Time Out..-

This post may not be helpful or handy for your new life in France, but since we all know already how stressful and time consuming setting up could be, here is something you can do for free to take your mind out of all your "tasks to do" and just enjoy a little bit the Paris that is out there waiting for you..!

Until October 23rd there will be an artistic "explosion" at Galeries Lafayette / Boulevard Hausmann in Paris! You will find art on the outsides, on the windows, on the inside, sculptures, paintings, videos, all kinds of art expression.

All this is due (thanks to) Nicola Formichetti, the new artistic Director of the fashion brand Diesel, that has boosted this project thru the Diesel website and without knowing the "1000 artistes" that participate in the matter.

So if you have some - little - time to spare go check out the Galeries and let us know what do you think!

*Galeries Lafayette Haussmann*

40 Boulevard Haussmann

75009 Paris 

M - Opera 

Coming up.. Beaujolais Nouveau! ..-

Coming up soon, next week we have the Beaujolais nouveau 2012!

For those of you who are not aware of this "festivity" is the celebration of the    

The Beaujolais is a red wine made of the Gamay grape produced in the Beaujolais region in Provence (south of France).  What makes this wine special is its particular fruity flavor due to poor fermentation. Unlike other wines Beaujolais wine doesn't get better with time, fermentation time is max. 7 weeks and it's best appreciated when drink-en right away. 

Every year all over France (and abroad) there are multiple events celebrating the "vin de primeurs" where you can taste this years vino, may it be at atmosphere temperature or even hot.  Don't miss out on being part of this feast. 

If you are not a fan of red wine or wine in general, think of joining the party just to enjoy the good company of friends and meeting new people at your favorite bar or pub.  If you live on the smaller cities, party might take over the streets of "centre ville" with music on the corners and lots of food-carts.

More information here. 

Enjoy the party!

PS:  If among the readers we have a wine specialist please feel free to correct or improve the  post, I'm nothing but a wine fan, my level of expertise ends after my red or white choice. 

T- 

Vide Grenier - Brocante..-

La brocante or vide grenier is like a yard sale mixed with and antique market and a flea market altogether.

The amount of markets that run every week is just amazing, you can check out this site to see if there are any near you this weekend!

Picture Paris 14 info

Personally I adore this vide grenier or brocante because you find real treasures, from clothes to furniture, art, toys, you can find almost everything there and the best thing is that most of the things are old (vintage) so its real quality.  If you suffer from constant ‘nostalgie d’hier’ that’s the place for you.  

If you are looking to explore French culture, or you are looking to furnish your new place  this is a great option.  If you are only curious and want to go take a glance don’t hesitate it is always exciting and ‘enrichissant’.

In the opposite sense, if you have things you want to get rid of to make some cash thru the same site you can reserve a place and open your own stand and sell your things!

Have a nice shopping!

T-

Le Marché de Noël..-

Christmas is just around the corner, and if this is your first holiday season in France here are some tips to enjoy it best!

Starting November 23^rd the cities in France light the Christmas decorations. Depending on where you are It could be a little bit further entered December.

It is accustomed in France to build ‘Le marché de noel’ that are little Christmas ‘towns’ inside the cities where you can find holiday crafts and food, shows, spectacles, and holiday music. Once you enter those little ‘markets’ is like if you’ve been transported straight into the north pole fantasy.  (Marché de noel History here)

The most popular marché de noël are in the Alsace region, Colmar, Eguisheim, Strasbourg, Metz.  They are big and beautiful, there are trips organized to visit the markets and enjoy the city decorations as well.  If you want to explore book your tickets as soon as possible, the prices go up very fast. 

Remember the 12-27 SNCF card in case you haven’t bought it yet, could be a big save on this trips.  Also, if you are short on budget check the ‘co-voiturage’ Is a travel way in France where someone who has a car and is doing a specific route on a certain date proposes online the free seats on the car.  That way you pay your part for the gas and the tolls and you travel on the comfort of a car for less than half the price of the train tickets.

Make sure you get in touch with the driver first and assure yourself is a trusty person who will drive carefully and safety. 

Check on google maps or your favorite GPS system for routes you could propose to the driver and more important, the time it takes to get to your destination by car. Trains ride at an average speed 200 km/h  so you would probably triple the train’s time.   

Back to Christmas… Check your city’sofficial website and cultural agenda for holiday events and market locations. Don’t miss out on the French Christmas spirit.

Pictures from Lack-Camping  Alsace

Get your calendars in hand and start planning your holidays in France!