|
|
Post by Truffaut on May 15, 2007 7:06:41 GMT -5
Hi, everybody. As requested by Gitte, I've created a new posting category called "Paris Insider Secrets". Our hope is that this will be the place to come for tidbits of information about how to get an impossible restaurant reservation, how to qualify to take the elevator to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, when Madonna will make her next appearance at Olympia, etc. Post away, everybody!
|
|
|
|
Post by GitteK on May 15, 2007 8:44:44 GMT -5
- and also to share with each other these exquisite little gems and secrets that are all over Paris, a forgotten flowering village like "La Campagne à Paris" in the 19th - a shining pearl in the unlikely surrounding of Porte de Bagnolet. Or the equally astonishing "Cité Florale" at the "bottom" of the 13th. Both some of my most memorable and surprising experiences in Paris. You can keep Madonna - if you would instead tell the stories from a Paris that the crowds never notice (Gott Sei Dank !) .... www.road75.com |
|
|
|
Post by holger on May 15, 2007 9:39:16 GMT -5
We can be eclectic here. I can't wait for the details on restaurants and shopping and Gitte on your tips for places to see and stroll.  |
|
|
|
Post by luvparee on May 15, 2007 11:42:37 GMT -5
Gitte - can you expand on La Campagne a Paris (19th) and Cite Florale (13th)? They sound like places I would LOVE to stroll. I am going to LOVE "Paris Insider Secrets!"
Merci!
joy/luvparee
|
|
|
|
Post by GitteK on May 15, 2007 12:35:56 GMT -5
luvparee - if you open the link I posted and click on "Porte de Bagnolet" and "La Cité Florale" you can get an idea. The photos does not by near give these villages all the credit they deserve. To experience them you have to be there. Also the quartier Saint-Blaise in the 20th is adorable. You simply don't believe your own eyes - you pinch your arm and say "Am I still in Paris ?" I could on and on - my "bibles" that I keep under my pillow are: Paris Secret et Insolite - by Rodolphe Trouilleux Paris au calme - by Jean-Christophe Napias Both can be bought at www.amazon.fr - they are a MUST-HAVE !!! |
|
|
|
Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on May 15, 2007 14:45:30 GMT -5
This may or may not qualify as a "secret," but for those who saw the movie "Moulin Rouge" (and immediately wanted to dance on a rooftop), remember the elephant? Well, next time you are at the Arc check out the drawings that were submitted in the design competition for the monument. Sometimes they are not on display (e.g., when there is a special exhibition), but one of the submissions was an elephant very much like the one in the movie and clearly must have been the inspiration for that set. I came across this by chance a few years ago (I love the view from the top of the Arc, even though its a tourist magnet) and it really tickled me, so thought I would pass it along.
|
|
|
|
Post by GitteK on May 15, 2007 15:59:45 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on May 15, 2007 16:24:27 GMT -5
Did not know that -- thanks (it will be fun to tell others). Moulin Rouge is a musical, true, but mostly a fun fantasy and sometimes a clever send-up of other movies/musicals. Perhaps I was more entranced because I saw it on the way home from Paris (but the kick-line of French waiters singing "Like A Virgin" just cracked me up, among many other moments). I'm not pushing it, but it's a bit of trivia that I thought was fun.
|
|
|
|
Post by luvparee on May 16, 2007 11:29:20 GMT -5
Gitte~
Thank you so much for the link. Actually, I had previously read about the Cite des Fleurs and that's on my itin to walk to/around on my next trip. It just sounds so peaceful and quiet for a stroll and, yes, a little hidden spot! It appears to be close to the Batignolles area that I want to see and can probably just stroll there on the same day.
I believe you had posted the Road 75 link on TA (or Fodors?) and I have spent many hours "walking" through all those areas on my computer! Wonderful site.
How many times have you been in Paris? Or, did you live there at one point? You have so much knowledge of well known and lesser known Paris. You seem to have the same interests as I -- out of the way, non-touristy areas to get to know the neighborhoods. Don't get me wrong -- I LOVE central Paris, but now that I'm planning my 4th trip, I'm VERY ready to get out of the tourist comfort zone and find different layers of that beautiful city!
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.
joy/luvparee
|
|
|
|
Post by GitteK on May 16, 2007 13:53:15 GMT -5
luvparee -
No I have never lived in Paris, not in this incarnation anyway, but I am sure I have before (not that I necessarily believe in such things). Isn't it strange how so many of us feel totally at home in Paris ? To me stepping out of Gare du Nord feels like putting on my oldest sweater, I relax, I heave a deep satisfied sigh....... aaahhh, home at last !
My first trip to Paris was in 1973 with my father. I was 15 years old - and I caught the incurable Paris-disease on the spot.
after that I was in Paris in 1978 with college friends for a few days - and then there was a looooong pause until 2003, when I went with my son. In 2004 with my mother, my son and my nephew - and after that: once in 2005, three times in 2006 and this year I will go twice.
As to Cité des Fleurs - I also went there only to find closed and locked gates at the Avenue de Clichy-end. Only residents who know the digicode may enter - that makes me really mad !!! GRRRRR.......... Truffaut has told me later on that one may enter easier from the northern end (Rue de la Jonquière) - or maybe slip in with a resident or the postman. I will give it another try this summer - as I intend to try out some of Truffauts bistrot-recommendations in the 17th.
But you should overall be prepared that many of the residential "villas" are locked off to keep the nosy tourists out, e.g. also Villa Hallé in the 14th and Villa Mulhouse in the 16th.
I can strongly recommend a visit to HAMEAU BOILEAU also in the 16th. Strangely enough you can (could?) enter there, just by pressing the buzz-button and the gate opened. Amazing place.
|
|
hahahha