Paris by night

Photo courtesy of mKb

I recently watched Woody Allen’s latest movie, “Midnight in Paris” which tells the story of a washed out LA script writer on vacation in Paris who mysteriously ends up traveling back into the 1920′s encountering the artists and writers who defined this Jazz Age in Paris. Though many of them lived in tiny, run-down apartments in Paris in Montparnasse the intellectual and artistic circle in Paris knew how to wine and dine decadently.

Gil played by Owen Wilson spends time with icons like Hemingway, Picasso and Dalí in many of the establishments that were meeting points for this intellectual crowd. In one scene Gil leaves the bar to go home but returns to tell Ernest Hemingway something only to find himself in the present again where the bar is now a laundry mat. Luckily some of these mystic places still exist and one can appreciate the romance, magic and glory that has served and still serves as an inspiration to many artists.

Les Deux Magots 6 Place St Germain des Prés

Because this café was frequented by so many personalities that belonged to the intellectual and artistic elite there is a literary prize that annually gets awarded to a French novel and it enjoys great popularity among tourists today.

Despite the assumption that this could be a tourist trap with an overprized menu the prices remain affordable and the service is good. It is a great place to “people watch” over a good glas of wine.

Website: Les Deux Magots

Café de la Rotonde Boulevard du Montparnasse

Located in the district of Montparnasse empty-pocketed artists and intellectuals came to this place for a cup of coffee. The owner often let artists pay with paintings until they were able to pay. Unlike at the Deux Magot the Parisian intellectuals still frequent this place a lot and it maintains its ecclectic bohemian charme.

Website: Cafe de la Rotonde

Shakespeare & Company 37 Rue Bûcherie

As the name might already suggest this is a bookstore, a real Parisian institution. Not only was it a meeting point for writers but also during the 1920s it served as a temporary place to stay for struggling writers. Books can be bought and sold here. You can browse the stacks and piles of books that reach the ceiling and sometimes the store hosts readings. I you buy something you will take it home with an imprint of the store which is a Paris souvenir in itself.

Website: Shakespeare & Co

Luckily you can resort to Paris apartments and don’t have to stay in the back of a bookstore. However, I strongly recommend you pass by this bookstore to breathe in a little bit of 1920 air.

Les Arcs

Photo courtesy of Rod Cook

Les Arcs is one of the most popular resorts in France, especially for budget travelers. Indeed, every year the resort is flooded with people looking to have a great time in the mountains without spending a lot of money. This can be a bit of a challenge, yet it is possible to do some great Les Arcs ski holidays  without ruining your finances.

Let’s take a look at some things you can do to limit the amount you spend if you visit Les Arcs on a skiing or snowboarding holiday.

Catered Accommodation

Eating out in Les Arcs can be quite expensive as restaurants generally inflate their prices as there are only so many options in the resort. If you are visiting for a week, food bills can really build up and take a big chunk out of your budget.

To avoid this try staying somewhere like the Chalet Hermine where your meals are included and served chalet style every day. This cost a bit extra up front, but it ensures you don’t have to spend all your money in pricey resort restaurants.

Pack a Lunch

Lunch tends to be one of the biggest drains for budget travelers on ski holidays. Mountain top restaurants charge a premium as they have to haul produce up every day. By simply picking up a sandwich from a supermarket each morning you can save a lot of money. This is a particularly good option for people who want to get in as much skiing as possible, as you can munch on your sandwich while on the lift and thus avoid stopping at all. Try the sandwiches at Super U supermarket café, where they also serve great coffee.

Bring Your Own Equipment

Rental equipment on a ski holiday can be reasonably expensive. Most companies put together packages that include everything at a reasonable rate, yet it’s nice to avoid this extra expense if possible. So try and bring your own stuff – if you don’t have any equipment it might be worth investing, especially if you can find used items at a charity store or a used sports goods shop.

These tips will help you have a holiday in Les Arcs without spending a fortune. The most effective way is always going to be limiting how much you spend on food, as families in particular can spend far too much if they choose to eat out all the time. Of course, these tips don’t just apply to Les Arcs and you are likely to encounter the same issues at ski resorts across the continent.

For the perfect couple’s vacation, search online for great rates on ferries to France, and treat your beau to a weekend in the most romantic place on earth.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the best things to do with your loved one in the French capital…

Bois de Boulogne

Bois de Boulogne

Pack a continental picnic and head to the Bois de Boulogne on the western edge of Paris. One of the largest stretches of greenery in the city, the area is free to enter and consists of a spectacular park and woodlands, as well as various attractions. Hire a row boat and sail the lake, ensuring you take the time to set ashore for homemade lunch beneath the elegant weeping willows.

Seine Dinner Cruise

Seine Dinner Cruise

Flowing right through the heart of Paris, the Seine has been the set of many a love scene in the movies. Walk hand in hand along the banks of the river during the day or step on board a luxury boat in the evening to enjoy a night of fine dining and entertainment. As you glide beneath the bridges of Paris, listen to live music from the house orchestra and, if you get swept up in the moment, lead your partner to the floor for a romantic dance.

Sacre Coeur Basilica

Sacre Coeur Basilica

The glorious Sacre Coeur Basilica sits atop the highest point of the city in Montmartre. Come rain or shine, a climb to the top of this 19th century structure will reward you with stunning views and inspiring architecture. Entrance is free and, once you’ve explored the Basilica, take a walk around Montmartre, stopping off at a quaint cafe en route to share a slice of cake.

Chocolate massage

Chocolate Massage

Forget the obligatory box of chocolates; treat your loved one to a chocolate massage at the Four Seasons Hotel. The decadent spaPreview treatment begins with a chocolate body scrub and is followed by a nourishing Swiss chocolate body wrap. The package is finished with a relaxing deep-tissue massage using warm cocoa-shea butter. This blissful treatment lasts 2 and half hours and is guaranteed to leave you both feeling irresistible.

Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens

Located on the fashionable left bank, the Luxembourg Gardens are perfect for blossoming romance on a budget. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll round 25 hectares of beautiful garden adorned with statues, fountains and flowers. Though crowded during the warmer months, the Luxembourg Gardens are magnificent all year round and your walk can be finished with a hot chocolate at one of the chic cafes nearby. It doesn’t get much more Parisian than this.

Have you visited any of these romantic spots in Paris? If so, leave a comment below!

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Disneyland Paris

Photo courtesy of Luciano Guelfi

What images spring to mind when you think of going to Disneyland Paris? The thrilling rides? The great hotels? The magic of meeting Mickey? Or do you imagine yourself having to sell off some family heirlooms when you get home after spending the equivalent of the GDP of a small African country on four ice creams and a cuddly Tigger? If it’s the latter, fear not. There are ways to do Disneyland Paris that suit every budget, so read on for our top money-saving tips.

Research Your Accommodations

Staying at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels is a magical experience, and if it’s vital you stay on site to soak up all the atmosphere, then the Sante Fe and Davy Crockett Ranch are both affordable options. But with various promotions running throughout the year, this can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye out for special deals.

If all you want is somewhere to lay your head, there are plenty of cheap options that don’t require a shuttle bus ride in from the other side of Belgium.

There are a number of budget hotels near the resort like Etap, Kyriad and Citea, but for the seriously frugal, campsites are a great idea – and many of them are just a 30 minute drive away from the action.

There is one more option if you own a motorhome (and only a motorhome, not a caravan). You can stay overnight at the main parking area. While a car park is not the most picturesque of locations (and there are no electrical hook-ups available) there are things like toilets and showers, so if you don’t have kids in tow, go for it! You’re right by the main gates too, so you’ll be in prime position when the park opens.

Getting to Disneyland Paris

One of the most practical ways to travel to Disneyland Paris, especially if you’re in the UK and want to make a short break of it, is to pack up the car and take a cheap ferry crossing to France. Going by boat is a relaxing way to travel, and driving’s easy from Calais – it’s about a three hour trip but all on easy-to-navigate autoroutes. Again, look out for offers as some ferry companies throw in day passes to Disneyland too, making it even better value for money.

Visit on the Quiet Days!

OK, so the park is never going to be empty enough for you to have a private audience with Monsieur Mouse. But if you want to find the cheapest deals, find the quietest days to visit the park. Avoid European school holidays and half-terms like the plague and try to go mid-week if you can. Other no-no’s include holidays such as Christmas, New Year and Halloween. The quietest days of the week to visit are Tuesday and Wednesday.

Pack Snacks & Water!

Rumours abound that Disney staff search bags at the entrance, looking for packed lunches to confiscate. While it’s true that there are bag searches, it’s about security not sandwiches!

Signs in the park warning you not to picnic only refer to large hampers and big cool bags. So stick a few snacks in your bag before you go in. Take a bottle of water too and you can refill it at the many drinking fountains around the park.

Another great tip if you’re staying at a hotel is to have a good breakfast, then head to one of Disney’s buffet restaurants around 3pm. That should keep you going until bedtime.

Find Cheap Tickets

If you’re going to the resort as part of a cheap package deal, your day passes will be included. If not, you’ll have to buy tickets to the two parks yourself. These will undoubtedly be cheaper if you buy them before you go – and mean you won’t have to queue at the main gate

If you are visiting for four days or more, or if you wanted to visit twice in one year, annual passes are the most reasonably priced of all and offer further discounts on shopping and eating. And keep an eye out for special offers – they are available at all times of year and often offer really good discounts.

Disney Gift Shop Strategies

If you’re traveling with children, they’ll undoubtedly want to buy every little thing they see. One way round this is to set them a budget so they have to think carefully about what they want. Another is to allow them only one trip to the gift shop – and one item when they get there.

Another great tip for kids is to buy all your Disney dressing-up clothes before you leave home – that way they get to be Buzz or the Little Mermaid to their heart’s content, without it breaking the bank.

When most people think of France, they think of the finer things in life: rich red wines, tanned, beautiful people, high art and high couture. My experience of travelling in France was as a skint student and a skint-er graduate: fancy living was well beyond my means.

The upside was I learnt an early and valuable lesson about having lots of les bons temps without blowing le banque – so here are a few of my budget tips for traveling in La République, whether you want to cut corners in the countryside or do the city on a shoestring!

Public Transport

The national train service in France is the SNCF – reliable but a real expense if you don’t plan ahead. Shop around ahead for Europasses and discount cards and ask on the desk for day and month return options – if you’re taking the train on short notice, it might be cheaper to buy the ticket with a clause you never intend to use than buy it straight out.

Day tickets for buses, metros and trams in cities are very reasonable and inclusive; most tickets are sold from machines now so you can work out the best deal in your own time. If you have to use a vendor, make sure you’re getting discounts and the right option and don’t be frightened of holding up the line – if you’re polite and helpless enough, someone will step up and rescue you.

Hostel over Hotel

France has a truly excellent network of hostels – the Youth Hostel Association (FUAJ) offers clean, modern facilities at dirt cheap prices. You’ll also usually get breakfast chucked in for free – and when the French breakfast, they break it hard: croissants, yoghurts, bread and jam. So save some for lunch or a tasty snack later!

The lowest-priced options mean staying in mixed and single-sex dorms. Don’t be frightened to share: my experiences have been great, except for two disturbed nights I spent in Rennes due to a lady whose snore sounded like a pig fighting a horse. For a slightly higher price, there are loads of options open to families, romantics and those who value their space.

If you’re not in a large city, the cheapest ones are often off the beaten track. You’ll need a map or a FUAJ guide book as Tourist Offices are open irregular hours and signposts are – well – just irregular. Hostels in the countryside or in surfing hotspots often have camping facilities, so why not get in touch with nature and seriously cut the price of a night’s stay. You’ll have to bring your own camping equipment but you enjoy the benefit of communal showering, cooking and eating areas as well as a plot for your tent.

Culture

Students and the under-25′s are eligible for quite a few discounts in France, from travel and shopping to culture. Buying an international youth travel card will get you cheap entry to the Eiffel Tower and other big attractions but in some places your age will be enough to bring the price down – always ask. Concerts and operas will offer cheap seats to students and children; the entry fee to the Louvre for an under-18 is a third of the adult price!

Open-air concerts and festivals are plentiful but you’ll need a local guide, so go through couch surfer or try to hook up with friends of friends in the place you’re at. One of the best nights I ever had was through the mother of an acquaintance: a free gig by a circus artist’s collective, dedicated to furthering the cause of Communism. If you’re in the South, check the times of bull runs and bullfighting – you might not be into the whole blood sports scene but the city becomes a carnival afterwards.

If you don’t have internet check the local paper and look for posters – black text on brightly-coloured paper ticker the streets advertising club nights and bar parties.

Fine Dining

It’s hard to carry food when you travel but baguettes, cheese, apples and a jar of beurre de sucre (the most delicious spread ever) are relatively easy to transport – supermarkets are cheap and packed lunch ingredients plentiful. Keep an open mind when you eat out, as restaurants in tourist areas often have exploitative prices. Don’t be put off by plastic tablecloths in less-auspicious locations: what you’re looking for is lots of happy-looking people speaking French, the lack of an English-language menu and at least one ancient waiter.

I should also mention alcohol, for those that are interested – it’s legal to drink at 18 in France and it’s possible to buy very, very cheap wine and cider.

The French capital Paris goes by a lot of other names such as City of Light or the French version La Ville-Lumière. Some call it the City of Love. What maybe fewer people know is that in no other city you will find so many carousels and that to some it is known as the City of Carousels.

Many of them are very beautiful and are located next to some of the important monuments of the city. In fact, many of them are little monuments or artworks of their own, as many of them are really old and decorated so neatly. So they are not necessarily something only the little ones can enjoy. In case you have wondered, the reason why we find a lot more carousels here than elsewhere is that it is a French invention.

So while you’re getting to know the city, you shouldn’t miss out on seeing some of the most beautiful carousels. Here is a list of a couple of the carousels around the city that are worth stopping by at when you are renting apartments in Paris:

Luxembourg Gardens

The carousel in the Luxembourg Garden is special, because the rides are different animals other than horses. While you are riding it you can play a game where you intend to spear rings, similar to what was done during tournaments in the Middle Ages only on a much smaller scale of course. The Jardin du Luxembourg is the second largest park in Paris and is located in the 6th arrondissement. It offers a lot of leisure activities for the whole family.

Double Deckers

A really nice double decker carousel can be found directly in front of the Hotel de Ville in the 4th arrondissement. Other double deckers are also right by the Sacré Coeur and the Place de la République. One the first floor of the last one you can ride on Venetian gondolas or horses. If you climb up the ladder you will find mermaids and black bulls to ride on. Interesting combination, don’t you think?

Musée des Arts Forains

Another interesting place to visit if you are interested in carousels is the Musée des Arts Forains in the Pavillons de Bercy (12th arrondissement). It is a private museum of all sorts of objects that can be found at funfairs and houses a great collection of merry-go-rounds. To see it you will have to make a reservation first. Apart from this museum the Pavillons are worth the visit for the Venetian Rooms, the theater and the gardens.

Parc des Buttes Chaumont

The Parc des Buttes Chaumont has a carousel that features over sized versions of small rabbits, cats and other animals. More interesting than the carousel here might be that park itself due to its scenery: Grottos, rocks, valleys, temples, and waterfalls.

So you see not only Disneyland Paris has interesting rides to offer. You can find them all over the city and most of them have existed long before the amusement park. Add a little nostalgia to your trip next time you happen to stay in Paris apartments by passing some of the carousels.

Photo Credits: 1

Don’t slam your head into your fist just yet…

No one ever said you had to ski in Chamonix. Okay, so my Dad once came back from a pre-Christmas trip and said ‘Son, you have to ski in Chamonix’, but there’s plenty to do without poles and planks, especially if you go there in the summer.

‘Outrageous!’ you cry. ‘Go to a ski resort in the summer?’ That’s correct. Many people do it, though not nearly as many as in the winter, and this is the crucial point.

If you want to stand a chance of seeing Chamonix’s true face without jostling for supremacy with the hordes of tourists, visit during the summer.

Although you’ll see very little snow, accommodation in Chamonix is cheaper at this time, and lift pass prices are vastly reduced.

Things to Do in Chamonix

There is so many things to do an see in Chamonix but, frankly, the only activity I can imagine you’ll want to do is hike, leaving behind you a trail of drool as you gawp at the magnificence of the summer Alps.

If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Here’s a short list of heck out the following activities:

• Mountain Biking — Ride with a reputable company (Zero G)
• Horseback Riding — More information on Horseback Riding in Chamonix (Horse Riding in Chamonix)
• Paragliding — Fly with the best (Fly Chamonix)
• Brevent Cable Car - A round trip cable car ride for an adult pedestrian (non-skier) ticket is around €18 ($25 USD)

Type ‘Chamonix summer’ into Google images and you’ll get a fraction of an idea of what I saw last year. Make no mistake, reader, I am not a walker, and invariably find myself cursing any decision to set off on a hike for which I am invariably ill prepared. I am a skier, however, which means I have a gormless fascination with naked mountains, seeing the bare skeleton stripped of its fluffy winter coat.

There is a solemn hollowness that all dusty gravel tracks clinging to the edge of a mountain seem to have, evoking within me an intense feeling of solitude.

There is also something oddly intimate about the surrounding peaks, and I often forget where I am, losing myself in that private awe you feel when you set eyes upon a painting that is startlingly realistic, resisting the temptation to take a paint brush and add a couple of strokes to God’s creation.

I spent my week happily breathless, clambering up the inclines of the Chamonix Valley about as graciously as a demented giraffe on stilts. But I was in my own blessed universe, alone, wandering aimlessly through the most glorious piece of art on earth. It is true that Chamonix cannot be done on a tight budget, but there is a way to evade the crowds, and to see the landscape through the eyes of a traveller, rather than a tourist.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3

Although Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world there are ways to see it without spending a fortune. In fact much of the city can be viewed without spending a single Euro. Here are some top tips on how to get the most out of a budget break to Paris.

When to Visit Paris

Most will say spring and summer are the optimum times to visit due to the good weather, however if you are looking to save money off season months between November and April (discounting Christmas and New Year of course) are best. At this time of year airlines offer cheaper flights, cheaper accommodation is easier to come by and you have the added bonus that popular tourist attractions are less busy.

Hungry? Don’t Miss the Markets!

Paris has some of the best food in the world, from Michelin starred restaurants to traditional patisseries and gourmet chocolate shops. You can enjoy the food here without spending over the odds. The city is home to some of the best markets in the world, selling delicious fresh produce; you can pick up fresh seafood, cured meats, breads, pastries and create your own wonderful dishes without the expensive restaurant prices. If prices at the local bars are a little too high, no picnic in Paris is complete without a glass of wine, so grab a bottle of the regions finest, some plastic glasses and find a comfortable spot to watch the world go by.

Have a Parisian Picnic

A fantastic spot to enjoy a picnic and also one of Paris’ top attractions is the Eiffel Tower; it has many grassy areas where you can enjoy your treats whilst relaxing under the shade of one of the most famous monuments in the world. Of course you have to pay to enter the tower and it is true that the views from the top are quite magnificent, the queues however can be extremely long so to experience the Eiffel Tower from ground level can sometimes be more pleasurable. Due to its sheer size, this spectacular feat of engineering is a must see on any trip to Paris.

In Seine

Another stunning sight in Paris is the River Seine which runs right through the heart of the City of Light and of course viewing this in all its splendour doesn’t cost any money at all. If visiting in the winter months wrap up warm and go for a walk along its banks and various bridges all with their own unique charm and personality, to view some of the most impressive images of this great city from a less common vantage point.

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the city is Notre Dame Cathedral, the inspiration for the classic Victor Hugo novel is also completely free to visit. There are of course ways to spend money in the cathedral by paying to climb up to the top of the towers to see the view or to visit the museum but to walk around the interiors of the cathedral costs nothing at all. Notre Dame Cathedral is also host to some fantastic free concerts so it’s worth doing your homework to see if there is anything on whilst your there.

Paris is a beautiful city that should be experienced by everyone at least once in their lifetime and despite it being one of the most extravagant and expensive cities in the world, it is possible to have a great time there without breaking the bank.

One of the most successful French films is Le Fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain -The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain. Not only was it a hit in France, but also in many other countries in Europe and in the USA. The film represents life in modern Paris and is set in Montmartre, which is located in the north of the city. One of the things that I love the most about this film is that it shows the streets of Paris as well as the most famous tourist attractions.

If you have just booked airline tickets to Paris I would recommend you watch this film so that you can walk in Amélie’s footsteps….and also because you will love it. If you would like to visit Paris and discover where Amélie was filmed, you should look for cheap flights with American Airlines, Delta Airlines or United Airways.

Now let me mention just a few of the places which feature in the film and which can be visited during your holiday in the French capital.

Perhaps the most famous place is the Café des 2 Moulins which is located at the junction between Rue Lepic and Rue Cauchois. This was the workplace of the main character, Amélie and inside there is a poster dedicated to her. Here you can enjoy a coffee and a snack before making your way to the Sacré Coeur and funfair which also feature.

The Canal Saint-Martin is often visited by tourists in Paris, who come to see the barges navigate the various obstacles in the canal. However, it is here that Amélie enjoys skipping stones. You can also visit the market Au Marche de la Butte on the corner of Rue des Trois Freres and Rue Androuet where she enjoys dipping her hand into sacks of grain.

Many other landmarks including the Parisian metro and the River Seine feature in the film. I loved the story and every time I go to Paris I always feel a bit like Amélie.

Perhaps you won’t believe me but I think I have discovered a good way to sight see in a city for free, or at least without spending a fortune. It actually happened to me by accident. I had always wanted to go to Paris and I just happened to come across cheap flights with Air France to travel over the first weekend in October. Great I thought!

On arrival in the French capital I was informed that it was a very special weekend and Saturday evening was known as the White Night. Thankfully the receptionist in my hotel spoke great English and she was able to explain to me what this meant.

White Nights, Free Sights!

For 12 hours most of the museums, art galleries and other tourist attractions are open free of charge. You can also enjoy street parties, open-air concerts and performances at various locations all over the city. After doing some research I discovered that these festivals take place in other cities: St Petersburg, Berlin, Toronto, Tel Aviv, Lima and Leeds to name just a few.

I would really recommend doing a search online for the official dates and planning your flights around these events. Some of the different names used for these events are: Long Night of Museums, Night of Museums, White Night, All-Nighter and Light Night.

If you can’t make this event, you should do a search online to find out which cities have free museums days. I found out that museums in Paris are free on the first Sunday of every month and in Barcelona, some museums are free every Sunday between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. I like researching a city well before I travel and I think this is one of the reasons why I tend to save money.