Events, Exhibitions, History, Welcome to Colleen's Paris

Dior-Designer of Dreams at Arts Décoratifs

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Image in Musée Arts décoratifs entry for Christian Dior Couturier du rêve until January 7, 2018

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs celebrates the 70th anniversary of the creation of the House of Dior until January 7, 2018 in a lavish and comprehensive exhibition, Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams (Couturier du Rêve). Whether or not you are a fashionista, if you love history, fashion (retro and future), fabric, intricate beading, art, interiors, photography, etc. this is a rich exhibit that I can recommend. The Dior Héritage collection and works of art are on loan from museums in France, United States and England. Most of the works featured in exhibit are from the Dior Héritage collection and the first time they are shown in Paris.

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Events, Life in Paris & France, What's On In Paris

Paris Plages 2017 – Villette Update

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Images of Paris Plages 2017 posters

Update for Paris Plages: Clémence from the Seine-Saint-Denis Office of Tourism contacted me with information in English about the Basin de la Villette section of Paris Plages. Paris Plages takes place in two locations every year: along the Seine (Parc Rives de Seine) and in the Bassin de la Vilette. Bassin de la Villette is the new hoping part of town in the northeastern section of Paris.

Paris Plages began July 8 and continues to Sunday September 3. As they say on the Mairie de Paris’ webpage: “What would summer be without Paris Plages”.

For maps of where to go swimming (baignait) what’s happening along the basin and what’s to eat and drink (rafraîchir et grignoter) visit Que Faire à Paris and about river shuttles, “Bals pop” (popular dance balls), etc. along the Ourcq.

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Life in Paris & France, Money, Police

For the Paris Police Dial 17

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Roms waiting for the next ATM victim

When an emergency arises in Paris or you want to report a problem to the police, dial “17”. Today a security guard at the Banque de France helped me after an incident at the BNP Paribas Beaumarchais, Bastille. After speaking with the police on the guard’s phone, I noticed the number on his screen “17”. I will never forget that number and used it about an hour later. By coincidence the same three teenagers who hassled me earlier at the ATM inside the BNP Paribas were leaving the line one metro train the same time as I walked off. I dialed “17”.

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Life in Paris & France, Neighborhoods

Lulu Dans Ma Rue On Vacation-Update Success

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Lulu dans ma rue homepage for help at home Saint-Paul, Villiers and Commerces areas

From our balconettes (Parisian wrought iron window fences), we are enjoying our carrots – getting fatter every day, fresh cherry tomatoes, and wild strawberries; the plants are blooming. BUT who will water them while we are on vacation? Lulu Anna.
The city of Paris (Mairie de Paris) has a service called Lulu dans ma rue (Lulu on my street). Need a helping hand taking things to the cellar (cave)? Ironing? Water your plants?

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Day Trip, Destinations, Giverny, Sightseeing, Transportation

Day Trip to Giverny via Vernon

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Giverny town map from Tourist office

A day trip to Giverny is easy. The SNCF train from Gare Saint-Lazare takes you to Vernon/Giverny in 45 minutes. Rent a bike across from the train station and take your time pedaling to Giverny. The biggest piece of advice: buy your tickets in advance to Monet’s house. Follow the online ticket links at Foundation Claude Monet. Twenty minutes before departure in the direction of Rouen Rive Droite, the departing platform (voie) is posted. While you wait, enjoy the updated three-level shopping mall at Gare Saint-Lazare. If you want to “powder your nose” the “2theloo” spot is open from 6 am to midnight and is constantly being wiped down and freshened up. Hint on train ticket pricing

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Events, Life in Paris & France

Foire de Paris 2017-Successful Treasure Hunt

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Image from Foire de Paris website new for 2017 Déco Village

Each year it seems I have a list of items to look for at the Foire de Paris (Paris Home Show) until May 8. This year was no different. I list of treasures to hunt for. Every year nine out of ten of the 500,000 visitors buys something from one of the 1,700 stands. One third of the visitors have a home improvement project in mind when they walk through the entry gates. This year my list included: A new shopping basket because my handles pulled away from the threads. Found it in the Madagascar

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