Tartempion restaurant is located in Montmartre on Rue du Mont Cenis which is just off the famous Place du Tertre. It’s one of the many restaurants which are in the area and around the square. Like many occasions during short Paris breaks when there’s not much time to choose, it can be difficult to decide where to eat from the many options available. In any case, I’d definitely recommend Tartempion, especially if you like duck salad.which is what I ordered. It’s a combination of duck leg and smoked duck served with fresh salad, bread and washed down with a nice glass of wine. I’ll be back!
paris-breaks
Paris Breaks Restaurants – Tartempion
January 9th, 2010 · No Comments · Montmartre, paris-breaks, restaurants
→ No CommentsTags: Breaks·duck salad·Montmartre·paris·place du tertre·restaurant·restaurants·wine
Happy New Year from Paris Breaks
December 31st, 2009 · No Comments · paris-breaks
Paris Breaks blog wishes everybody a Happy New Year for 2010 and we hope you get to visit Paris as many times as you’d want to next year.
During 2009 we posted twenty three times on the Paris breaks blog, and focused many of them on the different arrondissements of Paris.
→ No CommentsTags: arrondissement·arrondissements of paris·break·Breaks·happy new year·paris
April Paris Breaks
December 12th, 2009 · No Comments · paris, paris-breaks, photography, sights
LindaH’s picture on Flickr about April Paris Breaks manages to capture the idea of getting totally involved with paris by not wanting to take a camera. There’s a map of Paris on which are cards from the Hotel Le Petit Trianon, A Breton cafe where you can eat gallettes and breton cider, and a few other mementos from a short break easter holiday in Paris.
Lot’s of people do take cameras though, and that’s fine too. Both approaches work for me. Sometimes I must admit I do like to take lots of pictures, especially when chugging along on thr Batobus for example, or in a dramatic visual environment such as la Defense. But I do get the point about living in the moment and getting totally immersed in Paris breaks as if it were part of a lifestyle rather than just a holiday. In any case, holidays anywhere, not just in Paris, are to be savoured for the relaxation and mind broadening stimulation they provide, and I think far too many tourists seem to get wrapped up in getting the best value by seeing as many sights as possible in the short time available and trying to steal enough images for later, to try and prove to someone – goodness know who – themselves maybe? that they had a great time or at least that they did actually make it all the way to Paris.
→ No CommentsTags:
Paris Breaks in the 20th Arrondissement
November 20th, 2009 · No Comments · paris-breaks
Paris Breaks to the 20th Arrondissement
Ok, the idea of going on Paris breaks in order to hang out entirely in the 20th is only semi-serious, it would be a bit like visiting London in order to spend all your time in Leytonstone or Newham, but that’s not quite as mad as it sounds. You’d be surprised at the number of young Europeans and Orientals wandering about in East London these days, I’m sure Brick Lane, Walthamstow and Stratford must feature in some offbeat guide books to trendy London. But back to Paris, and the Bellevile, Barbes area. It’s similar in some ways, with a history of immigration, a melting pot of world cultures and cheap accommodation for starving artists etc, but with a Parisian style that’s unmistakeable. So you might find a flourishing little underground Parisian indie music scene, or an ex-pat community linking South Sea islanders with Mexican sushi vendors. But you might just find the usual struggle against exploitation and discrimination that you wanted to get a short break from while abroad. You’ve only got a few days in Paris so why spend some of that precious away day time in the 20th?
Père Lachaise Cemetery
The single great tourist attraction in the 20th is a graveyard. The landmark is Père-Lachaise Cemetery, the resting place of Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Oscar Wilde, Isadora Duncan, Sarah Bernhardt, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, Colette, Jim Morrison, and many others.
Père Lachaise is located on Boulevard de Ménilmontant. Métro station Philippe Auguste on line 2 is next to the main entrance, while the station called Père Lachaise, on line 3, is 500 metres away near a side entrance. Many tourists prefer the Gambetta station on line 3 as it allows them to enter near the tomb of Oscar Wilde and then walk downhill to visit the rest of the cemetery. Abelard is also buried there, and the list goes on.
The Communards’ Wall (Mur des Fédérés) is also located in the cemetery. This is the site where 147 Communards, the last defenders of the workers’ district of Belleville, were shot on 28 May 1871 — the last day of the “Bloody Week” (Semaine Sanglante) in which the Paris Commune was crushed.
And so we come to the end of our little series of distributed articles about Paris breaks to each of the 20 arrondissements or districts of Paris, but not to the end of the Paris Breaks blog which continues with a new series coming soon looking at a number of aspects of our favourite city with one common theme.
→ No CommentsTags: Abelard·arrondissement·Barbes·Bellevile·Belleville·Boulevard·break·Breaks·Communards·Commune·Edith Piaf·Gertrude Stein·Jim Morrison·Lachaise·London·Marcel Proust·Ménilmontant·Oscar Wilde·paris·Sanglante·Sarah Bernhardt
Paris Breaks with Holiday Inn
November 1st, 2009 · No Comments · paris-breaks
Do you prefer your Paris breaks with more of an international standard feel and all the modern luxuries of a big well known hotel chain? If so you might consider the Holiday Inn at La Villette, Paris for the full four star treatment without aristocratic prices.
Paris, 4* Holiday Inn Paris La Villette, 2 nights from £139.00pp
Available on selected dates, address :
216 AVE JEAN JAURES PARIS, 75019 FRANCE
The Holiday Inn Paris La Villette is a modern hotel located opposite the museums of music, science and industry and La Grande Halle (theatre and convention hall) and within direct reach of the main historical monuments, cultural and shopping areas of Paris by metro. The hotel has 182 air conditioned bedrooms with many facilities including a TV with in-house movies, minibar, safe, hairdryer and telephone. There’s also a fine restaurant and a mini gym. Great for Paris breaks with familiar comforts.
Holiday Inn Paris breaks
Within walking distance is a unique complex associating the Science and Technology complex, the Music complex, the Grande Halle and the Zénith venue.
The “Porte de Pantin” underground metro (line 5), situated only 50 m from the hotel will quickly take you to Notre Dame de Paris (20 min), the Eiffel Tower (30 min) and the Louvre Museum (20 min) .
Paris breaks in the 19th Arrondissement
Today, Paris visitors come to what was once the village of La Villette to see the angular Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a spectacular science museum and park built on a site that for years was devoted to the city’s slaughterhouses. Mostly residential and not at all upscale, the district is one of the most ethnically diverse in Paris, the home of people from all parts of the former Empire. A highlight is Les Buttes Chaumont, a park where kids can enjoy puppet shows and donkey rides.
→ No CommentsTags: Breaks·eiffel tower·grande halle·holiday inn paris·holiday inn paris la villette·metro·mini gym·modern hotel·museum·notre dame·notre dame de paris·paris·restaurant·Zénith
Paris breaks in the 7th
July 18th, 2009 · No Comments · art, paris-breaks
The chances are that nearly all first time Paris breaks cover the 7th arrondissement, largely because of the iconic Eiffel Tower which dominates both Paris itself and the idea of Paris so it’s an aspiration which simply has to be fullfiled. Whether you actually go up the tower, and how far is another question. Many people such as myself have never bothered to do it, put off the queues, the crowds, the cliche, the costs but no doubt the view from high up is breathtaking, and the experienc of riding those 19th century lifts or else walking up a ridiculous number of steps.
Paris 7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower and also the Musée D’Orsay
Apart from the greatest tourist attraction of all, the 7th arrondissement on the Left Bank dis largely a district of smart residences and dull offices. The Eiffel Tower of course is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, but many Parisians especially in the immediate neighbourhood hated it when it was unveiled in 1889 as a temporary exhibition for the World Fair. There are many other Parisian monuments in the 7th too, such as the Hôtel des Invalides, which contains Napoleon’s Tomb, the Musée de l’Armée, and the fantastic Musée d’Orsay, the world’s premier showcase of 19th-century French art and culture, housed in the old station termial building – the Gare d’Orsay. There’s much hidden charm here in the 7th as well, such as the Rue du Bac, which was once home to the real Three Musketeers and to James McNeill Whistler, who moved to no. 110 after selling Mother. Auguste Rodin the father of modern sculpture lived at what’s now the Musée Rodin, 77 rue de Varenne, until his death in 1917.
Both the Rodin museum and the Musee d’Orsay are essential visits for art lovers on Paris Breaks in the 7th arrondissement, and did you know you can also walk all the back to the latin quarter just by following the Boulevard St Germain which starts in the 7th, or take the batobus which stops just outside the Musee d’Orsay.
→ No CommentsTags: batobus·Boulevard St Germain·Breaks·eiffel tower·french art·hôtel des invalides·james mcneill whistler·musee d orsay·musée rodin·museum·paris·rodin·rodin museum·rue du bac·the latin quarter·three musketeers
Restaurant VAT cut boosts Paris breaks
July 2nd, 2009 · 1 Comment · paris-breaks, restaurants
As of 1st July 2009, VAT on all restaurants and cafes in France has been cut from 19.6 per cent to 5.5 per cent, a huge reduction leading to big savings for consumers. This translates into a saving of approximately 10 per cent when passed onto customers, meaning a meal typically costing €15 (£13) will be reduced to around €13.20 (£11.40).
The move aims to boost consumer spending in the busy summer period throughout France and attract more visitors on Paris breaks from the UK, offsetting the slightly weaker Pound Sterling against the Euro.
→ 1 CommentTags: Breaks·cafes in france·Euro·france·meal·paris·Pound·pound sterling·restaurant·restaurants·Sterling·UK·vat
St Germain Paris Breaks – 6th Arrondissement
June 28th, 2009 · No Comments · latin quarter, paris-breaks
Paris 6th Arrondissement – St-Germain, Luxembourg
The last few Paris breaks I’ve taken I’ve always stayed in the St Germain area, at least for part of the trip. I know my way around, it’s convenient and there’s always something to do nearby. The 6th is also the heartland of the Paris publishing industry and for me, the most colourful Left Bank quarter. Waves of young artists still emerge from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, later making merry in one of the many lively side streets. The secret of the St Germain des Pres area is to explore the narrow streets, hidden squares, and lovely gardens. Everywhere you turn, there are historic and literary associations but it’s also an area for modern cuisine, night spots and shopping. My favourite Paris bridge the Pont Neuf can be glimpsed down one of the streets coming off the five way intersection at le Buci and the magnificent but unfortunately empty building of La Samaritaine beckons from across the Seine.
→ No CommentsTags: arrondissement·Breaks·ecole des beaux arts·la samaritaine·Le Buci·left bank·paris·pont neuf·seine·st germain des pres·st germain paris
Ile de la Cité Central Paris Breaks in the 4th
June 15th, 2009 · 1 Comment · paris-breaks
Paris Breaks in the 4th Arrondissement
Ile de la Cité, Ile St-Louis and Beaubourg
Ile de la Cité, Ile St-Louis and Beaubourg
The fourth arrondissment of Paris has everything and more for central Paris breaks. This area is geographically and historically the whole reason why Paris exists where it is now. The two islands in the middle of the Seine river formed the perfect place for settlement, defence and trading. The best place in Europe to found a capital city.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame de Paris the famous landmark dominates the Ile de la Cité and surrounding left bank to some extent as well whereas the Ile St-Louis has aristocratic town houses, courtyards and antiques shops. Also on the Ile de la Cité there is another Gothic church the Sainte Chapelle. Notre Dame seems to be surrounded by more building of authority – the police headquarters and law courts. But you can also find France’s finest bird and flower markets along the side walks of the island banks. Marie Antoinette was sentenced to death here in 1793.
Ile St Louis
The Ile St Louis, was in previous times nothing more than a cow pasture and popular dueling ground, but now is home to dozens of 17th century mansions and 6,000 lucky Louisiens, its permanent residents.
Pompidou Centre
The 4th arrondissement of Paris is also home to the controversial seventies building the Centre Pompidou, which is actually one of the top three attractions in France these days because of the high profile modern art exhibitions held there. let’s not forget the Place des Vosges, a square of perfect harmony and beauty where Victor Hugo lived from 1832 to 1848 and penned many of his famous masterpieces. Victor Hugo’s house is now a museum.
Central Paris Breaks
Wherever you stay on a short paris break you are likely to be visiting or at least wandering past the 4th arrondissement of central Paris so if you can manage to secure a hotel right in the middle of that are it will be fantastically convenient, if somewhat expensive. You could also stay nearby in the Marais or the Latin Quarter and still be just a few minutes walk across some of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
→ 1 CommentTags: Breaks·central paris·centre pompidou·church·notre dame·notre dame de paris·paris·place des vosges·pompidou centre·sainte chapelle
Ten unmissable sights for Paris breaks
March 8th, 2009 · No Comments · paris-breaks, sights
Choosing ten sights for Paris breaks
1. The Eiffel Tower – icon of Paris
When most people think of Paris thy think of the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was originally built for the 1889 World Exposition. When the tower was first unveiled, Parisians thought it was a towering monstrosity, and it was nearly torn down. Since then, over 200 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower, and it has become a national icon for France as well as Paris. The tower is impressive to look at by day or by night when it’s lit up, and offers a spectacular view from above, or below.
2. Notre Dame de Paris – The Cathedral
The Notre Dame catholic cathedral took over a century to build, and was once the centre of medieval Paris. It is probably the most typical cathedral of Europe. Being situated on an island, there are great views of the flying buttresses from the river banks.
3. The Arc de Triomphe and The Champs Elysees
The great arch “Arc de Triomphe” was built by Emperor Napolean, and offers a fantastic view down the Champs Elysees and all around. No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the sculptures and reliefs that adorn the arch. The wide pavemented boulevard offers some spectacular shopping opportunities, as well as an assortment of cafes.
4. Versailles
Near enough to Paris to be included in any Paris Break itinery is the Palace of Versailles. Versailles was home to the King of France, as well as the seat of their government for more than 100 years. A walk through this remarkable palace, will ensure you feel like your walking in the footsteps of nobility. Inside you’ll find the Hall of Mirrors, which consists of 250ft of sheer glass.
5. The Louvre
The Louvre is the most famous museum or art gallery in the world, and quit rightly so as it’s home to some of the most famous works of art in the world.
6. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
On the outskirts of central Paris, The crypts at Pere Lachaise Cemetery are amazing to discover. There are some extremely famous people buried here, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Richard Wright of Pink Floyd fame.
7. Seine River Cruise
See the majesty of Paris glide by while riding in a glass boat on the beautiful river Seine. You’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower, old historic bridges and even the Notre Dame Cathedral.
8. The Musee d’Orsay
One of the most visited museums on the planet, the Musee d’Orsay has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures produced between 1848 and 1914. If you’re a lover of art, then this is a destination sight you won’t want to miss on even the shortest Paris trip.
9. The Sorbonne
Founded in 1257, the Sorbonne is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and many a great thinker has wandered its halls and enjoyed the surrounding Latin Quarter.
10. Sacre Coeur and Montmartre
The basilica of Sacre Coeur breaks the horizon from miles around, dominating the highest point of Paris. Consecrated in 1909, it boasts gold mosaic interiors, and offers a magnificent view of the city below.
So those are the ten chosen highlights for planning Paris breaks but you could probably add a dozen or so more just to make it completely impossible to cram everything essential into one visit to Paris.
→ No CommentsTags: bateaux mouches·Montmartre·musee-dorsay·paris-breaks·Sacre Coeur·seine·sights·the latin quarter·vedettes du pont neuf