Paris, France Luxury Travel

Christmas in Paris

2009-12-03T15:22:00.004-05:00

Christmas in France or Paris is memorable and magical. Hit the enticing Christmas markets, sing at midnight mass in a stunning gothic cathedral or dive into a Reveillon feast. Christmas is downright amazing when you spend the holidays in charming France.

France's glorious cathedrals pack them in for midnight mass on Christmas Eve, a longtime and sacred tradition in this country. The cathedrals are lit with dozens of candles and filled with the sounds of Christmas carols and hymns.

Celebrating the career of Wanda Landowska

2009-09-25T21:46:00.003-04:00

This year is the 50th anniversary of the death of Wanda Landowska, the famous Polish harpsichordist. Wanda eloped to Paris in 1899 with Henri Lew, a polish enthnologist whom she had met in Berlin where she was in college, studying piano and composition.

Because of a severe ganglion in her left wrist, she feared that she could never be a pianist, but when she discovered the harpisihord, she discovered an instrument that she could play successfully and her wrists finally healed for good.

The story of Wanda Landowska is the fascinating story of a determined woman who desperately wanted to be famous as a teenager in Warsaw. I was so impressed and inspired by her that I did my Ph.D. dissertation on her and her work. I was extremely fortunate to get to go to Paris for six weeks in the summer of 1987 to research Landowsk'a career. There at the Bibliotheque Nationale I found everything I needed for my dissertation, including concert reviews in at least 8 or 9 different languages.

Since that time, my dissertation has been turned into an award-winning documentary entitled "UncommonVisionary." You can purchase this film here. You can also buy many of her CD's that have been re-mastered from the original RCA 78 LP's. Check out the Landowska CD's here. Landowksa was one of the great Romantic artists of te 20th century. I hope you'll get to know her work!

Ready to Return to Paris!

2009-07-19T11:52:00.003-04:00

I had such a fabulous time in Paris last April and really lucked out with beautiful weather there and also when we went on our little week-end jaunt to Ireland. I'm ready to go again! What what the weather is like there now?

My last full day in Paris, I went to the Paris Opera House. The is a photo of me ascending the Grand Staircase there. Maybe next time I can actually attend an opera there!

Au Revoir, Paris!

2009-04-29T15:18:00.005-04:00

I had such a fantastic time visiting my daughter in Paris and wanted to show just a few more of my pictures that I shot while there! You'll see the usual tourist sites, but you may see some things you haven't seen before!

A trip back to Paris will definitely be in my future!

Writing to you from Paris

2009-04-03T16:36:00.003-04:00

I arrived in Paris yesterday morning and am having a wonderful time here with my daughters! Yesterday we explored the local neighborhood which includes Sacre Coeur. I went to a piano store and gave a little 15-20 minute mini-recital which was lots of fun...mostly Chopin. Today we went to the Louvre and saw so many beautiful paintings, sculptures and objets d'art. It was great! After that, my daughter took us on a tour of the American Embassy...top security!

Tomorrow a.m. we leave for Ireland for the week-end to investigate Cashel, home of the Cashes. Will try to post some pictures in my travelogue next week! Until then...

Chantdoc leaving for Paris in a few hours!

2009-04-01T08:43:00.002-04:00

In just about 5 hours I'll be leaving this beautiful city of Louisville, KY, named for King Louis XIV, to travel to Paris, France! I'll be meeting two of my daughters there and we're going to have such a wonderful time! I haven't really had an extended visit there for over 20 years and I'm so looking forward to getting back into the Louvre and the Bibliotheque Nationale and Notre Dame. On the week-end we're flying over to Dublin to visit the ancestral home of the Cash Family...a town called Cashel. Let me know if you have travel tips!! Will also be blogging from Paris!

Getting around in Paris

2009-03-23T22:28:00.003-04:00

Taxis: Taxis can be found at any hour, on weekends it could be a little difficult to find any taxi for hire, free taxis have the large white light and engaged taxis have the orange light below. There are three tariffs, one is the 'A' the cheaper between 6 and 9 euros, the 'B' a little more expensive, and the most expensive is the 'C' for going to aiports at night for example or for going outside Paris. The minimum taxi ride costs 5.10 euros.And the three taxi companies are:« These include Alpha Taxis (tel: (01) 4585 8585)« Taxis Bleus (tel: (0891) 701 010) « Taxis G7 (tel: (01) 4739 4739).

Buses: Buses are easy to find, and the system is very easy to use, at the bus stations there is a list that details the buses that stop there, and the bus route maps and times also is displayed there. Most buses are in service from Monday to Saturday and until midnight, only some of them are in service on sundays or in festivity days, and there are some others that work all the night, they are called 'Noctambus' and have 18 routes, this kind of buses require separate tickets, which cost 2.40 euros aprox., or if you want you can buy weekly or monthly travel passes, children tickets are cheaper.

The Métro and RER: There are 14 lines available if you want to travel by the métro, all lines are colour-coed for giving a difference between them and give an easy way to the users to choose the right one, the lines map can be found at the métro stations or in the tourist office, the métros's schedule is from 05:00a.m to 00:30a.m. Some time ago was included the line 14 métro Météor, that goes from Gare St-Lazare to Bibliothèque François Mitterrand. For using the RER (Réseau Express Régional) the five lines are designated by letters, A, B, C, D and E, and are available from 05:00a.m to 01:10a.m, with frecuency the time you travel by RER are shorter than travel by the métro.

Chantdoc less than a month away from Paris trip!

2009-03-06T17:22:00.003-05:00

My trip to Paris is less than a month away and I'm so excited about seeing my daughter who is working at the American Embassy. She is an intern right now and is really loving the Parisian life!

Before I go though, I wanted to tell you about the project that is getting the lion's share of my time and energy. Last October I was awarded an U.S. Patent for my invention of wireless, pre-programmed headphones. I had been thinking about them for about 15 years and working on them for about 5. Now you can finally get yours online at www.HealingMusicEnterprises.com/surgical_headphones. You can either buy the headset, fully charged and ready to go, or you can simply buy the download and put this meticulously researched music on your own iPod or MP3 player. Either way, medical surgery and dental surgery will never be the same!

Wonder if the Parisians would like some?? :-)

Paris trip will include side trip to Spain!

2009-02-19T08:59:00.001-05:00

Update on my trip to Paris
Hello to all my Boomer friends! I've now got my ticket to Paris and have two possible speaking gigs:
one would be at the American Church in Paris
one would be speaking to a group of harpsichordists who are lifetime fans of the great harpsichordist Wanda Landowska, topic of my dissertation
Now I have a third invitation:
Traveling for a few days to Jaen, Spain to consult with the music faculty at the university there about a "Music in the Hospital" curriculum that they are putting together! They will fly me down there and I am soooo excited as I have never been to Spain! It is in the Andalucia section of Spain and is very far south!
If you know anyone in Paris or Southern Spain who would like a workshop, contact me ASAP!
Thanks,
Alice
Posted by Alice H. Cash at 8:53 AM
Labels: Chantdoc also going to Spain

Dr. Alice Cash
Trained as a classical, concert pianist, I stepped into the world of music as medicine in 1990. It is a fantastic adventure! It has taken me around the world and I'm eager to keep traveling! Free sample of healing music: www.healingmusicenterprises.com/Sample_Healing_Music.html View my complete profile

Chantdoc planning a trip to Paris!

2009-02-08T11:49:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited because I am planning to go to Paris in April! My daughter is doing an internship at the American Embassy there and it's just too good a chance to pass up...even though I went to Italy last Fall and on a cruise in August! For me, travel is the best education and the best vacation possible. It's also an opportunity to teach more people about the healing power of music and to learn about new music wherever I go!

At the moment, I'm hoping to do a lecture/workshop/performance at the American Church but nothing has been finalized at this point.

While in Paris, I would love a chance to talk with physicians there about music during surgery, but that too remains to be seen. No matter how things play out, I know I will have a wonderful time and will attend many concerts while there!

If you have connection in Paris that might be helpful or interested, please let me know! Au revoir!

Want to Work at the Embassy in Paris?

2008-12-27T22:03:00.002-05:00

Many people dream of working at the American Embassy in Paris and understandably! Paris is such a magical and romantic city and the thought of living there for awhile is pretty irresistable. I'm sure there are many ways to make this happen, but just in case it's a dream of yours, I thought I'd share the website with you that I just found: http://france.usembassy.gov/. It has lots of good information there! Also wanted to include a little Parisian video...enjoy!

The Most Fabulous Hotel in Paris

2008-11-26T14:39:00.002-05:00

The most expensive Parisian hotel room is the Belle Etoile Suite at the Hotel Meurice, located on the Rue de Rivoli. This penthouse suite is reached via private elevator, where it opens onto a marble entry hall. The entire suite is decorated in a Charles X style--heavy drapery, intricate wood paneling with gilt edges, chandeliers and murals. Try not to fill it with champagne. The white-marble bathroom has double sinks and a round Jacuzzi tub, as well as panoramic views of the city (yes, the windows have shades). The 2,960-square-foot terrace has stone tiles, potted shrubs and a 360-degree view of Paris. The rate is 8,400 euros per night (approximately $7,300). Hotel Meurice 228 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris, France Phone: 33 44-58-10-10 Fax: 33 44-58-10-15

The American Embassy in Paris, A Primer

2008-10-11T16:40:00.001-04:00

The American Embassy in Paris, centrally located between the Champs-Elysees and Chatelet on the city's right bank, provides numerous services to American citizens visiting or residing in Paris. Passport issuance or replacement, notarial services, travel safety advisories, and references to tax and legal professionals are among some of the services administered by the Office of American Services at the embassy. To replace a passport immediately, you will need to visit the embassy in person, but you can also request a replacement passport by postal mail if you are visiting Paris for an extended period of time.
Location:Office of American Services4, avenue Gabriel75008 ParisMetro: Concorde
Email contact: The quickest way to receive a response from the American Embassy is to send an email: citizeninfo@state.gov
Emergency phone contact: 33 (0)1.43.12.22.22 (drop the country code, "33" and add back the "0" when dialing from within France)

Getting Ready for Bastille Day??

2008-07-10T10:21:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been in Paris on Bastille Day? I have and it is a blast! The French love to celebrate as much as we do. This little article will enlighten you about one of their favorite drinks. I don't care for it but you might! Enjoy!

-- The summer festivities need not end with July 4th. With Bastille Day around the corner, the French give us yet another reason to celebrate. On July 14th toast Bastille Day, the holiday commemorating the birth of French democracy, in true Parisian style. Whether you plan a rooftop barbeque or an intimate indoor gathering, Pernod is the perfect way to add traditional French flair to your Bastille Day fete.
The French anise-based liquor has enjoyed popularity for hundreds of years as an aperitif and a classic cocktail. It has also been lauded as a culinary shortcut, effortlessly adding complex nuances to any dish. Chefs around the world prize Pernod for its ability to flavor a meal without overpowering its natural taste. Rather than settling for the usual fromage and crackers, simply add Pernod to any ingredient from chicken and fish to fresh fruit and vegetables, and watch your dish go from ordinary to revolutionary -- the perfect addition to your Bastille Day menu.
For the ambitious gourmand, the classic Poussin Pernodine is a party favorite. The herbal components of Pernod complement the flavors of lemon and cream, making it a treat for any occasion. If you are looking for a sweet ending to your Bastille Day feast, try the Far East Fruit Salad, a medley of exotic fruits that satisfy the sweet tooth with simple yet delicious ingredients.

Your opinion please?

2008-06-26T14:28:00.002-04:00

As you know, I do a lot of blogging. I also look at a lot of other people's blogs. For the most part, the posts seem to be just informative notes, thoughts, opinions or recommendations. however every now and then I see people who seem to do regular essays on a daily basis. What do you think? How long should a regular blog post be? Don't want to bore or exhaust people! Thanks,
Alice

Paris, France Fountains to See

2008-05-31T15:54:00.006-04:00

Paris is filled with many beautiful fountains. You can see all of them if you plan your trip carefully. Of course you may not want to see all of them! I would especially recommend the ones around the Louvre. I've included several picture so that you can decide how to plan your trip. Have fun!

L'Opera de Paris

2008-05-12T22:55:00.002-04:00

The sumptuous and prestigious Paris Opera building, designed by Charles Garnier in 1861 and completed in 1875, is one of the largest theatre venues in the world. A lavish epitaph to the manic architectural activities of the Second Empire under Napoleon III, and aptly described as a "triumph of molded pastry," it lent a suitable image to the frivolity and materialism of the so-called naughty Eighties and Nineties.

Opéra Garnier

The sheer mass of its stage — 11,000 square meters (or 118,404 square feet), with room for 450 players — seems to dwarf the respectable 2156-seat capacity auditorium, whose ceiling was painted in 1964 by Marc Chagall. At the Musée d'Orsay, one may view a complete slice-away maquette (model) of this amazingly ornate edifice, but anyone with an architectural gilt complex should make the pilgrimage to the glimmering marble-and-onyx Grand Staircase.

When the emperor and empress were presented with the model, the latter is reputed to have questioned, "What is this style? It's not a style. It's not Greek, it's not Louis XVI." Garnier allegedly replied, "No, those styles have had their day. This style is Napoleon III, and you complain?"
In fact, the Opéra was constructed by the grand bourgeois more as a stage for self-display: its vestibules, galleries, stairs, anterooms, and other areas are much vaster than the mere auditorium for the select high society in attendance. Here one could stroll, step, sip, chat, ogle, and parade oneself in lengthy intermissions. That was the point, after all: the operatic performance itself was an intermission between obligatory social strutting. The personalities on view in the foyer and on the Grand Staircase were considered as important as the artists on stage singing Faust or La Traviata.

Springtime in Paris!

2008-04-25T21:20:00.002-04:00

As the second largest city in Western Europe, Paris is a great place to visit; ideally situated along the banks of the river Seine. For most people visiting Paris, a short stay is often the way they first see the city; if you have more time, it will make for a remarkable holiday, with many great sites to see.This city is also equally well known for its gothic architecture and markets; it is the home of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and many other famous tourist attractions. Visitors to Paris as well as its citizens can travel around Paris easily; the Metro underground system is easy to understand, efficient and reaches everywhere even the most enthusiastic tourist would want to visit.You can't miss the Eiffel Tower, mainly because it's over three hundred meters high; there are only a few places in the city where it isn't visible. Illuminated in the evening, it is one of the most beautiful sights in the entire city; guided tours add to the thrill as you get to peek into history on how it was constructed.The famous Paris Avenue 'the Champs Elysees' must also receive a visit; with shops, cafes, and restaurants littered along the wide pavements, it is a must see for every visitor. This is considered a more exclusive and busy area of the city; it is also where most of the five star hotels are situated but thankfully hotels tend to be cheaper once you move away from the city center. A trip to would not be complete without a visit to the Louvre museum; with almost a third of a million exhibits, you will not be able to see everything in one trip. A short stay in Paris only ever allows a small appreciation of what is on offer; with the likes of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa to view in addition to some of the finest collections of art in the world. Many well known artists spent years of their lives in Paris; the likes of Monet, Picasso and many others lived in the city for years and some of their work can still be seen today.Paris is also the home of the equally famous Arc de Triomphe which Napoleon had constructed in the early part of the 19th century; the names of his generals engraved upon it to honor them and his troops. It also features an observatory to take in surrounding views; in particular those obtained along the lanes that lead from it.Obviously, these are not the only places to visit; although no trip would be complete without seeing these, they are probably best viewed as part of a guided tour, some of which are actually free. It is fair to say that you won't see everything on a Paris short stay of two or even three day break; what you aren't able to this time will have to wait for another occasion.
At Thomas Zoelners website http://www.travel-vacations-adventures.com are many videos about Paris, the capital of France, available

Have you been to the Moulin Rouge?

2008-03-29T23:22:00.004-04:00

When you arrive in Paris and want to enjoy some relaxation, you will want to stop at Moulin Rouge. The nightclub is where everyone goes to dance and enjoy the atmosphere. The home of the Cancan, Moulin Rouge is a spectacular place to see dinner shows or shows without a dinner. The enjoyment of a holiday in Paris starts as soon as you step off the plane. You will have plenty of time for sightseeing after a day of rest from a long flight. If you want to sit and enjoy some quite, you will enjoy the Jardin du Luxembourg Park. It is a park with so many statues and the Medici fountain.

Two places you want to make sure you have time to see are Montparnasse Tower and Montmartre Hill. The hill sits high above the city and you can see for miles. You can visit Sacre-Coeur church and read about the history of the church, which is fascinating. Standing at the top of the stairs and looking down on Paris is amazing. The view of the Eiffel Tower is incredible from this viewpoint. The tower offers another incredible view of Paris. You can take the lift to the fifty-sixth floor and glaze at the area below. There is a terrace on the rooftop for those who want more views of the city of Paris.

How did Paris look in 1739

2008-03-20T21:47:00.004-04:00

A detail from one of the 21 plates in Michel Turgot's large-format atlas Plan de Paris (Paris, 1739), Louis Bretez, cartographer. Notre Dame cathedral appears at upper left. The Seine is alive with boats. An axonometric view, this is fine draftsmanship for a man without a helicopter. "It is one of the great city views and shows the primacy of French cartography in the period," says Tom Conley, professor of Romance languages and literatures. Conley teaches that the advent of widely available maps — which rapidly became the basis of statehood, of the management of property, of taxation — revolutionized the way people formed mental images of space.

How much do you know about the Eiffel Tower?

2008-03-15T18:08:00.003-04:00

I guess the Eiffel Tower is the most recognized landmark in Paris. I thought you might enjoy seeing this webcam view of the Eiffel Tower from morning to night. It's from YouTube of course.
How much do you really know about the Eiffel Tower?
"...the tower was the greatest affront not only to the architecture of Paris, but also to the eye of the Parisian, for whom its structural logic and revolutionary aesthetic language were incomprehensible.

"Essentially, the structure of the Eiffel Tower—which was a far-ranging extrapolation of Eiffel's spidery, wrought-iron bridge pylons—could not have been more simple: four immense, tapering, curved, lattice-girder piers that meet asymptotically. These piers rise from an immensely broad square base—125 meters on a side—and are laced together at two levels by connecting girders to form an integral unity of great stability..."

— Marvin Trachtenberg and Isabelle Hyman. Architecture: from Prehistory to Post-Modernism. p485.

Details

Built for the 1889 International Exhibition, Paris, the centenary celebration of the French Revolution. On the Av. Gustave Eiffel, by the river Seine.

300 m (985 ft) tall.
source: www.greatbuildings.com

Welcome to Paris: City of Light!

2008-03-15T15:08:00.000-04:00

Ah Paris! The City of Light! Paris has always been one of my favorite cities...ever since I went there in my early 20's I've thought of it as the most romantic city in the world. I've tried to get back at least once a decade since then and even though something has always changed, the most wonderful aspects of it remain. From the Eiffel Tower to Versailles, from the Champs Elysees to the Louvre and Tuillerie Gardens, Paris is simply a fabulous city, full of history, full of modern marvels like the addition to the Louvre! This blog is intended to enlighten you about Paris and also offer some insight into the luxurious side of Paris. Even if you can't go in style this year, it's fun to dream! Oui, oui!