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NO WORRIES PARIS

~ great Paris walks on and off the beaten path

NO WORRIES PARIS

Category Archives: Paris travel

If you’re in Paris March 3-April 15

20 Monday Mar 2017

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris guide, Paris tips, Paris travel, Paris Wanderings

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art events, Paparazzi, photo exhibits

**PRESS IMAGE - USAGE MUST BE CLEARED**

If you’re a b+w fan and gravitate towards reading the celebrity news while waiting in the grocery line, don’t miss the Paparazzi photo exhibit at Galerie ArtCube, Rue de Furstenberg {metro Saint-Germain-des-Prés}.

On tap: Ron Galella, Jean Pigozzi, Sébastien Valiela, Christopher Makos and Alison Jackson, the outlaws who have been looking for the ultimate shot of a rock star, movie idol or socialite for the past 50 years. You’ll recognize quite a few. Sometimes seeing them framed and grouped is something special.

exhibit1

Irreverent, cunning and intrusive as well as experts in mise en scène, the gaggle end up shining as documentarists of their time.

**PRESS IMAGE - USAGE MUST BE CLEARED**

Photos courtesy of courtesy of Galerie ArtCube

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Paris: Get out of town day trips

19 Sunday Mar 2017

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris Day Trips, Paris sidetrips, Paris tips, Paris travel

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Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny, Day trip tours, Fontainbleau, Giverney, Paris City Vision, Paris Day Trips, tours, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Versailles

versaillSometimes it’s refreshing to break up hustle and bustle metropolis days with a break to the country. I’ve found some of the bus tours cheaper than hiring a guide, private car or taking the train. From my own experience, Paris City Vision has always delivered a first-class experience (and I’m not getting kickbacks), just my personal opinion. Here’s a rundown of the creme-de-la creme:

Versailles small group
$108
Half-Day Tour: Select either a morning or afternoon tour and depart from your Paris hotel bound for Versailles. Your host for the trip will give you recommendations about planning your Versailles visit and provide you with an audio guide for a tour of the palace and gardens.

Weekend visitors from April to October can see the famous fountain shows.

Versailles and Giverney
Guided $206 (all day)
• Skip the line ticket
• Entrance fees to the gardens
• Lunch with drinks

giver

Economy Versailles: RER from Paris:  A round trip ticket to Versailles by train costs 7,1€ per person. It takes less than 1-1/2 hours to get there. It’s the cheapest way to reach the chateau. Choose RER C; buy your tickets to Versailles-Château – Rive Gauche. The Palace of Versailles is only a 13-minute walk away from the train station. Be prepared to wait in line and spend all day wandering.

Chambord

Loire Valley Castles Day Trip  Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau.
Guided, all day $176. (such a deal)
Skip the line tickets, leave at 7:15 from a central Paris location. Guests traveling between November 1 and March 31 will receive a traditional lunch and drink.

Chateaux de Chambord, Chenonceau and Loire Valley Wine-Tasting Day Trip. $180
Wine-tasting at Nitray Vineyards
Eat a gourmet French lunch sourced from fresh, local ingredients

VauxVic

fontain

Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte. $75
Skip the line tickets
Full day excursion to Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte châteaux from Paris by luxury coach. Explore the imperial château in the heart of the forest of Fontainebleau. Visit the stunning Vaux le Vicomte château that inspired Versailles. Audio guide tour of the châteaux and free time to explore the magnificent French-style formal gardens. Leave Paris 9:15

Happy tripping!

 

 

 

 

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Paris: an open book

09 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in French holidays, Paris guide, Paris museums, Paris photos, Paris tips, Paris travel, Paris Walks

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DIY, No Worries Paris, Paris, Paris guidebook, Paris guidebook preview, Paris guidebook recommendation, photography, tour eiffel, travel

covnoworriesparis2012

No Worries Paris, a photographic walking guide brings the city to life. A look inside:

NoWorries1

“So many memorable walks at our own pace. Good maps, directions,  and the accompanying text is concise enough to read while on the walk.”  

NoWorriesParisIntro

“A great help for me to plan my trip. I’m glad I’m prepared for what’s in store in the next two weeks.”

NoWorriesParistext5NOWOrrSect2MAP

“We had four full days to spend in Paris in September. We had never been there and wanted to make the most of our time. We decided to use the No Worries Paris guide, and it was a very good decision.”

noworriesparisphoto6

“Everything was beyond amazing!! I will never travel to Paris without using this guide again. Especially loved walking tours through the neighborhoods of the Marais and Latin Quarter.”

NoWorriesParistext5
“The experience, sights and information provided by our NWP was first class. I would happily recommend reading it cover to cover before your stay.”

Illustrated by hundreds of color photographs, NO WORRIES PARIS takes readers on a visually luscious journey along the city’s striking monuments, as well as into crannies of its villages and the full-on glamour of the fashion districts. Virtually all of Paris is covered in 10 Walking Tours, each with its own map. Walks take from a half-day to a day to complete, starting at one Metro stop and ending at another. The tours are complemented by 10 Walk Arounds, which are shorter in length, taking in the sights of a single attraction more on the fringes of the city’s arrondissements.

Practical travel tips and get-around information is included. Newcomers will most likely want to begin with monumental strolls. Francophiles may choose something more edgy and out-of-the-way. The common thread is that each walk is along a visually aesthetic pathway that has a story of its own to tell. Readers who want to get to know Paris by seeing it on foot—pausing occasionally for a gourmet taste, park bench timeout or perfumed sniff along the way— have found the right book.

No Worries Paris is available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Powell’s Books,  directly through the publishers (signed + discount) at Trailblazer Travel Books as well as your friendly independent bookstores nationwide.

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What do Madame de Sévigné, Victor Hugo, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, and Colette have in common?

03 Friday Feb 2017

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris photos, Paris sidetrips, Paris travel, Paris Walks, Paris Wandering

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France, Paris monuments, Paris parks, Place Vosges, restaurants, travel

vosges

Answer: they all lived here at Place Vosges, in my opinion, the prettiest square in Paris. It is ringed with 36 redbrick-and-stone houses—nine on each side, a salute to early urban planning. To love it is to know it’s history. Definitely a place to bring your sandwich (it’s okay to sit on the lawn), take in the sunshine and feel very far away from the traffic on nearby rue de Rivoli.

Four centuries ago this was the site of the Palais des Tournelles, home to King Henry II and Queen Catherine de Medici. The couple staged regular jousting tournaments, and Henry was fatally lanced in the eye during one of them in 1559. Catherine fled to the Louvre, abandoning her palace and ordered it destroyed. In 1612 the square became Place Royale on the occasion of Louis XIII’s engagement to Anne of Austria. Napoléon renamed it Place des Vosges to honor the northeast region of Vosges, the first in the country to pony up taxes to the Revolutionary government.

vosges2

Place des Vosges is structured around two pavilions, that of the Queen at the north part of the square, and that of the King at the south part both built deliberately higher. They are not open to the public; however, you can still visit the house of Victor Hugo, author of “Les Misérables”, which is now a municipal museum. It is free and open daily from 9am to 6pm every day except Monday. To preserve this unity, the place has been protected since the 1960s by the “plan for the preservation and enhancement of the Marais” and no intervention, especially on the façades, can be made without the architect’s agreement.

vosges22

Chic restaurants, boutiques and art galleries fill the arcade surrounding the park. A small private door, open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., will give you access to the garden of the stately Hotel de Sully, headquarters of the Center for National Monuments. Be sure to visit their well stocked bookstore. Unfortunately they don’t carry No Worries Paris, but you, of course, hopefully already purchased it before your trip to Paris. Place Vosges and all there is to do and see in the area starts on page 93 and is marked on the walking map.

NoWorriesParis_Christmas

Hungry?  Here are some recommended restaurants

Au Bourguignon Du Marais, 52 Rue François Miron, 75004. Regional dishes from Burgundy.

La Tartine, 24 Rue de Rivoli, 75004

Chez Janou, 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003

Les Cotelettes, Cafe Martini, Cafe Hugo

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Soldes (Sales), 6 weeks of them

19 Thursday Jan 2017

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris Fashion Week, Paris guide, Paris photos, Paris shopping, Paris sidetrips, Paris tips, Paris travel, Paris Walks, Paris Wandering

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fashionista, France, Paris, style

Paris’s “Winter Sales” began on January 11 and continue through February 21. It’s not just department stores that are having them. The big fashion houses are also in on the discount extravaganza and there are bargains to be had.

soldes44443

The discounts are deep, 50 to 70% on selected items. Get there when the doors open, when everything is neatly piled and lines less long at the cash register. Some designers have to limit the number of shoppers in their department store boutiques. You’ll always see a queue of just-off-the-jetters who go for the big brand names.

shopperschanel

soldes2017

Values are waiting in the triangle d’or (Avenue Montaigne, Ave George V, and Rue Francois 1er),  where the finest Haute Couture shops in the world are located. The prestigious houses include: Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Dolce e Gabbana, Max Mara, Christian LaCroix, Valentino, Prada, Ungaro, Joseph, Bonpoint, Jean Louis Scherrer, Gucci, Pucci, Loewe, Krizia, Bulgari, Calvin Klein, Nina Ricci, Ines de la Fressange, Donna Karan, Celine, Yves Saint Laurent (headquarters), Bulgari, S.F. Dupont, Porthault Linens, Caron, Hermes, Gianfranco Ferré, Givenchy,  Kenzo. Rochas, Courreges, and Balmain. Be prepared to have your purse searched before entering.

parissales222

Tired just reading the list? The Georges V (31, avenue George V) to the rescue with a time-out drink at Le Bar or light meal in the L’Orangerie restaurant. The staff are always gracious and welcoming; the flower arrangements will take your breath away. Sidenote: If you’re a guest, free flower arranging classes are offered by their world-renowned flower magician ($200 for non-guests); the staff offer guests  a special morning hour-long jog at 7:30 along the Seine, through the Tuileries (free, once a week), room rates start at $800 a night.

sales44444

At 50-70%, even the couture prices may well be beyond your means. Depot-vente (secondhand boutiques) present another choice. Dive into the piles for some amazing bargains all year round:

Mistigriff, 83-85, rue Saint-Charles  75015, https://www.mistigriff.fr 

Chercheminippes, 124 rue du Cherche-midi 75006, http://www.chercheminippes.com.

Didier Ludot,  24 Galerie Montpensier – Jardin du Palais Royal  75001     http://www.didierludot.fr

Kiliwatch, 64 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 http://www.kiliwatch.fr

No_Worries_Paris_ChicTrib

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Joyeux Noel 2016

23 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in French holidays, Paris travel

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Joyeux Noel, Merry Christmas, Paris

Joining hands around the world to wish you a Merry Christmas. Thank you for making us one of Paris’s top walking guides.

christmascard2017big

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Piscine Molitor: Where the bikini was born

18 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris sidetrips, Paris travel, Paris Wandering

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bikinis, Paris swimming pools, Piscine Molitor

bathing

The Art Deco masterpiece Piscine Molitor was built in 1929 to resemble an ocean liner. Surrounding the pool were three levels of cabins with round windows resembling portholes. The indoor pool became an ice rink in the winter and the decks of the outdoor pool were lined with sand. You didn’t go there just to swim, you went to be seen.

modelbikini

In 1946, the first modern bikini designed by Louis Réard was unveiled. The pool soon became a magnet for all things chic. Sunbathers would lounge among celebrities and starlets, stretched out in white deck chairs and very often topless.

molotorr

Ultimately it was referred to as “les Grands Établissements Balnéaires d’Auteuil” (the Great Seaside Establishment of Auteuil) and became the site of various sporting events. Olympian Johnny Weissmuller was one of the first lifeguards.

molinr

By 1989, the pool was in decay and due to safety standards permanently boarded up by the city. Developers proposed to rebuild it as a hotel and parking lot. To the rescue,  a group of citizens founded the “SOS Molitor”.  They  successfully halted demolition and in 1990 the Molitor was listed in the inventory of the French Monuments Historiques program. Sadly, vandalism and poor maintenance took its toll after being protected by the government (see above).

molitor

A new organization called Piscines Molitor was created to obtain funding for the rehabilitation of the site. In 2014, it reopened as a privately owned club adding a 124-room swanky hotel, spa and restaurant.  The clientele is still the same well-heeled crowd. A day pass will run you around $245 and annual membership fees are $4,500. For guests of the hotel, daily fees are, of course, gratuit.

Molitor, 8 Avenue de la Porte Molitor, 75016 Paris

Give a gift of Paris. . .

https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B00822LOKI&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_QVDvybA2GJME5

 

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Paris, the “enLITEnd” city

13 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in French holidays, Paris photos, Paris travel, Paris Wandering

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Paris at night, Paris Christmas

 

paris_nasa

It’s December and the City of Light is showing off what it is known for now that the holiday season is in full swing. Taken from the International Space Station (merci NASA), the photo above shows off the brightest boulevard, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, historical axis of the city. The Arc de Triomphe, meeting place of eleven major boulevards, appears as a star at one end. The many forested parks stand out as black polygons.

grandpalaisnight

How did it get it’s nickname? Reason number one:  “La Ville-Lumière” as it was called in the 18th century, was the birthplace of the Age of Enlightenment, famous as a center of education, philosophy and learning  throughout Europe. Reason number two: Paris was one of the first cities to start using street lights during the Great Exhibition of 1889. Having street lights meant people could now do activities after dark that they could not do before. The streets suddenly grew safer. Fast forward to 2016……the tango:

tangoeiffel

A little advice. Sleep in so you can stay up at night, at least until midnight. A whole new sparkly city will emerge, the illuminated monuments almost toylike, cafes: full, flashing taillights wake up the boulevards, and a steady stream of tourist bateaux snake along the Seine. It’s ALIVE!

carrouseldelouvre

louvrepyramidparis

You might find yourself falling in love again. With your partner or if going solo, with this vibrant amazing city.

toureiffelsept2014

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French Comfort Food Restaurants

07 Wednesday Dec 2016

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in French food and wine, Paris travel

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#French comfort food, food, Paris, restaurants

restaurantnwpforblog

Simple…..delicious…..filling. Food that’s not an art project. My definition of Comfort Food. Now that winter is approaching, there’s no better treat than entering a bustling jam-packed restaurant, ravenously hungry, ready for the warmth of a good satisfying meal. A few suggestions:

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon 

 

 
5 rue de Montalembert, 75007 Paris
Quail stuffed with foil gras…..oooh la la. Legendary.

La Petite Rose Des Sables    6 rue de Lancry
, 75010 Paris
Traditional French dishes. Try the coq au vin. Large portions.

Les Cocottes   135 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris


Try the veal.

Le Volant Basque 


 13 rue Béatrix Dussane, 75015 Paris
Try the beef bourguignon, creme brûlée.


Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes   106 rue de la Folie Méricourt
, 75011 Paris
Cassoulet — the southwest France staple. A big pot of warmth and soul.

Le Bistrot d’Henri 

   
16 rue Princesse, 75006 Paris
Good old liver and onions

Le Calife 

  3 quai Malaquais, 75006 Paris
Exceptional chicken


paris_restaurant

Le Chemise 

   42 rue de Malte, 75011 Paris
Cozy ambiance

La Jacobine 

  
59-61 rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris
Standout homemade fois gras


L’Ebauchoir 

 
  43 rue de Citeaux, 75012 Paris
Generous prix fixe menu. Tender duck breast.

Miznon 
  
22 Rue Ecouffes, 75004 Paris

A reasonably priced pita place. Lamb kebob is  a winner.

La Coïncidence 

 
15 rue Mesnil, 75116 Paris
Beef, duck, scallops. Great service. Translated menu.

Le Potager du Père Thierry 

   
16 rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris
Local organic ingredients, wine. Small setting. Good creamy risotto.

Les Papilles 

 

 
30 rue Gay-Lussac, 75005 Paris
Cauliflower soup

Au Père Louis 



 
38 rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006 Paris
Escargot, cassoulet

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Paris Up My Sleeve

10 Thursday Nov 2016

Posted by Trailblazer Travel Books in Paris photos, Paris travel, Paris Wanderings

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Paris Fashion Week, paris shopping, Paris street photography

With visions of Paris Fashion Week still rolling around in my brain I find myself spotting a blouse trend as I laboriously edit my photos. The late Bill Cunningham used to call out such peculiarisms in his New York Times column, so Bill, “here’s to you.” You were truly missed at the parade of fashion on and off the catwalk this year.

Fashionistas, make sure your blouse sleeve is voluminous and proportionally way too large for your figure in 2017. Oversize is “in.” Tip: buy them in the men’s department if you want to save $$$. Or check your local thrift shops where I’ve seen jillions of ironed Brooks Bros. striped models lined up and ready to snatch.

bluesleeves

whiteblouse

And by all means watch those cuffs when eating your spaghetti.

sleevejean

whitfilagreeblouseparis

Be sure it’s tucked.

blueblouseparis

Not terribly comfortable, but soooo cool!

bigsleeveaparis

And what this has to do with promoting our guidebook, No Worries Paris, I don’t have a clue. Just thought you deserve a little extra entertainment from the fashion world now and then. A bientot!

covnoworriesparis2012

 

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