Paris Chocolate Stops - A short List!

Here are some cool stories/tips and info I picked up on recently. If you are heading to Paris over the holidays, have a wonderful time! There is nothing like Paris at any time of year, but at Christmas; it is even more beautiful!

From the New York Times: Le Tour de Chocolat
Suffice it to say; this is about some of the best locations for that rich, dark stuff! Read the story for the full entertainment value; or check out the list of suggested stops I pulled from it below to which I add the nearest metro stop. You will also note that these suggestions have mulitiple store locations, not just the one shown. And, some of them are in New York and other foreign places. So, while good, they are not only a 1 stop tiny boutique! Note, the story is also about using the Velo Libre or Velibe (www.velib.paris.fr) which is a great success story. Word we get is that it is so successful it is very hard to find a bike. Maybe in winter it is easier as weather makes it less convenient; but just keep that in mind; and refer to the metro stop.

Michel Cluizel (201, rue St.-Honoré; 33-1-42-44-11-66; www.chocolatmichelcluizel-na.com) Metro Tuileries; line 1.

Jean-Paul Hévin (231, rue St-Honoré, (33-1-55-35-35-96; www.jphevin.com) Metro Tuileries; line 1

Patrick Roger (45, avenue Victor Hugo; 33-1-45-01-66-71; www.patrickroger.com) Metro Kleber, line 6

Michel Chaudun (149, rue de l’Université, 33-1-47-53-74-40) Metro: Invalides (lines 8, 13) or RER Pont d'Alma (line c)

Jean-Charles Rochoux (16, rue d’Assas, 33-1-42-84-29-45; www.jcrochoux.fr) Metro: Rennes Line 4

Christian Constant (37, rue d’Assas, 33-1-53-63-15-15) Metro: St Placide or Rennes Line 4

Pierre Marcolini (89, rue de Seine, 33-1-4407-3907; www.marcolini.be) Metro: Odeon; lines 4 and 10.

Pierre Hermé’s slim boutique (72, rue Bonaparte, 33-1-43-54-47-77; www.pierreherme.com)
several locations. This one is between St Germain des Pres and St Sulpice; Line 4.

Discover France & GoToParis have Moved!

We are pleased to announce we have completed an office move that now gives us a better working environment and better technology! Though we only moved to buildings to the west on our street in Scottsdale, Arizona; we now have higher speed internet service that allows us to power more of our operations including new VOIP phones. For customers who prefer to call in orders or need to either check on or add to their orders, you can call the same numbers but be routed directly to the person you need. Just to recap, our contact info below:

Discover France (USA Office)
8502 E. Via de Ventura #221
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-905-1235
800-960-2221



Order online for Paris at www.gotoparis.net or www.hotelsparis.net and always www.discoverfrance.com which does have also a new logo and site design!

L

Picasso Show a Big Hit

This passed on from a posting in the New York Times online; which came from the International Herald Tribune. Great info about the new exhibition "Picasso and the Masters" showing at the Grand Palais as well as the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay. According to the story, it is a $5M program to set up and has been a huge hit with the masses. So, tickets/entries are a bit problematic. See the link for details about getting tickets and some useful tips for visiting.

Usually a museum pass doesn't cover special exhibits, but your pass will get you into the Louvre and Orsay; there may be a supplement for the exhibit at those places.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/travel/16globe.html?_r=2&ref=travel

Air France on Strike

Air France is on strike starting today November 14; this from the Air France web site:

National strike of the pilots in France from November 14th to 17th

French airline pilots´ unions have unanimously called a four-day strike from Friday 14 November at one minute past midnight to Monday 17 November at midnight, to protest against changes to the retirement age currently under discussion in the French Parliament (changing from 60 to 65) Air France is expecting very severe disruptions to its operations and apologizes to passengers in advance for this highly regrettable situation. Air France´s normal daily flight schedule comprises 760 medium-haul flights from all its stations and 73 long-haul flights from Paris. As for Friday November 14th, 60% of Air France long-haul flights and 50% of its short and medium-haul flights are maintained. Disruption on our partners' network (Brit Air, CityJet, Régional, CCM and Airlinair) should be less important and should mainly affect BritAir. Around 80% of our partners scheduled flights will operate. The flight schedule to be operated each day will be published the evening before at about 8 pm. Air France cannot however rule out the risk of last-minute cancellations, i.e. at the time of departure. Passengers who intend to continue with their trip as planned should find out whether their flight is likely to operate by consulting on this site "Book on line / Flight status", which will be constantly updated with detailed flight cancellation information. Air France will of course do its utmost to ensure that its passengers are transferred to other airlines, depending on space available. Air France has set up a toll free number, available in France : 0800 240 260. Passengers abroad can obtain information by calling + 33 157 02 10 55 or by contacting their usual reservations center.

Rates Coming Down - FAST

Euro at lowest point to $US in since 1.5 years! Falling below the 1.30 mark for $US marks a nearly 20% drop in 3 months. We have therefore lowered rates on a number of our Paris services. Airport transfers that were recently as much as $111US for 2 persons are now $95US. Paris day tours are also much lower. (This is for all November and later travel bookings as everything through October is already paid at previous high rates. )

Museum and metro passes will also start coming down once we reduce inventory purchased at higher rates.

NOTE about vouchers for metro passes: the Gare du Nord location that used to issue the actual tickets to voucher holders will no longer provide this service. There are other locations still available to exchange vouchers. If you are holding a Gare du Nord exchange voucher, contact us to get an alternative location.

Hotel Deal:

Louvre Montana (Emeraude hotel) - 1st Arrondissement - in the heart of Paris
Very nice 3 star hotel, rated very highly by guests, is now offering rates in November from 149 euros per night for a double room. Within walking distance is the Louvre, Opera, Hotel de Ville, Musee d'Orsay, and the Grand Magasins for excellent pre-holiday shopping.

New High Speed Rail Service from Air France

Coming in 2010 - yes - Air France is going into the rail business. The Euro Tunnel is going to open up to rail competition under laws providing for 'open access' starting in 2010. According to a story posted on webinfrance.com , Air France will begin a service between London and Paris over the same tracks as those used by Eurostar currently. Future routes are also planned. According to the story the new service will be even faster using new generation trains.

A little competition is always a good thing for consumers, but whether this actually comes to pass is another question.

Regarding the current services, Eurostar has been somewhat disrupted since the fire in the tunnel last month. Here is a link for updated information on schedules and info.

Paris for the Holidays - Why Go!

Ok, I just read a self styled contrarian article about why this fall is a great time to travel! I'll buy the logic, give the credit, and share it with you. Today, on this dark day when the markets are so upside down that its better to ignore it to avoid depression, or jumping off a cliff! (as the stock markets have done).

Here is a link to the real article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/10/08/holiday.travel/index.html?eref=rss_travel

Here is my take on it for Paris:

Without doing any research on airfares for Thankgsiving and Christmas time, I can at least say this much: The Euro has lost 15% to the $US since its peak just a few months ago. SO, Paris will cost you that much less already!

At Thanksgiving - take the advise of flying on TG day itself and return on Monday. Very low air load days between Europe and North America. Try your FF miles, some people may have returned the miles are let drop some space on hold.

Go to Paris the week before Christmas; you get all the ambiance and lower fares with airlines and hotels. High season rates go into effect between Christmas and New Years.

Smaller crowds overseas: indeed; the fall months of November and first part of December are low travel time in Paris. You can snag a stay 4/pay 3 or similar promotion at many hotels. 4 Star hotels are discounting for the foreign traveler, the state of things would make this even more so.

According to the journalist in the above linked article, fewer people are expected to travel this fall. So, the experience can be that much more pleasant for those who do.

There is always Paris. If I lived in NYC or Boston or other east coast city with lots of direct access; I'd already be booked!

What feels better - losing a thousand dollars in the stock market or spending it on a great escape in Paris!? (rhetorical question!)

L

Fall in France - Paris Tips for October

Fall is a great time to travel to France! Here are our favorite reasons why:

- Fall colors! Wherever you travel in France in October, the colors of the tree will make any scenery picture perfect! You can either drive, go for a hike or bike through one of the famous regions, to discover it’s small villages, markets, monuments… These colors will just make your trip even more enjoyable and relaxing! Some of our favorite spots are the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Alsace and of course Provence.

- Our second reason is great for relaxing too: fall is less crowded! Most people and families have to travel during the summer, but if you’re able to travel in the fall, the roads will not be as packed, hotels may have more spaces available and possibly better rates as October comes.

- Finally, fall is quite known in France for its harvest season! If you’re a wine lover, this is when you need to go! You can rent a car and go to one of the regions listed above for great colors to combine it with wine discovery! A lot of small vineyards will have signs posted along the roads, inviting you to a tasting! And if you like what you taste, you can probably buy some wine and most of them will be able to ship it back home for you!

If you are not going through the French countryside but are staying in Paris, you can still enjoy the fall colors and wine! One of the biggest and nicest parks of Paris is the Luxembourg Gardens. This is a very relaxing park where you can walk, have a picnic, even roller blade! And yes, you can enjoy the wine harvest in Paris too! There is a famous wine festival held each year: “Fete des Vendanges” in Montmartre. This year it is from October 10th to 12th! And if you happen to buy some wine from the vineyard “Clos Montmartre” then you did a good deed because all profits go to a local charity!

However September and October is trade-show season in Paris, so it may still be crowded, but you may be interested in one of those fairs:

- International Contemporary Art Fair from October 23rd to 26th.
- International Car show from October 4th to 19th.

Hotel de Sully Bookshop - Paris

From the Centre des Monuments Nationaux

Hôtel de Sully bookshop:

The bookshop is situated between the courtyard and garden of the Hôtel de Sully, a splendid example of Renaissance architecture in which Henri IV's celebrated minister lived out his last days. The site is open every day, including Sunday, and attracts an international clientele, as much for the beauty of the spot as for its exceptional collection of books.The bookshop aims to cover the wealth of French national heritage, including the full range of titles published by Editions du Patrimoine and a selection of specialized publications, unrivalled in all of France.

This rich collection is organised partly by region, highlighting a number of small book publishers whose limited editions cannot be found elsewhere. A significant section is devoted to Paris alone. Cross-classification of titles by theme facilitates a deeper inquiry into each subject, whether it be history, architecture, fine arts, design, literature, gardens or photography. All readers passionate about French heritage throughout the ages will find everything they could wish for.

Far from concentrating uniquely on the past, however, the bookshop holds debates on contemporary artistic and literary endeavours, architecture, and urban development, inviting those actively engaged in contributing to the future heritage of France. Whether amateur or specialist, casual passer-by or intentional visitor, everyone from far and wide will delight in the wonderful choice of books found in this tranquil spot. Orders may also be placed with our booksellers who, if requested, will mail them to customers.

This unique space with clearly displayed books and carefully selected new titles will surprise and delight all readers, including children. A special section for young readers offers appealing items, chosen with the same care and enthusiasm. Our adjoining garden, or the neighbouring Place des Vosges, provides a peaceful respite after your visit.

The bookshop is open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hôtel de Sully bookshop62, rue Saint-Antoine75004 ParisTel. +33 (1) 44 61 21 75Fax. +33 (1) 44 61 22 10


Here are some interesting upcoming events for visitors to Paris and Mont St Michel - a possible day trip from Paris:

"Zola au Panthéon" L'Exposition « Zola au Panthéon » through Oct 31; focusing on the famous writer's work and the Dreyfus Affair that engulfed France in the period of 1893-1908.

Between Heaven and Earth : Mont-Saint-Michel and sacred mounts around the world. The photographic exhibitionPhotographs of sacred mountain sites now listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites will be on display both inside and outside the abbey church on Mont-Saint-Michel. The photographs have all been taken by Jean-Michel Guillaud, the official photographer of the Photodrame association. Through November 11.

Picking up some Euros before Travel

It is regularly recommended to try to have some Euros in your pocket before arriving in Europe on your flight from abroad. Because exchange bureaus in the country of origin are always very expensive, its best to get a small amount only and then plan to either get more when in Europe or pay for things differently - like credit card for example.

We advise our clients to take about 250 euros in cash for arrival. This would come in handy to pay a taxi ride, if necessary, or cover a tip to your pre-booked transfer. It will cover the breakfast or something to eat upon arrival since most flights from the USA arrive early morning. It should cover some small items like this on your arrival. Yes, you can change money at the airport, and use the cash machine at the airport, and do the same in downtown Paris when you arrive. But you will have no obligation or stress to do so if you have a little pocket money first.

How best to do it. Unfortunately, you have to pay the high exchange rates. But, a number of online options exist and the money is shipped right to you. So, you don't have to leave work and go to your bank and have them do lots of paperwork. Here is a link we just enrolled with that we recommending for our travelers. It is reputable and is used by many other large travel organizations: https://www.ezforex.com/login.asp?Affiliate=2962&WebUser=12417

bon voyage!

Paris Pass vs. Paris Museum & Metro

Which is the better deal? One sounds great, but the others add up to more in most cases.

We did consider selling the Paris Pass, the new pass produced by an English company for use in Paris, but really when you scratch the surface, there isn't so much more that justifies the cost. It does of course depend a little on the end user and if they find value in some of the 'extras'. There are convenience matters too. We did a comparison, you can draw your own conclusions. See this link on our site: http://www.gotoparis.net/paris_pass_comparison.php

In the end, we believe purchasing a museum and metro pass is a better deal. You get the duration you need and not more. You get the main sites and a lot of smaller sites. You don't have to complicate your travel with extras that we believe don't have much value.

We do welcome any feedback agreeing or disagreeing!

L

The Last Guillotine in France

In 1791, t he French National Assembly was seeking a new method of execution. Former methods were considered too inhumane, such as the infamous "breaking on the wheel". Assembly member Joseph-Ignace Guillotin suggested the construction of a device to decapitate the accused with a steel blade. THe guillotine was the official method of execution in France until the abolition of the death penalty in 1981. Its last usage was to execute a murderer, Hamida Djandoubi, on September 10, 1977.

Paris Metro - The Pass Or a Voucher?

We do ship the actual pass from our offices in the USA to our customers who order them. As an official distributor of the RATP we have direct wholesaler pricing and because our volume and payment history is so good, we have the opportunity to sell vouchers as well.

Why a voucher? Well, its perfect for the following persons:

1. live outside the USA where shipping costs are very high - we would say prohibitively high!
2. last minute purchase - you just found us but there is no time to ship or the cost to do so is not interesting

How does it work?

You can order a voucher on our website just like you do the actual pass, here is the link:
http://www.gotoparis.net/paris-metro-voucher.php

You take the voucher we send you by email (after you print it out) and redeem it for the actual passes purchased at 1 of 3 locations in Paris. The locations are pretty convenient: CDG airport, Gare du Nord, or the Louvre. Almost all travelers to Paris will hit one of these locations!

Then, you have the actual pass to use as you see fit. BUT WAIT - there is MORE!!!

Not only can you order the metro pass by voucher, but also the Open Tour bus, Disneyland tickets, and also CHILD TICKETS. We also have some additional durations available by voucher that we don't stock in our office.

New Show at Paradis Latin

The Fall belongs to the Paradis à Folie

Paradis Latin is proud to announce the debut of its new show Paradis à la Folie on October 1, 2008. The mythical Paradis Latin transforms into a magical garden where a masked ball, enchanted carousel and graceful dancers will draw you in to a farandole of scenes full of surprise and gaiety. Directed by the famed Christian Dura, Paradise à la Folie is a cocktail of musical comedy and lavish fanfare of modern ballet. The night ends on the perfect note—dancing on the famous stage until midnight. This new revue joins the extravagant and comedic universe that the spectacular cabaret in which Paris is famous.



Book your tickets now for an incredible night of awe inspiring dance, music and laughter!


http://www.gotoparis.net/paradis.php

New Blog to host Paris Travel Content

In this blog, we'll maintain news/info about travel to/from Paris. What to see, what's going on, and some insight on what travelers should consider before going and what to plan for when they are there.