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How to Use the Paris Métro
Paris is an enchanting city best explored on foot. But every now and then….when in a hurry, or if your feet grow tired, or if the distance is too far, then the Métro (train and subway system) is a quick and convenient way of getting around. For those who’ve used the Métro before, then you…
Who is Zoé?
Some of you may be wondering, “So what’s with the dog…being on a travel/wine blog site and all?” Well, here’s the deal. Little Zoé, first of all, is no ordinary dog. In fact, people who meet her often joke that it’s just a matter of time before she starts talking! The thing is, Zoé is one of those doggies who likes being in the center of everything. She is a true socialite (with humans) and loves meeting and greeting people during her travels and at various social events.
Christmastime in Paris
People often ask when is the best time to visit Paris, and as the saying goes , “Paris is always a good idea”. But there’s something about Paris at Christmas that’s magical. The marchés de Noël (Christmas markets), the aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the streets, the hot chocolate…
Champagne Moments in Champagne, France
One of my go-to experiences when I’m in Paris is taking a short train ride to the Champagne region. I get up early and take the métro to the Gare de l’Est, grab a coffee and a croissant, and wait until it’s time to board the train heading to either Reims or Épernay.
Visiting Paris during the Pandemic
When the French government announced that as of June 9, 2021 that France would reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers, that was the green light that many of us francophiles were waiting for. In fact my French teacher Véronique who was based in Paris at the time said that on the morning of June 9, that the Americans were already there, which meant that they left the U.S. on the 8th to arrive exactly on (re)opening day.
How to Bring Your Pet to France
With more and more travelers taking their pets along with them on vacation (because pets are family too :) or who are planning a move to France with their pets, it makes perfect sense to share tips on international pet travel with others, especially since Zoé and I have been traveling to France together for over a decade. For example, did you know that just as human travelers, our paw-friends also require a “passport”? The pet passport is…
Les Grandes Marques de Champagne
Grandes Marques de Champagne (or the great brands of Champagne) refers to the internationally known Champagne brands like Moet, Krug, Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, etc. Compared to the small producers, these big companies have a global presence and produce much larger volume of Champagne to fill the shelves that we see at our local wine retailers. The Grandes Marques will usually have…
“La Vache dans les Vignes” Wine Bar (10e)
Nestled along the lovely Canal St Martin sits La Vache dans les Vignes, a neighborhood wine bar specializing in boutique style wine and cheese pairings. The two friends who own the shop, the “wine guy” and the “cheese guy”, welcome you into this friendly atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine and cheese or charcuterie plates, all while watching the passers-by.