Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur

If you have booked Apartments in Paris, you should definitely take one afternoon to visit the 18th arrondissement of the city, better known as Montmartre. Montmartre is located on one of the hills of Paris and is a very popular spot for tourists. Most people think that this is the highest part of Paris, and although this is not true, it does give you an exquisite view over the city.

Montmartre used to be a Bohemian hangout and many famous artist like Dalí, Picasso and Van Gogh used to have a studio there. It was the centre of artistic life in Paris but, as becomes clear from one of Charles Aznavour’s most famous songs, it is not what it used to be anymore. The studios and famous bars like Le Chat noir are gone but still, some parts are very nice to visit as a tourist. Place de Tetre is one of these parts. It is a small square which is filled with painters and sketchers who will try to sit you down and draw your face.
Around this square you will find some nice restaurants and most of them are affordable.

After diner it is time to go up to the Sacre Coeur, a distinctive white church that is build on top of the hill in memory of those killed during the German-French war. You can go inside the church which has a stunning decoration inside with its 48 meter high clock tower. But no matter how beautiful the building on its own is, for me it was the outside that still makes me want to return to this place; the stairs of the Sacre Coeur. The stairs are located in front of the curch and give you an impressive view over Paris, both during the day and when it gets dark. As long as the weather is not too bad you can sit down on the stairs and enjoy the neighbourhood groups playing live music over there. It is usually quite busy in the evening but it is worth trying to find a spot to sit down, especially because often, there are people walking around selling cans of beer and soda for half the price you would pay in a restaurant.

The place might be most well known by the younger generation but that does not mean persons who do not belong to this group anymore can not enjoy it. The music played is for all ages and you never get to old for a drink, music and an incredible view. So if you have booked a Paris accommodation make sure you visit this spot one day. Or even better, book Paris apartments in Montmartre and enjoy the neighbourhood every day.

Where to Shop in Barcelona

If you don’t know Barcelona, I have to say that shopping in Catalonia’s capital is one of the best shopping experiences you could have. If you’re looking for something different, something luxurious or even something cheap, Barcelona has everything for every taste. So why not take advantage?

In addition to having all of the major Spanish chains like Bershka, Stradivarius, Zara, H&M and Mango, which are definitely better in Barcelona than many other small towns or cities and offer a new kind of fashion for foreigners, Barcelona has a unique selection of Original boutiques.

Although almost every street in Barcelona has a wide selection of shops, you’ll find the main ‘high street’ on Carrer de Portaferrissa which is to the left of Las Ramblas, walking down from Plaza Cataluña. However, this road is home to most of the big chains that have around five stores each in the centre and therefore lacks somewhat in originality in comparison with the rest of the city. So if you’re looking for some originality and a true piece of Barcelonan charm, you need to do some exploring.

The most luxurious area of Barcelona is Passeig de Gracia, where you will find all of the designer stores like Gucci, Louis Vitton and Dior. Idealy, you want to find your Barcelona accommodation here. However, apartments in Barcelona aren't particularly cheap, especially on this street. There are also many hotels in Barcelona, but there aren't a great amount available on this avenue due to high demand. So book early!

For me, if you’re looking for original clothes, jewellery or well…pretty much anything, Gracia is the best place to go. This ‘barrio’ of Barcelona is the most bohemian in the entire city and the fact that there’s no shopping centre or one main high street is the secret to its charm. The small winding roads have dozens and dozens of unique boutiques that will have you salivating at the very sight of them. So, grab a pair of comfy shoes and throw yourself into some back street exploring as it’s the only way to find the best places in Barcelona.

Valentino in Paris

Stay calm girls! Don’t get over excited! They’re just dresses right? Wrong! Until the 21^st of September you can see a collection of over 200 of Valentino’s finest creations. Drool over the designs, dream about the fabric and fall for the elegance; this exhibition is dedicated to one of Italy’s most well renowned designers’ gown collection.

It is possibly every girl’s dream to wear a ‘Valentino’ and we’re all absolutely green with envy about Sarah Jessica Parker wearing that dress for Cary’s wedding in the Sex and The City film. Fair enough you won’t actually be able to wear any of them, and probably won’t get anywhere near as to be able to touch them, but who cares when you can stare at 200, that’s 200, Valentino gowns.

If you need any more persuasion, check out the official website;

http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/fr/02museemode/valentino/page02.html

Hmmm, I wonder how tight security is!!

Oh and make sure to book your Paris accommodation well in advance; whether it be a Paris hotel or an apartment in Paris, it's a beautiful city and there's no doubt you'll have a good time even if you don't like fashion.

Urban Art Tours in Paris

So, you’ve visited the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées and the Picasso Museum. Some true Parisian classics. But have you visited the real art of Paris. This may sound ridiculous, but there’s a new art emerging from the streets of Paris that doesn’t include putting a foot in a museum. Forget about the usual tourist attractions, the ones you’ve seen a million times; anyone who is truly interested in art needs to read on and learn about the best hidden secret of Paris; Urban Art.

To many, Urban Art is synonymous to vandalism. Graffiti; destruction. However, we’re not simply talking about tags (those scribbles you often see on walls) but some actual pieces of art. Graffiti has come a long way since the days when groups of fourteen year olds congregated around street corners with a can of spray paint just to write their name in an incomprehensible scribble on a backstreet wall. Urban art is about creating a statement; political, cultural and social. This is why many artists have been working on the streets for years; the pure pleasure of creating and the statement that it projects is enough for the artists. Receiving millions of dollars for a piece is not on their list of priorities, although it is a bonus and it does happen; just look at Banksy for example.

If the politics behind urban art has inspired you to discover this new world, then a trip to Paris is a real must. There is even a company that does tours of Paris’s best street art. They’ll take you around the 5th and 13th arrondissement and show you some of the most powerful graffiti you ever would have seen.


Make sure to book some Paris accommodation in the centre. Im sure that the Paris apartments near the graffiti may not be the best, so make sure to get your Paris hotel in the 'good part' of the city.

The Best of Paris Summer 08

Ok, we all agree that Paris is a fantastic place. We all agree that there’s plenty to see. We all agree that there’s plenty to do……but could there be too much? With so many festivals, concerts, parades, exhibitions and so on, it’s hard to know exactly which of them are worth spending our precious time on and which ones we’re better off giving a miss (although there is a very small amount belonging to this category). This is why I have come up with a list of what is in my opinion, the best of Paris, summer 08.

Centre National des Arts du Cirque (National circus art centre)

A circus with a difference; this big top won’t be providing Paris accommodation for any animals. Until the 16th of August, at La Villette, the Centre National des Arts du Cirque will be showing off their new talent in their big top. Choreographer and dancer, Fatou Traoré will be introducing 9 artists from the 19th class of the academy and together they will be performing the ‘Part du Loup’ (the wolf’s share). This original spectacle is a mixture of dance and acrobatics where the performers will be dangling mid air throughout most of the show.

Fête de Ganesh

The La Chapelle district of Paris, in the 18th arrondissement (or district) will be celebrating for the 13th year, its annual Indian parade. Just like London has its Jamaican carnival, Paris has its Indian. Ganesh, the elephant god, is celebrated through dance and music; a grand opening is had, with a very bright and noisy parade, filled with dancers and musicians. The main event of the day is the parade including a flower filled float, presenting Ganesh; coconuts are smashed on the floor as a symbol of world harmony. Bollywood is in town on the 31st of August, don’t miss it!

Les Fêtes de Versailles

Don’t miss these series of events that will be taking place until the 13th of September. Well, what can you say about this festival? Or better said, festivals. Les Fêtes de Versailles is a series of events that happen over a three month period and showcase some very spectacular events. It’s almost guaranteed that no matter what time you come to Paris between the start and end date, there’ll be an event for you. Choose between equestrian shows, ballets, picnics and musical concerts.

Go on! The city and its numerous Paris hotels and Paris apartments are awaiting; don’t miss the magic this summer.

Sales, sales……..AT PARIS!!

It’s started, they’ve arrived……the famous Paris sales are here.

All the major brand stores are ready and there’s an incredible amount to so. Good deals….all the little things that you’ve had your eyes on for months…..that incredible handbag and those beautiful shoes from the shop window, they’re all worth taking your time and making the most of the sales. If you don’t live in the centre, its worth staying in a little Paris apartment in order to make the most of this once a year event.

The radio stations are talking about them, the television is showing adverts, and all the shop windows are dressed in vivid decoration with fantastic yellows, greens and fluorescents, displayed in a way that’ll make you want to throw yourselves at them. The bags have changed to have SALES written all over them, the walls are mounted with advertisements of the magic word….there are even information points with the best routes and SALE guides!! It’s incredible…there’s advice on where to go and what to buy. Addicts….shoppaholics… get ready, go!

For those of you who don’t know Paris very well, an artistic, cultural touristic and romantic city, the sales are a great time to go. The main attractions include the Arc de Triomphe, the beautiful Eiffel Tower, and Napoleon’s tomb (only to be seen while walking from one shop to the other and in-between glasses of wine on the terrace). The region of Ile de France remains one of the most visited in France.

The endless boutiques, the beautiful districts, the churches, the monuments, the gardens and the numerous museums (the Louvre, Orsay, Picasso, Rodin and more) represent the architectural and artistic diversity of this world famous city. It’s time to experience it for yourself and make our own blog. Go on; a train, a low cost flight…you’re only a short hop away from Paris (or 23hours at the most ;) ). Get going and reserve your Paris hotel; this city waits for no one.

Paris nightlife! I won’t even begin to talk about this theme as I’d literally be here all night, and I have bars, restaurants and clubs to go to! Just to get you going, there are cabarets such as the Moulin Rouge, The can-can and the boat rides along the Seine. This is all without mentioning Versailles and its splendid castle, sumptuously decorated and Chantilly, Vincennes and a multitude of other fantastic areas.

Going to the sales is a real sport, so kit yourself out with comfortable shoes, stock up on food and get ready to cue for the changing rooms with dozens of other people, all trying on the same thing. You’ll have to get up really early to get the best buys of the day. Eat well and come armed with a bottle of water and a snack in one hand and your money in the other and your set to go. Make sure to plan your Paris accommodation well ahead and remember to take advantage of the lovely Parisian cafes and patisseries and take a coffee break between every three shops.

Have fun!

Destination Paris

This summer is all about culture. Forget the beach, the package holidays and the sangria; this summer is all about city destinations. Paris is the ideal location to spend your summer; jam packed with culture and even a beach (yes I did say beach, check it out on my blog), Paris can offer you much more than most destinations. Forget the typical holiday accommodation you usually find, Paris accommodation is different. Most Paris hotels will ensure that your visit to the French capital is unforgettable; this is your chance to really be spoilt. If you prefer a more traditional, homely feeling, a Paris apartment will give you the experience of actually living in this wonderful city for the duration of your stay. As a back up to this incredibly enthusiastic appraisal of Paris, I’ve chosen three activities that I will most certainly be attending and think you should to (you could call them three very good reasons if you like).

At Paris’s Salle Saint-Jean de Hôtel de Ville, you will get the exciting opportunity to visit the Grace Kelly exhibition. Understandably, the exhibition is only exiting if you actually like Grace Kelly but in all seriousness, who doesn’t? The exhibition is only on for a limited time and will be showcasing on its way back from Monaco on the 10th of June to the 16th of August. Here, you will learn about the star’s history through anecdotes, photos and movie memorabilia. Furthermore, for any fashion fanatics, her wedding gown and other dresses that she wore on the red carpet and in the films will be on display. I for one can’t wait.

The ‘Cinéma au clair de lune' festival returns this year and promises to be as special as ever. Different ‘quartieres’ show open air screenings of specially selected films during the whole event. The main screenings will be shown at the ‘Parc André-Citroën’, with further projections being held at the ‘Butte de Montmartre’ and the ‘Parc de Choisy’, therefore stretching to every corner of the city. Every year, the festival celebrates a different theme, and this year will be the year of European cinema. Around 300-500 people can come along and watch some of the highly acclaimed films such as Woody Allen’s ‘Match Point’ and Pedro Almodovar’s ‘High Heels’. The atmosphere in these open air screenings really is electric; you can bring rugs and picnics and enjoy the night relaxing with friends.

My final must see event is the Arènes de Montmartre Festival. This travelling theatre will be coming to Paris on the 13th of August for three weeks and will be showcasing the comical work of the Italian masters of comedy and street performance. This year’s performances will be coming from the Mystère Bouffe Theatre Company who are said to be amongst the best in Europe and are very strong competitors amongst world wide talent.