Post by Jenny Bailey
winter postcard via flickr by giulia van pelt
From the glistening of Christmas lights to the city’s silver white winters, there’s no denying that December is one of the best times of year to visit Paris.
So whether you’re keen to step out into the crisp wintry air, or you’d rather stay snug indoors, here’s what’s going on in and around the capital to help you make the most of your voyage en ville.
The city of Paris often has interesting ideas of new expositions” to offer free to the public on the place in front of the Hôtel de Ville (4th arrdt). This time it is a temporary weed garden, or as they call it un jardin éphémère des herbes folles (crazy grass!)…
A branch of La Cantine, it’s called Espace Public Numérique and is a public space for computer and Internet use for those who do not have access at home.
It’s Free!
Offered by the city of Paris
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Giveaway Contest, enter to win a golden perfume compact from Laggridore!
Cadeau de concours, tentez de gagner un compact doré de parfum Laggridore!
So one contest ends and another begins!
Tomorrow I will have a new and FABULOUS giveaway on the blog…and I thought I would tease you all with a little hint…
Alors un concours se termine et un autre commence!
demain j’ai encore un concours cadeau qui est FABULEUX…et je vous titille avec quelques indices ici….
Come back tomorrow to find out!!!
Revenez demain pour savoir!!!
How to Enjoy Paris on a Budget
Post by Jenny Bailey
With a (legitimate) reputation as one of the most expensive cities in Europe, it’s easy to see why many people shy away from booking a city break to Paris. However- there are many great ways to save money in the city. Avoid the luxurious hotels, gourmet restaurants and designer shops and anyone can enjoy the delights of Paris without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best ways to do it:
Post by Jenny Bailey
Image by : Aura Beckhofer-Fialho
Although you’ll want to check off the major Paris attractions from the old bucket list when in the French capital, be sure to save some time for the less notorious landmarks too, which unlike the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, aren’t packed with trails of tourists. Perhaps one of the city’s most overlooked excursions, The Remnants of the Wall of Philippe Auguste is not your typical Parisian landmark and offers its own history within the heart of the city. Continue reading
The Espace Pierre Cardin is holding a FREE exposition on French lingerie. It’s a small space and a limited collection, but a charming and innocent thing to do while in Paris this month. Continue reading
Guest post by Jenny Bailey
Église de la Madeleine, by flickr user Christina
Following on from Part I of monuments off the beaten path, I took a look at another attraction that is less known by most tourists staying in Paris hotels. Dedicated to St Mary Magdalene, L’Église de la Madeleine is a Roman Catholic Church that occupies a commanding position in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Designed as a temple to the glory of Napoleon’s army, this impressive structure attracts around 600,000 visitors every year.
La Madeleine – as it is most commonly known – is built in a Neo-Classical style with fifty-two Corinthian columns, each 20 metres high, which can be seen around the whole building. The real delights of this building can be seen inside the church though, as the décor is inspired as much by Roman baths as it is by Renaissance artists. At the back of the church stands a statue by Charles Marochetti that depicts St Mary Magdalene being lifted up by angels, which is truly beautiful.
Commissioned in 1757, the first design of the church was by Pierre Contant d’Ivry, with construction beginning in 1764. In 1777 d’Ivry died however, and new designer Guillaume-Martin Couture, decided to start from scratch. He demolished the incomplete construction, basing his new design on the Roman Pantheon.
In 1806 Napoleon made his decision to create a Temple de la Gloire de la Grande Armée (Temple to the Glory of the Great Army) based on the design of an antique temple, so work began once again. After the fall of Napoleon, King Louis XVIII determined that the structure would be used as a church.
Today, masses and other religious services are celebrated daily in the church, as well as funerals and fashionable weddings. In the basement of the church, visitors will find the Foyer de la Madeleine, which is home to a restaurant, open at lunch times from Monday to Friday. The walls of the Foyer are often decorated by French artists and many locals pay a yearly subscription fee of 3 Euros to be able to enjoy a three course meal under the vaulted ceilings.
With many popular hotels nearby, a couple of hours spent perusing this wonderful construction is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon and is also located near one of the most prestigious shoppping quarters of Paris, the rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. Before hitting the boutiques, tourists will be able to marvel at the stunning architecture as they discover another of the lesser frequented monuments in the capital. It
