Dollar on Strong Roll to Euro

Lots of turmoil in the currency market today and since this week. It is likely to continue next week before it turns around. Many analysts see the dollar much weaker than it is today during 2010. We are locking down forward contracts on currency to hedge against 2010 increase. We encourage any readers planning a 2010 vacation to consider prepaying their trip or get connected to the market news.

Here is a good place to read up:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/markets/currencies.html

Happy Holidays!

Paris Museum Strikes Continue

Major sites including Versailles, Louvre, Rodin, and many others are impacted by the current unionist strike. Visitors be prepared to be shut out:

http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/community_focus/Paris-museum-strike-spreads-to-Versailles_-Louvre-.html

Christmas Market News

'Tis the season, and Christmas Markets are in full swing in France and across Europe. I pass along this link to the NY Times that has good info:

http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/qa-the-christmas-markets-of-europe/?ref=travel

Unusual Paris Experiences

More interesting articles on specific subjects we don't think about everyday in Paris are linked below. Thanks to writer Marie Michaels for sending:

Since publishing the cemetery article, I have published a few more articles relating to Paris that may interest you, as listed below:

Paris for Military Enthusiasts
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2407778/paris_for_military_enthusiasts.html?cat=16

Top Visits for Claude Monet Fans in and Around Paris
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2354740/top_5_visits_for_claude_monet_fans.html?cat=16

Top Wine Tasting & Cooking classes in Paris
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2347154/top_4_wine_tasting_cooking_classes.html?cat=16

To add from our own experience; our chef Eric Freadeau runs a small cooking program for visitors to Paris, called Cookin With Class; we offer his programs at http://www.gotoparis.net/paris_cooking_tours.php

Loren

Top Cemetary Visits in Paris

Top 4 Visits to Cemeteries in Paris, France

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2338818/top_4_visits_to_cemeteries_in_paris.html

1. Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise (Pere Lachaise Cemetery)
8, Boulevard de Ménilmontant
75020 Paris, France

2. Les Catacombes de Paris (The Catacombs of Paris)
1, Place Denfert-Rochereau
75014 Paris, France

3. Cimetiere de Picpus (Picpus Cemetery)
35, rue de Picpus
75007, Paris, France

4. Le Cimetière des Chiens (The Cemetery of Dogs)
4, pont de Clichy
92600 Asnières sur Seine, France

Upcoming Events in Paris

15th Annual Chocolate Show: Oct 14-18
The Salon du chocolat extends over nearly 20,000 sq m, and brings together all professionals and lovers of chocolate who can use the opportunity to express themselves, exchange and share their passion.

The musical arts will be honored this year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this delicious event. Against a background of opera, operetta or musicals, this unforgettable edition will display the fabulous history of Chocolate and its Salon.

Fashion shows displaying chocolate dresses, demonstrations by great chefs, original tastings, creations and new items…the Salon du Chocolat has been offering its visitors the best in terms of innovations and chocolate pleasure for 15 years.
Details see: http://www.salonduchocolat.fr/?lang=uk

Events at the Grand Palais - including Renoir In the 20th Century - a special exhibit:
http://www.grandpalais.fr/en/News/p-496-A_la_Une.htm

Fete des Jardins

Garden Festival - September 26 & 27

For its 12th edition, the Fête des jardins [Garden Festival] will lead Parisians behind the scenes of parks and gardens on 27 and 28 September 2009.

The Fête des jardins [Garden Festival] honors the trades related to the environment of the City of Paris (Ile-de-France).

The Garden Festival village, set up at Parc de Bercy (12th), will allow you to discover parks from their design to their daily life. The wide range of skills of the City workers is on display at the Chai de Bercy.

On the programme: commented cruises on the theme of gardens and biodiversity aboard a "Bateau Parisien", demonstrations on taking cuttings, grafting, repotting, floral art, tastings, guided tours, exhibitions, workshops for children... Bring your diseased plants to Parc de Bercy! There will be concerts, show and original games taking place over two days.

It is also the opportunity to discover the vineyards of Paris, in the 12th, 15th and 20th arrondissements, thanks to the gardeners and the presence of an oenologist.

110 gardens will take part in the Festival, including five for the first time. Like each year, numerous shared gardens will also be present and 9 religious communities will open their gardens to the public on Sunday 28 September.

More information on the official website of the City of Paris
http://en.parisinfo.com/show-exhibition/1088079/la-fete-des-jardins

Opening hours:

Saturday 1.30 to 6.30 pm
Sunday 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
Festival Village open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm Saturday and Sunday
Special opening hours for certain sites

Address:

Throughout Paris and the Garden Festival Village at Parc de Bercy (12th)