry
1st arrondissement: Sainte-Chapelle 4, boulevard du Palais, Paris 1st – Metro Châtelet / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
1st arrondissement: Conciergerie 2, boulevard du Palais, Paris 1st – Metro Cité / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
4th arrondissement: Tours de Notre-Dame, 6 place du parvis Notre-Dame, Paris 4th – Metro Saint-Michel / Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
5th arrondissement: Panthéon, Place du Panthéon, Paris 5th – Metro Cardinal Lemoine / Luxembourg
8th arrondissement: Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris 8th – Metro Charles de Gaulle – Etoile
Château de Vincennes, Avenue de Paris, 94 – Château de Vincennes
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
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 :-)
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 :-)
From Travelandleisure.com:
Bonjour a tous! Hello one and all! Today I’d like to share a couple of things with you:
Speaking of Speaking French …
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.
LET'S CHAT