What can I say about Paris … other than to me (and I suspect to many others) it is the most beautiful city in the world. My friend and I visited it for 3 days this time (Make sure you know when the holidays are because almost everything is closed. For example, August 15 is Assumption Day, a Catholic holiday when only the restaurants and museums were open). Here are some of the highlights from this trip:
1.)
CANAL St-MARTIN: this is the new, increasingly hip and bohemian quarter of the city, especially for the young 20- and 30-somethings. The three-mile canal along the canal, a Seine shortcut is lined by hip, colorful boutiques and funky restaurants. Even though the shops were closed due to the Fete d´Assumption, Antoine et Lili (95 quai de Valmy) looked cool with its supremely fashionable baby and children clothes. We had lunch at the
Hotel du Nord where the 1938 film of the same name was shot, which is an idyllic spot overlooking a footbridge of the canal.
2.)
PERE LACHAISE CEMETERY: it is Paris`most famous and prestigious cemetery, set on a hill, lined with massive trees, populated with beautiful toombstones. It looks like an outdoor museum. Famous people lay here buried such as: Marcel Proust, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Moliere, Oscar Wilde, and La Fontaine … just to name a few. Not far from here is the
Edith Piaf Museum in Belleville (5 rue Crespin-du-Gast, 11th, 00 33 01-43.55.52.72 but by appointment only) but unfortunately, we could not visit it due to our lack of time.
3.)
LE MARAIS: it remains my favorite quartier of Paris. Old elegance is embodied in the beautifully restored 17th century mansions that harmoniously co-exist with the cool boutiques displaying contemporary art, fashion, and culture. In the heart of the Marais is the Place des Vosges, perhaps the most lovely square in the world and my favorite. Victor Hugo lived here in one of the houses and where he created Les Miserables.
4.)
BOUTIQUE CREA: I just discovered this boutique on this recent trip to Paris. I instantly fell in love with the unique and artful designs that combine natural colors and materials. Conveying a strong personality,
Crea Concept collections make you stand out from the crowd. 2 bis rue des Rosiers. Tel: 01 42 74 18 69
5.)
ILE ST-LOUIS: One of the most beautiful areas of Paris; a haven of serinity and old world elegance. It is the favorite residential area of artists and, I suspect, wealthy people. When strolling across the calm and romantic streets do not forget to stop by
Berthillon because all Parisians know that it is the best ice cream parlor around.
TIP: I stayed at the
Hotel Eiffel Kennedy, which is located by the the building of Radio France. It is in walking disntance from the Eiffel Tower and Trocodero. The rooms are clean, comfortable and charming; the staff is very kind and friendly (especially Bernard) 12 rue de Boulainvilliers, tel: 00 33 (0)1 45 24 45 75. I got a special rate for $206 for 2 nights, which was a bargain. I would stay here again. The bus 72 stops here, which takes you to the very center of Hotel de Ville.
What can I say about Paris … other than to me (and I suspect to many others) it is the most beautiful city in the world. My friend and I visited it for 3 days this time (Make sure you know when the holidays are because almost everything is closed. For example, August 15 is Assumption Day, a Catholic holiday when only the restaurants and museums were open). Here are some of the highlights from this trip:
1.) CANAL St-MARTIN: this is the new, increasingly hip and bohemian quarter of the city, especially for the young 20- and 30-somethings. The three-mile canal along the canal, a Seine shortcut is lined by hip, colorful boutiques and funky restaurants. Even though the shops were closed due to the Fete d´Assumption, Antoine et Lili (95 quai de Valmy) looked cool with its supremely fashionable baby and children clothes. We had lunch at the Hotel du Nord where the 1938 film of the same name was shot, which is an idyllic spot overlooking a footbridge of the canal.
2.) PERE LACHAISE CEMETERY: it is Paris`most famous and prestigious cemetery, set on a hill, lined with massive trees, populated with beautiful toombstones. It looks like an outdoor museum. Famous people lay here buried such as: Marcel Proust, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Moliere, Oscar Wilde, and La Fontaine … just to name a few. Not far from here is the Edith Piaf Museum in Belleville (5 rue Crespin-du-Gast, 11th, 00 33 01-43.55.52.72 but by appointment only) but unfortunately, we could not visit it due to our lack of time.
3.) LE MARAIS: it remains my favorite quartier of Paris. Old elegance is embodied in the beautifully restored 17th century mansions that harmoniously co-exist with the cool boutiques displaying contemporary art, fashion, and culture. In the heart of the Marais is the Place des Vosges, perhaps the most lovely square in the world and my favorite. Victor Hugo lived here in one of the houses and where he created Les Miserables.
4.) BOUTIQUE CREA: I just discovered this boutique on this recent trip to Paris. I instantly fell in love with the unique and artful designs that combine natural colors and materials. Conveying a strong personality, Crea Concept collections make you stand out from the crowd. 2 bis rue des Rosiers. Tel: 01 42 74 18 69
5.) ILE ST-LOUIS: One of the most beautiful areas of Paris; a haven of serinity and old world elegance. It is the favorite residential area of artists and, I suspect, wealthy people. When strolling across the calm and romantic streets do not forget to stop by Berthillon because all Parisians know that it is the best ice cream parlor around.
TIP: I stayed at the Hotel Eiffel Kennedy, which is located by the the building of Radio France. It is in walking disntance from the Eiffel Tower and Trocodero. The rooms are clean, comfortable and charming; the staff is very kind and friendly (especially Bernard) 12 rue de Boulainvilliers, tel: 00 33 (0)1 45 24 45 75. I got a special rate for $206 for 2 nights, which was a bargain. I would stay here again. The bus 72 stops here, which takes you to the very center of Hotel de Ville.
2 comments:
Hey, Richard, Agi
This is Sasha, Russian guy with the sensitive conscience :)
I like the idea of putting all road impressions on paper (broadly speaking); another idea is to get together and chat freely and diverging widely about going places. We do that a lot, although in a more chaotic and spontaneous way. Some traces of it you can find in my gallery: http://www.za-granizza.org/gallery/albums.php?set_albumListPage=2&TITLE=top-going-places.
As to my wife Anna, she does not leave traces, she is just not the type, but her story is even wilder.
So, let's pick some diner and meet for a bottle of Rioja. The choice is yours - we are quite flexible.
Sasha Guezentsvey some.guez@gmail.com
Hey Sasha,
Thanks for the comment. We'd love to get together with you and Anna! Let's bring that bottle of Rioja. By the way, I like your photologue and I added it to my blog.
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