Parismarais
Newsletter REFRESH YOUR VISION OF PARIS IN AUGUST Bonjour Parismarais Readers, This month, many Parisians are deserting the city for places in the country or at the beach, and are being replaced by a new, friendly and cool international crowd in the heart of Paris. It is still Paris, but it feels like London, Vienna, Amsterdam and Saint Tropez, all mixed together. Paris Plages is now open for its sixth year with tons of fun things to do -- swimming pools, sandy beaches, bars and restaurants, all for your pleasure on the banks of the Seine.
You still can’t swim in the river despite the promises made by some famous politicians. Years ago, when Jacques Chirac was mayor of Paris – before he was president – he said that soon Parisians would be able to once again swim in the Seine. He received hundreds of swimming trunks, inviting him to be the first to try – of course, he never did. Today, 20 years later, you still can’t swim in the Seine, at least not in Paris, though it may be possible in Burgundy close to the source where the river is still pure. Bertrand Delanoë, our new mayor who is very popular with Parisians, has kept many of his promises which include giving more space to pedestrians and bikes in the city and limiting the number of cars…well done! It’s a success and all of our foreign visitors are experiencing with great fun the Velib system that allows you to pick up a bike almost anywhere in the city and return it to any of the bike stations located every 300 meters.
A good friend of mine recently bought Larry Hagman’s hat, the REAL J.R. hat from the popular TV show « Dallas. » It was for charity and the 1300€ he paid will go to a children’s hospital in Toulouse. I borrowed the hat from him for a couple of hours one day to go to Paris Plages thinking I would be the only French person sporting a cowboy hat… and I was right! Thank God nobody noticed it was J.R.’s hat!
WHERE TO SLEEP? Air conditioned hotels at 30% to 40% off in August Most people don’t realize that August is considered low season in Paris. That’s one of the reasons why (if not officially) the City of Paris created Paris Plages, to promote Paris in the low season as well as to offer Parisians summer entertainment. August is a fabulous time to come to Paris – you can get great hotel deals and shop the summer sales at 70% off! When choosing a hotel for your stay in Paris, air conditioning is not the only consideration that should guide your choice. Although it is still an exception in France, most hotels now have air conditioning. The French don’t really believe in AC, but they do understand that most visitors expect it, so it is becoming more common.
You want to be aware of the «star» ratings for hotels you find in guide books and on web sites. The French classification for hotels is very strict – maybe the most strict in the world – but it does not include categories for charm and style. You can easily have a 3-star hotel that receives this rating because it offers a certain amount of space, a separate, private bathroom and specific services, but it can be lacking in the classic Parisian atmosphere that will make your trip extra-special. These types of hotels are numerous and you’ll usually find them on the big travel networks or reservation services. We visit almost every room before we include any hotel on our web guide, and only a limited number of hotels receive the Parismarais stamp of approval. We recently stopped promoting certain hotels – including some famous ones – because they don’t have the friendly, welcoming attitude that is so important for our readers. We do encourage you to book online with those hotels we recommend, about 20 in le Marais with ratings from 3- to 5-stars. PARISMARAIS selected hotels are the best you can find in the district.
Villa Beaumarchais***** Managed by Julien Douieb who used to work at the famous Plaza Athenée. He and his team are giving a new life to this hotel, creating a dynamic spirit to give this classic luxury hotel a new image. They even offer special deals for weddings and gay civil unions, a special bonus for our gay readers. Check: http://www.parismarais.com/5-star-hotels-in-le-marais-paris.htm to book online with Parismarais and you’ll be sure to get THE BEST RATE. Rates change every day so mention the Parismarais special deals to get the best rooms at the best rates. Le Petit Moulin**** Designed by Christian Lacroix, this hotel offers unique rooms from 180€, with 20% off in August. Many other boutique hotels like Villa Mazarin**** or Le Bourg Tibourg**** managed by Mrs. Karen Costes and designed by Jacques Garcia also offer you great deals in August – just ask! Book online directly with these hotel now: Hotel Molay*** Luxury with fitness and spa facilities. Single room with breakfast for 100€, double with breakfast for 120€. Hotel Saint Paul*** Hotel des Archives*** Hotel Ecole Centrale*** A cheaper and great alternative if you are staying in Paris for more than one week is to rent an apartment and enjoy life like a real Parisian. Check out our selection of charming apartments http://www.parismarais.com/visit-our-flats.htm WHERE TO SHOP AT 50% OFF The best places to beat the heat while enjoying the hot summer sales at up to 50% off is in the major department stores. In le Marais, we are lucky to be close to the most incredible store for decoration, design, arts and crafts, and DIY… BHV Rivoli (Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville), an institution in Paris. The huge basement hardware store is a Paris must-see! Not to mention the new men’s bazar… http://www.parismarais.com/mens-wear.htm Also check out some of the chicest boutiques along the rue des Francs- Bourgeois: http://www.parismarais.com/rue-des-francs-bourgeois.htm HOT SUMMER NIGHTS IN LE MARAIS
The Paris nightclub and dancing scene is not really centered in le Marais. An exception is one of the most notorious hot spots in Europe’s dance club history, Les Bains Douches. Les Bains Douches
Le Scaron Chic and stylish as ever, especially on Sundays when the gorgeous Sebastien Triumph is DJ and host of the party. The clientele is a fun mix – gay crowd, artists, writers and other creative people, all drawn together by their love of life. Sink into the soft and comfortable sofas and enjoy champagne and good conversation. You’ll meet people here you would not meet in other clubs in le Marais. Check it out alone or with friends… entry is free and drinks start at only 6€. Discover more Paris hot spots at: REFRESHING ICE CREAM Berthillon is still an institution in Paris. But if you don’t want to line up for 30 minutes just for a scoop, why not try something new and tasty…discover Gelati d’Alberto! Homemade in le Marais, this is the perfect high-quality treat on a hot day. Try the exquisite rose petal flavor, green tea and lime, pain d’epice, tarte au citron or cranberry…you’ll think you’re in heaven! CREATIVE CUISINE Ivory
Monjul
Les Bains Douches Restaurant
Discover more gourmet goodies and great restaurants in central Paris: http://www.parismarais.com/selected-restaurants.htm KEEP FIT AND ENJOY MASSAGES
SPECIAL PREVIEW OF SIGL IN PARIS
Sigl: International Gay, Lesbian & Friends Exhibition
Parismarais
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Your Subscription: To receive more news about Paris, subscribe to Parler Paris Newsletter and twice a week you will receive the latest information, events, tips, and details about what’s new in the French capital, written by Adrian Leeds, long time resident of Le Marais, visit www.parlerparis.com Copyright 2007, parismarais.com
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Life in Paris this month is definitely slowing down as people take more time to relax and enjoy life, and rediscover a different view of the city. Walking and cycling down the small Marais streets is probably the most enjoyable thing to do before you visit the many wonderful exhibitions such as the Pierre & Gilles retrospective at the Jeu de Paume Museum, shop at half price on rue des Francs-Bourgeois or spend time at the public auctions at Drouot.
In the Marais district alone there are about one hundred hotels. But be aware that there are hotels that have the word «Marais» in their name, but are located outside the area. Before you book, check to see that the address of the hotel you have selected is in the 75003 or 75004 postal codes – anything else is not le Marais! Some hotels we recommend are very close to le Marais, those in the 11th or 12th arrondissements (75011 or 75012), such as the wonderful Marceau Bastille, 4-star hotel, close to the Bastille area.
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