What are those dark green boxes that you see dotted along the banks of the Seine? “Les Bouquinistes “ or book sellers are a unique feature of Paris and a first step has already been taken by the Ministry of Culture for them to be recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Continue reading THE BOUQUINISTES
Jacques Rancourt
Jacques Rancourt, born in Quebec (Lac-Mégantic) in 1946, is a poet, essayist, photographer and translator. After graduating from Laval University in Quebec, he arrived in Paris in 1971 to continue his studies in French literature and has lived in Paris ever since. He earned a Doctorate in French literature from the University of Paris, having written his doctoral thesis on French-language African and Caribbean poetry after the literary movement known as “Négritude”. He is the author or co- author of many works on contemporary French poetry. His international and multidisciplinary approach to poetry has led him to direct the France-Québec literary prize (from 1996 to 2005) and the French-English Poetry Festival (from 1982 to 2014). In 1983, he founded the revue “La Traductière”, an international journal of poetry and visual arts.
Continue reading Jacques Rancourt
CLUNY – LA SORBONNE Metro Station
There is no doubt that every Parisian and every tourist has their own particular favourite metro station as each station has its own unique features. However one of the most impressive and memorable stations has to be Cluny – La Sorbonne on Line 10 in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Continue reading CLUNY – LA SORBONNE Metro Station
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS..Christmas Markets in Paris
The month of joy, lights and magic! Beside the beautiful decorations in most of the streets, many special concerts and people rushing around in the shops there is one very important detail of the Christmas period – Christmas markets! That’s where we go to buy presents and breath in the real Christmas spirit.
Continue reading IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS..Christmas Markets in Paris
VOTRE MEILLEUR SÉJOUR À PARIS
Maintenant que les vacances d’été sont un lointain souvenir, vous pensez peut-être à vos prochaines vacances et souhaitez planifier un séjour agréable. Et pourquoi pas un voyage à Paris, en famille ou avec des amis? Voici quelques conseils pour organiser une visite dans la Ville Lumière pour quatre à cinq personnes en trois étapes ! Et surtout, sans casser votre tirelire! Continue reading VOTRE MEILLEUR SÉJOUR À PARIS
YOUR BEST TRIP TO PARIS
Back from your summer holidays, looking forward to already planned holidays, and to some you can create by yourself? How? Take your family or some of your best friends to Paris! Here is a guide on how to enjoy the City of Light for 4-5 travelers in 3 steps! Most important – without breaking the bank!
STEP 1. Where to sleep
STEP 2. Where to eat
STEP 3. What to do in Paris
STEP 1. Where to sleep
The Latin Quarter is probably the most strategic place in the French capital. It is central, very safe, full of cultural places… It’s just the place to be.
The problem is that it is also one of the most expensive, and the bill can go up very quickly.
The hotel Marignan has been recently renovated to offer you comfortable accommodation for 4 or 5 people. Free services to make your stay easy and pleasant : wifi fiber optic, washing machine and dryer, kitchen, printing. The price includes breakfast and taxes.
A. Hotel MARIGNAN : Room with Private toilet & Private Shower
Room for 4-5 people from 157€ */ 4 persons / night
*Prices depend on the season. For complimentary information look HERE
B. Hotel MARIGNAN : Room with Private toilet & Shared Shower
Room for 4-5 people with a private toilet. Shower is shared with max 2 other rooms from 134€ * / 4 persons / night 
*Prices depend on the season. For complimentary information look HERE
STEP 2. Where to eat
Paris is also known for the quality of its restaurants. Wondering where to get the best quality / price ratio ? Here are our suggestions:
1. L’invitée 
3. Le Trumilou 
STEP 3. What to do in Paris
Since you are in Paris the choice of museums and cultural sites to be visited can bend your mind. So here our suggestions :
CULTURAL
REMEMBER : All year round, 1st Sunday of the month most of the museums are Free.
Museum of Modern Art . This museum hosts a large collection of late 19th and 20 th century art ( Picasso, Dufy, Bonnard and others). Free visit for permanent collections.
59 rue de Rivoli : an artist’s atelier. 30 artists studios open to the public 6 days a week in a Haussmann-style building with a facade which is decorated every month in a different mood and style. Free entrance.
FOR KIDS
Luxembourg Garden One of the most famous public parks on the left bank. A good place to read a book or stroll. You can sail a toy boat on the pond or enjoy a children’s puppet show and the playgrounds. Free entrance.
Botanical gardens (jardin des plantes) The beautiful Jardin des Plantes, with many examples of different plant species; the Gallery of Evolution, with skeletons and taxidermy of various animals, and the Menagerie (zoo) housing animals from all over the world.
Science museum An excellent museum of science and technology in the eastern part of Paris with a special wing dedicated to discovery for kids (La Cité des Enfants) surrounded by a spacious, lush park, playgrounds, carrousels and interesting sculptures.
NIGHTLIFE
Caveau de la Huchette Whether you are a Jazz-Lover, like to dance, or are a professional musician, the exceptional atmosphere of the club is definitely what you are looking for.
Ground control A whole city of culture and activities which also organize great night shows with DJs. Free entrance.
THE CLASSICS
Boat Rides (Bateaux mouches) Want to explore Paris from a different viewpoint? Try it from the boat on the Seine! The boat ride is always attractive and informative.
BUY Tickets at Hotel Marignan for the better price
The Eiffel Tower is among the most-visited monuments in the world! Enjoy the breathtakingly unique views of Paris from every floor day or night, summer or winter!
Arc de Triomphe A unique viewpoint from the top of the panoramic terrace!
Contact us if you would like information for your next visit, and if you have other suggestions do not hesitate to add them in the comments.
Restaurant L’invitée
L’invitée, owned by Guillaume and Romain, is a cosy but contemporary restaurant which serves inventive French cuisine at a very reasonable price. The lunch menu, which changes every day, is a real bargain at 16€. This special menu, served Tuesday – Friday (except for holidays) includes either a starter, a main dish and coffee, or a main dish, desert and coffee. L’invitée also offers a chic but informal cocktail bar on Friday and Saturday nights. Continue reading Restaurant L’invitée
L’exposition ‘Dans les coulisses de La Comédie Française’
du 1 septembre au 15 novembre 2019 * de10h30 à 21h30 tous les jours
Entrée libre.
Un superbe reportage dessiné sur le vif par Damien Roudeau et commenté par Laetitia Cénac journaliste culture et critique de théâtre au Figaro.
Savez-vous comment fonctionne la Comédie Française, ce théâtre mythique? Continue reading L’exposition ‘Dans les coulisses de La Comédie Française’
Place Saint- Michel
One of the most famous public squares in Paris is Place Saint- Michel found on the borderline between the fifth and the sixth arrondissements, facing the Ile de la Cité. It is linked to the Ile de la Cité by the bridge of the same name, Pont Saint –Michel.
Boulangerie La Maison d’Isabelle
“La baguette” and a daily visit to a “boulangerie” are still an important part of French daily life. So why not visit “La Maison D’Isabelle”. It opened in April 2018 on the site of a previously well-known bakery that used organic flours, this new independent bakery is a collaboration between the Pichard family and Isabelle Leday. Isabelle, originally from Le Perche region has had a remarkable career so far, obtaining several diplomas and winning prestigious awards.
Aspasie et Mathieu
This tiny store is a genuine Parisian clothing boutique. Since twenty years, the owner offers a selection of casual chic clothing for men and women. She focuses on clothing made of natural fibers as well as lots of accessories, including raw silk and linen scarves, and Stetson and Panama hats. The walls of this treasure trove are decorated with fashion photos from the 50s and 60s.
Mayette Magie Moderne
Are you an apprentice magician or a master of magic tricks? You will find just down the street from Hotel Marignan the oldest magic store in the world, which opened in 1808! The store has been in its current location only since the beginning of the 20th century, when its building was constructed! You will find here a complete selection of everything you need to amaze your audience, including videos and DVDs to learn the “tricks” of the trade. Some instructional videos and items are suitable for children from the age of 5. The owners of the store speak English. They also offer magic classes and magic shows, in cooperation with the magic theater “Double Fond” in the Marais.
Atelier Vitrail de Bièvre
Have you ever been curious about how Medieval craftsmen made the amazing stained glass windows you have seen in Paris’ churches or in Chartres Cathedral? You can learn all about it in this workshop. Emmanuel Javaloyes has been a stained glass artist for 18 years. He creates and restores stained glass windows and makes decorative objects such as mirrors and frames in all styles. Continue reading Atelier Vitrail de Bièvre
Bouts de fils et bouts de tissus
Would you like to learn how to sew, review what you learned years ago, or pick up some special fabric for a new project ? Did you know that sewing, like many manual activities, is making a comeback, and that the sewing machine is now one of the most popular Christmas gifts? The workshop Bouts de fils et bouts de tissus , opened in 2010. The owner, who also lives in the rue du Sommerard, learned to sew from her mother, who was a dressmaker. She loves to share her passion for sewing, and offers classes for children, teenagers and adults, as well as fabric, ribbon and everything that you need to make that special creation. Come brush up on the basics or choose from her large selection of fabrics.
Wine bar LES PIPOS
A favourite among students and locals, this wine bar specialise in natural wines and traditional wines from France with a few selections from around the world. The kitchen also has a nice selection of dish of the day served all day if you’re looking for an early afternoon bite.