Passionate About Paris: The Musée d’Orsay

Courtesy of The Musée d’Orsay

Pondering on Paris (as I so frequently do)  always leads to a yearning for a stroll through the hallowed halls of the Musée d’Orsay – one of my favourite art museums.  So why is it so special?

Passionate About Paris: Meandering in the food markets

Food shopping in Paris really is memorable (for all the right reasons).  ‘But I’m on holiday’, I hear you cry.  Stay with me reader, I may just be able to convert you to the utter delights which await in Parisian street markets — as well as department store food halls.

The market is open!

Whether my recent blog post is tempting you to the delights of an apartment holiday, or you’re pondering a picnic, or maybe you just want to rub shoulders with Parisians and listen to the banter, a Parisian market is a true feast for the senses.

Passionate About Paris: loving a locavore life

Boulangerie © Barbara Hopkins

Paris is deservedly topping several lists of ‘Cities to visit in 2014’ and many visitors will be wondering where to stay (always a major budgetary consideration).

For me, self catering wins hands down every time.  In my experience reasonably priced, centrally located hotel rooms are usually the size of a shoe box, whereas an apartment offers freedom, space — and the opportunity to be a locavore.

Passionate About Paris

Love Locks, Paris © Barbara Hopkins

It’s a truth universally acknowledged (by those who know me, at least) that I’m Passionate About Paris.  I make no secret of my adulation and the prospect of a  visit fills me with excitement and expectation – both in terms of revisiting favourite haunts as well as discovering new ones.

So I’m more than a little thrilled that one of my favourite cities appears on lists of top cities to visit in 2014.

For anyone planning a visit, do take a look at my feature ’48 Hours in Paris’ here, or at other information, both in my publication record as well as blog posts under ‘Passionate About Paris’.

Bon voyage!

Paris Plage: The Beach Comes To Paris

 

Alexander III Bridge, Paris © Barbara Hopkins

So far the great British summer shows no sign of playing ball, but anyone heading to Paris can do just that on the beach at Paris Plage from this Friday (July 20th) as  5000 tonnes of sand have been shipped from Normandy for this great Parisian summer extravaganza, turning the banks of the Seine into a fabulous beach experience.

Passionate About Paris: Eco-Shopping

Eco-tourism and ‘green’ tourism are always in the news; if shopping is on your agenda while in Paris here are some ideas for some seriously green shopping. Stylish clothes, accessories and art can be planet-conscious yet affordable too and those chic Parisiennes wouldn’t shop just anywhere!

Passionate About Paris: June 25th 2012

Regular readers will know that I adore Paris for so many reasons: its drama, style and romance; its sights and sounds; its culture and ambience; the sheer exhilaration of simply being there.  So why would I suggest taking a day trip out of the city?