The stores are not mobbed with shoppers frantically searching for last-minute Christmas gifts. Nor are you bombarded with Christmas carols in every store and elevator you enter. And only rarely do you see homes wreathed in fairy lights or lit up with kitschy Santa Claus displays. For some people, this may be a welcome relief from the crazy commercial scene that Christmas can be. For others, however, the season might not feel ‘right’ without a few carols, fairy lights, and a couple of hours of shopping mayhem. Here’s how to get your Christmas fix in Paris.

1. Take a Stroll on the Champs-Elysées at Night

You can’t help but feel festive on the Champs-Elysées at Christmastime. Every year, the trees lining the “most beautiful avenue in the world” are swathed in thousands of sparkling blue lights infusing the street with a magical feel. In addition, many stores create special red-carpeted entrances to their establishments, complete with white awnings adorned with pine branches or white fairy lights, to celebrate the season. The lower half of the Champs- Elysées plays hosts to a vast Christmas market, and at the very foot of the avenue (Place de la Concord) rests an enormous, brilliantly-lit Ferris Wheel. If you’re not afraid of heights, be sure to end your walk by taking a ride on this huge wheel – it offers an unforgettable view of the city.

2. Shop at the Galeries Lafayette

If you’re missing the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, you’ll get your fill at the massive department store, Galeries Lafayette. The store has everything you could wish for, from designer clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics to gourmet food, electronics, and home furnishings. What’s more, if Christmas spirit was based solely on the extravagance and beauty of Christmas decorations, you couldn’t deny that Galeries Lafayette is bursting with Christmas spirit. The exterior of the store is covered with thousands of softly colored lights such that the building is transformed into several magnificent stained glass windows. The interior is just as stunning, and features a glittering Christmas tree so enormous that it seems to rise all the way to the top of the store’s elegant glass dome roof.

Galeries Lafayette, 40, boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris – galerieslafayette.com

3. Browse the Christmas Markets

At the beginning of December, Christmas markets begin to pop up all over Paris. Each market has dozens of cozy wooden stall wreathed in pine branches and fairy lights that can’t help but make you feel cheerful. Stroll around the market and contemplate potential purchases while sipping on vin chaud (hot red wine spiced with cinnamon), or munching on pain d’épices (French-style gingerbread), both of which will surely be available at whatever market you visit. Handcrafted items feature big at these markets, and you may come away with some handmade wooden toys, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, or even a homemade knit sweater or two. You’ll also find plenty of French delicacies, including foie gras, chocolates, fresh honey, and jam, which comes in unexpected flavors such as “milk” and “caramel.”

Christmas Markets can be found at:

• Place St. Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
• Place St. Suplice (6th arrondissement)
• Avenue des Champs-Elysées (8th arrondissement)
• Gare de l’Est (10th arrondissement)
• Place de la Nation (11th arrondissement)
• Gare Montparnasse (14th arrondissement)
• Place des Abbesses (18th arrondissement)
• Parvis de la Défense (La Défense, line 1 metro, just outside of central Paris)

4. Attend a Church Service

With all the fuss relating to presents and decorations and Santa, a person can almost forget about the religious basis of Christmas. If you want to get back to the origins of the holiday (and sing a few Christmas carols), there are plenty of Anglophone churches in Paris that will be celebrating Christmas. Check out the following churches’ websites for their Advent schedules.

• American Cathedral of Paris (Episcopalian): americancathedral.org
• American Church in Paris (Interdenominational): acparis.org
• St. Joseph’s Catholic Church: stjoeparis.org
• St. George’s Anglican Church: stgeorgesparis.com

Great Paris Hotels near the Champs-Elysées

• Hotel Warwick Champs-Elysées – 4-star hotel – room price: €230
• Hotel Christal Champs-Elysées – 4-star hotel – room price: €260
• Hotel Residence Lord Byron – 3-star hotel – room price: €130
• Hotel Sofitel Paris Champs-Elysées – 4-star hotel – room price: €201
• Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysées – 4-star hotel – room price: €203

“The Wonder of Christmas in Paris” picture by CharlesFred

Many people affected by the economic crisis will be willing to bid what will probably in a few decades become known as the year of the recession goodbye, with a hope for a brighter tomorrow. While a great many of the world’s cities have fantastic New Year’s parties, we’re focusing on specifically the best ones in Europe. Enjoy!

1. London

There are multiple ways to have a great New Year’s in London this year, with something to suit all ages. The London Parade is held on New Year’s day, full-on with circus performers and marching bands and much more, and on the Eve there will be an epic fireworks display over the Thames to properly usher in the new year. However, it’s likely the viewing areas by the waterfront will fill up fast (often by as early as 9pm), so it’s probably worth getting there early. Also worth mentioning is the famous Ministry of Sound Nightclub and Record Label hosting a massive party at the O2 Arena (Formerly known as the Millennium Dome). The tickets aren’t too expensive either but book as soon as possible as they will sell out!

Top London Hotel for a New Year Break : Hotel Club Quarters Grace Church

2. Paris

Paris’s shortage of accommodation can grow particularly acute during the New Year, so book well in advance. Some of the most notable celebrations include the Fireworks Display most visible from the Champs- Elysees. A quieter place to visit on the Eve is the Sacre Coeur Cathedral Plaza in Montmartre (close to where Amélie lived in the 2001 hit Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain ,film buffs!). A highly expensive but also extremely romantic way to while away the final hours of 2009 is a dinner cruise on the Seine which sets off from the Eiffel Tower at 8pm, with a menu featuring Champagne Cocktail and Duck foie gras, among other delicacies. Not to niggle about the ticket price, but let’s just say that you shouldn’t expect much change from €500 a table!

Top Paris Hotel for a New Year Break:  Hôtel Résidence Lord Byron

3. Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s really jazzing it up this year with countless parties and events. The Dutch are famous for their love of partying and DJ’s, so there’s no exception this year at the amount of clubs and bars holding celebrations. Firework displays are promised all over the city, particularly in areas such as Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square. The quietest places to view them are said to be the bridges overlooking the Amstel River. Also, look out for strangers hurling firecrackers around to shock the more gullible bystanders!

Top Amsterdam Hotel for a New Year Break: Rho Hotel

4. Rome

The former capital of what was arguably the greatest Empire ever seen has got entertaining events happening this year, with many of the New Year’s activities taking place in the traditional squares. The Piazza del Popolo will feature attractions such as a firework display and musical concerts. Rome is a particularly attractive destination for families, as on New Year’s Day the attractions shift more to suit children. It goes without saying that Rome’s also a great city for those on “gastro holidays” as there are a great deal of restaurants serving New Year feasts.

Top Rome Hotel for a New Year Break: BB Corso 22

5. Vienna

Long established as one of the worlds’s most cultured cities, Vienna has no shortage of things to do, particularly around the New Year. On December 30th there is a tour, dinner, and concert at the Schloss Schönbrunn, which can only be described as totally majestic. The Palace has a fascinating history, from the reign of the early Habsburg Monarchs (the last of which died in 1922), to Franz Josef’s I occupation and death in Schönbrunn. The evening concludes with the dinner and the concert featuring classical works from the likes of Mozart and Strauss. Additionally, from midday onwards, there are a massive series of street parties, with tents and marquees lining the street and passageways of the old city, hosting parties with DJ’s and other live music where hedonists can dance from New Year’s Eve through to the dawn of New Year’s Day. Exciting, eh?

Top Vienna Hotel for a New Year Break: Hotel Kaiserpark Schönbrunn

But when dinnertime rolls around, even the charms of Paris may not stop you from longing for turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Luckily, the high number of American expatriates in Paris means that the city is used to accommodating hungry Americans on this special holiday: there are quite a few places that can fully satisfy your cravings for food from home.

1. Thanksgiving

The name of this restaurant can leave no doubt that you’ll be getting the real thing come Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is actually a Cajun restaurant serves a traditional Thanksgiving meal – turkey, candied yams, the works – on Thanksgiving Thursday, plus the Friday and Saturday nights following (since it’s not a holiday in France, it’s common to play fast and loose with the dates for the dinner). Make your reservations as early as possible because tables fill up quickly. If you don’t get a reservation, consider ordering a catered Thanksgiving dinner from the restaurant, for two people and more. And if that doesn’t work out, then simply buy the ingredients you need to make your own dinner from Thanksgiving’s grocery store. The store sells American products, from Stove Top stuffing, to cornbread mix, to jellied cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving
20, rue Saint Paul 75004 PARIS
Tel: +33 1 42 77 68 29
Web: www.thanksgivingparis.com

Top Paris Hotel in the 4th Arrondissement: Hotel Beaubourg

2. Joe Allen

Joe Allen is an American bistro that has been around for nearly 40 years, and has become an institution in Paris. This is where you go when you’re craving American specialties like barbecued chicken wings, prime rib, or pecan pie. So, it’s no surprise that on Thanksgiving Day, Joe Allen’s is ready to gratify your turkey cravings with a full-blown Thanksgiving dinner. Again, make reservations early!

Joe Allen
30, rue Pierre Lescot 75001 PARIS
Tel : +33 1 42 36 70 13
Web : www.joeallenparis.com
Email for reservations : joeallen@joeallenparis.com

Top Paris Hotel in the 1st Arrondissement: Hotel Relais Saint-Honoré

3. Bistrot St. Martin

This French bistro typically serves French and North African fare – but come Thanksgiving it turns American and serves turkey. Not just turkey, though: you’ll also get carrot soup, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin or apple pie. They also do take-out order if you aren’t able to get a reservation, or would like to have your dinner catered. The Thanksgiving menu is available on Thanksgiving Thursday, plus the Friday and Saturday following.

Bistrot St. Martin
25, rue Louis Blanc 75010 PARIS
Tel : +33 1 46 07 73 68
Web : www.bistrotsaint-martin.com
Email for reservations: lesaintmartin@yahoo.fr

Top Paris Hotel in the 10th Arrondissement: Hotel Windsor Opera

4. Breakfast in America

On Thanksgiving Day, this restaurant is pushing aside its usual menu of pancakes, bacon, and eggs to make room for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Make your reservations now: the restaurant isn’t overly spacious and there are only two seatings: at 7pm and 9pm. (Also note that while there are two Breakfast in America restaurants, only the one on rue des Ecoles will serve Thanksgiving dinner.)

Breakfast in America
17, rue des Ecoles, 75005, PARIS
Tel.: + 33 1 43 54 50 28.
Web: www.breakfast-in-america.com
Email for reservations: bia@gmail.com (give name, number in party, preferred seating time)

Top Paris Hotel in the 5th Arrondissement: Hotel Henri IV

5. La Cuisine Paris

If you think you’ll not only miss eating traditional Thanksgiving food, but also miss preparing it, check out La Cuisine Paris, a cooking school that is offering a class (in English) on Thanksgiving Day. There, you’ll make all the Thanksgiving favorites, including turkey, honey-baked ham, stuffing, candied yams, green beans, and pumpkin pie. Best of all, once you’re done, you’ll sit down at an elegant table to eat it all…and you don’t have to do the dishes!

La Cuisine Paris
89 boulevard St. Michel, 75005 PARIS
Tel : + 33 1 40 51 78 18
Web :  www.lacuisineparis.com
Email for reservations : contact@lacuisineparis.com

Top Hotel on Boulevard St. Michel: Hotel Des Mines

Photo of Thanksgiving cupcake by Lordog

Walking Off The Big Apple lists some of the best things to do for Halloween Week in New York. This year’s special events include ‘Halloween Wonder Cabinet’ at the New York Institute for the Humanities, ‘Talk to the Dead with Concetta Bertoldi’ at the Gramercy Theater as well as All Souls’ Day celebrations  and more scary Halloween parades, shows, parties and exhibitions in NYC.

With over 50,000 costumed participants and 2 millions spectators, the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is one of the craziest events in Manhattan.  Check out BrilliantTips for more info of  this not to be missed Halloween party in New York.

Things to do for Halloween in Rome

Tourism in Italy recommends the best places to visit in Rome on Halloween from the city’s catacombs to Dario Argento’s ‘Profondo Rosso’ shop of horros the the Museum of Zoology which organizes the ZooHalloween party.

Halloween Festivities in Paris

I Prefer Paris shares photos of Halloween graffiti posters taken on the Champs Elysées and recommends the Tim Burton Film Festival  and the Rocky Horror Picture Show to the travelers visiting Paris during the Halloween season.

Día de los Muertos Destinations

Matador Trips lists the best places to celebrate Día de los Muertos including Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area in California as well as Mexico City and more destinations in Latin America.

Photo of Jack ‘o lanterns by Just Us 3

Although jazz was born in the United States (arguably in New Orleans in the late 19th century), the form quickly spread to Europe, as many African-American “jazzmen” found that their brand of music was both taken more seriously and considered more acceptable across the ocean than back at home. Paris, in particular, opened its arms to these innovative musicians, many of whom settled in Paris after fighting in Europe during World War I. Many jazz historians feel that were it not for Paris’s whole-hearted welcome of jazz and African-American jazz musicians, the music might never have fully developed and found its place in the world.

From 1914 through the 1930’s, the hot spot for jazz in Paris was old Montmartre, a section of the city in which many African-American jazz musicians lived, and the site of many legendary jazz clubs, including Le Grand Duc and Bricktop’s. Decades later, the now ritzy streets just off of the Champs-Elysees were the place to go. Today, jazz can be found all over the city, from huge public venues, to small cozy settings, to a single musician blowing jazz standards on his sax on (or under) a bridge.

If you’re looking for a good venue to enjoy jazz on your trip to Paris, here are a few options.

1. Le Duc des Lombards.

This well-known jazz club has been around for nearly 25 years, and holds a reputation for being warm, intimate and open. Top-notch musicians from around the globe play here, including Steve Swallow, Michele Hendricks, Paolo Fresu. Known especially for its free jazz, you’ll be transported back to the ‘50’s and ‘60s from the first note.

42 rue des Lombards, 1st arrondissement, Paris. Tel. 01.42.33.22.88.

Admission: € 19-25, depending on the performers.

2. New Morning.

One of the most popular jazz clubs in Paris, New Morning holds about 300 people when at capacity, but still manages to have a personal vibe. In terms of décor, don’t expect anything fancy: there are only wooden folding chairs and small tables on which to place your drinks – but you’ll forget about that once the music starts. Buy your ticket in advance, if possible. The lines for tickets the night of a particular concert can get pretty long.

7-9 Rue des Petites Ecuries, 10th arrondissement, Paris. Tel: 01 45 23 56 39.

Admission: € 10, approx.

3. Café Laurent.

This low-key hotel jazz bar has yet to become a big name in Paris, but as far as I’m concerned – that’s great. This is my favorite place to kick back on a comfortable sofa, order a (really well-made) cocktail, and listen to some first-rate jazz. The Christian Brenner trio plays every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, and often invites guest musicians and vocalists from around the world to join them.

33 rue Dauphine, 6th arrondissement, Paris. Tel. 01 43 29 03 33.

Admission: No cover, just one €10 drink minimum after 9pm.

4. Parc Floral Jazz Festival.

If you are a jazz-lover and happen to be in Paris in June and July, you’ll definitely have to check out the annual Jazz Festival at the beautiful Parc Floral de Paris. There are about 1500 seats available, but why not just take a blanket, a bottle of wine and a picnic basket and listen to blissful jazz on the grass, under blue skies? Concerts take place every Saturday and Sunday in June and July, starting from 3pm.

Parc Floral de Paris, boulevard de Ménilmontant, 20th arrondissement, Paris.

Admission: €5.

5. Autour de Midi…et Minuit.

Those who want to listen to jazz on the stomping grounds of the original jazzmen of the 1920’s and 1930’s, will enjoy this cozy club in Montmartre. Although it has not been around long – it opened in 2001 – it has made quite an impression on jazz aficionados. And with its lovely “double voutée” (double vaulted) stone ceilings, even people very into jazz must agree that the place wins top marks for atmosphere.

11, rue Lepic, 18th arrondissement, Paris. Tel.: 01.55.79.16.48

Top 5 Popular Hotels in Montmartre, Paris

• Hotel Le Relais Montmartre – 3-Star Hotel – Room Price: €155
• Le Char Noir Design Hotel – 2-Star Hotel – Room Price: €166
• Hotel de Flore – 2-Star Hotel – Room Price: €85
• Hotel Régyn’s Montmartre – 2-Star Hotel – Room Price: €91
• Timhotel Montmartre – 2-Star Hotel – Room Price: €79

Photo of Jazzmen playing on Arcole Bridge, Paris, by Mohsan

Fate or not, I’m happy to tell you why I think these three cities are some of the best for travelers who love the spookier side of things.

It may be worth noting, however, that these three cities didn’t make the list because they have some big Halloween celebration every year, or because there’s some kind of haunted house in any of them. In fact, Halloween just isn’t a big deal in Europe. Throughout my travels, I’ve seen elements of the holiday creeping in here and there – jack o’lanterns decorating a few front windows, scary movies being shown on October 31st – but those sorts of things are few and far between (and, at least in my experience, primarily in the U.K.).

Instead, the three cities I think are the best places to spend Halloween in Europe make the grade because I just feel like they exude a splendidly creepy quality year-round. Which is a bonus if you can’t make it in time for Halloween this year.

• Halloween in Rome

As far as I’m concerned, any city that’s housed as many people over the millenia as Rome has is bound to have some scary corners. Just walking through the Colosseum and thinking of the countless gladiators who fought and died there is enough to give you the creeps. But Rome’s got more going for it than a city full of ghosts that you may or may not believe in – it’s got bones, too.

Like many other cities in Europe, Rome has catacombs which have become tourist attractions. There are more than 40 different catacombs in Rome, many of which you can visit, that served as the main burial places for the ancient Romans for centuries. They’re artistically interesting as well as slightly unnerving, if you’re into that kind of thing.

But perhaps the most famous collection of bones in Rome is at the Cappuccin Crypt, where you’ll make a small donation to get an up-close-and-personal look at five tiny chapels decorated (and I do mean decorated) with the bones of more than 4,000 Cappuccin monks. And just in case you forget that the “wallpaper” is made of the human bones of thousands of dead people, the message in the last chapel should send a chill down your spine: “As you are, we once were. As we are, you shall be.”

Rome hotel near the Colosseum: Bed & Breakfast Santiquattro Al Colosseo

• Halloween in Paris

Paris is known as the “City of Lights,” but there’s a dark side to the French capital, too. And as you’ll soon see, that dark side has been drawing tourists for more than 200 years.

One of the more well-known tourist attractions in Paris is a cemetery, but it’s not just any cemetery. Père Lachaise is the kind of cemetery where they actually sell a road map at the entrance, with points of interest marked. Those points of interest? Graves of famous people – like Chopin, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison. But despite the pretty tree-lined “avenues” of Pere Lachaise, it still positively screams “spooky” to me. I mean, those tree-lined “avenues” aren’t punctuated by houses, they’re punctuated by tombs. Of dead people. Plus, any cemetery for which you need a map is a cemetery you could get lost in. Enough said.

I’ve already mentioned Rome’s Catacombs, but there’s something even scarier to me about the Paris Catacombs. They were opened in the late 18th century in order to move the city’s cemeteries away from the living, and became a tourist attraction less than a century later. But most disconcerting in my opinion is the maze-like quality of the catacombs – there are more than 300km of tunnels full of bones, and you could quite literally get lost in them. If getting lost in a maze of the bones of more than 6 million people doesn’t make your pulse race, you might already be dead yourself.

Hotel near Paris catacombs: Hotel du Lion

• Halloween in Prague

I love the creep-out factor of Rome and Paris (and, really, of several other places in Europe, too), but I think my favorite spooky city in Europe has to be Prague. And this time it’s not just about cemeteries and bones.

Prague is home to one of the coolest cemeteries I know of – the Old Jewish Cemetery in the Old Town Jewish ghetto. It’s not the scariest of cemeteries, as it’s compact and almost always crowded, so you’re not likely to get lost or feel abandoned, but the collection of tombstones is unsettling in its haphazardness. The stones are toppling in every-which-way, largely because the Jews were forced to bury their dead in layers after being given only a small parcel of land as a cemetery. To give you an indication of how gloomy the cemetery must have been decades ago, Czech author Franz Kafka used to hang out in the cemetery just to think.

Just outside Prague is one of the best-known ossuaries - or bone churches – in the world. The Sedlec Ossuary sits underneath a church and, like the Cappuccin Crypt in Rome, it’s not just piles of bones but bones used as interior decor. At Sedlec, the “artist” got quite creative – a local family’s coat of arms is on one wall, an enormous working chandelier hangs from the ceiling in the center of the chapel, and near the stairway he even left his signature and the date of his work – all in human bones.

But the thing that makes Prague my pick for the top Halloween destination in Europe is the city’s Old Town Square. By day you might focus more on the pastel-painted buildings or the hordes of tourists following flag-toting guides. But even on the brightest summer day there’s no denying that the Gothic Týn Cathedral that peers over the square from behind another building is downright menacing. It still looks to me like it’d be the perfect place for the bad guy’s lair in some Batman movie. And at night? Sure, it’s lit up and could be considered pretty, but those lights aren’t fooling anybody. One look at those pointy black spires will tell you all you need to know.

Hotel in Prague’s Jewish Quarter: Hotel President

Photo of Rome’s Catacombs by jimforest

For centuries, Paris has embraced and inspired scores of famous writers, from Molière to Fitzgerald to Wilde to Djuna Barnes. When exploring the city, you can hardly escape the presence of these masters. You might drop into a seemingly ordinary café, only to see a plaque noting that Hemingway wrote “The Sun Also Rises,” there  (Café de la Mairie). Or maybe the hotel you’ve chosen to stay at just happens to be the one in which Henry Miller resided temporarily in 1930 (Hotel St-Germain des Prés). Once you start paying attention, you’ll never stop noticing all the monuments, plaques, museums, restaurants, and street names that honor Paris’s literary giants. Here are just a few of the places you might visit to gain inspiration from or pay homage to some of the finest writers in history.

1. Les Deux Magots.

Of all the literary landmarks in Paris, this is one probably the most famous. Although some people scoff that it’s become nothing but a tourist trap, how could any lover of literature miss visiting the café to which James Baldwin rushed immediately upon arriving in Paris to meet with Richard Wright? The café that hangs a photo of a young Simone de Beauvoir busily scribbling in a notebook in that very place? The favored haunt of Hemingway, Bréton and Camus? Don’t worry about the tasteless salads, if it’s literary ghosts you seek, this is the right place. 6 Place St Germain des Prés, 6th arrondissement.

2. Café de Flore.

Located right next door to Les Deux Magots, the café is equally close in fame. It is particularly known for de Beauvoir and Sartre having virtually lived in the upstairs dining room, but was also regularly enjoyed by writers such as Laurence Durrell , Truman Capote, and, of course Hemingway (who seemed to be everywhere). If you want the true feel of the past, definitely seat yourself in the upstairs dining room. Even today you will find many writers camped there, scribbling or typing away, hoping to absorb the spirit of those that came before them. 172 boulevard St. Germain, 6th arrondissement.

3. Maison Victor Hugo.

On the lovely Place des Vosges, you’ll find a small museum celebrating the life and works of Victor Hugo. The museum isn’t just a museum, however. It is part of the former Hôtel de Roham Guéménée, where Victor Hugo lived for 16 years (1832-1848). The museum/apartment is full of treasures to satisfy any Hugo fan: manuscripts, photos, samples of his handwriting, etchings, and some of his furniture. 6, Place des Vosges, 4th arrondissement.

4. Maison Balzac.

Balzac lovers will appreciate visiting the home-turned-museum in which the great writer penned much of his sequence of plays, novels, and stories, collectively titled “La Comédie Humaine.” The museum features plenty of Balzac memorabilia, including his writing desk, chair, and tea kettle, which famously kept him company through long nights of writing. 47 rue Raynouard, 16th arrondissement.

5. 27, rue des Fleurus, 6th arrondissement.

It’s not a museum, but nonetheless many admirers flock to the address where Gertrude Stein lived first with her brother Leo and then with her partner, Alice B. Toklas. Go there to stand before the plaque to commemorating the famous author’s home on this quiet street, and imagine the fabulous art collection and sparkling salons she held within.

6. 14, rue Monsieur-le-Prince, 6th arrondissement.

Richard Wright lived at this address for some 11 years (1948-1959), with his wife and two daughters. The famed author of Native Son and Black Boy was buddies with Sartre and Camus, and due to their influence, wrote what is known as the first American existentialist novel, The Outsider. Wright loved France so much that upon his death, he became one of the many authors to be buried at the Parisian cemetery, Père Lachaise.

7. 12, rue de l’Odéon, 6th arrondissement.

Site of the original Shakespeare and Company, the lending library and English-language bookstore owned by Sylvia Beach and frequented by the likes of Hemmingway, Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sherwood Anderson and James Joyce. The shop was more than a library/bookstore, but a haven for struggling writers. In 1941, after 22 years of business, it closed its doors, allegedly because Beach refused to sell her last copy of Finnegan’s Wake to a German official. Ten years later, a new Shakespeare and Company bookstore, named in tribute to the original and serving the same purpose, was opened by George Whitman several blocks away from the one on rue de l’Odéon. It remains a sanctuary for many writers to this day (37, rue de la Bûcherie, 5th arrondissement).

5 Landmark hotels in Literary Paris:

Photo of  Café de Flore, Paris, by Scorbette37

What do you think about the Denmark tourism video campaign showing a Danish girl seeking the father of her child, a baby conceived on a drunken one-night-stand? Do you find this hoax video funny of tasteless? Does it make you want to visit Copenhagen?

Dark England

Looking for a spooky holiday destination to go on Halloween? On EnjoyEngland.com check out the scariest places to visit in London, East Midlands,  Warwickshire and the Southwest of England.

Creepy Paris Underground

Planning a holiday in France and looking for ‘creepy’ places to visit in Paris?  Nomadic Matt recommends the Paris Sewers Tour. Another way to explore the city’s underground would be a visit to the Catacombs of Paris, but the attraction  has been closed this week after human bones  and skulls scattered along the walking paths.

Italian Cappuccino

Planning a  trip to Lake Maggiore, Italy? If you are an Italian coffee lover, visit the Stresa Sights blog and find out what a ’serious cappuccino’ is and where to drink this yummy beverage in the lovely town of  Stresa.

But more often than not, just as you begin to approach that tempting emerald expanse, you’ll see a sign stating: “Pelouse interdite.” In other words: “no sitting on the grass.” You’ll see this sign so often; you might start to wonder if Parisians have something against picnics. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Parisians are huge fan of picnics – they just don’t necessarily have them on the grass. Parisian picnics can take place almost anywhere: park benches, bridges, the stone banks of the Seine. And, if you’re desperate to find a nice grassy lawn on which you can sit down and have a nibble, don’t fret – you can find that too.

Best Places to Picnic on the Grass

1. Parc Monceau.

This stunning park, created in the 18th century by the Duke of Orleans, is the perfect place for a traditional flop-down-on-grass picnic. Here, you’ll find it all: beautiful flower beds, a romantic duck pond, elegant white stone statues – even a little waterfall and grotto. It’s a great spot to picnic with children as there is also a well-equipped playground and pony rides available. (8th and 17th arrondissements, Metro: Monceau (line 2)).

Top Paris Hotel near Parc Monceau: Hotel Elysees Parc Monceau

2. Champ de Mars.

Munching on French cheese and bread while staring up at the Eiffel Tower is the dream of many  visitors to Paris. Happily, this is one fantasy that is easy to fulfill as you can almost always find a place to spread out a blanket on the Champ de Mars, the nearly half-mile of lawn stretching before the famous tower. (7th arrondissement, Metro: Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel (line 6), Ecole Militaire (line 8)).

Top Paris Hotel near Champs de Mars: Hotel La Bourdonnais

3. Place de Vosges.

It’s easy to imagine in 17th century Paris when you settle on the grass in this lovely old square. Picnics are popular here, especially on French holidays, so be sure to arrive early to stake your piece of ground. Feel free to bring your laptop along as well because free Wifi is available in the park. (4th arrondissement, Metro: St. Paul, Bastille (line 1)).

Top Paris Hotel near Place des Vosges:  L’Hostellerie du Marais

4. Parc des Buttes Chaumont.

This park is an original place to have a picnic as it is located atop a rocky hill and offers spectacular panoramic views of Paris. After lunch, take a stroll through this 61-acre park and enjoy the various attractions, including the waterfall, suspension bridge and Romanesque temples. (19th arrondissement, Metro: Buttes-Chaumont, Botzaris (line 7), Laumière (line 5)).

Top Paris hotel near Buttes Chaumont: Hotel La Perdrix Rouge

5. Musée Rodin.

Few people realize that you’re allowed to picnic on the grass in the beautiful sculpture garden of the Rodin Museum, so if you’re looking for a secluded spot in a romantic setting, you’ve found your place. (7th arrondissement, Metro: Varenne, Invalides or Saint-François-Xavier (lines 13)).

Top Paris Hotel near the Rodin Museum: Hotel K+K Cayré

Best Places to Picnic off the Grass

1. Ile St. Louis.

The banks of the Seine at the Ile St. Louis are a traditional spot for a Parisian picnic. It’s a lovely place to raise a glass of champagne to the passing Bateaux-Mouche, while enjoying close-up views of the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) and Notre-Dame Cathedral. (4th arrondissement, Metro: Hôtel de Ville (lines 1, 11), Cité (line 4)).

Top Paris Hotel near Ile St. Louis: Hotel Des Deux Iles

2. Pont des Arts.

Picnicking on the wooden slats of this pedestrian bridge is thought by some to be the ultimate Parisian picnic experience. It’s a particularly popular spot for twenty-somethings and as you eat, you’ll inevitably be entertained someone strumming on a guitar, blowing a sax, painting a picture of the incomparable view. Go at sunset for an especially magical experience. (1st and 6th arrondissements, Metro: Pont Neuf (line 7), Louvre-Rivoli (line 1))

Top Paris Hotel near Pont des Arts: Hotel Prince de Conti

3. Canal St. Martin.

The stone banks of the canal St. Martin is an increasingly popular place to picnic. Dine under lovely overlapping branches of plane trees or in full-sun: the canal is 4.5 kilometers long so you’ll have your pick of places. After your picnic, you may opt to take an excursion of the canal by boat, where you’ll get a different perspective on many famous Parisian sites. (10th arrondissement, Metro: Place de la Republique, Gare de l’Est, Place de la Bastille de Stalingrad).

Top Paris Hotel near Canal St. Martin: Hotel Marceau Bastille

4. Place de Dauphine.

Tucked away in a corner of the Île de la Cité is a charming, leafy square that most people only stumble upon by chance. You’ll know to come here on purpose. Spread out some napkins on the park benches and dine while reveling in the beauty of the square, the marble walls of the neighboring Palace of Justice, and the peace and quiet. (1st arrondissement, rue Henri-Robert, Metros: Pont Neuf (line 7) and Cité (line 4)).

Top Paris Hotel near Place Dauphine: Grand Hotel Dechampaigne

5. Jardin des Tuileries & Jardin du Luxembourg.

These gardens are among the loveliest and most famous in Paris, but definitely fall in the “pelouse interdite” category. However, you can have a picnic at these legendary spots: just pull up a couple of the green metallic chairs that are liberally placed through the gardens, and eat wherever you like. (Jardin des Tuileries, 1st arrondissement, Metro: Tuileries or Concorde (line 1); Jardin du Luxembourg, 6th arrondissement, Metro: Odéon (lines 4, 10)).

Top Paris Hotel near the Jardin du Luxembourg: Hotel Le Clos Médicis

Photo of picnic in Paris, France, by Stuck in Customs

Travel Answer Man lists the world’s 15 best food markets including the Spice Market in Istanbul, Turkey, Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thailand, Mercado De La Merced in Mexico City, Mexico, Mercat De La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain, Mercato Coperto in Modena, Italy, Pike Place Market in Seattle, USA,  Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, Morocco,  the English Market in Cork, Ireland, Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco, USA, and more colorful street markets all over the planet.

Hens and Stag Parties

On Times Online, check out the most popular destinations for stag and hen parties in Europe according to Hotels.com and Wedding Ideas Magazine. It seems like most of hens’ favorite places for stag parties are in the UK with London, Brighton and  Edinburgh at the top of the list.

Italian Beauty

Italian Notebook shares some nice pictures of Ancona, a seaside city on the East Coast of Italy that offers visitors spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea.

Eat organic in the City of Lights

Secrets of Paris lists six organic restaurants, shops and markets in the French capital. So if you’re looking for organic food in Paris, head to BioArt, Victoire Supreme de Coeur, Bio Coop, Cojean, Boulangerie du Monde and Marché Biologique Raspail.

London iPhone applications

If you’re planning a trip to the UK and possess an iPhone, read Anglotopia.net and get useful tips for traveling to London with your Apple phone.

Photo of Istanbul Spice Market by Alaskan Dude

Travel On The Dollar lists the 5 most pet-friendly airlines of 2009 according to Petfinder.com. The five air companies are United Airlines,  American Airlines, which specializes in transporting zoo animals, the budget-friendly Aitran, JetBlue Airways, which offers full-service for pets, and Continental, which has a Pet Safe program .

Wild Life Photography

Visit Wild Wonders of Europe and take a look at the website’s photo galleries  including pictures of Pollino National Park, Italy, images of tulips and orchards in Crete, Greece, and shots of Avocets flying over the island of Texel, Netherlands

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Top 10 US Aquariums to Visit on a Family Break

The Q Family Adventure Travel Blog reviews 10 fun aquariums for a family trip. The list includes the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta GA,  National Aquarium Baltimore, Baltimore MD, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey CA, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay FL, New England Aquarium, Boston MA, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach CA, and more children-friendly aquariums in the US .

Paris Movie Locations

Want to go set-jetting in Paris? Visit Gridskipper and take a film location tours in the French capital including the Pont Neuf, the Louvre Museum, the Canal St Martin and more Parisian landmarks.  And if you are looking for more film sets in Paris, take a look at the luxury Hotel Meurice which seems to be director’s favorite hotel to shoot a romantic movie.

The Feast of Saint Rosalia: Palermo, 15 July

If you are in Palermo, Sicily, next week, do not miss the picturesque Festino of Santa Rosalia. For more information on this traditional event, visit Italy Mag and watch a video of  the celebrations, procession and fireworks display.

Photo of puppy dog at airport security line by - POD -

On Ninemsn Travel, Natasha Butler gives Paris insider tips and lists the places to avoid and things not to do when visiting the French capital. So, if you’re planning a weekend break in Paris, forget about shopping on the Champs Elysees, dining on a Bateau Mouche and getting on the top of the Eiffel Tower!

Barcelona Photo Album

On Trespass Magazine, Antonia Hayes shares a series of  beautiful pictures of Barcelona, Spain including photos of  Casa Battló, Boquería Market, Gaudi’s Park Güell and Barcelona Primavera Sound Festival.

Family-Friendly Hotel in Vegas

Vegas Chatter publishes an open letter to Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, one of the most popular hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.

Travel Photo Essay

HavePack.com shares breathtaking pictures of the  ‘Top 10 Natural Wonders of the World‘ including the Grand Canyon, Bora Bora, the Victoria Falls, the Galapagos Islands and more spectacular places around the globe.

Safe Sex on Vacation

In partnership with the Italian National Olympic Comittee (CONI), the Italian Obstetrics and Gynecology Organization (SIGO)  has published a “Travelsex guide“ and launched a summer campaign to discourage unsafe sex on holiday and prevent unintended pregnancy among young Italian females traveling abroad.

Photo of Eiffel Tower by david.nikonvscanon

Visiting the north? You’re likely to find yourself tucking into hearty dishes featuring wild boar or venison. If in the lavender-scented climes of Provence, prepare your taste buds for meals laden with tomato, garlic, onions, and olives. Most restaurants in the rural Dordogne are almost certain to offer black truffles on their menus (when in season). And the list goes on and on and on. With such delectable fare available, it’s tempting to visit as many regions of France as possible just to indulge in the varied cuisines. But, of course, there’s an easier way to go about it – just visit Paris. The city is full of restaurants and bistros specializing in different regional cuisines. Keep reading to learn more about four popular regional cuisines and where to find them in the City of Light.

1. Lyonnaise Cuisine.

The Southern city of Lyon is legendary for its outstanding cuisine. These days, it is most known for being home to the restaurants and brasseries of extraordinary chef, Paul Bocuse. But the delicate nouvelle-cuisine of Chef Bocuse is far away from the traditional robust food of the region. Traditional Lyonnaise cuisine can be found in small bistros called “bouchons,” which historically served the silk workers of Lyon. A typical menu is meat-intensive, featuring foods such as andouille (chitterlings sausage), tripe (pig or cow’s stomach), or boudin noir (blood sausage). For those not into offal, don’t fear, you’ll also find more mainstream items such as, roast pork, duck pâté, quenelles (flour, egg and cream dumplings), or Cervelle de canut, (which means “brains of the silk-weaver” and consists of cream cheese mixed with garlic and chives.) One of the most authentic “bouchons” outside of Lyon can be found in at Aux Lyonnais, 32, rue St. Marc, 75002, Paris. Tel. 01 42 96 65 04

2. Alsatian Cuisine.

France’s Alsace region is snuggled up against the border of Germany (and actually belonged to Germany periodically throughout its history), so it’ll probably come as no surprise that the food here has strong German influences. Pork lovers will be in heaven in an Alsacien restaurant, as most main courses in the Alsace feature some kind of pork dish, be it pork and choucroute (sauerkraut), Baeckeoffe (pork, beef and mutton mixed with potatoes and onions), or a simple plate of pork charcuterie (cooked, dried, smoked, or cured meat). Other traditional foods include foie gras, flammeküche (a cross between a pizza and quiche, made of bacon, onions, and crème fraȋche), and matelote (river fish stew). Alsacien breads and desserts are particularly notable too, featuring tarts, pretzels and spicy ginger bread. In Paris, the classic place for Alsacien dining is at the brasserie L’Alscace, 39, avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008. Tel. 01 53 93 97 00

3. Provencal Cuisine.

Sunny, southern Provence has a very Mediterranean cuisine, making one think of Italy as much as France. Here, you’ll find dishes emphasizing tomatoes, onions, olives, artichokes, eggplant, olive oil, peppers and/or herbs. Ratatouille is a classic dish, as are fish-based dishes, including bouillabaisse (fish stew), soupe aux poisson (a spicy fish soup), and salad Niçoise (salad of tuna fish, green beans, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes and potatoes). For authentic Provençal dining in Paris, check out Le Petit Niçois, 10, rue Amelie, 75007 Paris. Paris Tél. 01.45.51.83.65.

4. Basque Cuisine.

In the southwest of France lies the independent-minded Basque country, which shares its name, language and some of its traditions with the Basques of adjacent northern Spain. Being near the sea, seafood plays a prominent role in Basque dishes, especially salt cod, hake, anchovies, eel and sea bream. Squid (called txipirones) is also popular, served cooked in its own ink, or in a sauce of stewed tomatoes, garlic, chillies and white wine. Other classic dishes include Piperade, an omelet made of tomatoes, chillies and jambon de Bayonne (ham), and Piquillo, a sweet red pepper stuffed with morue (eel) or cod. For dessert, you’ll inevitably see gâteau basque (black cherry pie) or a rice pudding (sometimes flavored with piment d’Espelette – a kind of paprika on the menu. For great Basque food in Paris, try L’Ami Jean, 27 rue Malar, 75007, Paris. Tel. 01 47 05 86 89.

Photo of choucroute in Brasserie de l’Isle Saint-Louis, Paris, by WordRidden

Planning a holiday in Rome? If you enjoyed ‘Angels & Demons‘, you might want to visit the locations of the Hollywood movie starring Tom Hanks and based on Dan Brown’s book.  Europe a la Carte recommends taking a self-guided tour and reading Angela K. Nickerson’s free e-book on Rome’s Angels and Demons.

Rome Gay Travel Guide

Looking for a gay-friendly destination for an exciting city break in June? Patroc Gay Travel Guide recommends traveling to Italy and taking part to the Rome Gay Pride 2009 on June 13. And if you’re already in Rome, do not miss tonight’s party at the Muccassassina gay club, the last one before summer break!

Fine dining in Amsterdam

If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands and want to know what and where to eat in Amsterdam, take a look at the Velvet Escape travel blog. Keith recommends eating springroll stuffed with an exquisite duck confit, seaweed, cucumber and celery at the beautiful Odessa restaurant offering fantastic views across Amsterdam’s harbor.

Italian street food in Paris

Is eating Italian pizza by the slice in Paris, France, possible? Yes, it is! Head to Al Taglio, an Italian restaurant reviewed by Eye Prefer Paris, and enjoy a delicious slice of potato & truffle cream or ham a smoked cheese pizza.

Great Paris Travel Book

Congrats to The Naughty Paris Guide team for winning the Independent Publisher Books Award 2009 Gold Medal in the travel guidebook category.

Photo of Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome, Italy, by FotoRita

BrillantTips lists 11 pop culture memorials including a bust of Franck Zappa in Vilnius, Lithuania, Jim Morrison’s grave at Père-Lachaise in Paris, France, a statue of Jimmi Hendrix in Seattle, Washington, and more legendary rock stars artistic expressions from around the world.

Rome Tweetup

If you are a travel blogger and twitter addict living in Rome, Italy, or simply visiting the Eternal City, do not miss the Travellicious Tweetup held in the Garbatella area on Saturday May, 23, 2009.

Bart van Poll Interview

On Europe a la Carte Blog, read an interesting interview with Bart van Poll, an Amsterdam local and travel addict who co-founded the very cool Spotted by Locals cityblogs.

Currency Exchange Offices in Paris

On her Secrets of Paris blog,  Heather Stimmler-Hall tells travelers where to exchange money in Paris.

New York Museums

If you are planning a trip to New York this summer, visit Walking off the Big Apple and check out a list of the most interesting museum exhibitions in June, July and August 2009.

Photo of bust and portrait of Frank Zappa in Vilnius, Lithuania, by Benv Schlevich

Holiday in Sardinia

On Vacation Travel Trends, Terry Roberts blogs about his recent trip to Italy. Terry and his wife took a low cost flight from Madrid, Spain, to Sardinia, and stayed at the Bed and Breakfast Solemare in Alghero.

San Francisco Bay to Breakers 2009

MetroWize publishes a survival guide to Bay to Breakers 2009. Taking place in San Francisco, CA, this annual foot race is a very popular event with plenty of fun, music, participants dressed up in costume and… naked people!

Hotel Photo Shoot

If you are fan of Sandrine, check out a blog post by the Australian pop singer who did a photo shoot  for various music magazines at the Hotel La Tour d’Auvergne in Paris, France.

Japan for Foodies

BrilliantTips makes you discover the best food to eat in Japan, from delicious sushi in Tokyo to tasty crab dishes in Sapporo to candies and sweets in Kyoto.

Environment-Friendly Water Bottles

Go Green Travel Green reviews Kleen Kanteen Stainless Steel water bottles.

Photo of Alghero, Sardinia, by ♯ff000

Most visitors to Paris think the Latin quarter is only the myriad of tiny streets lined with kebab shops and Greek restaurants just to the south of Notre Dame. While this area may be fun to see (though I warn against eating here) there is much more to see of the real Latin Quarter.The district got its name thanks to the famous Sorbonne University and the many other religious institutions where only Latin was spoken. The area is still bustling with students, however the use of Latin met its end with the guillotine during the French revolution.

Here’s about an hour’s route to see some real treasures:

From Notre Dame Cathedral cross the River Seine to the south and you’ll see a little garden. A little further along on rue de la Bûcherie is Shakespeare & Company bookshop which is worth popping in. Don’t get lost upstairs and be sure to throw a coin in their mysterious well.

What I really think you should see is the church just behind the garden – Eglise St- Julien le Pauvre. This is one of the oldest churches of Paris, with parts of the current structure dating back to the mid 12th century. At one time, Sorbonne students took lessons here, but their rowdiness finally got them kicked out for good. Peek inside and you’ll find the surprising décor of what is now a Melkite Greek Catholic parish.

Just beside the church are some authentic medieval buildings, a rare site in today’s Paris. Turn right onto rue Galande and you’ll pass the Caveau des Oubliettes, one of the few free live music venues in the area. Everyone has to sit all snug down in the ‘cave’ – but it could be a good chance to meet some real locals.

Cross over the main street, rue du Petit Pont, and you’ll be at the back of Eglise St- Séverin. This Left Bank parish church might look older than Notre Dame due it’s dirty exterior, but most of it is in the late-gothic flamboyant style. Inside check out the beautiful stained glass windows and interesting curved pillars at the back. Once outside, walk along to it’s right side and you’ll see what used to be its medieval cloisters.

Keep going along that street which turns into rue Boutebrie. At number 14 you’ll find a cute little wine-bar called Porte-Pot which has a good selection of none-commercial French wines. Then you’ll come to the big Bvld St Germain, cross over and continue up the little street rue de Cluny. Follow it to the left and you’ll hit the Cluny Museum. This former townhouse of the Abbots of Cluny is one of the only examples of medieval civil buildings in Paris. A visit inside takes you back to the middle-ages, even back to Roman times as the old Roman baths are part of the museum.

The street heading up the hill, rue de la Sorbonne, of course leads to the Sorbonne University. It’s well worth having a look. From the outside you can also see the lovely sculpted façade of its chapel. You may want to stop your walk here with a drink in one of the charming cafes at Place de la Sorbonne or keep going up the hill and finish your walk at the Pantheon.

If you’re interested in knowing more about the area and medieval history, Context Travel Paris offers two intriguing walks in this area: Medieval Life and Society and Medieval Churches of Paris, which include some of the sites in this stroll.

Photo of Eiffel Tower by Hampshiregirl

Great view

Set high up from the 20th arrondissement, a breathtaking walk uphill from the Metro station of the same name, the Parc de Belleville affords a stunning panorama of Paris. It’s a must-see for anyone trying to find that perfect location to see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Cheap food

Historically boasting some of Paris’s lowest rents, Belleville initially attracted bargain-hunters from all over the world who championed the area’s array of continental cuisine. One of France’s most famous working-class entertainers Non, je ne regrette rien’s Edith Piaf was born under a lamppost here.

Low-cost wine

Piquette wine was made here by a local innkeeper who wanted to keep prices low for the locals. This has made Belleville famous for some of the cheapest (and most tasteless) wine in the country.

Famous residents

As well as the birthplace of some of France’s biggest icons, it is also the resting place of a few of the world’s most famous. Stuck out like a staccato blip, among the graves in the Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the lipstick-adorned Art Deco monolith to playwright, poet and novelist Oscar Wilde while other tombstones are graffitied with arrows pointing towards the final resting place of The Doors former front man Jim Morrison.

Art community

Today, people come to Belleville for the art scene, predominantly displayed by the painters, sculptors and crafts people that make up Les Ateliers d’Artistes de Belleville, who are fierce opponents of the mainstream art scene.

Free museum

Inside the park is the Maison de l’Air, which describes the elements of the atmosphere in intricate detail. Find out how animals and plants use the air and discover how to help stop pollution. Opening hours are between 13:30 to 17:00 and admission is free.

Smallest cabaret

Paris’s smallest cabaret has opened here under the title Le Zebre de Belleville on the main boulevard. You’ll know you’ve got the right place if you look up and see an inflated black and white four-legged zebra, mid-gambol, looming over the belfry.

Photo of Belleville Metro Station, Paris, by arslan

Celebrate the Eiffel Tower’s Anniversary

Budget Travel posts an article on the Eiffel Tower turning 120 years old. If you are in Paris this summer and want to celebrate the Old Gray Lady’s anniversary, go get baguette bread and French cheese at a nearby grocery store, and enjoy a gourmet picnic on the Champs de Mars.

Plan your French Gourmet Holiday

If you are planning a holiday in France including a gourmet visit to Burgundy, check out Why Go France and find useful information on how to get from Paris to Dijon by train, car and bus.

Take a Look at One of the Trendiest Hotels in Paris

Eric the Epicure posts a blog on his stay at the Mama Shelter Hotel and shares some links to HotelChatter reviews of the most talk-about hotel in Paris.

Window-Shopping at Paris Department Stores

Eye Prefer Paris shares pictures of funny baby dolls showcased in the window of Paris’s older department store Le Bon Marché (Rive Gauche).

Enjoy a good Parisian coffee

Gridskipper lists the 8 best cafés in Paris where to linger and enjoy a good French coffee.

Photo of Tour Eiffel snack by Sakurato Kitsa

• Autoinfos invites you in the Planète Auto in Paris, France, from July 1st to July 2nd.

• ejdurant gives you more information on the new Paris attraction, the Phare building, that will be completed by 2015.

• hinudotcom recommends you Matmos and Fraction in Café de la Danse, Paris, for an electronic soirée.

• Evous informs us of the Japanese martial arts expo at the Maison de la culture du Japon, in Paris, up until July 5th.

• Do you want to virtually visit Paris? Give a glimpse on this three-hour-tour pictures by ScottAbraham

Photo of tourist taking pictures in Paris by ollographik