Paris Blog

Parc Bagatelle: Minutes and Worlds Away from Paris

Mlle. Dilling — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:22:46 +0000

Imagine yourself in a wide-open grassy field- you are surrounded by palm fronds, a pond, and the calls of peacocks off in the distance. Now imagine yourself in close proximity to a Parisian metro station that will take you to the center of the city in twenty minutes. It may seem a jarring difference of location but you can actually have the best of both worlds in the Bois de Boulogne’s Parc Bagatelle. Entry to the Park is 1,5€ for students/youths and 3€ for everyone else and is well worth the price, which seems to serve merely as buffer to keep the park from being overrun. The interdiction to picnic in the park may also dissuade sun and fun seekers, however this downside is easily overlooked once inside the park. Though the median age of visitors was leaning heavily towards the senior citizen side of things the day I visited Parc Bagatelle, one doesn’t have to be of the bird-watching or rose admiring persuasion to enjoy an afternoon in this oasis outside of the bustling metropolis that is Paris. Having tested them myself, I can confirm that the fields are perfect for Frisbee throwing and laying in while practicing cloud analysis and interpretation. The extensive gardens are a pleasure to ramble through and are blooming with flowers rarely seen by the average urbanite. Wildlife is in abundance as well, with native species including blue herons and the populous peacock whose presence almost ceases to amaze the park’s pedestrians after a while. The park also offers exhibits, when I visited the current exhibition was of Japanese kimonos, as well as a concert series of Chopin’s works every summer. These former hunting grounds, which were private property up until the early 1900s, are a true delight to visit and enjoy. A quick metro ride to Porte Maillot (line 1) then a bus ride on line 244 will deliver you to Parc Bagatelle’s doorstep and welcome you into a haven of flora, fauna, and a fleeting respite from busy city streets.

Iron Maiden in Paris

costamesablogger1 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:40:59 +0000

Iron Maiden rocks the house in Paris tonight at Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy.

Berthillion Ice Cream

costamesablogger1 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:00:56 +0000

Summer time has arrived and it is time to enjoy some ice cream. When I think of Paris, ice cream is not the first thing that comes to mind. In fact I would never consider Paris to be an ice cream haven-gelato in Italy yes, delicious pastries in Paris.
For years I have heard about Berthillion and always just shrugged it off. When I was in Paris last, I was on a food tour and so I decided to give the ice cream shop a try. Well there is a reason I have read about Berthillion so much. Their ice cream is unbelievable-creamy and full of flavor.
Where else but Paris can you get prune ice cream with armagnac.
I have yet to witness it, but it is rumored the lines can get quite long at the shop in the summer days. The ice cream is sold through out the city at different retailers.
If you want to visit the original store it is on Ile St. Louis which is worth a visit itself.

Paris Music Festival

costamesablogger1 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:58:09 +0000

June 21st-the summer solistice is quickly approaching and Paris will be alive in celebrating. The Fete de la Musique will host complimentary music throughout the city. The best spots to catch a festival is around the Bastille, Republic and the Latin Quarter.

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to have a day of fun and entertainment.

YSL Dead at 71

costamesablogger1 — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 04:04:02 +0000

The fashion world mourns the death of fashion icon Yves St. Laurent. At 71 years, YSL contributed more to fashion than any other designer. His designs had graced the runways around the world for decades. His greatest contribution to fashion was pants for women-allowing woman to enjoy the comfort of pants while still being a woman.
He will be deeply missed.

Gerald Mulot

costamesablogger1 — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:43:42 +0000

Paris without a doubt is the best city in the world for pastries. A visit to the city of lights and delectable desserts would not be complete without sampling all there is to enjoy. One could spend the day, wandering through the city sampling one type of dessert and still find the journey incomplete the following morning.
One of my favoritie pastry shops is Gerald Mulot. The store sits on the Left Bank at 76 rue de Seine around the corner from St. Sulpice church. His shop has all sorts of baked goods. Chocolate tarts, apple tarts, lemon tarts, macaroons and cakes.
You may find his prices high, but it is worth it.
The last time I visited his shop I returned home with his cookbook, in a pink cover and in French and a bag of croissants.

Happy Mother's Day: Fete de la Mere

costamesablogger1 — Sun, 25 May 2008 18:58:51 +0000

Today is Mother's Day in France. I am not sure where there tradition originated from. Some say it is rumored that it came from Napoleon, but it is not confirmed. I am sure all the French mothers today are enjoying a lovely stroll through a park enjoying their favourite pastry.

American dollars being accepted in Paris

costamesablogger1 — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:04:20 +0000

Given the high cost of purchasing a euro for Americans and the lack of travel and spending by American, Paris merchants are giving Americans the option of spending American dollars in their shops. The exchange rate is still being calculated when U.S. dollars are used so I am not sure what the advantage is except you do not have to convert your money. However the mighty Franklin is being accepted.

What are the French thinking?

costamesablogger1 — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:00:44 +0000

I am not quite sure if I understand the French. Just a few weeks ago, Parisians were making international headlines, with their demonstrations of the Olympic torch being run through the streets of Paris. Now that the world is no longer watching and the torch is who knows where in the world, Gallerie Layfayette, has set up an Asian display in it's front window as a countdown to the Oympics in Bejiing.

First you demonstrate and then you honor???? Does not make sense to me.

Eating Your Way Through Paris

costamesablogger1 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:32:25 +0000

Anyone who has been to Paris, knows or will soon discover it is the best city to eat in. Your tastebuds will be tempted and pleased with every bite of food that you have. Depending on your fancy, you can spend a day sampling croissants, foie gras, chocolates, pastries, wine or duck. Paris is a culinary heaven.
Should you need some help in deciding where to eat and sample the foods, pick up a copy of Clotilde's edible adventures in Paris. You can visit the website for the book at http://chocolateandzucchini.com/edibleadventure. Clotildle is a Paris native and will guide you through some of her favorite spots for eating and shopping. Even if you never make it to Paris this is a fun book to read. Be warned you may have a desire to call the airlines and book a ticket after reading the book.