• image of Jewish rabbi cookies Thierry Heil guided walks
    Let's Explore

    Paris: Marais and the Louvre Concerts Virtually

    Feeling like a walk through the Marais, visiting famous Paris restaurants or listening to a concert at the Louvre while staying cozy at home with a glass of French wine? If so, then save these dates: Louvre Concerts November 10 and 12; The Jewish Marais November 18; Famous Parisian Restaurants December 3.

  • Visitors have the chance to choose the next color of the stairwell walls #l'Institute Suédois
    Let's Explore,  Seeing Paris

    Hôtel de Marle’s Hidden Rooms at l’Institute Suédois

    Take a guided visit until October 13, of residential apartments in the Hôtel de Marle in the Marais (l'Institute Suédois). The tours are usually given in French. If you wish another language, like English, show up an hour before. Tours are Wednesday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. Go to reception at 3 pm and request an English tour. The Swedish Institute will arrange a guide for the exhibition “Hem fois 6” (Feel at home in 6 different apartments).

  • Image Post Card Croissant French flag card Made in France Colleen's Paris
    Let's Explore,  Specialty shops

    Quirky Paris Souvenir Ideas – Made in France

    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?

  • Let's Explore,  Specialty shops

    Bring France Home with Designer Souvenirs

    Bring Home France on rue de Birague in the Marais offers unique Paris and French souvenirs designed by a street artist, graphic designers, fashion and home designers. Some products are made by long-standing French firms in Gien, Limoges, by Duralex and Laulhère-France. In the store and for shopping online they have a wide selection of products ranging from gastronomy and jewels to fashion, decoration and toys. Nathalie Crouzet tells you some stories and legends behind some of the souvenirs in my first video story.

  • View of Champs Elysees with cyclists-May 8 is first Sunday pedestrian opening
    Events and Trade Shows,  Life in Paris & France

    Paris Begins Another Fresh Air Tradition

    Currently, Paris closes particular neighborhood streets on Sundays. The Paris City Council has now added a famous avenue to the list. Below you will find links to maps of those neighborhoods, information on new neighborhoods being added this summer and details about the Champs-Elysées. The exclusive Avenue des Champs-Elysées receives a breath of fresh air when certain dignitaries visit or during a special event. Beginning May 8.....

  • Leaves changing inside the Hotel Sully garden
    Let's Explore,  Seeing Paris

    A Paris Indian Summer

    It is warm, it is beautiful. Hard to stay inside and not enjoy the wildly bright colors. The annual glory of color shines inside the courtyard of Hotel Sully, the Marais, when the leaves are changing. Take a visit through the Paris Indian Summer video to see more of Hôtel de Béthune-Sully in the Marais, Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin des Plantes and the “Serres” (greenhouses). Hotel Sully is undergoing renovations and will open to the public in the future. This building is “in the heart of the Marais, one of the finest Louis XIII buildings in Paris and the residence of the family of Maximillien de Béthune, Duke of Sully,…

  • Sapeur Pompier demonstrating helmet on future rescuer recruit
    Events and Trade Shows,  Neighborhoods

    Journées du Patrimoine-My Paris Fire Station

    One of the advantages of the  Journées du patrimoine, the annual heritage weekend, is that doors normally closed are open to the public.  Most Parisian courtyards are hard to peek into nowadays unless you happen to be around when someone enters or exits. The magnetic key used is necessary to ensure security. On this special weekend you may find courtyards of other buildings accessible. The sapeurs pompiers (the fire brigade) for our area opens its doors every September. They are also known for their July 14 (Bastille Day) fireman’s ball. Since 1812, our caserne des pompiers, 7 & 9 rue de Sévigné, is housed in a former prince’s domaine. The…