Paris Muse

Coffee for one euro or less is not something one would associate with Paris, but it exists. Until now these rare places have been the well-guarded secret of in-the-know caffeine junkies, but Paris.fr decided to crowdsource on Twitter and Facebook, and compile a list of all the places in Paris one can still get a cup of joe without paying off-the-charts Parisian prices. Below is a map, so try to find a cafe near you and support this worthy cause!

via paris.fr

It’s the time of year when France celebrates its birth as a modern nation and its revolutionary roots. If you can brave the crowds and endure the wait required to obtain a prized spot, the fireworks show is absolutely spectacular when viewed from near the Eiffel Tower. This year the Bastille Day musical theme is Disco years (70s – 80s) – see the soundtrack here (pdf).

Starting at around 10:45 pm, and lasting approximately 30 minutes, the fireworks will be set off from the Trocadero gardens. To make the most of the fireworks show, it is advisable to be on the opposite shore (side Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel). Le parvis des droits de l’Homme (court of human rights) at Place du Trocadéro is also an ideal place to enjoy the fireworks.

To watch the fireworks in the best conditions, it is strongly advisable to come early and be patient. Avoid taking your car or bus: Metro and RER are by far the best way to get there. Similarly, all the Vélib ‘stations around the Champs de Mars will be empty and inaccessible. Note that in the course of the evening, many metro stations will be closed gradually.

Re-visiting an older post of ours, if you’re not inclined to head to the Champ de Mars and endure the crowds, here are some other vantage points around the city:

Restaurant Georges
Boasting some of the finest panoramic views of Paris, this is a great (if somewhat pricey) setting from which to view the show. It is located in the famous “inside-out” building, aka the Pompidou Centre, Paris’ best-known modern art museum.

Passerelle Debilly
This footbridge bestriding the Seine is near the Eiffel Tower. Great scenery and beautiful reflections in the water of the spectacle. (see on Google maps)

Place de Breteuil
In the 7th arrondissement, Place de Breteuil is a square near the Duroc metro station. From here you get a clear view of the Eiffel Tower. It could be the place to go if you want to see the show and avoid the crowds in the more popular destinations. (see on Google maps)

Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Nestled the 19th arrondissement, this is one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, and from here you can enjoy the spectacle while relaxing in the splendor of the grass on a hillside. (see on Google maps)

Sacré-Coeur
From this high vantage point in the 18th arrondissement you will have great panoramic views of the lights in the sky; but be forewarned: the area around the Sacré-Coeur will likely be crowded as this is a popular area with tourists. Get there early.

Sapeurs Pompiers (Fire Brigade) of Paris

Just in case, here is a handy list of contact information for police, medical care and fire services in Paris.

Police

• Police emergency: 17

To report a crime which requires the immediate intervention of the police (violence, attack, mugging, burglary, etc.)
The list of police stations in Paris

Fire brigade
What numbers can you call in Paris in the event of fire?
Free emergency numbers:

• Fire brigade: 18
• European emergency n°: 112 – This number allows you to report a dangerous situation or an accident involving property or people. It allows the fire brigade to intervene (fire, gas leak, burning, electrocution, traffic accident, etc.)

Contact details and additional information:
Brigade de sapeurs Pompiers de Paris (BSPPP – Paris Fire Brigade)
Fire prevention

Emergency medical numbers

• SAMU (emergency medical assistance): 15 – This emergency service offers a permanent medical hotline to provide the right response for each call: medical advice, private ambulance, general practitioner, etc.
• Emergency number for the deaf and hard of hearing: 114

Hospital emergency services
Several hospitals provide emergency services. Find all the contact details in Paris and its inner suburbs.
Emergency service for adults
Emergency service for children
Emergency maternity service

(via paris.fr)

Paris has a lot to offer in the way of culture, with over 140 museums covering almost any topic you can think of. One needs time to see just a handful of them, not to mention money to cover all of the entrance fees. The good news is that there are many that open their doors free to the public, everyday, year-round. Below we’ve provided an extensive list of 23 excellent cultural attractions you can visit without breaking your budget.

Free entrance

Arènes de Lutèce

Along with the Thermes de Cluny, the Arènes de Lutèce are the only vestige left of the early Romans of Lutèce. This former amphitheater, likely first constructed in the first century AD, and reconstructed again in the 6th century, could contain more than 15000 people. The ruins were discovered at the end of the 18th century, and thanks to its classification as a Historical Monument, the Arènes de Lutèce can now be visited everyday for free.

Practical info

Musée de la Préfecture de Police

Located in the fifth arrondissement police headquarters, the Le musée de la préfecture de police traces the history of the Paris police from the the epoch of L’ancien régime to today. 2000 unique objects are presented that evoke the history of Paris.

Practical info

Continue reading “List of Free Museums in Paris” »

Sandcastles along the Seine for Paris Plages 2011

August is here! This month you have plenty of activities all across the city to partake in. Until August 21 you have Paris Plages, the 10th annual edition of this successful event originally started by Paris’ innovative mayor, Bertrand Delanoe. There’s quite a variety of events on hand, from tai chi along the quai de la Seine, to sandcastle building along the Seine. For some historical perspective you can always check out the free exhibition at the Hotel de Ville, Paris sur Seine. Theater and music? Mais qui ! Check out our post on Paris quartier d’ete for full program information.

There are also two open air film festivals; a great opportunity to enjoy the wonderful parks and plazas of Paris while watching contemporary and classic movies (mostly in V.O. of course). You have the Cinéma en plein air taking place in Parc de Villette and Cinema au Clair de Lune taking place in various locations around the city.

Without question, during the month of August gather some of your meilleurs amis and relax in some of the city’s best parks. You’re in for some great sunsets!

We would be remiss if we failed to mention all of the exhibitions on offer in Paris during the month of August. Aside from the excellent permanent exhibitions in museums like the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou, there are many temporary exhibitions which you can see.

Here’s a list of temporary Paris exhibitions in August.

Tip: Next Sunday many museums also open their doors free to the public. See the full list here.

We’ll be posting many other tips for things to do in August, so keep checking in, and enjoy the summer!

Photo: AFP Joel Saget

My mom recently got back from visiting me in Paris, and, despite taking the precaution of turning off roaming on her iPhone, she was slapped with a $600 phone bill. The culprit? Push Notifications; those little beeps or vibrations you get when you receive an email.

You should have those turned off anyway because they needlessly drain your battery. If you want to check your email you can just do it manually, instead of having the phone constantly ping the cell network to see if you’ve received new messages. Notifications are also used in games and social apps. Again, just turn these notifications off when traveling.

These are the four basic steps you need to take when traveling with your iPhone:

Continue reading “iPhone settings for your Paris trip” »