Author: Cheryl Brooks

DISCOVER RUE CLER – A CELEBRATED MARKET STREET IN PARIS

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There is a great choice of the very best fresh produce available along rue Cler.

Paris is famous for its many outdoor markets, and pretty much every arrondissement has at least one and there are supposedly around 80 such markets across the city. These are almost always temporary set-ups that operate a couple of mornings a week, and taken down by lunchtime. However, there are a couple of pedestrianised streets in Paris that are devoted to food, fresh produce and other treats, that trade every day, all day, as permanent markets. Rue Cler in the 7^th arrondissement is one of these very special streets.

BARON HAUSSMANN: VISIONARY FOR MODERN PARIS OR VANDAL OF HISTORY?

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The Champs Elysees was one of Haussmann’s most notable achievements.

The Paris we know today has only existed, in large part, since the mid-19^th century. Before then, much of the medieval city was a dark, overcrowded and unhealthy place. The wide, tree-lined boulevards and fine, creamy stone buildings we enjoy and admire today are mostly due to one man, Georges-Eugène Haussmann. The dramatic urban renovation program undertaken by Haussmann was under the orders of Napoleon lll, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, a visionary and idealist, who was determined to transform Paris into a modern city fit for the new industrial era.

EXPLORING THE LATIN QUARTER, THE OLDEST ARRONDISSEMENT IN PARIS – PART 2

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The magnificent Pantheon is a Latin Quarter landmark.

As we’ve seen from our Part One exploration of the Latin Quarter, there’s enough to keep anyone occupied for many days, as well as taking time to simply sit and enjoy people-watching, and the atmosphere of the area in a local café. This Quartier also offers a wide selection of accommodation, as well as excellent public transport to take you anywhere across Paris, and beyond. We left our scrutiny of this fascinating neighbourhood at the Curie Museum, from where we can continue on our way.

EXPLORING THE LATIN QUARTER, THE OLDEST ARRONDISSEMENT IN PARIS – PART 1

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Looking across to the Latin Quarter from the top of Notre Dame.

A city as ancient and as large as Paris has an almost overwhelming number of sights to take in. Fortunately, one advantage that Paris has, is that so many of its attractions are within the Périphérique, or ring-road, that defines the arrondissements, or districts, from the areas outside that. As well, Paris has a wonderful, and very accessible, public transport system that makes exploring the city practical and efficient. If you had to nominate one arrondissement that has a concentration, and indeed a richness, of treasures, it would surely be the 5^th arrondissement, a large part of which is the Latin Quarter. It has long been one of our favourite areas of Paris, and we are still exploring its many attractions as they evolve along with the city itself.

MONET’S HOUSE AND GARDEN: VISITING GIVERNY

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Masses of rose bushes were planted in front of Monet’s house.

I am often asked by friends and colleagues for suggestions for day trips out of Paris. There are so many destinations and great things to see and do, it’s a case of, “well, what are you interested in” or “how many trips do you want to do?” One destination that comes up more than most is Monet’s house and garden at Giverny. Even for those who aren’t necessarily keen gardeners, Giverny has the well-deserved reputation of being one of the loveliest experiences of a trip to France. Although many people take an organised tour from Paris, it is very doable under your own steam. The upside of doing it yourself is that you can spend as much time as you wish, sitting quietly on a seat in the garden or strolling at your own pace, which feels like taking a walk through a Monet painting.