BLOG
The Cheese Story
Believe it or not, the same way some people feel intimidated about buying wine is the same way, until recently that is, I felt about buying cheese. Can you believe that France alone produces well over 350 different cheeses? Not only is the variety of cheeses displayed at these “fromageries” (cheese shops) overwhelming, but the…
Champs Élysées: A Walk on the (Not-So) Wild Side
If you’ve ever been to the renown Champs Élysées in Paris, it is probable that you have little to no desire to return. For many visitors, this popular boulevard is one of those “list” items that people like to check off as having “been there” and “done that”. But the image most visitors leave with…
“Le Quinze Vins” Wine Bar (2e)
Le Quinze Vins proposes a fine selection of wines and Champagne to enjoy at the wine bar and as it is also a wine shop, you can also buy to take home or to your hotel. The location is situated in the Paris’ Latin Quarter just steps from Notre Dame…
Monoprix
When traveling in France, you’ll probably notice almost immediately that there are not many “big box” stores as there are in the United States. You won’t see the Costco’s or Walmart’s or Sams’ clubs, etc. But have no fear because there is Monoprix! This is one of the few “one-stop-shop” department stores where you’ll find…
Quelle est la différence ? Cafés, Bistros, Brasseries, & Restaurants Explained
So you’re wandering through the streets of Paris after six long hours at the Louvre and you’re ready for something tasty to eat. You come across a sea of bistros, cafés, restaurants, and brasseries. But what’s the deal? Are these all the same or are they different? Well….sort of yes and no. While today there…
A Floating Wine Bar in Paris
Imagine a dégustation or wine tasting on the water. That’s exactly what La Cave Vagabonde presents to Paris’ wine aficionados. The floating wine bar named Caroline picks up finely crafted wines mainly from the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region in France, and makes stops along the way near Canal St. Martin in the 10th Arrondissement and Bassin…
The 19th Arrondissement…a new favorite!
Have you ever stumbled onto something that turned out to be an absolutely pleasant surprise? That’s exactly what happened when by chance I came across the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th Arrondissement. I was supposed to go to the Jazz Festival at Parc Floral in the Parisian suburb of Vincennes…
Wine Shop at Le Bon Marché (7e)
Le Bon Marché or “The Good Store” in French is one of the most exclusive department stores in Paris, as well as one of the oldest department stores (cir 1838) in the world. In fact, part of its design was done in collaboration with the firm of Gustave Eiffel, the one and only who designed…