ParisPourri
May 9th, 2007, 06:53 AM
#101
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lynda - merci, merci!
CHINA TOWN
Paris has a thriving China Town (hope that's not a perjorative term!) and this is no surprise i guess given the large number of Asians, including Viet Namese, in the city.
The area around Place d'Italie has several blocks of Chinese stores and a whole lot of restaurants - so for a different flare in Paris head to China Town.
CHINA TOWN
Paris has a thriving China Town (hope that's not a perjorative term!) and this is no surprise i guess given the large number of Asians, including Viet Namese, in the city.
The area around Place d'Italie has several blocks of Chinese stores and a whole lot of restaurants - so for a different flare in Paris head to China Town.
May 11th, 2007, 08:19 AM
#102
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Author: PalQ
Date: 02/27/2007
I recently revisited one of my favorite Paris museums, the Museum National des Arts et Metiers. I had been to the museum a few times before but not recently and it remains a delightful collection that is testimony to the prominent position the French have played in scientic and engineering history.
Plus, the museum is housed inside the walls of an ancient monastery, where it was started by an abbot in 1794. The building's old wooden floors lovingly creak as one walks around the treasure-trove of old machines and scientific tools...some 80,000 objects and 15,000 designs
The museum's piece-de-resistance is no doubt Focault's original pendulum, which perpetually swings around in the center of monastery's old chapel. When Focault first swung his pendulum in public at Paris' Pantheon centuries ago, proving the previously heretical idea that the Earth in fact did rotate around the sun and not other way around, it of course created a huge stir in the scientific and religious communities. Huge crowds flocked to the Pantheon to see the pendulum prove this.
Near the pendulum, hanging from the rafters, are two old French airplanes that were seminal in aviation development.
The runner-up to Focault's Pendulum as a museum highlight is Lavosier's old laboratory, kept in its original state that the so-called (by the museum) father of modern chemisty had it when he worked in it.
Anyway a neat old museum that could delight even the most science- or engineering-blase types and one i hope to return to again and (according to its web site: www.arts-et-metiers.net)
Date: 02/27/2007
I recently revisited one of my favorite Paris museums, the Museum National des Arts et Metiers. I had been to the museum a few times before but not recently and it remains a delightful collection that is testimony to the prominent position the French have played in scientic and engineering history.
Plus, the museum is housed inside the walls of an ancient monastery, where it was started by an abbot in 1794. The building's old wooden floors lovingly creak as one walks around the treasure-trove of old machines and scientific tools...some 80,000 objects and 15,000 designs
The museum's piece-de-resistance is no doubt Focault's original pendulum, which perpetually swings around in the center of monastery's old chapel. When Focault first swung his pendulum in public at Paris' Pantheon centuries ago, proving the previously heretical idea that the Earth in fact did rotate around the sun and not other way around, it of course created a huge stir in the scientific and religious communities. Huge crowds flocked to the Pantheon to see the pendulum prove this.
Near the pendulum, hanging from the rafters, are two old French airplanes that were seminal in aviation development.
The runner-up to Focault's Pendulum as a museum highlight is Lavosier's old laboratory, kept in its original state that the so-called (by the museum) father of modern chemisty had it when he worked in it.
Anyway a neat old museum that could delight even the most science- or engineering-blase types and one i hope to return to again and (according to its web site: www.arts-et-metiers.net)
May 15th, 2007, 06:39 AM
#104
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VERSAILLES: LES GRANDES EAUX MUSICAL
Each summer Versailles' gardens and park come alive with the now famous Les Grandes Eaux Musical extravaganza, a water show with the famous fountains spouting splish-splashing water to the soothing sounds of Baroque Music piped throughout the gardens.
In 2007, the show takes place every Sat and Sun 11am to midday and 3:30-5pm so times are fairly restricted. Tunes this year are by Herve Niquet and the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles.
www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr
Each summer Versailles' gardens and park come alive with the now famous Les Grandes Eaux Musical extravaganza, a water show with the famous fountains spouting splish-splashing water to the soothing sounds of Baroque Music piped throughout the gardens.
In 2007, the show takes place every Sat and Sun 11am to midday and 3:30-5pm so times are fairly restricted. Tunes this year are by Herve Niquet and the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles.
www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr
May 16th, 2007, 07:49 AM
#105
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AMAZING EDIFICE: THE FLOWER TOWER
One of the most unique and bizarre buildings in Paris is the Flower Tower, a Parisian apartment building that is a creation of esteemed architect Edouard Francois.
It's called the Flower Tower because that's exactly what it looks like as the 30 apartments have balconies loaded with flower pots 80 cm high; in each pot a bamboo from Spain has been planted - the bamboo in each pot is about 2.5 m high. 380 pots in all cover the facade, creating a veritable bamboo forest.
The building's uniqueness is not all apparent to the human eye from afar as the pots are all linked by an automatic irrigation system operated by computers in constant contact with Meteo France, the French weather forecasting company.
The Flower Tower is a part of an all-new town built inside the Paris connurbation - the Les Hauts de Malesherbes zone at Porte d'Asnieres on the northwestern Paris in the 17th arr.
The whole zone is loaded with innovative architecture and the complex was organized by the only French architect to win the prestigious Pritzker Prize.
If taking a train to Vernon (Giverny) or on the Rouen line you can get a good look at the Flower Tower, which sits just to the right where the line crosses the peripherique boulevard that circles Paris.
Author: ira
Date: 04/17/2007
Hi PQ,
You can see the building by googling "THE FLOWER TOWER" and clicking "images".
It's not without interest.
Author: happytotravel
Date: 04/17/2007
heres the link
http://tinyurl.com/2seys3
PS - jinx - merci to you to for your kind words.
One of the most unique and bizarre buildings in Paris is the Flower Tower, a Parisian apartment building that is a creation of esteemed architect Edouard Francois.
It's called the Flower Tower because that's exactly what it looks like as the 30 apartments have balconies loaded with flower pots 80 cm high; in each pot a bamboo from Spain has been planted - the bamboo in each pot is about 2.5 m high. 380 pots in all cover the facade, creating a veritable bamboo forest.
The building's uniqueness is not all apparent to the human eye from afar as the pots are all linked by an automatic irrigation system operated by computers in constant contact with Meteo France, the French weather forecasting company.
The Flower Tower is a part of an all-new town built inside the Paris connurbation - the Les Hauts de Malesherbes zone at Porte d'Asnieres on the northwestern Paris in the 17th arr.
The whole zone is loaded with innovative architecture and the complex was organized by the only French architect to win the prestigious Pritzker Prize.
If taking a train to Vernon (Giverny) or on the Rouen line you can get a good look at the Flower Tower, which sits just to the right where the line crosses the peripherique boulevard that circles Paris.
Author: ira
Date: 04/17/2007
Hi PQ,
You can see the building by googling "THE FLOWER TOWER" and clicking "images".
It's not without interest.
Author: happytotravel
Date: 04/17/2007
heres the link
http://tinyurl.com/2seys3
PS - jinx - merci to you to for your kind words.
May 18th, 2007, 06:33 AM
#106
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TWO HOT BOUTIQUES
The Paris Convention & Visitors Centre says: "Colette (213 rue Saint Honore, 1st; www.colette.fr) is the hottest retail concept store in Paris, with a wonderfully eclectic array of clothing, art books, cosmetics and other wares"
"Montaigne Market (57 ave Montaigne, 8th) is Paris' mewest multibrand luxury concept store. Signature fashion items include Eley Kishimoto sunglasses- giant retro glasses like Jacki O's and an edgymix of clothing from 80 different designers from around the world."
The Paris Convention & Visitors Centre says: "Colette (213 rue Saint Honore, 1st; www.colette.fr) is the hottest retail concept store in Paris, with a wonderfully eclectic array of clothing, art books, cosmetics and other wares"
"Montaigne Market (57 ave Montaigne, 8th) is Paris' mewest multibrand luxury concept store. Signature fashion items include Eley Kishimoto sunglasses- giant retro glasses like Jacki O's and an edgymix of clothing from 80 different designers from around the world."
May 21st, 2007, 07:22 AM
#107
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HOT SHOPPING DISTRICT
Speaking of 'hot boutiques', the Paris Tourist Office also says:
"emerging as the trendiest neighborhood in Paris, the 3rd arrondissement, aka Northern Marais or Les Archives, is the edgiest place in the city to shop right now. Stop by Food (58 rue Chariot), a gallery-bookstore that hosts food-related exhibits and gastronoimic books and journals from all over the world; Dominque Picquier (10 rue Charlot) for offbeat fabrics; Karine Dupont (22 rue Poitou) for sassy handbags and accessories; or La Belle Epoqie (10 rue de Poitou) for vintage French women's wear. Amours, Delices et Orgues (5 rue du Perche) which specializes in sexy underwear, aphrodisiac sweets and other curiosities, and Frederic Garrigues (2 rue Saint Gilles), a delightful florist where almost all of the blooms are seasonal and come from the Ile de France, are other good examples of the quirky, unique shops that are increasingly typical of the 3rd. Don' miss Lieu Commun (5 rue des Filles-du-Cavalire), a cutting-edge designer furniture showroom"
me - i'll be window shopping just to see this area and how the shops look but budget only allows for stuff from Tata (sp), Paris' lowbrow clothing store!
Speaking of 'hot boutiques', the Paris Tourist Office also says:
"emerging as the trendiest neighborhood in Paris, the 3rd arrondissement, aka Northern Marais or Les Archives, is the edgiest place in the city to shop right now. Stop by Food (58 rue Chariot), a gallery-bookstore that hosts food-related exhibits and gastronoimic books and journals from all over the world; Dominque Picquier (10 rue Charlot) for offbeat fabrics; Karine Dupont (22 rue Poitou) for sassy handbags and accessories; or La Belle Epoqie (10 rue de Poitou) for vintage French women's wear. Amours, Delices et Orgues (5 rue du Perche) which specializes in sexy underwear, aphrodisiac sweets and other curiosities, and Frederic Garrigues (2 rue Saint Gilles), a delightful florist where almost all of the blooms are seasonal and come from the Ile de France, are other good examples of the quirky, unique shops that are increasingly typical of the 3rd. Don' miss Lieu Commun (5 rue des Filles-du-Cavalire), a cutting-edge designer furniture showroom"
me - i'll be window shopping just to see this area and how the shops look but budget only allows for stuff from Tata (sp), Paris' lowbrow clothing store!
May 22nd, 2007, 06:30 AM
#108
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HIP ARCADE SHOPPING
More on 'trendy' boutiques from the Paris Tourist Office suggestions:
"The Hip Arcades of Paris
During the 1800s, covered shopping arcades ('passages') and often opulently decorated were hugely fashionable in Paris but after WWI they went out of style. (When i first visited Paris these ornate arcades were trashed and housed tacky warehouses, etc.) But in the 1970s they experienced a revival and are now home to some of themost stylish boutiques in Paris. Here are some favorites:
Passage du Grand-Cerf, 2em
Passage Vivienne, 2em
Passage du Havre, 9em"
Note Fodorite Degas has written lengthy and extremely detailed guided walking tours of Parisian Arcades, which number many more than the three the tourist office sought to highlight.
More on 'trendy' boutiques from the Paris Tourist Office suggestions:
"The Hip Arcades of Paris
During the 1800s, covered shopping arcades ('passages') and often opulently decorated were hugely fashionable in Paris but after WWI they went out of style. (When i first visited Paris these ornate arcades were trashed and housed tacky warehouses, etc.) But in the 1970s they experienced a revival and are now home to some of themost stylish boutiques in Paris. Here are some favorites:
Passage du Grand-Cerf, 2em
Passage Vivienne, 2em
Passage du Havre, 9em"
Note Fodorite Degas has written lengthy and extremely detailed guided walking tours of Parisian Arcades, which number many more than the three the tourist office sought to highlight.
May 22nd, 2007, 07:04 AM
#109
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Batobus, regular boat service along Seine stopping by key sights like Orsay and Louvre Museums, Notre-Dame, etc. Can buy passes and get on and off - not a bad way to relax by just taking the boats without getting off for a while
http://www.batobus.com/english/index.htm
http://www.batobus.com/english/index.htm
May 22nd, 2007, 09:09 AM
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just copying here for future reference - Guignol puppet shows, a great French tradition for both kids, who they are aimed at and adults. A little, a lot of bagere (sp?) fighting
The puppet shows at Luxembourg Garden are on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday. You purchase the tickets at the ticket window, and watch the show in a little theater. Here's a good website for all the marionnete shows in Paris:
http://www.parisparis.com/fr/enfant/marionnettes1.html
The puppet shows at Luxembourg Garden are on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday. You purchase the tickets at the ticket window, and watch the show in a little theater. Here's a good website for all the marionnete shows in Paris:
http://www.parisparis.com/fr/enfant/marionnettes1.html
May 22nd, 2007, 09:17 AM
#111
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Degas Paris Walks: The Passages (revised) - referring to Degas' excellent and very detailed description of various Passages (see just above post on Hip Arcades) - here's the title to search for <Degas Paris Walks: The Passages>
May 31st, 2007, 11:44 AM
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UNIQUE LASTING PARISIAN SOUVENIR - YOUR PORTRAIT
Though one of the time-honored things to do in Paris is have you portrait sketched in the usual exaggerated style by sidewalk artists, such as those that gaggle in the Place du Terte (sp?) up on Montmartre, for a more traditional portrait done by one of Paris' most famous portrait studios:
Author: PalenQ
Date: 05/16/2007
For a unique and lasting souvenir but a pricey one of a kind one you can get your portrait done at the famous Harcourt Studios, as has nearly every major French movie star. English spoken - bookings are mandatory.
www.studio-harcourt
anyone actually done this. how much? how long takes?
Author: ehku
When I click on the site, it says "Sorry, 'www.studio-harcourt' does not exist or is not available!"
Author: PalenQ
www.studio-harcourt.com
10, Rue Jean Goujon, 75008 Paris, France - +33 1 42 56 67 67
strange just Googled this maybe i didn't add .com?
Author: Toupary
I couldn't get it when I did www.studio-harcourt.com, but www.studio-harcourt.fr worked.
Author: PalenQ
thanks Toupary - it works though i didn't see a price suppose it's gauche to put one there. thanks.
Though one of the time-honored things to do in Paris is have you portrait sketched in the usual exaggerated style by sidewalk artists, such as those that gaggle in the Place du Terte (sp?) up on Montmartre, for a more traditional portrait done by one of Paris' most famous portrait studios:
Author: PalenQ
Date: 05/16/2007
For a unique and lasting souvenir but a pricey one of a kind one you can get your portrait done at the famous Harcourt Studios, as has nearly every major French movie star. English spoken - bookings are mandatory.
www.studio-harcourt
anyone actually done this. how much? how long takes?
Author: ehku
When I click on the site, it says "Sorry, 'www.studio-harcourt' does not exist or is not available!"
Author: PalenQ
www.studio-harcourt.com
10, Rue Jean Goujon, 75008 Paris, France - +33 1 42 56 67 67
strange just Googled this maybe i didn't add .com?
Author: Toupary
I couldn't get it when I did www.studio-harcourt.com, but www.studio-harcourt.fr worked.
Author: PalenQ
thanks Toupary - it works though i didn't see a price suppose it's gauche to put one there. thanks.
Aug 9th, 2007, 08:33 AM
#113
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WI-FI TOWN
Paris now offers free WI-FI service so folks don't have to go to places like Starbucks just for this
As of June, 2007 free public wireless and high-speed internet ports became operational in public parks, museums, libraries and most large public areas.
So far 260 locations in Paris are equipped with some 400 wireless 'hotspots'.
The program, called PARVI (paris ville numerique) also seeks to connect 80% of all buildings with either fiber optic or WIFi access by 2010.
The program also seeks to make WiFi free in underprivileged districts where locals may have no current affordable access.
Kiosks at WiFi locations instruct users how to use it - all services are free.
www.wifi.paris.fr
if anyone has had any experience using this service please comment!
Paris now offers free WI-FI service so folks don't have to go to places like Starbucks just for this
As of June, 2007 free public wireless and high-speed internet ports became operational in public parks, museums, libraries and most large public areas.
So far 260 locations in Paris are equipped with some 400 wireless 'hotspots'.
The program, called PARVI (paris ville numerique) also seeks to connect 80% of all buildings with either fiber optic or WIFi access by 2010.
The program also seeks to make WiFi free in underprivileged districts where locals may have no current affordable access.
Kiosks at WiFi locations instruct users how to use it - all services are free.
www.wifi.paris.fr
if anyone has had any experience using this service please comment!
Sep 13th, 2007, 09:04 AM
#114
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DEAD RATS IN SHOP WINDOW - PARISBIZARRO
Thanks to Parisian Kerouac! gotta see this!
Author: kerouac
Date: 09/13/2007
There is a shop near rue de Rivoli with dead rats in the window. You can see a small picture on the otherwise non operating website: http://www.aurouze.fr/
Author: kerouac
Date: 09/13/2007, 12:59 am
Oh wait, there are some good pictures on the beginning of the Flash animation you get by clicking on the left side.
Author: PalenqueBob
Jack:
could you be more specific where the dead rats shop is - this is something i'd like to ferret out!
merci
Author: kerouac
It is at 8 rue des Halles, right between Châtelet and the Forum.
Thanks to Parisian Kerouac! gotta see this!
Author: kerouac
Date: 09/13/2007
There is a shop near rue de Rivoli with dead rats in the window. You can see a small picture on the otherwise non operating website: http://www.aurouze.fr/
Author: kerouac
Date: 09/13/2007, 12:59 am
Oh wait, there are some good pictures on the beginning of the Flash animation you get by clicking on the left side.
Author: PalenqueBob
Jack:
could you be more specific where the dead rats shop is - this is something i'd like to ferret out!
merci
Author: kerouac
It is at 8 rue des Halles, right between Châtelet and the Forum.
Apr 17th, 2008, 10:12 AM
#116
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EUTELSAT BALLON
I'd forgotten about this tethered (i believe) balloon ride in one of Paris' newer and most novel parks - on the site of the former Citroen car plant on the Seine downstream from Eiffel Tower.
And i've never ridden it but will check it out next trip.
This comes from a current Fodor post:
"Intersting. I have to
Google "Eutelsat Balloon" to see what it's about:
The Eutelsat Balloon is at Parc Andre-Cirtoen, offers 10-minute rides to an altitude of 150 meters, or about 500 feet, for as little as 10 euros."
I'd forgotten about this tethered (i believe) balloon ride in one of Paris' newer and most novel parks - on the site of the former Citroen car plant on the Seine downstream from Eiffel Tower.
And i've never ridden it but will check it out next trip.
This comes from a current Fodor post:
"Intersting. I have to
Google "Eutelsat Balloon" to see what it's about:
The Eutelsat Balloon is at Parc Andre-Cirtoen, offers 10-minute rides to an altitude of 150 meters, or about 500 feet, for as little as 10 euros."
Apr 17th, 2008, 10:53 AM
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Parc André Citroën is a lovely park with japanese gardens, bamboos and other varieties of plants. The gardens are all around the park and in the middle there is a big green where you can see concerts in summer (and the balloon). There are funny fountains and a small river as well.
The balloon will "fly" again late April.
http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-map/3190-aeroparis2
Aeroparis
Parc André Citroën
2, rue de la Montagne de la Fage
75015 Paris
Tél : 01 44 26 20 00
The balloon will "fly" again late April.
http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-map/3190-aeroparis2
Aeroparis
Parc André Citroën
2, rue de la Montagne de la Fage
75015 Paris
Tél : 01 44 26 20 00
Apr 22nd, 2008, 10:39 AM
#118
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Coco:
Did you and your kids take a flight in the balloon?
And yes this park is amazing - i haven't seen it recently after it filled in
i saw it a few times right after it was created out of the ruins of the Citroen car plant and things were still a work in art
thanks for spurring me to visit again
(Easy to get to via RER C stop right nearby i think)
The balloon should yield a fine view?
BonneS journeeS a toi
Did you and your kids take a flight in the balloon?
And yes this park is amazing - i haven't seen it recently after it filled in
i saw it a few times right after it was created out of the ruins of the Citroen car plant and things were still a work in art
thanks for spurring me to visit again
(Easy to get to via RER C stop right nearby i think)
The balloon should yield a fine view?
BonneS journeeS a toi
Feb 19th, 2009, 12:59 PM
#120
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Pal yes they are suffering from theft and vandalism to the extent that it may have to be stopped. The income is not enough to pay for new bikes all the time.
The bikes have been seen in Eastern Europe and in countries in Africa. The BBC had a bit about it a couple of weeks ago, as did the Dutch media - who reminded everyone of the white bike fiasco in Amsterdam.
The bikes have been seen in Eastern Europe and in countries in Africa. The BBC had a bit about it a couple of weeks ago, as did the Dutch media - who reminded everyone of the white bike fiasco in Amsterdam.
