Little Paris Guide

Budget Hotels in Paris

dkartuzinski — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:36:32 +0000

Finding a cheap and comfortable hotel to book with while vacationing in Paris can usually be an unpredictable task. Websites that you read often omit the bad information so that you can really get an accurate idea of where you’ll be staying. Many vacationers in cheap hotels expect their hotel at least measure up to their class, but you want to be able to know what is going without and not be surprised about going without characteristics. Two examples of points that people are often insulted to find out about after the fact, are location disadvantages and there is any parking for cars. Additionally, most people will expect certain omitting services but want to choose which they are willing to go without.

There are quite a few friendly, spacious and inexpensive hotels in Paris, however, I will simply cover five of my best options. I will include information about their strong points, their minuses and a review.

1. Hotel Armstrong Paris – This is a reasonable, spacious and clean hotel. Can be found at 36, Rue de la Croix Saint-Simon
75020 Paris. I pick this hotel because of the personal service and the luggage storage for a hotel at these rates. I dislike this hotel because the rooms aren’t very large.

Typical reviews include:

“Clean hotel for a very small amount of money (comparing to other prices in Paris). Service was good, everyday cleaning rooms. Underground garage is a very good thing that they have also for a reasonable amount of money – just be aware that you have to reserve it at hotel because of the limited number of parking places. Rooms were small (maybe to small) but still enough furnished and there was a safe in closet to put your valuables there. Good thing is that Hotel is very near to a Metro station that connects you with the city. I would recommend it!”

2. Hôtel Delos Vaugirard – This is an suitably located hotel that is comfortable and budget oriented. It’s address is Paris – 7 rue du Général Beuret 75015. I recommend hotel because is in a upscale neighborhood and because it is clean. I dislike this hotel because it is not too close to a metro station and because it is on a side street of Paris.

Typical reviews include:

“This rather small hotel is situated in a quiet street in a nice neighbourhood. There are several restaurants in the area. The metro station Vaugirard is a few minutes walk away. ”

3. Hôtel Moulin Vert – This is a cozy, Parisian style hotel that is a little dated but a great value. Located at is Paris 14ème Montparnasse – 74 rue du Moulin Vert, Metro: Pernety 75014. I like this hotel because it is a good value and is easy to find. I dislike this hotel because the renovations have not been maintained and sometimes the rooms feel old.

Typical reviews include:

“I chose this place to stay for a week long business trip to Paris based on feedback here in Tripadvisor & other travel sites online. And I wasnt disappointed.”

4. Hôtel Riviera – This is a very clean and well located hotel with personal service. It’s address is Paris – 55 rue des Acacias 75017.
I like this hotel because it is close to the Arc of Triomphe and because it has friendly, personal service. I don’t like this hotel because the rooms are smaller than average and they have a small elevator.

Typical reviews include:

“Paris is amazing!!! I will return to the Riviera hotel !”

5. Grand Hôtel Amelot – This is a cheap and basic hotel located in a wonderful location in Paris. Can be found at is Paris – 54, Rue Amelot 75011. I like this hotel because is cheap and it’s location rocks. I dislike this hotel because seem to need friendlier staff and they really are a basic hotel.

Typical reviews include:

“Stayed there for seven nights, then returned for an eighth night later in our trip. Because of this we stayed in two different rooms.”

There are quite a few good hotels and low rates hotels in Paris. There are also some hotels that aren’t so good but dirt cheap and travelers put up with the bad service or old decoration or another characteristic in order to be visiting Paris.

Good luck and bon voyage.

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Boutique Hotels in Paris Defined

dkartuzinski — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:13:26 +0000

Boutique Hotels in Paris

are general quaint personalized individualized designed hotels that are not part of chains. A new site caters exclusively to Boutique Hotels in Paris.

Hotel des Chevaliers

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Teach Yourself French before Going to Paris

dkartuzinski — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:39:39 +0000

There are very few things that could make your trip more enjoyable than learning a few words of the french language prior to going to Paris. You will not necessarily need to speak perfect french but you will want to learn enough french to be able to ask basic directions, order a meal and give directions to a taxi. Sometimes the best part of going to Paris is when you speak to a local who advises you on places to go and things to do.
I’d recommend this site on how to teach yourself french because it compares different french learning software and gives good advice.

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Visiting Paris on a tight budget

dkartuzinski — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:04:25 +0000

People often want to go to Paris, but don’t because they feel it will be too expensive or boring if they don’t have a lot of money when they are there. Clearly, getting to Paris and finding affordable accommodations is the first step. Below is a list of attractions and activities that I can personally vouch for as I don’t have a lot of money, I love Paris, and I go there 5 or 6 times per year. Paris has been called many things, but it is the biggest destination for tourists because it is magical and enchanting, not necessarily because a lot of money was spent.

Side Street in Paris

Below is a list (most of these are completely free and if there is a cost, I noted it):

Eiffel Tower – If you’re going to Paris, you have to go visit the Eiffel Tower. Just seeing the Eiffel Tower is a humbling experience. It’s much bigger than you can imagine. (To go up the elevator is as much as 11 euros per person.)

I took this photo when Paris was lighting it Blue.

Champs Elysees – The Champs Elysees is perhaps the world’s most famous boulevard. Walking up and down it is certainly an all day affair. Many shops and theaters are open very late and eating at the Pizza Pino restaurant is always a treat after a long day of visiting and exploration.
At the top of the Champs Elysees is the Arch of Triomph and it ends at the Concorde Plaza.

Church of Saint Marie Madeleine – La Madeleine as it is referred to in Paris, is a uniquely built church as it in the style of a Greco-Roman Temple. The interior abounds with gold leaf and colored marble, paintings, mosaics and sculptures. One of its highlights is that it holds on of Paris’ largest organs.

The interior of La Madeleine

Trocadero Gardens – The Trocadero Gardens descend to the Seine, which is the setting for fountains includes about 20 jets shooting almost directly into the sky. Visit at night to let yourself experience these dramatic lights in all their power.

Concorde Plaza – Place de la Concorde is one of the worlds most impressive squares. In the center is the Obelisk of Luxor, it originally stood before a temple at Thebes in Egypt. It is 23 meters high. Surrounding the center are statues and 18 green-bronze and gilded columns. At one end of the Plaza is the end of the Champs Elysees and the other the entrance to the Tuileries Gardens.

This pond is depicted in many movies

Tuileries Garden – The Tuileries Garden sits behind the Louvre Museum. Whenever you see movies of Paris and they include a little pond with kids and their sailboats, you are seeing the beginning section of the Garden. Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, it’s definitely worth a stroll and picnic.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart – Sacre Couer as it is known in Paris, is definitely worth the trip. One of the most beautiful and breathtaking views of Paris is found here. There are two statues, one depicting Joan of Arc and the other Saint Louis. The interior is decorated extensively. It contains the largest mosaic in the world, depicting Christ and the Sacred Heart Worshiped by the Virgin, Joan of Arc and Saint Michael. .

This is at the bottom of Sacre Couer

Montmatre Cemetery – The Montmatre Cemetery is one of the three great cemeteries in Paris. (The other two are Pere Lachaise and Montparnaisse). There are plans that show the exact location where famous individuals are buried including Rodin, Berlioz, Delibes, Degas, David d’Angers and others. You will see very elaborate tombs.

Belleville Park – Offers on of the best panoramas of Paris. Arrive early morning to see Chinese locals practicing t’ai chi. You just have to go and see it.

This is a picture of the Belleville Park in Paris

Hotel De Ville (Paris Town Hall) – The Hotel de Ville has a large square which is frequently used for large public gatherings. It was the first municipal authority authority created in Paris by Louis IX in 1264. You can visit see where the famous Kiss at the Hotel De Ville was taken. Many visitors, including myself, try to recreate the “Kiss” with our loved ones. However, when you are visiting the Hotel de Ville realize that this was the location of many public executions. The executions where often gruesome and including executing Protestants, assassins, sorceresses, highwaymen, murderers, revolutionaries and criminals.

Le Baiser de l'hotel de Ville, Paris, 1950

Bastille Plaza – Place de la Bastille is one of the most famous junctions in Paris. adjacent to the Plaza is the Opera National of Paris Bastille, also adjacent is the Aresenal which is an armory established by Henri IV. The main focus of the Plaza is the famous July Column with the statue of the Liberty sitting on top. Even though there is little left to resemble the revolutionary history surrounding the plaza, protests and marches still often start or end from this location. I personally enjoy having coffee at one of the Cafes there and there is a lively night scene for those interested in dancing or clubs.

This photo is taken from one of my favorite cafes

Notre Dame Cathedral – Notre Dame Cathedral is located on the City Island mid the Seine.

Pont Neuf (New Bridge) – The new bridge, or Pont Neuf, is the city’s oldest bridge. It crosses the Seine and leads to and from the Latin Quarter.

This is me down the Seine a bit on a different bridge called St. Michel.

Seine Riverbank – walk and visit with the street vendors along the riverbank near the Latin Quarter. You can descend from the main road and walk closer to where the boats moor and see students and others relaxing and talking amongst friends. My favorite descent point is near the St. Michel bridge.

Montparnasse Cemetery – This cemetery is weirdly romantic. This is the second of three great cemetaries in Paris and totally worth the afternoon and early evening stroll.

Church of St. Germain Des Pres and Church of St. Sulpice – visit each of these churches. They are free, the first is Paris’ oldest Roman era church and the latter is famous thanks to the Da Vinci Code Movie. Saint Sulpice is one of my favorite churches to visit in Paris. I consider it to be the most beautiful.

This picture is of the interior of the Saint Sulpice Church in Paris

The above is just a short list of the Free places one can visit. There are many more free and interesting places to visit, including the actual streets and statues that adorn the city everywhere. There are hundreds of places to visit for around 5 euros and not more than 10 euros. Paris does not have to be an expensive city to visit. You can visit Paris on a budget and experience the magic and enchantment that is Paris.

(Note: I originally put this list together for guests who stay at the Hotel Armstrong as it is one of the better quality discount hotels in Paris.)

Good luck and bon voyage.

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Parisians and their Greats. The Latin Quarter Breakdown:

dkartuzinski — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:16:28 +0000

I thought I would give a bit of a breakdown to the Latin Quarter of Paris. It happens to be my favorite area of the city. I find it fascinating and no trip is complete to Paris, without visiting this area.

MUSEUMS TO VISIT:

The Musee National Du Moyen Age (The National Museum of the Middle Ages)

This Museum was previously known as the Musée de Cluny. Herein lies such sites as the Gallo-Roman Baths, Medieval Mansion, and the Gallo-Roman Frigidarium. Specific artifacts to see within its walls include the tapestry of the “Lady with the Unicorn”, the collection of 28 stone heads of the Kings of Judah called the “Gallery of Kings” and two books of the “Books of Hours” from the 15th century. One of the finest collections of medieval art is kept here. It is also considered as perhaps the most outstanding medieval building in all of Paris.

Musée de la Préfecture de Police (The Museum of the Prefecture of Police)

This slightly intimidating French police museum is worth a visit. Though labels are in French, they offer a guide in English. This museum shows a darker side of Paris as it traces and illustrates the development of the police from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum contain evidence, photographs, letters of famous criminal cases.

STREETS AND AREAS TO WALK:

Place St-Michel (Saint Michel Square)

The St Michel Square contains a fountain by Davioud. See also the Bronce Statue by Duret showing St. Michael killing a dragon. It is full of charming coffee and book stores.

Rue du Chat qui Pêche

The Rue du Chat qui Pêche literally translates to, “the street of the cat that fishes”, has hardly changed in its 200 year history.

Rue du Fouarre

During the Middle Ages the Rue du Fouarre hosted lectures to students sitting on straw.

Rue Galande

The famous street, the Rue Galande, is more famous now for its taverns, but once was home to the rich and chic of the 17th century.

Boulevard St-Michel

The Boulevard St-Michel, or “Boul’ Mich” as it is known to the locals, is a lively mix of cafes, book shops, clothing stores and sports nightclubs and several experimental cinemas. Marble plaques commemorate the many students who died here in 1944 fighting the Nazis.

Place Maubert

This square has a dark history including the place where many Protestants were burned alive at the stoke or otherwise executed in the 16th century. Prior to that in the 12th and 13th century open air lectures were delivered as it developed into a scholastic center. Today that reputation has been replaced with respectability and a wonderful street market.

Rue Saint-Jacques

Behind the Sorbonne lies Rue Saint-Jacques an ancient thorough-fare which existed before the Roman conquest.

Boulevard Saint-Germain

The Boulevard Saint Germain two very famous intellectual cafe. Nearly across the street from one another, the Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots have been the scene of many debates and philosophical discourse.

Book and Poster Vendors – Banks of the Seine

Lining the banks of the Seine are Parisian vendors that sell books, posters and other memorabilia out of their lock boxes. These vendors offer a slice of Paris in a way seen no where else in quite the same way.

PLACES TO EXPLORE:

The Panthéon

The Panthéon a magnificent neoclassical building completed in 1790. It is shaped as a Greek Cross and it’s Gothic styled architecture is awe inspiring. The Iron Framed Dome, Crypt and Colonnade are a must-see for visitors of the Latin Quarter. The Panthéon sits on top of the Montagene Sainte Geneviéve and overlooks all of Paris. Amongst the great buried there are Braille, Dumas, Huga, Marat, Curie, Voltaire and Zola.

Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore

This famous bookstore still owned and managed within the famous Whitman family stills boasts an impressive library collection of books. Books purchased still bear the famous stamp “Shakespeare & Co Kilométre Zéro Paris” However, Shakespeare & Co is best known for nurturing famous writers include Hemingway and Sylvia Beach.

La Sorbonne (The Sorbonne University)

Established in 1253 to teach 16 poor students theology. The Sorbonne soon become the center of theological study in Europe. The history of the Sorbonne spans eight centuries and includes political, cultural and historical intrigue. Whether one mentions that it was the first printing house of France or it’s opposition to liberal 18th century philosophy – it is definitely worth a close study. The buildings outside of the Capelle de la Sorbonne have been rebuilt and are the one seen today. The Sorbonne University helped mold the minds of such great thinkers as Simone de Beauvoir, Rene Descartes and Jean Paul Satre.

College de France

The College de France is one of of Paris’s great institutes of research and learning. It was established in 1530 by Francois I. The purpose envisioned by the great humanist Guillaume Budé and executed under the direction of the king was to counteract the intolerance and dogmatism of the Sorbonne. The unbiased approach to learning is reflected in the inscription to the entrance: docet omnia. Which means, “all are taught here”. Lectures are free and open to the public.

CHURCHES TO ADMIRE:

Church of St. Severin

This 13th century church took three centuries to build and is great example of Gothic Architecture. It has been overlaid through the centuries with additions and repairs. It is impressively broad compared with it’s length with stain glass that dates to the 14th and 15th centuries. The organ dates back to the mid 18th century.

Saint-Julien Le Pauvre

The Church of Saint-Julien Le Pauvre was rebuilt around 1170-1230 by monks of Longpont. It sits on a site of a succession of chapels dedicated to St-Julien. Since 1889 it has bee occupied by Melchites (Greek Catholics). Though usually closed to the public, it sits near Rue Galande one of the oldest streets of Paris dating back to the 14th century. A small garden adjacent to the church called the Square of René Viviani, claims the oldest tree in Paris planted in 1601. Also worth exploring is the nearby area of Rue St-Jacques towards St-Michel.

Saint-Nicolas Du Chardonnet

The current church stands on Rue Monge and the major part of the present church was built from 1656 – 1709. The interior contains some good paintings and sculptures including Le Brun’s painted “Martyrdom of St John the Evangelist and Corot’s study the “Baptism of Christ”.

Chapelle de la Sorbonne (The Sorbonne Chapel)

Looking onto the main courtyard of the Sorbonne, this chapel stands as a monument to Richelieu. It was built between 1635 and 1642. The unusual plan places the dome centrally, between nave and choir at equal length. Richelieu’s tomb is designed to give quite the impression whether being viewed from the west or alternatively from the north entrance. Visit during times of exhibitions or concerts as it is otherwise closed.

St-Etienne Du Mont

This remarkable and style spanning church is not only a shrine to St. Geneviéve but also houses the remains of great literary figures including Racine and Pascal. Some parts are styled after Gothic architecture and other parts from the Renaissance. The belfry tower dates back to the 16th century.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

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The Five Hotel Paris smells, and lights up…

dkartuzinski — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:20:25 +0000

I was looking atThe Five Hotel and discovered this very interesting concept in hospitality. The Five Hotel allows you to choose the smells (via incense) and using fiber optic lighting change the lighting in your Hotel Room.
I was so surprised that anyone would think of this that I chose it for the first blog post on my blog. I don’t even know if it’s a good idea, but it is a feature and some reviews that I read seem to love it as they claim added romance, more intimacy and an overall better stay at the Five Hotel.

The Air France Madame Magazine states, “And then it’s time to switch off completely once your reach your room – narrow but remarkably well fitted out in abstract designs, and where the emphasis has been placed firmly on lighting: embedded in the ceilings, headboards and bathroom, fiber optics diffuse light like a shower of stars in a cocoon-like atmosphere.”

I think their description makes it more interesting.

The rest of the Air France Madame Review of the Five Hotel in Paris is available at: http://thefivehotel-paris.com/en/news/airfrance-madame.html.

Let me know what you think. I’d be curious to know your thoughts on whether this sort of lighting and smells would convince you to stay at one hotel over another?

Thanks.

-DK

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Why I am doing this?

dkartuzinski — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:55:53 +0000

Hi. If you’re reading this, then it is because you are wondering why I am bothering to write anything about my trips to Paris. Well, the truth is that I absolutely love Paris! I have traveled extensively, but Paris is absolutely my favorite city.

If you have never been to Paris, I hope you find useful information on this blog. I have absolutely no intention of writing college level papers. I write conversationally and this will undoubtedly turn off the snooty, boring blog snobs out there. To them, I say, go read Le Figaro or something.

If you have been to Paris, or if you currently live in Paris, drop me an email. I am always looking for good tips. Even though I don’t mind forcing secrets out of my friends, it’d be nice to surprise them every one and awhile.

So in short, if you want to know something about Paris, I may know about it, and can always blog to questions. So just email me. Otherwise, I hope you find my humor, advice and tips a little bit more useful than your typical dry Tourist Guide or overly biased review blog that currently dominant the Paris blog landscape.

Warning: I am highly opinionated, always right and French! So, if you don’t like what I write, go read, well you know…

Below is a picture that I find totally captures the reasons I love Paris. The picture was taken atop the hill near Saint Genevieve Cathedral and the Pantheon. We dined at a totally local dig whose name escapes me but had a lower level cave where the previous owner hid 200 Jewish kids during the second World War. These are some of my closest friends.

I am in the blue shirt!

Thank you for taking an interest in my blog, Paris and taking the time to read this. Hopefully, you will discover the benefits I hope to inspire.

Sincerely,

David Kartuzinski

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