10 Best Flea Markets in France

Here is a link to a relevant story:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/apr/28/france-best-flea-markets-shopping

Another Top 10 List!

Sleeper Trains to Run Daytime Routes in France

Sleeper trains to run in daytime

April 01, 2010

THE SNCF is planning to run its sleeper trains during the day from next month - so that passengers can have a comfortable nap while travelling. The French rail operator's new service, called Téoz Eco, will run for a six-month trial period from May 21 on the line from Paris to Toulouse via Limoges, Brive and Cahors. The trains will operate from Friday to Monday, offering a choice of either a 45° reclinable seat or a bed in a cabin of four. Single tickets will range from €15 to €30. The journey will take slightly longer than an ordinary Corail trip on the same route - seven hours - as the train's speed is limited to 160kph instead of 200kph. The SNCF hopes the new budget service will boost long-distance passenger numbers and make more efficient use of trains that would otherwise spend the whole day in sidings. If successful, it will be extended to other long-distance routes, such as Paris to Hendaye in the Pyrenees. From www.connexionfrance.com

Paris Hotel Promotion April 2010

179 euros/night in the 4 star Washington Opera, double room, including buffet breakfast! Subject to availability, this is for travel in April only. Must be booked with us directly, contact us by email with your dates.

Located near the Louvre and the Opera Garnier, this is a small boutique hotel that is both elegant and comfortable. Friendly staff offer help and nearby metro stops take you anywhere you want to go in Paris! One of our favorite recommendations over the years. For more hotel info see www.hotelwashingtonopera.com

Train Strike in France Starting April 6...

Beware travelers; a new strike that is called 'indefinite' is set to start April 6:

TRAIN drivers are planning another national strike from April 6 - the third so far this year.

However unlike earlier strikes, the next one will be for an indefinite period - not just one day.

The CGT and CFDT unions have confirmed they will be taking part in the strike, which will affect Easter holiday travel. A third union, UNSA, has yet to join in.

They are protesting against a proposed restructuring of the SNCF, working conditions and pay.

Cancellations are likely from 20.00 on April 6 as drivers and conductors walk out. Ticket office staff are also planning a one-day strike on April 8.

The French state rail operator lost almost €1bn last year.

SNCM ferry services on the Mediterranean coast will also be hit by a strike on the same day, as workers strike to protest against the arrival of a new rival, Italian operator Moby Lines, on the Toulon-Bastia route.

http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-strike-april-6-national-disruption-france-view-article.html

Tour Eiffel Inaugurated Today in 1889

March 31, 1889

The Eiffel Tower is inaugurated

Along with the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid, there may be no more instantly recognizable man-made structure than the Eiffel Tower, inaugurated on this date in 1889. The grand tower was built for the Universal Exhibition held that year in celebration of the French Revolution.

The Architect was Stephen Sauvestre. The project was begun in 1884 with construction taking place from 1887 to 1889, a total of 2 years, 2 months and 5 days. The contractor was Gustave Eiffel. In all, 50 engineers and designers produced 5,300 "blueprints" for the construction. 100 iron workers produced the 18,038 individual parts used in the assembly and 121 men constructed the tower. It is owned by the city of Paris.

The weight of the metal structure is 7,300 tons with the total weight topping out at 10,100 tons. Its height including the flagpole, is 324 meters. The Eiffel Tower is painted every seven years and received its 19th coat of paint in 2008.

Train Strike in France For Tues Mar 23

Article below from connexionfrance.com

A BIG national strike will bring disruption to public transport, schools and other parts of the public and private sector tomorrow.

Transport
The SNCF rail walkout begins at 20.00 on Monday night and services are not expected to return to normal until 8.00 on Wednesday morning.

Here are the latest service level estimates - although you should check locally before travelling:
Transilien (Ile-de-France suburban trains): 45% of trains running
TER regional services: 35% to 70% depending on region
Main lines to the east of Paris: "almost zero" service
Other TGVs: 65%
Eurostar/Thalys: normal service

Passengers wanting to cancel their journey can get a full refund on their ticket without any fees, regardless of the type of ticket.

Travellers can also choose an alternative train to the one they are booked on - but there is no guarantee of a seat.

In Paris, most RER and metro lines are expecting minor delays. RER B will be the most disrupted. There will be a near-normal service on the buses in Paris, although some walkouts are planned by public transport workers in other French towns and cities.

Public transport contact numbers:
SNCF (main lines and TER trains): 0805 90 36 35 or www.sncf.com
Transilien train services in Ile-de-France: 0805 700 805 or www.abcdtrains.com
Live train running information: www.gares-en-mouvement.com

Air Traffic Controllers Strike in France

A four day strike is on in France and has stranded thousands of travelers across the country. See details:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-02-23-france-air-traffic-control-strike_N.htm