While Velib seems like such an organically (in more ways than one) good idea, AutoLib sounds like a dumb idea, and not one that would solve the major issue of traffic congestion in Paris. ... THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: July 29, 2008 PARIS (AP) — Parisians and tourists so eagerly embraced a citywide bike-sharing plan that was begun a year ago that Mayor Bertrand Delanoë is proposing a four-wheeled version, using electric cars. Under the plan, a driver could pick up a car on the Right Bank, snake up the slopes of Montmartre, then drop it off — and pay only for the minutes spent behind the wheel.
‘Hyper-Chouette’ in France
July 18, 2008
I love it that their top celebrity is " BHL" as he is referred to in France, France's most visible public intellectual. ... Beautiful branding, logos, colors, matching decks and designed scenes, along with water sprays, a sandy beach, a nautical motif ship for the little kids, and a climbing wall for the older kids.
Velib rental bikes update
July 14, 2008
They are grey, ugly, and heavy, but there is nothing like like a ride down an empty Paris street in August to invigorate the soul and make you feel like you're in another age or time. ... The stations are only some 300 yards apart, and there are four times as many as there are subway stations, even in a city so well served by its metro system.
...Cost of the bikes, which are made in Hungary, is $3460 3 People have died in Velib accidents, a 7% increase over a year ago, but bike ridership is up 24% .
Bastille Day is Monday – Remember the Blue, White and Red!
July 11, 2008
If you happen to be in France this year for the 14th, or just have an interest in revolutions, here's a good "revolutionary" walking tour that starts in our favorite neighborhood and ends at the Madeleine. ... Start your tour in Rue St André-des-Arts, which remains as narrow and dense as it was at the time of the Revolution This year, as you will have noticed, is the 40th anniversary of 1968. ... So let us ignore 1968 and turn instead to the real French Revolution, the one of 1789: the one that overthrew an absolute monarchy, turned France upside down and set the template for revolutions (and totalitarianism) to come.
Cheap Pleasures, now that the Euro is 1.5 USD
May 19, 2008
Chez Germaine Tucked away in the chic seventh arrondisement, this busy, often crowded bistro serves French comfort food such as steak with potatoes dauphinois to locals who wouldn' dream of defiling their Boffi kitchens by cooking in them. Have the three course lunch or the two course lunch (30 rue Pierre Leroux, 33.1.42.83.28.34) L'As du Falafel Because I love falafel, and the Marais.... The huge, delicious, and dripping 5 Euros sandwich is not only one of the cheapest lunches in Paris but also on of the tastiest (34 rue des Rosiers, 33.1.48.87.63.60) Laduree Not only is this tearoom a splurge, when you can afford it but, if you're feeling more frugal, just go buy the counter and get the world's best macaroons.
Best books on the history of Paris
April 21, 2008
I don't know if the stories here are really that secret, but are a little more arcane then the broad sweep of history you get in "Seven Ages."... "The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography, from the Revolution to the First World War" (Graham Robb) - Less a book about Paris than about France, you mihgt still guess who the main star is.
Paris with Kids books
April 13, 2008
I don't see anything new in them, but they do give quick ideas for an outing First, published by Fodors, is Around Paris with Kids: 68 Great Things to Do Together .... This set might be more valuable to spread out on the table to involve kids in choosing what to do for the day's outings.
Is this a joke – a new look for the Eiffel Tower
March 25, 2008
I wasn't happy when they moved the collection at the Jeu de Paume to the Musée d'Orsay (but not as upset as Hemingway when it was moved from its original spot at the Musée du Luxembourg).... Of course, that's what they said when they started flashing those lights every hour, and, of course, when they built the Tour in the the first place.
C’est confidentiel – my list of small bistros, quirky wine bars, romantic boites, and tiny food shops
July 12, 2007
bistros, wine bars, restaurants in Paris, 6me
