Sometimes a photo can make us curious, inspire us or wish we could find something…. By the time my sister saw the photos of my vintage chinaware, it was too late. I had already donated the set to Emmaus. I needed it back for her! The trek to one of the Emmaus stores (Goodwill-style shops founded in 1954 by Abbé Pierre) took me to the north of Paris and the Porte de Menilmontant in the 20th arrondissement. “If I am going to the 20th”, I pondered, “why not check out local art exhibits in the area?” That thought and a quick look at l’Official des spectacles, took me to the Le Pavillon Carré de Baudouin and the photo exhibit “Willy Ronis par Willy Ronis (until January 2, 2019)”.
Author Archive for Colleen's Paris
This Web site and and its blog articles are for travelers to Paris who are looking for advice from someone who lives in Paris. These tips are "for Parisians at heart". Many people would like to visit, some can and some cannot - so I will help you enjoy a glimpse of the city and its surroundings. This project has been ongoing since 2002. Prior to living in Paris (since 1992) my European history began in the early 70s with three years in Wiesbaden, Germany. My next foray onto the Continent was in the mid-80s after graduation from the University of Florida (where I met Erik): traveling around Europe and UK with my friend, Margie, hitchhiking around and working in Ireland. After living and working as a journalist in Sweden for four years, traveling on boats, the Trans-Siberian Railway, local trains and planes took Erik and I around the world. I began working as a flight attendant in 1990 for American Airlines, based in Chicago. We moved to Paris, France in 1992 where I commuted between Paris and Chicago for my flight attendant/stewardess job. Finally my inner voice said "Stop!" and I left American Airlines six weeks shy of 20 years January 1, 2010. Now that is over and I am back working as a journalist and photographer full time on Colleensparis.com - My videos are posted on YouTube on the colleensparis youtube channel. and I am active in Toastmasters 75. Enjoy!
Book Reviews, Day Trip, History, Monuments, Museums
Meaux, A brie(f) half hour from Paris
by Colleen's Paris
You know the typical vacation questions “Got the tee-shirt” or “Got the postcard”!? Well I can say, “Got the Brie (de Meaux)”! Brie de Meaux cheese that is. Meaux is a a 25-minute train ride from Paris.Meaux, A brie(f) half hour from Paris.
One hot August mid-afternoon I took a direct “P” train from Gare de l’Est to Meaux. Many of the Meldois (local residents) within the Gallo-Roman walls had left on vacation. I followed Annabel Simms‘s exact directions ….
Language, Theater
French in English-Theatre in Paris
by Colleen's Paris
Moliere’s The Miser or the Scrooge (l’Avare), Ranelagh Theatre Margot presented a fascinating workshop on Molière the other day. We learned facts, chronological dates, the synopsis of a play and outtakes from the script. She was preparing us for one…
Book Reviews, Guided Walks, History, Ile-de-France, Sightseeing, Transportation
Secret Day Trips Half Hour from Paris
by Colleen's Paris
Antiquity, countryside and history greet you in Annabel Simms’ book, “Half an Hour from Paris … 10 Secret Daytrips by Train”. First you have to find your way there. Annabel Simms arranges the book like a quality French baguette au levain sandwich: yummy ingredients between the crunchy crusts. This is a book of self-guided walking tours of various lengths.
Events, Life in Paris & France, Shopping
Foire de Paris-shopping for home fashion
by Colleen's Paris
Making the annual pilgrimage to the Paris Home Show (Foire de Paris) is now mission accomplished. However, we are going back for more. Last year we made contact with the interior architects and chose the style for the new, smaller sofa bed (canapé lit) and chair. After numerous vacations and conferences we are about to squeeze in and firm up our renovation plans to upgrade the nearly hundred year old electricity to accommodate the……
Life in Paris & France, Shopping
Quirky Paris Souvenir Ideas
by Colleen's Paris
While wandering around BHV/Marais I noticed bits and pieces of hardware, wall paper and cleaning products made in France. Across the street at City Hall’s Paris Rendez-Vous boutique concept shop I found unusual souvenirs made in France. A while ago, I found Bring France Home near Place des Vosges that only sells souvenirs made in France. Are you looking for quirky Paris souvenir ideas and inexpensive?
Books & Guides & Writing, Life in Paris & France, Sightseeing, Transportation, Weather and seasons, What's On In Paris
Prepare Your Visit to Paris, France
by Colleen's Paris
Suitcase? Check! Camera? Check! Walking shoes? Check!
Reading material? Prepare in advance with some book ideas!
Language? Brush up on that French grammar! Frantastique is my Wednesday exercise. Then when I go shopping or chat on the street, those proper verbs just slide right out … still studying though!
Some of the books in my library are Paris walking tours. They provide enough material to stroll through Paris and explore. Another prepares you with a story and history for your Champagne tasting.
David Downie’s books are walking tours of history. Each chapter of each book weaves a tale of discovery. Tilar J. Mazzeo’s book whisks you into Champagne history with the Veuve Clicquot. (Reims is a 46-minute train ride away from Paris.) Interested in Street Art? The perfect sightseeing book with maps…..
Events, Exhibitions, Food, Drink & Health, Life in Paris & France, Shopping
Jounaliste, Influenceur or Pigiste for Foire de Paris
by Colleen's Paris
It is time to prepare for another gigantic Paris home show. While applying for my 2018 Foire de Paris press accreditation, I found a new category. Joining the list of journaliste (journalist) and pigiste (free-lancer) is the influenceur*. Usually I think…
Events, Film/Cinema, Life in Paris & France
French Cinéphiles … Lost in Frenchlation April 2018
by Colleen's Paris
Here is the Lost in Frenchlation program for April 2018 – French films with English subtitles … Experience French culture and have a social event with Matt and Manon. Upcoming events
March 31 and April’s cinema menu:
– La Fête est Finie Saturday, March 31 at 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Luminor Hôtel de Ville, 20 rue du Temple, 75004 Paris, France. directed by Marie Garel-Weiss Screening starts at 4:30pm followed by drinks from 6pm
– Eva by Benoît Jacquot. With Isabelle Huppert, Gaspard Ulliel.
Friday 6 April at Studio 28. Cocktail from 8pm, screening at 9pm.
SCREENING ON A SUNDAY