From the
historic Latin Quarter, St. Germain and the Left Bank, to the
glamorous Champs Elysée and Eiffel Tower on the Right
Bank, from the Louvre to the Musée Rodin, from the most
modest local church to Notre Dame, everything is located within
easy walking or Metro distance. And despite what you may have
heard about the "attitude" you might find in Paris,
rest assured that virtually every hotel has a friendly concierge
to help you get where you want to go - be it Montparnasse and
Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge or the Crazy Horse Cafe, or for a
ride on the Seine via Bateau Mouche.
The
Latin Quarter:
The Latin
Quarter is the oldest area in Paris, having been the centre
of Gallo-Roman Lutetia in the 3rd century. You will find remnants
of this period at the Thermes de Cluny, Roman baths standing
next to the Medieval Cluny Museum.
Since the Middle Ages, the Latin Quarter has been an academic
centre of knowledge and learning built around the Sorbonne University,
which was founded in 1231 by Robert de Sorbon, and reputable
lycées. This is why it conjures up images of old cobblestones,
bohemian writers and carousing students. The narrow streets also
seethe with perpetual eruptions as students'slogans and demonstrations
echo the songs of François Villon.
Pantheon
:
The Pantheon was built as a church between 1764 and 1790. Its
huge coupole dominates Paris from the top of the Sainte-Geneviève
hill on the Seine left bank.
The Pantheon stands in the heart of the Quartier Latin, the lively
and intellectual traditional Paris' student district with among
other institutions the Sorbonne university and the Collège
de France.
During the 1789 french revolution and shortly after its construction,
the Pantheon was turned into a memorial to illustrous frenchmen.
It now houses among others the remains of Pierre and Marie Curie,
the physicists who discovered the radioactivity, of Voltaire,
Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Victor Hugo, three famous French writers.
he name "Montmartre" comes from the old name of "Mont des Martyrs", Mountain of the Martyrs, because it was here where the first martyrs of Paris, the bishop St. Denis, the priest Rustique and the arch-deacon Eleuthère (or Rusticus and Eleutherius) were decapitated by the Romans around 250-258 A.D. The Romans had built temples to Mercury and Mars on this hill and they didn't take kindly to Christians moving in.
Legend has it that St. Denis went on to pick up his head, wash it off and carry it 8 kilometers (about 4 miles) to the north to what is now the town of St. Denis before he finally dropped. A shrine was built on the spot which was replaced by the beautiful Basilica of St. Denis. This basilica became the place of burial for the kings of France. Most of the French kings from Dagobert I (reign 629-639) to Louis XVIII (reign 1814-1824) are buried here.
As is often the case when a religious figure has been executed by the Romans, the hill became a place of pilgrimage, including such pilgrims as St. Germain, St. Clotilde, St. Bernard, St. Joan of Arc, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Thomas Aquinas and also St. Ignatius of Loyala and St. François Xavier who together founded the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, here in 1534.
In the 12th century, Benedictine monks built a monastery on the hill which later became the powerful Abbey of the Dames of Montmartre and which almost covered the entire hill. Only the Church of St. Pierre, consecrated on April 21, 1147, is left of this Abbey.
Source: paris-walking-tours.com
Gerard Darel
Published on: 2008-11-10
Shopping
Once they began using the image of actress Charlotte Gainsbourg in 2003, Gerard Darel instantly became an internationally popular brand. However, the company has surprisingly been around since 1971, and has lasted long enough to be considered one of France's most well-established lines of ladies prêt-a-porter clothing.
Until recently, they projected more of a quiet and restrained image, but their current style fits better with a refined and cool working woman in the city.
Part of the charm is that these clothes, made using a gentle muslin, is that they have a style perfect for your days off as well. The bag with the names of various cities like Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Syracuse on it has seen its popularity explode, and has even become a must-have item for Hollywood celebrities recently.
And now that they've started a new children's line, you'll be catching the eyes of fashionable mothers everywhere.
Behind Blvd. Saint Germain, on the corner of Rue de Seine and Rue Lobineau, stands the famed Gerard Mulot shop, which is always full of people regardless of what time you may show up. With its atmosphere of a classic patisserie this cake shop is beloved by the people of the town. And since Gerard Mulot has locations in Shinjuku, Yokohama, Fukuoka, and many other places, even Japanese people will be instantly familiar with its name.
From its opening 25 years ago to today, their attention to detail and luxuriously detailed sweets are often referred to as having the radiance of a fine gem .
Macaroons with the graceful hue of fruit, marshmallows, their popular chocolate and strawberry cakes, mont blanc... Once you enter you'll be so distracted that you may be in danger of buying them all without even thinking about it! And in addition to selling whole cakes, they also sell them in smaller servings so you can enjoy a small bite right there in the store.
Gérard Mulot
Adress : 76, rue de Seine 75006
District : Saint Germain-des-Prés
Phone : 01 43 26 85 77
Metro : Odeon Lines 4 and 10, then a 2 minute walk
Business Hours: Everyday except Wednesday 6:40-20:00
Holidays: Wednesdays
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Musée Maillol
Published on: 2008-10-06
Museum
As in its name, 'the Foundation Dina Vierny - Musée Maillol' was founded by Dina Vierny in 1995. Dina Vierny was the model for the sculptor Aristide Maillol beginning when she was 15 years old. She was also a muse of many famous painters of this time such as Pierre Bonnard and Henri Matisse. With a lifetime devotion to art, Dina founded this museum to present this large collection of modern art including such artists as Picasso, Rodin, Gauguin, Maurice Denis, Kandinsky and Marcel Duchamp. Temporary exhibitions are always very interesting with a unique theme and point of view.. The beautiful architecture of 18th century is worth seeing, too.(2007-04-13)
Principal works: 'LHOOQ' of Duchamp, 'Les Pommes' of Picasso, 'Mouvement de danse' of Matisse, 'Autoportrait' of Fujita, 'Angle Rouge' of Kandinsky
Musée Maillol
Maillol Museum
61 rue de Grenelle 75007
Area: Saint Germain des Près
Tel : 01 42 71 25 21
Metro : Rue du Bac line12
Sèvres Babylone line10,12
Open : Mon, Wed-Sun 11:00am-6:00pm
Close : Tue, National Holidays
Fees : 8 , Students 6
Under 15years old Free
Paris Museum Pass NO
http://www.museemaillol.com
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Zadig Voltaire
Published on: 2008-10-06
Shopping
Zadig & Voltaire offers a new type of luxury which is both original and affordable. Many French actresses are also fans of this brand. T-shirt, jeans or pullover, the items look like street fashion at first glace but the delicate fabrics such as silk, cashmere or fine cotton, and the smoky colors give a refined casual style for adults, spiced with some rock n' roll inspiration.
Zadig Voltaire
3, rue du vieux Colombier 75006
Area: Saint Germain des Prés
Tel : 01 45 48 39 37
Metro : Saint Sulpice line 4
Open : 10:30am(Monday from 1pm)-7:30pm
Close : Sun
http://www.zadig-et-voltaire.com
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Just Campagne
Published on: 2008-10-06
Shopping
Just Campagne was founded in 1989. After the first shop at Saint Germain des Près, they opened the second one at the chic Saint Honoré Street. Leather bags and accessories are all hand finished in Toulouse by skillful craftsmen. Each model has its leather label, which shows the serial number and the name of the model. You feel as if each bag is made for you. The design is elegant, classic and practical, which suits any situation. They are priced around 400-500 .
Just Campagne
159, boulevard Saint Germain 75006
Area: Saint Germain des Prés
Tel : 01 42 84 87 45
Metro : Saint Germain des Pres line 4
Open : 10:30am(Monday from 12pm)-7pm
Close : Sun
www.justcampagne.com
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Musée d'Orsay
Published on: 2008-10-06
Museum
One of the most famous and popular museums in Paris, The Musée d'Orsay was originally built as a railway station. But eventually it was found to be too small to house the growing passenger trains. Thankfully for us, because the building is the perfect place to house these incredible works of art. The building itself is an art piece. The enormous clock, the glazed dome ceiling and great hall. It holds mainly Impressionism, Naturalism, Symbolism paintings, Art Nouveau works, sculptures of Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel, etc. This museum surely offers you a relaxing time under the bright natural sunlight.
Principal artists and works:
Millet The Gleaners', Manet Olympia', Renoir Moulin de la Galette', Monet Saint Lazare', van Gogh Starry Night',' The Church in Auvers-sur-Oise', Gallé and Guimard's Art Nouveau works, Rodin, Claudel, Caillebotte, Cezanne, Degas, Gauguin etc.
Musée d'Orsay
Orsay Museum
62 rue de Lille 75007
Area: Saint Germain des Près
Tel : 01 40 49 48 14
Metro : Musée d'Orsay RER C
Solferino line12
Open : Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00am-6:00pm
Thu 10:00am-9:45pm
Sun 9:00am-6:00pm
Summer time(20th Jun-20th Sep) 9:00am-6pm
Close : Mon, National holidays(1st Jan, 1st May, 25th Dec)
Fees : 7.5 / Discount 5.5
Sundays all day and everyday from 4:15pm(Thu from 8pm) is for 5.5
Every 1st sunday of month is free.
Paris Museum Pass OK
http://www.musee-orsay.fr
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Pierre Hermé
Published on: 2008-10-01
Shopping
The genius Pierre Hermé was qualified as a Picasso of Pastry' by Vogue. Maybe you don't need any further explanation, but we want to talk about him anyway.
Born in Alsace in the east of France, he started his career by entering the famous Lenôtre at the age of 14. After brilliant stints at Fauchon and Ladurée, he opened his first shop in Tokyo, in 1998.
His pastry, delicious and as beautiful as jewels, is full of daring combinations and different flavors. Even when the combinations seem a bit unusual, they are always good. His skill is based on years of experience, so trust his taste. You will be very pleasantly surprised. The new collection is presented twice a year and he does not fail to astonish us. His shop at Saint Germain des Près is
extremely small and there is always a long line, but you'll wait if you are a true gourmet!
Here are some regular pastries of Pierre Hermé:
Ispahan Rose flavored macaron with raspberry and litchi.
Plaisir Sucré ( sweet pleasure') Chocolate cake with hazelnut
2000 Millefeuille 'Millefeuille' literally means 1000 leafs but Pierre Hermé wants 2000 leafs!
Pierre Hermé
72 rue Bonaparte 75006
Area: Saint Germain des Prés
Tel : 01 43 54 47 77
Metro : Saint Sulpice line 4
Open : Mon-Fri, Sun 10am-7pm
Sat 10am-7:30pm
Close : Open everyday
Other Shops : 185 rue de Vaugirard 75015
tel: 01 47 83 89 96
Pierre Hermé Official Site
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Fromagerie Laurent Dubois
Published on: 2008-09-29
Shopping
'Fromage is the fabulous French cheese that we want to bring back home as souvenir. Fromagerie Laurent Dubois is found at Boulevard Saint Germain, just in front of Place of Maubert-Mutualité, known for its outdoor market. The cheese, produced by Mr. Dubois who is entitled MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France=Most excellent artisan in France), fascinates many Parisian. This is his second shop after the first in 15th district. The beautiful cheese arranged in a line gives the impression of a museum of cheese!
The price range is from 3 per piece or about 10 to 30 per kg.
The good thing to know for tourist is that they can vacuum pack your cheese for 1 (if you purchase more than 15 , the vacuum packing service is free), so you can pass the customs without any problem.
You can also get small dishes of cheese to take go, ideal for aperitif with wine in your hotel room!　
Fromagerie Laurent Dubois
47ter Boulevard Saint Germain 75005
Area: Saint Germain des Près
Tel : 01 43 54 50 93
Metro : Maubert-Mutualité line10
Open : Mon-Sat 8:00am-7:00pm
Sun 8:00am-1:00pm
Close : Sunday afternoon
Source: cahierdeparis.us
Cinq Mars
Published on: 2008-09-26
Restaurant
Cinq Mars is a bistro found on a quiet street near Saint Germain. You'll likely be charmed by the gray exterio0r and counter, as well as the wooden tables that give it something of a rustic feel, while still maintaining a sense of class.
The literal translation of the name would mean either The Fifth of March or Five Tuesdays ?! It may seem mysterious, but it actually originates from a small village called Cinq Mars le Pil from Touraine, an area famous for its old castles.
During our visit we tried the home-made foie gras and lentil salad for an appetizer, and had the tuna steak and grilled lamb as our entrée.
The entire menu gave the feeling that the simple food they served was made from fresh ingredients and put together with real care. Meanwhile, the relaxing environment will give you a warm feeling, like you are being treated to the home-cooking of someone's grandmother.
Coincidentally, very near the corner of the street the shop is on, Rue de Verneuille, and Rue des Saints Peres stands the house Serge Gainsbourg once lived in. The wall is completely covered in graffiti these days, but if you're a fan it's a great excuse to stretch your legs after the meal.
Cinq Mars
51 rue de Verneuil 75007
Tel : 01 45 44 69 13
Metro : Rue du Bac Line 12, or Solferino Line 12, then a 2 minute walk.
Saint Germain des Pres Line 4, then a 7 minute walk
Business Hours : 12:00-14:30
19:30-23:00
Holidays : Sundays, Mondays.
Budget :
