Tagged: apartments in paris
A selection of the best Autumn Festivals in Europe : Part 1
The nights draw in. There’s a nip in the air, and out come the fleecy PJs! The summer excitement fades and the days somehow seem a bit dull. But despair not! For autumn is when European Festival fever reaches a new pitch. Outbursts of contemporary art, classical music, fine art, cinema and jazz spring up like mushrooms across Europe. If you’re a cultural buff of any persuasion, you can find something to suit your taste!
In Budapest, this most elegant and vibrant of cities straddling the Danube, is Café Budapest. From 5 – 14 October you can enjoy an inspirational blend of classical and modern with stunning performances of music, drama, and poetry. Hosted by a variety of city bars, cafés and theatres, this showcase for progressive art and artists is not to be missed. Visit www.cafebudapestfest.hu for full information. Or visit the city’s Festival Box office, open daily from 10 – 6 pm.
Chocoholics – this is your moment! Heady cocoa aromas will titillate your taste buds at the Paris Salon du Chocolat (31 October – 4 November). A delectable menu of mouth-watering treats is on offer at the Porte de Versailles. This celebration of the glories of cocoa is open 10 am – 7 pm daily with tickets from €6.50 – €13.
For a sparkling end to this autumn festival season, head to a Loving Apartment in Berlin to enjoy October’s Festival of Light. Over 45 of the city’s famous landmarks will be floodlit from 7 pm – 1 am daily. Fireworks, laser shows and ‘lightseeing’ tours by bus, coach or boat are all part of the monthly spectacle.
Discover the beauty of Europe in Autumn. What are you waiting for!
Festival d’automne à Paris
Tumbling autumn leaves spread a golden carpet underfoot as you wander along the banks of the Seine in the sunshine. Warmth billows from the door of an enticingly chic French café, with the rich aroma of coffee wafting onto the pavement. A window display of strikingly contemporary Parisian fashions, makes you pause to admire. Yes, this is Paris in the autumn, every inch or centimetre proving as atmospheric, engaging and continental, as only Paris can be.
But at this time of year you might find another reason to book a romantic Parisian hideaway, a stylish Loving Apartment. A bohemian rhapsody of theatre, dance, visual arts and film, ‘The Festival d’automne’ is Paris re-awakening after the slumbers of the August Holidays. The 41st Festival is currently in full flow, running until 31 December at performance venues across the city. Whatever arrondissement your holiday rental apartment is in, you’re more than likely to find a Festival performance almost on your doorstep.
The performances are nearly always experimental, contemporary, international and highly original combining complementary art forms. This is after all Paris, the city of stylish invention and cutting edge fashion, a city where the young and hip are neighbours to the traditional and distinctly ‘haute couture’.
So this autumn, Paris will once again throb to the beat of over 40 events, drawing over a 100,000 people to this major European cultural event. A complete programme can be found, and tickets booked online at www.festival-automne.com.
So find your romantic Parisian loft or elegant Left Bank nook at Loving Apartments, book your Eurostar seats and you’ll be able to immerse yourself in an unsurpassed cultural feast. And they say that the shopping’s not bad either in Paris . . .
Cosy 3 Bedroom Apartment Located in Montmatre from €24 pppn
Bright and Contemporary 1 Bedroom Apartment, from €39 pppn
Visit Galleries Lafayette for some Retail Therapy in Paris
Paris is considered by many to be the fashion capital of Europe, home to fine brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and John Galliano. If you love a spot of retail therapy, then do ensure you take a trip to Galleries Lafayette on your city break to Paris, as the department store houses 150 brands of high class fashion, cosmetics, jewellery and home furnishings.
For the grand opening in 1912, Galleries Lafayette expanded across multiple buildings to occupy the 10 stories of shopping space it now offers. Previous to this, Galleries Lafayette consisted of a small haberdashery shop that was opened in 1893 by cousins Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn.
If shopping is not your favourite pastime, Galleries Lafayette is still worth a visit to appreciate the department store’s remarkable architecture. The exquisite dome that sits prominetly above the store’s central shopping area is made from glass and wrought iron. The Art Nouveau staircases are also a fabulous feature to admire.
Make sure you explore the gourmet food market, where you will find delicious products including alcohol, coffee, teas, and chocolates. Discover the collection of Bordeaux wines in the Lafayette Gourmet wine cellar. Known for its quality products and high prices, you may find yourself mostly window shopping at the department store, however, if you do purchase items during your visit – and are a non-European Union member – you are entitled to a tax refund when spending over €175.1.
Guests with a passion for fashion may be interested to know they can enjoy a free 30 minute fashion show at Galleries Lafayette, hosted every Friday at 3pm in the Coupole building on the 7th floor. Shop to your heart’s content for Paris memorabilia in the French capital’s largest souvenir shop, located on the 6th floor of the Boulevard Haussmann building.
Travelling to Galleries Lafayette from your Paris apartment rental is easy as the department store is located close to the Chaussée d’Antin Metro stop. Located at IXe arrondissement at 40 boulevard Haussmann, Galleries Lafayette’s opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 7.30pm. The store has a late night opening on Thursdays until 9pm.
Galleries Lafayette in Paris was the successful flagship store, with others now established in Berlin and New York.
Disneyland Paris – a Magical Trip for all the Family
It’s not surprising that every child dreams of visiting Disneyland Paris. When you step through those pearly gates, every Disney film or cartoon you’ve ever seen comes to life in front of your very eyes. This American-derived theme park is much more than just rides and games – it provides a complete fairy-tale experience that visitors of all ages will adore.
Probably the most recognisable feature of the park is the Sleeping Beauty Castle that stands proudly in the centre of Fantasyland – one of the park’s 5 enchanting lands waiting to be explored. Each land has a unique theme from the American Wild West and buccaneering adventure, to bewitching fairy-tales and outer space. Within these lands are some timeless rides including ‘Peter Pan’s Flight’ and ‘it’s a small world’ that were first created in the early years of Disneyland America. There are also some new and improved rides including an even faster ‘Space Mountain: Mission 2’ for those in search of a thrill.
Get up close and personal with your favourite Disney characters that can often be seen in wandering around the various lands – and for any adults planning a trip – it’s perfectly acceptable to request a photo! Make sure you check out the times for the daily Disney Parade – an absolute must for your Disney schedule, with beloved Disney characters parading on past, to well-known Disney tunes.
If as a child, you didn’t get the chance to visit Disneyland Paris, it’s certainly not too late to be a part of the magic. A trip to Disneyland is sure to bring out your inner-child, and once you’re done running between the themed lands, head over to Disney Village, which has an array of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and live music performances.
Whether you’re visiting Disneyland Paris for a dedicated holiday or simply a day trip from the French capital, the Park is easily accessible by public transport from the city centre. Take the RER A commuter train from the Nation stations or the Chatelet-les-Halles, which will deliver you conveniently to the entrance of Disneyland Paris.
Hotel accommodation around Disneyland Paris can be pricey and many visitors choose to stay in Paris apartments for the great facilities provided and the opportunity to explore the wonderful city. Visit lovingapartments.com to view our portfolio of Paris apartments and stay up-to-date with events and Hot Deals on Facebook.
Have a magical trip to Disneyland Paris and remember to wish upon a star!
Sainte-Chapelle: Holy Chapel of King Louis IX
Sainte-Chapelle is one of the great pieces of architecture in Paris. The magnificent stained glass windows are among the best of their kind and truly show off the talent of the 13th century workers that constructed the building. The architect of the awe-inspiring building is actually unknown, as it was never recorded upon completion in 1248, but Sainte-Chapelle remains one of the highest realisations of the Rayonnant period of Gothic architecture. A trip to Sainte-Chapelle is highly recommended whilst staying in an apartment in Paris.
King Louis IX of France commissioned the building of Sainte-Chapelle in order to house his newly acquired Passion relics, the Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Cross. The authenticity of these items was never confirmed, but Louis held them in high regard, purchasing and displaying them in an attempt to make France the next leader of Western Christianity. Whether or not he succeeded, it is apparent that he personally made a lasting impression. King Louis IX is the only king of France to have been canonised after his death, becoming a recognized saint in the Catholic Church.
Restorations were completed on Sainte-Chapelle during the 19th century after damage was done during the French Revolution. Today, almost two thirds of the stained glass remains original, although much of the building is a re-creation. Still, the interior of Sainte-Chapelle is a magnificent sight and is well worth a visit.
Sainte-Chapelle is open each day, with differing hours depending on the season. March through October the chapel is open from 9:30am to 6pm. From November through February, hours are from 9am to 5pm. Throughout the year, Sainte-Chapelle is closed midday from 1-2pm.
Sainte-Chapelle is closest to Cite station on Metro Line 2. You can also take bus 21, 27, 38, 85, or 96. Adults can expect to pay €8 for admission. Minors under the age of 18 and EU citizens under the age of 26 are able to enter for free. Keep in mind that the ticket line will close a half hour before closing each day.
Accommodation in Paris is available near Sainte-Chapelle. Visit lovingapartments.com to view our portfolio of Paris apartments or “like” us on Facebook to stay up to date on hot deals.
Explore the Cultures of the World… in Paris!
Loving Apartments is loving Paris. As the largest city in France, Paris always has something new and exciting to see. The Quai Branly Museum is one of Paris’s newer attractions, just having celebrated its fifth year on June 23, 2011. The museum is named after its location at 37 Quai Branly, which is right on the Seine River—100 metres from the Eiffel Tower. The Quai Branly Museum is a spectacular Paris attraction, exhibiting art and historical items from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
Unless you are a student, are under the age of 18, or are a Quai Branly Museum special pass holder, you will have to pay an admission fee to get into the permanent exhibits. The ticket also includes special theme exhibitions, the anthropological exhibition, and the multimedia gallery. Find specific prices for admission on the museum website. Separate tickets must be purchased for the international exhibit, music and theatre events, and special cultural events that take place at the Quai Branly Museum.
Museum operating hours are as follows: Monday (closed); Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday (11am-7pm); and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (11am-9pm). The ticket counter closes an hour before the museum, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time to explore. Also, check ahead of time for debates, lectures, and cinema events, as they are open to the museum’s regular admission ticket holders.
The upcoming exhibit at the Quai Branly Museum is PHOTOQUAI, open from September 13th to November 11th, 2011. This collection of world images appears every other year. Be sure not to miss this year’s event! PHOTOQUAI showcases photographers that aren’t well known in Europe. Rather, 46 artists from 29 countries exhibit nearly 400 photographs in hopes to inspire communication on differing views of our world.
Visit the Quai Branly Museum in Paris this year and explore the world’s cultures. Book a Paris apartment near the centre of Paris and take advantage of all that this magnificent city has to offer. The Quai Branly Museum is a great way to spend a day in Paris—just make sure to leave time for the other amazing features the city has to offer!
Père Lachaise Cemetery is a Paris Must-See
Cemeteries are creepy, right? Wrong. Père Lachaise Cemetery, located on the Boulevard de Menilmontant in Paris, is a beautiful place to site-see or take a leisurely stroll. Thousands of trees accompany hills and gardens making Père Lachaise Cemetery seem less like burial grounds and more like a pretty place for a walk.
Upon establishment by Napoleon, Père Lachaise Cemetery was regarded as too far away from the city to be a desirable final resting place. Just a few dozen people were buried in the cemetery at that point. Remains of La Fontaine, Moliere, Pierre Abelard and Heloise were moved to the cemetery in order to encourage others to use the space for their loved ones. Indeed, the plan worked and in just a few short years the number of people buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery shot up to over 30,000. Everyone wanted to be buried amongst the rich and famous.
Currently, over 300,000 people are buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery. Famous gravesites include those of Chopin, Jim Morrison, and Oscar Wilde. Other attractions include memorials to those who fought in the World Wars.
A book was written about the cemetery entitled Meet Me At Père Lachaise. The book’s website, perelachaisecemetery.com, has information, pictures, and even an iPhone App that can be downloaded for book and audio tours to use whilst in the cemetery. Because it is so large, it is smart to locate what you are hoping to see in Père Lachaise Cemetery on a map before you make your way through. This way you can personalize your visit and be sure to see the sites that are most important to you.
To get to Père Lachaise Cemetery, take the Metro from your Paris apartment to Philippe Auguste station on Line 2 for the main entrance. For the side entrance, take Line 3 to Père Lachaise station. Another option, favoured by many tourists, is to get off at Gambetta station on Line 3, which lets visitors enter near Oscar Wilde’s tomb and walk down hill as they view the rest of the cemetery.
Free maps are available at the cemetery, but guided tours are recommended if you’re looking to get complete information on Père Lachaise Cemetery. Call +33(0)140 717 560 in advance for more information.
The best way to enjoy Paris is to hit all the major sites during the day and enjoy a self-catered apartment by night. Loving Apartments offers Paris apartment rentals from budget to luxury to meet your needs. Apartments are located near popular sites in Paris for your convenience.
Visit lovingapartments.com for Paris apartment listings. Hot deals can be found on Facebook as well as lovingapartments.com. Subscribe to our blog to stay updated on relevant tips, advice, and city features. We hope you are able to enjoy a visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery. Au revoir!
Parisian Seafood at its Finest
Paris is a hot spot for a relaxing holiday. We love the Parisian food, especially at Goumard, one of Paris’s top seafood restaurants since 1872. The secret to Goumard’s success is the use of the finest quality fresh ingredients. Supplies of fresh fish are shipped to the shop daily. Seafood has been such a highlight in Goumard that only the seafood dishes are printed on the menu. If you’re looking for meat, you’ll have to enquire as to what is available.
If you’re planning on making a trip to Goumard, make sure you get a table by booking online at goumard.com as soon as possible. It’s never too early to make sure you get one of the coveted seats. Goumard currently seats 100 people in two rooms and has two lounge areas and a bar. However, demand is high as it is a popular venue amongst both locals and visitors. You can’t be too careful.
Current menus and pricing can also be found at goumard.com. The menu tends to change with the seasons because fresh in-season ingredients are used. Expect the pricing to match the upscale atmosphere and menu. But although it can be expensive, seafood lovers will appreciate the quality of flavours and fine service that Goumard provides.
We offer apartments in Paris that are located near Goumard and other top attractions, allowing you to get about easily and conveniently. Renting a Paris apartment is a great way to enjoy the city. Visit lovingapartments.com to view our wide selection of apartments in Paris or “like” our Facebook page to stay up to date on competitions and hot deals.
Get to Goumard on your next trip to Paris to devour the finest seafood around. As they say in France, bon appétit.
Why Paris is the Place to Be This Summer
Dreaming of a tropical destination for a summer holiday? Paris has just what you’re looking for. The city of Paris sets up artificial beaches for one month each year along the Seine River called Paris Beach, or Paris-Plages, as the French would say. Paris-Plages is a hot spot for relaxing in the sun and enjoying water sports. Entrance is completely free and offers an atmosphere that appeals to both adults and children.
The 2011 event is from July 21-August 21. This year marks Paris-Plages’ 10th anniversary. In celebration, the open-air venue will offer free evening concerts, tai chi, ballroom dancing, and cultural activities throughout the month. There is much to celebrate as Paris-Plages has developed extraordinarily since the founding of the event in 2002. Each season brings with it new attractions and services such as the inclusion of ferry transport between locations and pools suspended over the Seine River.
The original idea was to cater to the Parisians who weren’t able to go on holiday over the hot summer months, but Paris-Plages has become an affair that cannot be missed. Paris-Plages began singular as Paris-Plage with just one beach located on the Rive Droite near Pont de Sully. This traditional beach offers sunbathing and small pools for swimming. Today, visitors can enjoy two additional locations at the Rive Gauche and La Villette. La Villette provides a more active theme with activities such as boating and water sports. You will also often see people exercising and running up and down the beach.
If you’re dreaming of a relaxing break, Paris is the perfect getaway this summer. Paris-Plages will be greater than ever before, offering you a cultural experience and a relaxing haven whilst you are staying at a Paris apartment.
Loving Apartments is offering hot deals in July and August. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with hot deals in Paris this summer. You can also check for apartments closest to the Paris-Plages location by clicking here. Don’t miss out on a tropical summer in Paris—the place to be.
Best Location to Begin a Walk Through Paris – Jardin des Tuileries
Strolling through Paris is the best way to see the city. You can set your own pace and still have plenty of time to hit all of the must-see spots. Start your journey by spending time in a beautiful French park along the Seine River, the Jardin des Tuileries.
Finding the Jardin des Tuileries is simple from apartments in Paris as it is located in the heart of the city. It is named after “tuileries” –tile quarries that once occupied the nearby streets. Jardin des Tuileries was made by the order of Catherine de Medicis in 1564 to neighbour her new palace, Palais de Tuileries, which she built after the death of her husband, King Henry II. Still stuck to her heritage, Catherine had the Jardin des Tuileries designed in an Italian style. Of course in later years the French would hire André Le Nôtre to redesign the garden to fit the Parisian style.
The Jardin des Tuileries became the national park of the new French Republic after the French Revolution. Beginning in the 18th century, the park was used as a celebration venue for special events like the Feast Day of Saint Louis on August 25. It was then that this site became the stylish place to be in Paris. Even today, a visit to the Jardin des Tuileries is popular, but the amenities are of course enhanced.
The most recent renovation ended in 1990 and separated street traffic from the park, which creates a quite relaxing environment for guests. In 1999 modern sculptures were added and a walkway was made connecting the garden and the Orsay Museum (a convenient walking destination after the Jardin des Tuileries).
In a city like Paris, history is naturally a huge part of the Jardin des Tuileries’ mystique. Like more details on what the experience is like today?
The park is open to everyone at no charge. You may pull up a chair and enjoy the view of picturesque sculptures, basins, and fountains or walk around and take advantage of the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and the Musée de l’Orangerie, two museums within the Jardin des Tuileries. Art enthusiasts might appreciate that the latter houses the largest collection of Claude Monet’s famous water lily paintings. The Jardin des Tuileries is well worth a look as it is a short distance from apartments in Paris.
For more information on apartments in Paris, visit http://lovingapartments.com/Paris-apartments-home.html. Prefer another European destination? Visit lovingapartments.com to check out our 12 locations!
