A friend of mine sent me an article on this subject last month (shout out to Scotty!) and I was immediately intrigued… Afterall, I own a tourist business in Paris, specializing in unique private tours, I spend a lot of time in Paris (about 3 months a year) and I’m loving every moment of this crazy lifestyle Ivan and I have created together. So, I decided to look at their suggestions and offer some of my own … in 2 parts, one this month and another next month. Since most of our guests arrive in the summer months, you’ll be able to soak it all in and decide for yourselves what you want your Paris stay to look like before you arrive.
Read MoreIf you’re planning a trip to Paris or to France – or if you’re already here and making plans for the day – you may be wondering how big a tip you’ll need to leave your waiter, taxi driver, or tour guide.
The answer is that you don’t have to tip in France, at least not in most places. And when you do tip, the way to do it may surprise you.
Here’s what you need to know about tipping in France.
For as long as I can remember, Paris has been described, as the city of love and romance.
This reputation has been built on a social, cultural and political history, that has earnestly stoked this opinion and fanned international flames of desire, for the capital city of France.
Read MoreTo some people, the symbol of Paris is the Eiffel Tower. To others, it’s the Arc de Triomphe or the Louvre. To me, the symbol of Paris is a train station: The Gare du Nord, North Station. It represents everything about France’s capital city, good and bad.
It has stunning architecture.
It’s filled with art.
Read MoreScratch a Parisian, and they will tell you why the food market where they shop is the best. Tourist guides also make recommendations, such as here, here and here. Open-air food markets are an essential part of cooking and no one who wants fresh, tasty ingredients would turn to a grocery store.
Read MoreUpon my arrival to Paris, and much to my chagrin; I had yet to “choose” my favorite Cezanne painting. In fact, and perhaps more appropriately [as per Rilke], it really hadn’t chosen me. I decided to wander D’Orsay today with no map, with only a keen eye, certainly waiting for the moment as I turned the corner and there they would be.
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