Paris restaurants: Le Grand Véfour, Starless yet Still Stellar
The stars went out on Le Grand Véfour as Chef Guy Martin steered his ship away from high gastronomy. Destination: elegant bistro. Travelers with or without a highly-garnished financial portfolio can now enjoy a seat at the historic table. But is it still recommendable?
The Reawakening of the Hotel Lutetia: Living Large on the Left Bank
On April 14, 2014, the Hotel Lutetia will close for a three-year renovation. This article, written in early 2013, provides a "before" view of this historical hotel as its owners were seeking a new path to glory that eventually led to its closure for a major overhaul.
Brunch in Montmartre
Brunch, now a common offering in cafés and eateries throughout Paris, has made a nice home for itself in three distinct establishments on the western side of the hill of Montmartre: the café Le Cafe Qui Parle, the bakery Coquelicot and the restaurant Le Petit Parisien.
City Hall Says Paris Nightlife Can’t Be Dead, We Just Launched It
Parisians of the partying kind have long lamented the decline of the city’s nightlife. Those over 45 date the good ole days to the 1980s, those over 30 manage to cite a couple of highlights of the 90s, and those in their 20s simply criticize Paris for not being New York or Madrid.
Va-nu-pieds: Returning to Parc de Sceaux
Va-nu-pieds, the Barefoot Photographer, feels the irrepressible pull of nature as he revisits the Parc de Sceaux south of Paris.
La Fine Mousse Quenches Paris’s Thirst for Craft Beer
France’s once-vibrant beer brewing tradition lost its way in the 20th century. But now the beer drought is over. The craft of brewing fine beer is back and with it the art of enjoying it, as Kate Robinson reports from La Fine Mousse, the first bar in Paris to seriously specialize in craft beer.
Versailles, an alternate approach
To get a sense of tourist hell in France in summer, go inside the Palace of Versailles sometime between 11am and 4pm. While your...
Paris Parks & Gardens: Ratatouille’s Extended Family
“Maman, Papa ! C’est Ratatouille!” screeched a delighted child as a furry little creature scampered across the playground. It wasn’t an isolated sighting. I’d had several brushes with rats on my daily strolls, so when posters announced a town meeting dedicated to "the battle against rodents,” I saved the date.
Springtime in Paris: Peering in at Renewal
From our windows, from our balconies, from our brief walks and runs, we embrace the arrival of springtime in Paris despite the distance we must now keep from much of its vitality. All is not azure in the lengthening days.