What is the Arc de Triomphe?

The Arc de Triomphe Paris, the most monumental of all triumphal arches, was built between 1806 and 1836. The Arch still retains the essence of the original concept which was a powerful, unified ensemble.  The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the "Place de l'Étoile". It’s located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The triumphal arch is in honor of those who fought for France, in particular, those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. Engraved on the inside and at the top of the arch are all of the names of the generals and wars fought. This is a very historical site you wouldn't want to miss! When you’re ready to visit Paris, I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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Catacombs of Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is often called La Ville Lumière (meaning ‘The City of Light’), however, beneath this bustling European city of 12 million people, lies a dark subterranean world holding the remains of 6 million of its former inhabitants. However, only around one mile of this area is open for public exploration. The rest is deemed to be unsafe, and hence, is illegal to visit. Visitors are first greeted with a sign at the entrance of the ossuary, which reads 'Stop. This is the empire of death. If you are looking for a thrill in your trip, this is the perfect match for you! I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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Why Macarons Are The Best Low Calorie Dessert

Cupcakes have been the dessert trend for the past few years but finally, for the sake of our waist line, macarons are now the new trend. Macarons are dainty cream-filled sandwich cookies. Although not necessarily “healthy” they are certainly lighter and contain fewer calories that cupcakes. One macaron has from 70-100 calories, while one cupcake has close to 400 calories. One and done! Macarons are not to be confused with their similar-name-sister-cookie, macaroons, which are coconut clusters with a crisp exterior and chewy texture. Give yourself a sumptuous treat in Paris! 

I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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Interesting Fun Fact About The River Seine

The name “Seine” comes from the Latin Sequana, the Gallo-Roman goddess of the river. The Seine River is the second longest river flowing completely in France. The Seine is a 777 kilometres (483 miles) long river and is an important commercial waterway. The source of River Seine is a village named Source-Seine , 30 kilometres (19 miles) northwest of Dijon in northeastern France. Dams and locks normally keep the water level consistent, particularly in the Paris region, where the Seine’s traffic is especially heavy, in part because of tourist and other recreational vessels. The Seine is known for its romantic sightseeing boats, called “bateaux mouches,” that drift up and down the river in Paris. I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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The Artist Along the River Seine

Paris and its infamous river have long been the treasured subject of many a painter. Not much has changed, though, as artists still set up their easels on the Seine’s banks.The river has been the subject of many famous impressionist paintings, including Monet’s Bathers at La Grenouillere and Renoir’s Seine River at Asnieres. Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir and Nicolas-Jean-Baptiste are to name a few. All artists, old and new, impressionist and realist are interested in the different nuances of light that Paris offers. If you want a memorable souvenir, I recommend coming here to have your portrait done by an artist. I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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Some Fun Facts About Croissants

A croissant is a delicious French pastry, known by its crescent shape. (Croissant means crescent in French). The original croissant was called Kipfel and originated in Austria in 1683. It was created in honor of the Austrian victory over the Turks and modeled after the crescent on the Turkish flag. (Some historians say the croissant originated in Hungary) August Zang, an Austrian artillery officer, is credited with bringing the croissant to France when he opened his own Viennese bakery in Paris. (Some say it was Marie Antoinette who brought the croissant to France. The Croissant became the French national product in 1920. Your trip won't be complete without croissants!  I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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The History of French Toast Fun Fact

The origins of french toast are not entirely clear, but long before this sweet snack was called “french toast," similar recipes were being whipped up all around the world. One of the earliest versions of french toast has been traced back to the Roman Empire. The name “french toast" was first used in 17th-century England. The recipe and name were brought to America by early settlers. In France, the dish is called “pain perdu," meaning “lost bread." Why lost bread? Originally, people made French toast from stale bread in order to make use of bread that would otherwise have been thrown away. If you need more information, be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email. I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris!

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Fresh Food in France

According to the International Federation for Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM), France is the third-largest market for organic products. Just as in the states, the trend towards organic foods is shifting in France. The growth of the organic market in France has been steady in the past decade and exponential in just the past year alone. Traditional French cuisine relies on fruit, vegetables and meat either grown at home or from local farms. Of course, supermarkets now offer many imported varieties and the trend for processed ready meals are growing, but farmers' markets are still popular and there is a keen focus on the ‘terroir' or origin of the food. If you’re a fan of organic food, this is another reason to visit Paris! I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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Viewing the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero

All roads seem to lead to the Trocadero for a view of the Eiffel Tower's light show. As soon as the first twinkle starts, you’ll hear the crowd gasp and cheer while pulling out their phones and cameras to capture the magical moment. It’s free, always open, and accessible to everyone. To warm up frozen fingers and toes afterward, head to Carette for hot chocolate and macarons. From the Trocadero place, you get unobstructed view of the Tower and can play with perspective. Some even have fun holding the eiffel tower in their hands. There is a large place with a great floor. This is where many of the famous romantic shots are taken. A few details you need to know before you go to Trocadero:

Price: Free access

How to get there by Metro: Metro 6 & 9 - Stop Trocadero

Walking times: 1km - 10min from Eiffel Tower, 2km - 24 min from Arc de Triomphe

Closest Parking: Kleber-Longchamps - 65 Avenue Kléber

If you need more information and tips, I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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The Bridges of Paris

Thirty-seven bridges cross the Seine river within the city boundaries. Some are just for pedestrians or trains, most carry motor-traffic and two bridges carry all three. Bridges have spanned the Seine since well before 100 BCE. Three existing bridges were erected in the 1600s and the newest was opened just ten years ago. The Pont des Arts - is probably considered the most romantic bridge in Paris. Linking the right bank, near the Louvre, and the left bank a few meters away from the Pont Neuf. Lovers used to have a tradition: you had to lock a padlock with your name and your lover’s name on it on the bridge to make your love last forever. Sounds romantic right? I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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City of Romance no Matter How New or Old You Are

Paris and romance, they go together like champagne and oysters, café and croissants, jambon and beurre, which is why loved up couples make a pilgrimage to the French capital every year on Valentine's Day. But why exactly is Paris the "city of love" and does it really deserve the title? Aside from the beauty, food and people, historically, France was the centre of ideas, art, poetry and revolutionary politics in the Western world. And the Left Bank “intellectuals quarter” retains a sense of romanticism for couples. You just got to come and experience the City of Romance for yourself! I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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The Different Types of Museums in Paris

For museum lovers, Paris is a dream come true. The challenge is choosing which museums to see and how much time to spend in museums, since there is so much else to see and do in this beautiful city. There are around 130 museums in Paris, France within city limits. There are Historical Museums, Personal Art Museums, Free Museums, Museums for the City of Paris, Museums of International Culture, Science Museums, Museums for Kids, Museums that are Monuments, Modern Art Museums, Special Focus Museums, Church Based Museums, Decorative Arts, Alphabetical List of Museums and Special Exhibitions.  I’d love to help you organize which museum to see in your trip to Paris! 

So be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email when you’re ready to start planning.

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Visiting the Louvre

The Louvre Museum is the most famous museum in the world. There are also many ways to get lost into it too! The best way to visit the Louvre Museum, first of all, not to enter by the pyramid entrance! It is constantly incredibly crowded and the queues are extremely long! Buy your ticket before going to the museum, so that you won’t have to wait in a super long line at the security entrance and in a ticket line inside the lobby. Parisians invade the museums during weekends, especially during Sunday afternoons. So, if you want to avoid the Parisian crowd, schedule your visit on a weekday Morning. The Louvre Museum is open every day at 9 am and closes at 6 pm. 

Be sure to reach out today and ask any questions you have at all about Paris. I’m ready to take your call or read your email!

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Ohh La La!

Have you Been?

Paris is sweet on the eye, sweet on the romance and sweet on the palette. It is a sugar lovers' dream, and the only problem you'll have when it comes to the delectable French deserts is which one to choose. To help you navigate that yummy last course, we've broken down the top 10 must-try desserts for your visit to France. And if you have to eat more than one a day to get through them? Well, c'est la vie!

10 Sweet Treats to Eat While Visiting Paris

The Tartes Aux Fruits – The tartes aux fruits are prepared with fresh fruit inside a buttery pastry. The fruit sits atop a heavenly Chantilly cream. You can enjoy these tartes in both miniature and pie sizes.

The Éclair – The éclair is a popular dessert in Paris. The long French choux pastry can be filled with either a rich custard or pastry cream and topped with a sweet fondant. By definition, the term éclair means lightning in French. Go figure!

The Paris Brest – This pastry was created to celebrate the Paris to Brest bicycle ride in 1891. Naturally, it's circular and contains praline flavored crème and choux pastry.

Macaron – Macarons are undeniably delectable. There are so many flavors to choose from. The base ingredients include meringue and almonds. Be sure to not confuse with coconut macaroons, in which the English added the -oon to the word in the 16th century.

The Tarte Au Citron – Tarte Au Citron, also known as the lemon tart, are also very popular. Donning a pastry crust and delicious lemon filling. The filling, however, is not made with fruit. The cream is a mixture containing lemon juice, lemon zest, and of course, eggs and sugar.

The Mille Feuille – This fluffy treat comes in a vanilla or custard slice and is comprised of several layers of puff pastry. Between the puff pastry lies an additional two layers of pastry crème. Another name for the Mille Feuille is the Napoleon.

The Tarte Tatin – Named after the hotel that serves the dessert (Hotel Tatin), the tarte Tatin is a unique upside-down pastry. Its ingredients include caramelized fruit prepared with sugar and butter. It pairs famously with a bit of tart crème Fraiche.

The Choux à La Crème – These cream puffs are created using puff pastry as well. They swell while cooking and are hollow. The oozing center can be either whipped cream or custard. Interestingly enough, once you add chocolate as your topping, it then becomes a profiterole. There are various toppings you can add to this pastry, from ice cream to fruit and even spun caramel.

Croissant – This buttery, flaky wonder is a signature French pastry. There are so many ways to top it; you can use fruit, chocolate, fondant, or a compote of your choosing. You will not be disappointed.

The Petits Four – Translated, petit four means small oven, and are also known as mignardises. The fours are little bite-sized pastries that can also be savory if you choose. The sweet option includes a sugary glaze atop a crispy biscuit. These pastries are perfect for tea parties.

Call (909) 990-1124 today to book your Paris Vacation!