For the sixth year running, the Saint Germain Des Pres Jazz Festival will take place during the second two weeks of May. The festival pays tribute to Paris as one of the leading jazz cities in the world today. During the festival, you can enjoy everything from musical tours of the left bank in a vintage bus to jazz concerts in the St. Sulpice church to rhythm and blues concerts all over the 6th arrondissement. There are even photographic expositions in various locations during the festival.

There are events to enjoy every day during the festival. Most concerts are free and the most expensive is 35 euros. The daily schedule as well as ticket information can be found at the Esprit Jazz Web site.

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Your favorite works of art take on a different, perhaps more mysterious look when viewed in the different light of this nocturnal show. This is a very fun, exciting and unique event that you can only do one night a year. Museums hope to attract a younger crowd with this event.

Most museums are participating, and some are offering free admission for the event. Check the individual museums’ Web sites or the Nuit des Musees site (in French) for more details.

Colette

This department store, which takes its name from the very famous French writer Colette, is not your average Jane’s department store. Of course, being on the Rue St. Honoré (think chi chi), you can’t expect that it caters to the masses. What you have here is a beautiful and smaller department store full of lesser known (but not less expensive) designers, unique home fashions and a plethora of fun accessories. Think of it as the department store for the woman who can’t imagine shopping at the nearby Printemps. If nothing more, it is fun for browsing.

I recommend Colette for my “drinking” section as well. The salon de thé of Colette has a vast array of teas and coffees, but also boasts a water bar. Yes, water. You can taste up to three dozen different bottled waters here.

Le Troquet

A "troquet" is a menu shown on a slate or blackboard, which they still use here. Le Troquet boasts high quality bistro fare at great prices. You can get a 6 course tasting menu for 38 € here. Full of locals, it is truly a good Parisian experience.

Hotel le Relais Bosquet

“A gem”, “Wonderful hotel”, “Great location”…These are some of the compliments guests have paid to the quaint and comfortable Hotel Relais Bosquet in the 7th arrondissement.

The hotel is a member of the Hotels de Charme of France. The rooms are bright, clean, spacious and air conditioned. Bathrooms are modern and very clean. The staff is extremely pleasant and helpful, and there is even a computer available for guests to use. The location of the Relais Bosquet is perfect if you want to be near some of the most popular sights in Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, the Rue Cler, the Rodin Museum to name a few.

Another reason this hotel is so popular is that it is so affordable:

• A superior double is 170 € (single 155€)
• A standard double is 150 € (single 135 €)
• Breakfast is 11 €

(Check their Web site for online promotions, as they run them often.)

If you are looking for a nice, clean, safe and friendly place to stay for a good price, the Relais Bosquet can’t be beat.

Les Vaches sont arrivées! It’s time to admire the Cow Art of Paris!

From now until June 16 these artistic “vaches” will be on display in Paris’s streets.

Many people remember the “cow art” that graced Chicago’s streets a few years back. Well now it’s Paris’s turn. Until June 16, central Paris will be showing off its latest artistic attraction: 150 cows decorated with props, paint and even clothing to represent everything from soccer players to milk vendors.

The point? After the month and a half of city-wide exposure, these “vaches” will be auctioned off and go out to pasture at various private homes and businesses. All proceeds will go to charity. What a fun idea!