Why The French Love Their Cafés

Posted on by
Reply

Sidewalk cafe in Paris via foiralle.com

French cafés have a worldwide reputation, but unless you’ve ever spent time visiting them, it might be difficult to understand why. Cafés in France, and particularly in Paris, are quite different from your average Starbucks. Here are just a few of the reasons why the French may well be so enthusiastic about them.

Firstly, when it comes to finding a great café, there are plenty to choose from. The streets of Paris are lined with these traditional venues, and so part of the reason why they are so popular is simply their convenience. Whether you’re making a shopping list or organizing Aviva car insurance so that you can drive in Europe, sitting in a Parisian café can make everyday activities that much more enjoyable. You’ll find a great deal of people reading the daily newspaper with a cup of coffee or chatting with colleagues at even the smallest of cafés.

The coffee itself is perhaps another reason why these venues have remained so popular over the years. The French have some of the most delicious coffee that you’re ever likely to encounter, and you’ll find nothing less than the best in the majority of French cafés. In addition to this, many cafés get fresh pastries from the bakery next door – meaning that you won’t find it difficult to pick up a tasty treat or two as well.

Lastly, French cafés are perfect for people-watching! The French love to watch the world go by, and cafés offer the perfect spot from which to do so. Outside, you’ll find that all the chairs and tables face the street for this very purpose. Come the warmer weather, there’s no better way to do it.*

 

*This post has been written on behalf of Aviva car insurance.

Ma Boulangerie

Posted on by
Reply

Tania & Thierry's mouthwatering boulangerie

Everyone who lives in Paris has their favorite neighborhood bakery. Back when we were living in the 18th, we had our choice of three good quality establishments all a few steps from our door. Here in the 10th, we prefer Tania and Thierry’s traditional boulangerie Pains et Saveurs on rue du Faubourg Saint Martin near Louis Blanc.

I knew we would like this place before we even moved to the neighborhood because the Google Maps image shows a line of people out the door. For a bakery, this is always a good sign. Another is the heavenly smell of baking bread that beckons you in from the street.

I fell in love with our boulangerie when I bought my first demie baguette. They actually bake half-size loaves instead of cutting a regular baguette in half, so the bread keeps its warm freshness until you decide to eat it. The taste of this bread is better than most others I have tried in Paris, and I admit that I have tried quite a few.

Third place for best baguette in Paris!

My opinion has even been confirmed recently in the Concours de la Meilleure Baguette de Tradition Francaise de Paris 2012 (competition for the best traditional French baguette in Paris). They came it at number three for all of Paris. Funny enough, one of our favorite bakeries across the street from our old apartment in the 18th got first place.

This isn’t a fancy bakery, and I don’t go there for its looks which are fairly standard. It does offer all the classic French pastries and breads you could want, from le sablé Smarties to le diplomate and the Paris-Brest. For months I would get a heavenly demie baguette almost every day to eat for my lunch, until I realized that my diet should probably include more variation than slices of white bread and cheese.

I have grown to adore their salade océanne which contains smoked salmon, surimi, tomatoes, lettuce and lemon slices. Accompanied by either a small portion of baguette or a petit pain aux ceréales, this makes for a satisfying lunch at under six euros.

"Your bread is in good hands" Tellement vrai! So true

I can’t say that the boulangères who work here are overly friendly. However, since I have learned the proper etiquette- wait in line, say “bonjour,” state your order followed by “s’il vous plaît,” hand them the money once they announce the price, say “merci, au revoir” and exit the shop- I have not experienced any problems. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my husband.

On Saturday mornings, he often goes to the boulangerie to pick up a pain au chocolat and a baguette. At first, my husband got into a tiff with one of the boulangères because he could not understand what she was saying and she did not feel inclined to repeat her sentence. Back then it was not uncommon for him to return to our apartment with a scowl and a partially burned baguette.

Now, half a year later, my husband comes home with a smile and beautifully golden bread. It is true that it often takes time for the French to warm up to new people, but once they do, the benefits are well worth it.

Watch this short video about our local boulangerie:

http://www.cigaletv.com/Boulangerie-Pains-Saveurs_a313.html

 

Boulangerie Pains et Saveurs

Thierry et Tania Audou, Boulangers

219 rue Faubourg du Saint Martin

75010 Paris

 

© 2012 Pasa’s Paris

 

 

Heidelberg Top Five: Weekend Trip from Paris

Posted on by
Reply

Heidelberg: arguably the most romantic city in Germany

It’s springtime again, and as Paris has not been giving us the greatest weather, my husband and I decided to hop on a train to Heidelberg, Germany. Just over three hours from gare de l’est with a quick transfer in Mannheim, picturesque Heidelberg is the perfect destination for one of the many long weekends in May, or any other time, really.

Once you have arrived at the main station in Heidelberg, walk outside to the tourist office and purchase a HeidelbergBEWelcomeCARD. Available for one, two, or four days, this handy card includes unlimited use of Heidelberg’s convenient public transportation system of trains and buses, a ticket to the Heidelberg Castle and German Pharmacy Museum, plus discounts on tours, museums, restaurants, shopping and more. A city map and guide are also included.

Here, a list of things not to miss in this fairytale German city:

 

  1. Where to Stay A short tram ride from central station and the old town, Hotel Deutscher Kaiser is a charming, modern establishment with comfortable beds and a delicious German breakfast of fresh rolls, yogurt, eggs, fruit, meats and cheeses included. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself drinking your coffee in the morning to the tunes of Creedence Clear Water Revival or Eric Clapton: this friendly hotel owner is a fan of American classic rock. Additionally, there are several cafes, a park and castle ruins nearby.

The friendly, non-touristy hotel Deutscher Kaiser, ten minutes by bus from the old town

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Heidelberg Castle (Schloss) From Kornmarkt, take a funicular 300 feet above the city and visit the vast remains of this enchanting castle. Around the year 1400, Prince Elector Ruprecht III first inhabited the castle and it remained a regal residence for nearly 400 years. Destroyed by lightening in 1764 and again in 1693 during the War of Palatine Succession, it was not reconstructed until 1800 by Count Charles de Gramberg.

Heidelberg Castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, the castle ruins are among the most important renaissance structures north of the Alps. From the Great Terrace and the gardens, visitors are graced with a magnificent view of the city and the river below, as well as the vibrant green mountains across the way.

Heidelberg Schloss ruins: still beautiful after over 700 years

The castle houses the Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel. Built in 1751 by Prince Elector Karl Theodor to hold the wine paid as taxes by the wine producers of the Palatine, the barrel is seven meters high, eight and a half meters wide, and has a dance floor built on top of it.

For those interested in the history of German pharmacies, visit the German Pharmacy Museum located in the Otto Heinrich building of the schloss. Elegantly detailed apothecaries from the 17th to 19th centuries with their vials, herbs, scales and flasks have been put on display for all to admire.

 

The German Pharmacy Museum located inside the castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.   The Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg) Given it’s name because of the philosophers and professors from the nearby Heidelberg university that used to walk here for inspiration (and probably still do), this path is known to be one of the most scenic in all of Europe. Located across the river Neckar from the castle, this uphill trail is best taken in the late afternoon during warmer months after midday temperatures have fallen. The view of the town and the castle from the Philosopher’s garden is stunning. Here, plants such as cypress, lemon, cherry and bamboo trees thrive in a Mediterranean climate.

The relaxing Philosopher's Garden in full bloom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.   The Old Town (Altstadt) Extending for a mile between Bismarckplatz to the west and Karlstor to the east, this is the oldest part of Heidelberg. Filled with shops, restaurants, marketplaces and museums, the long pedestrian street Hauptstrasse takes you all the way through. Enjoy a stein of pilsner in Universityplatz, visit the Palatinate museum, pick up mouthwatering chocolates from Chocolate Company Heidelberg or a bottle of authentic Absinth from Alte Brennerei. For hearty German bratwurst, fresh pretzels and refreshing beer, head to Brauhaus Vetter. The two giant boilers with pipes connected to the tap tell you that this is a bona fide brewery.

Heidelberg beer in the old town

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. The River Neckar On a nice day you’ll see the lawn of the Neckarwiese (riverfront park) packed with sunbathers and picnickers from the Theodor Heuss bridge all the way to the Ernst Waltz bridge. For a pretty promenade, start from the Theodor Heuss bridge on the north bank and walk east along the river to the Old Bridge (Alte Brucke). Rowers glide by on the sparkling water, couples sit at boat cafes, and young families bike along the path. If you like bikes, this is your city. They are indeed everywhere. Cross the Old Bridge and you’re back in the Old Town, just in time for an ice cream.

 

Sunbathers along the River Neckar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many say that Heidelberg is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Wouldn’t you agree?

 

© 2012 Pasa’s Paris

 

Top Ten Most Common Paris Smells

Posted on by
5

You know you’re in Paris when you smell…

 

10. Roses from the flower shops

Paris flower shop via budgettravel.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  Dog shit on the sidewalk (et oui)

8. Stinky cheese from the fromageries

7. Nutella crêpes from the stands in the Latin quarter

Paris crêpe stand with Nutella (bien sûr) via frenchfriends.info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Espresso from the cafés

5. Poulet rôti from the rotisseries

4. Chanel No 5 (ladies) or Lacoste cologne (men) in the elevator

3. B.O. and piss in the metro

2. Fresh bread from the boulangeries

Heavenly bread from the beautiful boulangerie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course,

1. Cigarette smoke partout

 

What smells remind you of Paris?

 

© 2012 Pasa’s Paris

Le Pont des Arts

Posted on by
Reply

Love locks on the pont des Arts

For a panoramic view of Paris, come stand on the pont des Arts. Also called “la passerelle des Arts,” (the footbridge of the arts) the bridge serves as a link between the Institute of France and the Louvre, with a breathtaking view of pont Neuf and Notre Dame Cathedral to the east and the Eiffel tower to the west.

History

Where the pont des Arts stands today, a nine arch footbridge was constructed between 1801 and 1804 under the orders of Napoleon I. Of English design, this was the first metal bridge in Paris. Engineers Louis-Alexandre de Cessart and Jacques Dillon intended for the bridge to resemble a garden with flower beds, trees and benches.

In 1976, the Bridge and Causeway Inspector noticed damage to the bridge caused by bombings from both world wars, as well as several boat crashes. The bridge was closed to circulation in 1977 and collapsed 60 meters after another boat collision.

The current pont des Arts was reconstructed between 1981 and 1984 in a manner identical to the original bridge, except for the reduction from nine to seven arches in order to align with pont Neuf. It was inaugurated in June 1984 by then mayor of Paris Jacques Chirac.

Today

Currently, le pont des Arts is a popular hangout for photographers, painters and lovers due to its romantic cityscape. You will also notice thousands of cadenas d’amour, or lover’s padlocks attached across the span of the bridge’s railings. Couples from all over the world come to write their initials on a lock along with the year, attach it to the bridge and throw the key into the Seine.

Le pont des Arts has appeared in many famous films such as Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain (or simply Amélie as it was released in the U.S.), The Bourne Identity, and the last episode of Sex and the City.

After you’ve finished admiring the scenery, walk south along the rue de Seine in the 6th arrondissement, passing art galleries and the former apartments of famous French people such as writer Georges Sand. At number 43 rue de Seine, stop in at La Palette, a 1930’s and 40’s style bistro for a drink or a bite to eat. Once frequented by the likes of Cézanne, Picasso, Hemmingway and Jim Morrison, the café is now frequented by local artists and students as well as celebrities such as Harrison Ford and Julia Roberts. Keep your eye out!

 

References:

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_des_Arts

http://www.cafelapaletteparis.com/

 

© 2012 Pasa’s Paris