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HomeTown Paris blog offers you a selection of articles devoted to the destination Paris, its news, culture, activities and of course, its people

News

A magical atmosphere in Paris for the end-of-year celebrations

7 years ago - Pauline P.

The end-of-year celebrations are approaching, and the capital takes its finery. Discover what Paris has to offer for a more magical and wonderful Christmas... Dreamlike Illuminations The City of Light bears its name even better at the end of the year, and a stroll at nightfall takes you on a magical journey. Follow our stunning itinerary: Start your walk on the Grands Boulevards: the department stores of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps will amaze young and old with their illuminated façades and their window displays with hundreds of puppets and automatons each year. Do not miss the inside of the Galeries Lafayette and the giant Christmas tree of 20 meters high, a true work of art on its own. Walk down from Rue Tronchet to Place de la Madeleine, where luxury caterers compete to showcase festive delicacies. After the church of La Madeleine, take rue Royale and do not miss the “Village Royal”, a small illuminated passage where you will find luxury boutiques. Further down, you will come to the illustrious “Place de la Concorde”, where the Ferris wheel is waiting for you to discover Paris from above. The panorama on the Champs Elysees, the Tuileries and the Louvre is superb, but cover yourself well, it is very cold once up there! End your walk with the Champs Elysées big Christmas market and admire the illuminations of the most beautiful avenue in the world. A classic itinerary but one that will make you discover the best of the Parisian spirit of Christmas. Museums in celebration Two events not to be missed during this holiday season: The nave of the Grand Palais hosts an exceptional event each year. One of two years, it turns into a covered fun fair. Great wheel, carrousel and other iconic rides take place under the illustrious canopy of the Grand Palais, a masterpiece of architecture. The following year, the nave becomes a gigantic Ice palace, hosting the largest indoor ice rink in the world! events to be enjoyed during a nocturnal opening for even more magic... In 2016, le Grand Palais des Glaces, from 14/12 to 2/01 We have already told you about it, but we are really big fans of the musée des Arts Forains near Bercy. And the end of the year is the only period when this magnificent collection of art forain dating from the 18th century to present day; is open to the general public, without reservation. Have fun with family on these rides of another time... Festival du Merveilleux, from 26 December 2016 to 02 January 2017 Delicious and luxurious delights After a long walk in the cold, nothing like a gourmet break to warm up. And to rejoice your pupils, give in to the delicious tea times of Parisian palaces, you will be dazzled by the festive atmosphere of these exceptional establishments. At the Peninsula: the classic tea-time of this palace transforms during the holidays into "Christmas Tea Time". A jazz orchestra and a children's choir accompany this great luxury cocooning moment, where mignardises, exceptional log and rare teas will delight your taste buds. 55 € per person, from 15h to 18h At the Shangri La: 100% vegan tea and 100% delicious, this is the originality of the Shangri-La palace in Paris. No animal protein but flavors that will explode in your mouth that’d be as well for the 3 pastries, biscuits and mini-sandwiches that accompany the excellent Sri Lankan teas from Dilmah. 45 € per person, from 15h30 to 17h30 At the Buddha Bar: mini truffle burger, foie gras cake and smoked salmon brioche, this is a salted and refined entrée that proposes the Buddha Bar for its Christmas tea time. Then  2 delicious pastries to choose from, accompanied with a hot drink, in the comforting atmosphere of the bar Le Quatre. 28 € per person, from 15h to 18h every day except Sunday.

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A magical atmosphere in Paris for the end-of-year celebrations

A magical atmosphere in Paris for the end-of-year celebrations

Culture & Art

Paris, Capital of Cabarets

7 years ago - Pauline P.

The symbols of glamor and festive spirits are tied to the French capital; the Parisian cabarets make tourists from all around the world dream of coming here. Revue, burlesque, circus, magic... there's something for everyone, with a common denominator: the happiness of having fun and filling ourselves with wonder all together! The Paradis Latin, The oldest Parisian cabaret Founded in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Paradis Latin is at the time the most popular place in the capital. Its history is closely linked to the cultural life of Paris: many artists, intellectuals, politicians, and journalists would go there; Balzac, Dumas father and son and even Mérimée are regulars, but it is Gustave Eiffel, figure of the Parisian landscape, who rebuilt this cabaret after a fire, all at the same time he was building the iconic Eiffel Tower for the 1889 universal exhibition. After a long period of closure and abandonment of the premises, from 1894 to 1977, the Paradis Latin is reborn once more to host music hall revues, shows combining songs, magic and circus acts. The cabaret has regained the splendor of its debut, attracting more than ever the immense crowds... The Paradis Latin, 28 rue du Cardinal Lemoine 75005 Paris. Diner at 20h, show at 21h30 The Moulin Rouge, From the Belle Epoque to present day At the foot of the Butte Montmartre, a place of celebration and art since the end of the 19th century, the Moulin Rouge reinvented the spectacle in 1889, with extravagant magic and circus numbers. Then the revues debut, and the biggest names of the French scene begin and firm their success on the stage of the Moulin Rouge: Goulue, Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier then later Edith Piaf, Yves Montand or Charles Aznavour. This Cabaret welcomed the Queen of England for a private show, and multiplied the gala soirées, inviting the greatest international stars: Liza Minelli, Ray Charles and Elton John who performed on this mythical scene. A myth that lasts until today, with revues that are regularly produce abroad, and a French Cancan that is always and still is iconic. The Moulin Rouge, 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris. Diner at 19h, show at 21h or 23h The Lido, Glitter and Glamor on the Champs Elysées On the Champs Elysees, the most beautiful avenue in the world, The Lido opened its doors in 1946, and from then on, all spectators from all over the world are dazzled with the extravagant costumes and talented dancers that perform there. The Bluebell Girls company has become a true myth: these dancers with endless legs (they must measure at least 1.75m to be able to integrate in this troop) and of legendary elegance offer each evening an exceptional representation. 200 kilos of feathers, an ice rink, 300,000 bottles of champagne a year... the Lido is the temple of excess, to delight and astonish all spectators. The Lido, 116 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris. Diner at 19h, show at 21h or 23h The Crazy Horse, strip-tease glamor in Paris A true temple of chic eroticism, the Crazy Horse was created in the 50's to renew the genre of the cabaret, mixing the art of striptease with polished and sophisticated aesthetics. Dazzling heels, fringed wigs and exaggerated false eyelashes, the dancers of the Crazy Horse are plucked into an atmosphere of shadows and lights. Guest-stars are regularly invited to join the troop, to make the show even more unforgettable... The Crazy Horse, 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris

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Paris, Capital of Cabarets

Paris, Capital of Cabarets

Shopping

Our favorite places to adopt Parisian chic

7 years ago - Pauline P.

American, Japanese, Brazilian... all over the world, women agree that the French, especially Parisian women, have this "something " that makes them stylish for any occasion. A falsely neglected look, crazy heels or denim sneakers, a relaxed attitude but always refined... The Parisian woman seems comfortable everywhere, free and liberated from conventions. To find the icons of this inimitable style, follow our guide to the best shops and the little known essential places that make the style of the Parisians... Le Bon Marché, The absolute must of Parisians If Parisians have gradually deserted The Galeries Lafayette and the Printemps, foreigners visiting Paris have made it their favorite shopping destination. But Parisians have remained faithful to the only department store on the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché. Founded in 1852, Le Bon Marché at the time revolutionized the business world by offering an unparalleled selection to its customers as well as highly innovative commercial methods. Today, this department store remains unique in Paris and is positioned as the most selective address of the capital, combining art with fashion, design to beauty and to gastronomy. Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, 24 rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris From Monday to Saturday: 10h to 20h. Until 20h45 on Thursdays and Fridays L'Exception, 100% French select store Located in the heart of the new Canopée des Halles, the concept store “L'Exception” combines the best of French design: designers, ready-to-wear, leather goods, accessories ... the forefront of the independent French fashion meets the icons of the "French art of living." From the timeless elegance of Carven to the bucolic Cacharel, to the rock style of Jerome Dreyfuss and the ethnic chic Kenzo, all styles are represented, but always with the same concern for quality and made in France. For Homeware; ambient candles and decorative items are well so attractive they get easily bought  and brought to regain some of that “Frenchie” spirit, for home... L’Exception, Canopée du Forum des Halles, 24 rue Berger, 75001 Paris From Monday to Saturday: 10h to 20h, and Sunday from 11h to 19h Ines de la Fressange, The chic Parisian boutique A true Icon of Parisian style worldwide, Ines de la Fressange embodies since over 30 years the uninhibited chic of the Capital: free, spiritual, funny, relaxed but still refined, she has alternately dazzled the Chanel catwalk, in which she was the muse during the 80s, she fascinated young women with collections she created for big brands such as Uniqlo or Bensimon. By publishing the bestseller “La Parisienne” in 2010, she became the fashion guru to thousands of young women, who have rushed to shops she’s recommended. What more natural for her then to combine in her own shop her designs and her favorite ready-to-wear creations as well as favorite decorations, well in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés? Fashion, leather goods, accessories, decorations ... the selection is always at point and of high quality. Inès de la Fressange Paris, 24 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris Open from Monday to Saturday: 11h-19h Officine Universelle Buly, Dive in the Paris of Balzac This is an atypical place nestled in the 6th arrondissement, both quaint and innovative: the Officine Universelle Buly, created in 1787 rises from the ashes and combines the old tradition of French luxury with the latest cosmetic innovations. In a shop all dressed in marble, lined from floor to ceiling of large candy jars containing rare and mysterious powders and oils, we plunge with delight into the Paris of Balzac and Flaubert, and discover natural cosmetics and ancestral beauty accessories. A real trip back in time at the service of beauty! Officine Universelle Buly, 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris Open on Mondays: 11h – 19h, from Tuesday to Saturday: 10h00 – 19h00

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Our favorite places to adopt Parisian chic

Our favorite places to adopt Parisian chic

Secrets

Insider tips: discover the Paris of Parisians

7 years ago - Pauline P.

During a first visit to Paris, there is of course the inevitable: the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, Ladurée and the Lido. We have that tourist look because we are tourists, with a camera around our neck, a backpack ... But we would love to be there as connoisseurs and share with our friends those classified places, to play along as the expert that knows the capital like the back of his hand. For this, nothing is better than to make an appointment with a native: Parisians, the real Parisians! A species that often runs through the metro underground, or that zigzags along the boulevards in their Vélib, but who also loves their city so much that they act as expert ambassadors of it. Come and meet these people who put their time and passion into the city of Paris for the benefit of visitors and to guide travelers to discover their favorite spots... Greeters Paris, for strolls off the beaten tracks The Volunteers from the Association “Greeters Paris” are passionate people who will take you on a walk to their favorite areas of the capital. Here, we do not reserve a tour for a specific area, but give information about the interesting parts (architecture, gardens, history, shopping) to let our guide take us on a tour according to our preferences. A way to discover the real Paris of Parisians, in groups of 1 to 6 people! Ciwi, A network of generous Parisians and great places Ciwi which stands for “Can I Welcome You”, is the first network of Parisian ambassadors serving French and foreign visitors. All week, a meeting between Parisians and tourists is organized in a bar in the city, to exchange advice and "good tips". Group walks are also organized during local events like “Nuit Blanche” (contemporary art event throughout the city) or the Night of Museums. A digital city guide is also available on the website, with original routes, good deals and discounts in partner shops. Something to have to finally get to know Paris inside out! VizEat, A great deal to eat at a local’s house To discover Paris from the inside, nothing is better than to invite yourself to have dinner at a Parisians place! This is what the VizEat application offers; it connects visitors and residents willing to open their doors for an evening. A different way to discover French cooking, to share good ideas on the menu and for a convivial evening as well as a delicious one. VizEat also organizes market tours and cooking classes, to discover the French capital in another way... BubbleGlobe, Unusual activities to discover Paris in another way Visit Chinatown with a local, discover the best Paris rooftops, go around and visit the best Parisian pastries... many classified visits that are difficult to organize on your own. So follow BubbleGlobe, true experts of Paris, for a half-day or a full day of exciting discoveries. Get off the beaten track and experience Paris from the inside; your stay will be even more memorable!

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Insider tips: discover the Paris of Parisians

Insider tips: discover the Paris of Parisians

Kids

Family walks: the most unusual museums in Paris

7 years ago - Pauline P.

When going on family trips, its not easy to compose a sightseeing and walking program that appeals to everyone... The classical museums, very few for children, the rides and play areas, parents get tired quick ! To reconcile young and old, follow our guide to unusual museums of Paris: there is something for everyone! The Museum of Magic Nestled in the heart of the Marais, one of the most pleasant districts of the capital, the Museum of Magic should delight the whole family, young and old alike, amateurs and novices ... It offers a journey into the world of the great illusionists from the 18th Century to present: accessories, tricked objects, posters, optical illusions ... adjoin in the museum, where it is difficult to disentangle fact from fiction. A magic show ends the visit, to take your full attention and fuel up long family discussions! Opens: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 14:00 to 19:00 throughout the year, including July and August. Open daily during Paris school vacations (All Saints day, Christmas, winter and spring). The Musée de l’art ludique Newcomer to the Parisian culture, the playful art museum was inaugurated in 2013 in the new building of the Docks (cité de la mode et du design), the fluorescent green floating pavilion on the Seine in the 13th arrondissement. Manga, comics, animated films, video games ... It presents these new arts, an effective pathway to contemporary art. Parents and children can discover these masterpieces that make todays culture, through temporary exhibitions of high quality. After Pixar, Marvel and Blue Sky studios who is behind the Ice Age saga, it is now the Walt Disney studio that will be honored soon for a complete retrospective from the 1920s to present day and will engineer the creative genius of this iconic studio. Open every day except Tuesday, hours available on the website. The musée des arts forains     Children of all ages will have their eyes that shine while discovering the musée des arts forains, nestled in the Pavilions of Bercy. This dream world is full of rides, entertainment objects and rare items that are available to visitors in a truly enchanting place. It is a former antique dealer and broker, Jean Paul Favand, who gathered and staged this unique collection covering the history of the shows and the carnivals from the 1850s to the present. From his imagination this musem show is born without limits, which invites visitors to experience the excessiveness and the vibrant Paris of the Belle Epoque. A trip back in time! Open all year to individuals and groups with reservations. Le Manoir de Paris Sensitive souls refrain ! This is not for children but for teenagers and adults that have tough hearts that the Manoir de Paris caters to, a unique place described as the "first Haunted show in France". In a listed building of the 10th arrondissement, the Manoir de Paris offers visitors a dive in their worst nightmares: 35 professional actors, in makeup and costumes that are more than realistic, who scare during a visit of theses horror sights. Serial killers, zombies and horrific clowns await you on the other side of the gates of hell... Open all year round on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on weekdays during school holidays. Not recommended for children under 12, you may find more information on the website.

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Family walks: the most unusual museums in Paris

Family walks: the most unusual museums in Paris