In my humble opinion, this is perhaps the greatest idea that Bertrand Delanoe (Mayor of Paris) ever had: opening up the huge parvis in front of the Hotel de Ville as a public ice rink. It makes those cold and grey days of winter fly by, and adds a bit of festivity to the Christmas season as well.

From the first weekend of December through the first weekend of March, Parisians and visitors alike can fall on their rumps in the most fashionable of settings. There are two rinks and even a small luge for the children.

place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville 75004 PARIS
Métro : Hôtel de Ville
RER : Châtelet Les Halles

Hours:
Monday - Thursday 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday : 12:00 p.m. - midnight
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - midnight
Sunday : 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: skate rental is 5 euros (with ID), free access to rink

YOU MUST WEAR GLOVES!

Thankfully for many Parisians and visitors alike, (never mind the rest of France who lost their train service), the rail strike has come to an end. To compensate for the lost days of travel, subscribers to various rail programs will be reimbursed for the number of days they lost on their rail pass due to the strike.

It seems that strikers voted to end the strike and agree to some concessions to their retirement plan, which started the strike in the first place.

For a city that relies on its subway system, 70% of the French polled were not in favor of the strikers.

It’s that time of year again! Much of France may have come to a stand-still with the transportation strike that is currently plaguing the country, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be BEAUJOLAIS!
Every year on the third Thursday of November, France celebrates the new vintage of Beaujolais wines. Beaujolais is an area located between Paris and Lyon, along the Saone river. Their wines are not thought of as being excellent, and they differ from many French wines where you should drink them while they are still young rather than aging them. They are a fruity wine, and usually a good “party wine”.
But who cares how the wine tastes, there are parties to attend and wine to be had! In Paris signs are everywhere announcing the new vintage, and you can go to just about any cafe or restaurant and get a glass.
You can find out more at the official Beaujolais Nouveau site, or check your local Alliance Francaise to see if there will be a Beaujolais festival in your area.

Once again, be prepared for strikes by France’s rail workers this week. November 13 marks the date the SNCF (rail system) will strike, for 24 hours with possible continuing extensions of 24 hours if their needs are not met.
The RATP (metro, RER suburban train) will begin its strike on November 14, and it will also last 24 hours.
Why all the disgruntled rail workers? It’s in reaction to Sarkozy’s plan to reform their retirement packages. The last strike was on October 18 and was rather disruptive.
If you will be in Paris and in need of transportation, rent a bike from Velib. Avoid using the rail system these days, and the RATP as well. Expect this to impact air travel on the 13th and 14th, and stay tuned for updates…

Now’s your chance…there’s a great new tour company in Paris that will give you an up-close and personal tour of Paris in the Frenchiest of all French cars…the 2 CV (Deux Chevaux). Each car fits 3 people, and they can make a number of cars available for a larger group. There are various routes you can choose from (night, day, DaVinci, etc.)

Here’s their description of the “Essential Paris” tour:

On the Essential Ride you will (re)discover the most famous, beautiful and elegant monuments of Paris the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, the Invalides, the Opera Garnier, the Place Vendôme, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, the Ile de la Cité, the Place de la Concorde, the Trocadero.
Duration : appr. 01h30hrs
Departures : 9h-11h-13h-15h-20h-22h

Price: 54€/pers (3 pers by 2CV)
79€/pers (2 pers by 2CV)
158€/pers (1 pers by 2CV)

To learn more, check out the 4 Roues sous 1 parapluie web site!

Check out the artists of Montmarte in their studios! For the past 11 years the association “D’Anvers aux Abbesses” has allowed visitors to get an insider’s view of the work of nearly 120 painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramists and engravers during this weekend event.

There will be over 70 locations in the 18th and 9th arrondissements to choose from, from studios and artists’ residences to workshop-boutiques. Start out at 8 rue Milton, where you will find posters, maps and more information.