Tagged: Paris apartments
The Ultimate Parisian Experience…
Experience an unforgettable stay in Paris by treating yourself to a stay in one of our beautiful, hand-picked, luxury apartments.
Georges V, Stunning Parisian Home.
This beautiful 2 bedroom apartment is located in a classified 1800s stone building close to the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and near the famous Georges V hotel. The Eiffel Tower is 15 minutes walk. Louvre Museum and the Invalides are at a 20 minutes walk.
This luxurious apartment has been decorated with the utmost care. It is filled with original antiques Louis XV and Louis XVI, French Savonnerie carpets, top of the line appliances, luxury linens and more.
Sorbonne Nouvelle, Luxury Modern Paris Apartment in a Great Location.
Sorbonne Nouvelle, Luxury Modern Paris Apartment in a Great Location.
This luxurious apartment is ideally located just 200 yards from the Notre Dame Cathedral, in the heart of the Latin Quarter. One of the most extraordinary districts of Paris. It is located just off the Boulevard Saint Germain, the left banks’ most famous thoroughfare and home to a number of famous cafes, residences, boutiques and bookshops. The famous River Seine is just moments away.
The Latin Quarter is famous for the Sorbonne and it’s students, it’s maze of narrow cobbled streets, ethnic shops and avant garde theatres and cinemas.
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
10 Free Things To Do In Paris
Forget Paris’ reputation for being one of the most expensive places in Europe to visit; we at Loving Apartments offer great value rental apartments and suggest things you can do for free in the city of love:
- Spending time at the Gothic masterpiece of Notre-Dame Cathedral really is a must. You can bask in the beauty of its architecture; increase your knowledge with a summer tour; and, enjoy one of the spectacular sound and vision night shows – all for free.
- Wend your way along the many beautiful trails and paths in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont. There are so many outstanding features and gardens here that you might forget you are in urban Paris. If you have a head for heights, take the 22 metre high suspension bridge to the belvedere of Sybil – a temple folly that sits atop a craggy peak overlooking the park.
- Visit Galeries Lafayette, which since opening nearly 120 years ago has become an institution for fashionable Parisians. The urge to spend will be strong in this amazing art nouveau building but if you reserve a place at one of the free fashion shows held there each Friday afternoon, you may just be distracted long enough to forget about spending money.
- Walk barefoot on the sands of Paris-Plages. Every summer artificial beaches spring up along the river Seine. Topless sunbathing is a no-no, as is taking a dip in the river but feeling the sand between your toes and the cool breeze from the Seine makes this a perfect chill-out spot.
- Take a walk through the quietest neighbourhood in Paris – Père Lachaise Cemetery. Well, the incumbents are quiet but each year literally hundreds of thousands of visitors ensure that this cemetery is a place for the living. See the final resting places of: novelist, Oscar Wilde; singer, Édith Piaf; American lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison and many other famous residents.
- On the first Sunday of every month you can wallow in the sophistication of the Louvre for free. It’s a great opportunity to visit one of the most famous art galleries in the world and get up close to the most enigmatic smile in history – Mona Lisa’s.
- You don’t need to don a white lab coat on a visit to The Curie Museum but the tour will bring you much closer to understanding the achievements of famous husband and wife scientists Pierre and Marie Curie.
- Comfy shoes at the ready for a fantastic three-and-a-half hour walking tour of Paris. These tours may be free but your guide’s knowledge is priceless. As well as seeing some of the most famous sights of the city, you will discover parts you didn’t know existed. Tours are held daily at 11:00 and 13:00, meeting beside the fountain at Place Saint Michel.
- Take in the artistic wonders of the Centre Pompidou for free on the first Sunday of every month or any day if you are under 26 and from the EU. Like the Lloyd’s building in London, the Centre Pompidou looks like it has been turned inside out: unlike Lloyd’s, it houses a huge collection of 20th century art.
- Walk the Place des Vosges and you’ll be following in the footsteps of some of Paris’ most famous and influential citizens. This perfectly proportioned square is the oldest in the city and amongst its famous residents was Victor Hugo, the writer of ‘Les Misérables’. As a bonus, when you’ve taken in the symmetrical beauty of the square you can also visit the permanent exhibits in Hugo’s house for free.
Why not book a Paris holiday apartment now and start sightseeing for free?
Win 2 nights for up to 4 Guests in Paris
Whether you’re looking for long romantic strolls, late night parties, theatre plays, shopping, concerts or sporting occasions, Paris is the perfect destination. In ‘the Capital of Lights’ there is always something going on, events take place all year round and history awaits you at every corner. So if Paris was on your bucket list for this year, make sure you enter our latest competition to win a 2 night stay in a bright Parisian apartment.
Just moments away from Champs Elysees Boulevard, Place de la Concorde and Eglise St Augustin, Elysees Walk#2 Apartment is the perfect home away from home. Furnished with care and style, the apartment provides an open plan living, dining and kitchen area, double bedroom and bathroom, all well-equipped. The only thing you have to worry about is allowing time to visit and revel in the very best Paris has to offer.
After a long day of enjoying all the wonderful sights of Paris, you can relax over a glass of wine at the restaurants and cafes surrounding Elysees Walk#2 Apartment or you can go on exploring the shops and boutiques that compliment the area.
The competition is running from 31st of Jul – 31st of August. To enter, simply answer the question and complete your full name and email address. Entry is via our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/LovingApartments?v=app_190322544333196
Good luck!
Superb Spring City Break Getaways
Spring is the perfect season for a weekend city break or long holiday in Europe. The climate is mild enough to explore at your leisure without sweating profoundly, yet warm enough to sit out and enjoy a coffee or glass of chilled cava in the spring sun. Flora and fauna come alive in the various parklands dotted around the city, creating some colourful and vibrant photo opportunities. All in all, spring is a lovely time to visit Europe, and here are just a few cities that are particularly dazzling during this flourishing season.
1. Barcelona – Not that Barcelona requires spring shades to brighten up its already colourful exterior, but it certainly looks beautiful during the season. Its dormant beaches come alive in March with people strolling along the promenades and sand, and some even daring to dip a toe in the still chilly waters. Wildlife is in full bloom in Barcelona’s Guell Park, and Parc de la Ciutadella, and you can admire over 2,000 types of roses at the Cervantes Rose Garden in the heart of the city. Enjoy a drink on the balcony of your Barcelona apartment, or soak up the rays on the terrace of one of the city’s many cafes and bars. If you’re visiting over Easter, be sure not to miss the Easter parade outside Plaça Sant Agustí that takes place on Good Friday.
2. Paris – Spring is a desirable time in Paris for those travellers looking to capture the city’s iconic landmarks in their most idyllic setting – surrounded by colourful flowers, adding a splash of colour for picture-perfect photographs. Enjoy the spring sunshine cruising down the River Seine admiring some of Paris’ much-loved landmarks, such as Invalides, The Eiffel Tower, and The Louvre. Stroll around Jardin des Tuileries – a spectacular and impeccably maintained garden located in the centre of Paris.
3. Budapest – Already considered one of the most attractive cities in Europe, spring only accentuates Budapest’s existing beauty. Budapest has some exquisite architecture that can be explored on foot, or by meandering down the River Danube on a lunch or dinner cruise. Visit an outdoor thermal spring, in spring, and see if you experience any of the therapeutic and healing capabilities they are believed to have. The tranquil haven of Margaret Island is a fantastic place to visit in fine weather, with calming water fountains and a variety of flower gardens, which are especially impressive during spring. This car-free oasis can be reached from mainland Budapest apartments by crossing over bridges on either end of the island. A horse drawn carriage ride can be a special way to explore the island fully.
Beating the January Blues
With the festive season in full swing and Christmas now tantalisingly close, it won’t be long before we’re throwing out used wrapping paper and eating leftover turkey sandwiches. However, you can avoid the post-Christmas blues by booking an exciting holiday and give yourself something to look forward to going into January and beyond. The winter season might be upon us, but there’ll be no frosty reception waiting for you in any of these fun and friendly destinations.
Zermatt
It may be cold outside but that only means it’s the perfect time to go skiing or snowboarding here in Zermatt. Even if you’ve never been before, you can have beginner’s lessons to ensure you’re not on thin ice or that you get cold feet when it comes to the slopes, whereas there’s more advanced slopes if you’re feeling particularly confident. Zermatt’s landscape is particularly stunning and sure to take your breath away. The mountain peaks, particularly the Breithorn which stands tall at 4,000 metres, offer a tranquil and peaceful backdrop when you’re exploring the area. Zermatt’s natural wonders will certainly lift your spirits after the Christmas season and give you the chance to experience the holiday of a lifetime.
Paris
Is there any better way to put a smile on your face than the Disneyland theme park in Paris? Disneyland truly is one of the most magical attractions in the world, leaving the whole family feverishly excited for weeks on end. The park is open every day throughout January and beyond, with both the Euro Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Parks available for you to enjoy, as well as all the other entertainment the village offers. Disneyland Paris truly is the perfect antidote to the January blues and will have you excited for the weeks and adventures ahead.
Amsterdam
Although Amsterdam is a great city to visit all year round, if you’re looking for a more relaxing holiday this could be the one for you. On the clearer days you can go for winter walks around the city and see some of its serene canals and parks which are famously beautiful. However, if the weather gets to you too much you can always keep warm in the array of cafés throughout the city and be entertained by its cultural attractions such as its museums. If you’re looking for a quick and cheap weekend break to lighten your mood, Amsterdam is perfect and will ensure you’re soon in high spirits.
Although Christmas will soon be behind us, there’s no need to be down about it. Instead, book one of our Holiday Apartments today and give yourself something to look forward to beyond this winter.
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.
