February 2007

Vol. 1 Issue 11

• Ask a Paris Question
• Share your Paris trip
• Meet other Paris lovers

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Participating is fun and can be as anonymous as you would like.  You just create a login name and join in the conversation!  If you have any questions on how to participate, just send an email to lesley (at) paristriptips.com.

Paris is cold in February, so if you are heading out, bring your coats, hats, mittens and scarves, and enjoy the lack of tourists! That’s right, the best part about traveling to Paris in the winter is that you feel like it’s just you and the Parisians. The museums are less crowded, the restaurants have more free tables, and the hot chocolate is readily available. The worst part? The flowers aren’t in bloom which makes Paris’ parks and gardens less enjoyable. But hey, you’re in Paris, things could be worse!

And don’t forget, the semi-annual sales are still on (through February 19). So spend your time indoors: shopping, museum hopping, eating macaroons and drinking great teas and hot chocolate!

Where can you get a good hot chocolate in Paris?

This is a vital question when traveling to Paris in February! Great hot chocolate (“chocolat” or “chocolat chaud”) is plentiful in Paris. Just about anywhere you sit, you will enjoy a rich, amazing cup of steaming hot chocolate that will make you forget all about the watery, weak concoctions we are sometimes served at home.

But who makes the best? Of course, that is a question of taste. Here are a few addresses that won’t leave you disappointed:

Angélina
226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Metro: Tuileries or Concorde
This is the perfect stop after a visit to the Louvre or the Tuileries gardens. Their world- famous hot chocolate is served with a bowl of hand whipped cream. The chocolate (“à l’Africaine”) is so thick and rich you can stand your spoon in it. Although there is sometimes a line and the service can be a bit harried bordering on cold, it’s worth it if you love chocolate. I would say it’s definitely a “must do” while in Paris, at least once.
Open every day from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

La Charlotte de l’Isle
24 rue St. Louis en L’ile, 75004
(Ile St. Louis)
Metro: Pont Marie
Coming into this salon de thé is like entering the home of an eccentric relative. The walls and tables are covered with a collection of dolls, art, and other items belonging to the owner. And the hot chocolate is just perfect. Many have claimed this is the best hot chocolate in the city.

Ladurée
75 Ave. des Champs-Elysées, 75008
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Not only is the setting like stepping back in time, the macaroons (made with almond paste, not with coconut) are to die for, and the hot chocolate is rich and flavorful and just what you need to keep yourself energized while shopping the “Champs”.
Open every day, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.

1728
8, rue d’Anjou, 75008
Metro: Concorde or Madeleine
This is a terrific and exquisite 18th century salon de thé and restaurant near the Place de la Concorde and the Place de la Madeleine. During the day, it serves excellent hot chocolate as well as pastries by Paris’ most famous pâtissier: Pierre Hermé.
Salon de thé opens at 2:30 p.m. and serves until 7:30 p.m.

The American Ballet Theatre
February 6 – 11, 2007
THEATRE DU CHATELET
1, place du Châtelet 75001
Metro: Châtelet
RER: Châtelet Les Halles
Information: 0140282840
Price Range: 10 - 80 euros

Don’t waste your precious time and money at the Moulin Rouge during your Paris trip! Go where the Parisians go! The Châtelet Theatre is hosting the American Ballet Theatre company this month.

The American Ballet Theatre company was founded in 1940, and will be performing five programs alternating between classical and contemporary dance. The work of this ballet company has drawn universal acclaim. If you are in Paris in February, don’t miss it!

“D’Artagnan!”
Nouveau Theatre Mouffetard
73, rue Mouffetard 75005
Metro: Place Monge
Information: 0143311199
Full price: 9 Euros

Bringing small children to Paris and wondering how to entertain them? “D’Artagnan!”, a stage adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’s “The Three Musketeers”, is a great introduction for children to the literary masterpiece.

With a simplified plot making it suitable for young audiences, the director also ensures the essence and wit of the original will be retained.

Swordfights, action-packed scenes, heroes and villains, humor, and music combine to create a play completely free of violence.

Perfect for children 4 and up (and at that age, it doesn’t matter if they speak French, they will enjoy it anyway!)