I don’t know about you, but sometimes I tire of hearing about the same old neighborhoods in Paris: St. Germain des Pres, Latin Quarter, Rue Cler, you get what I mean. They are beautiful, but they are so well known it’s almost hard to find a surprise or something new and unusual about them.

This is why I so appreciated this morning’s Frugal Traveler report from Paris in the New York Times. He tells of his adventures renting a charming apartment in the very “unknown-by-tourists” (and even locals) 10th arrondissement, and of the possibilities that abound in that neighborhood. Dining, shopping, ethnic restaurants, clubs, markets, you can find it all in this area of Paris. I marked down some of his addresses for future reference.

Only problem, with this kind of attention it very well could become the newest, chicest, hippest place to go…. But until then, check out his article from today’s NYT.

If you’re a true tennis fan, you don’t want to miss this famous tennis tournament played every end of May/ beginning of June in the Bois de Boulogne. The French Open, as we call it, is one of the “Grand Schelem” tennis tournaments. “Grand Slam” that is. Around since 1891 and played on a clay court, it has become one of the most talked about sporting events of the year.

You can find information about tickets, how to get there, the players and more at the Roland Garros Web site

This exhibit is dedicated to France’s most famous queen, Marie Antoinette. It promises to offer incredible insight to what made Marie Antoinette such a strong and complex personality. The exhibit includes 300 works from all over Europe.

If you are a true M-A fanatic, I recommend reading both “Marie Antoinette” by Antonia Fraser, as well as “Abundance” by Sena Jeter Naslund. Each gives a great perspective of the myths and realities of Marie-Antoinette’s life. They are great reads before visiting Versailles and the Conciergerie, for instance, and they would probably help make great sense of this exhibit at the Grand Palais as well.

Grand Palais
Metro :
Champs Elysées Clemenceau
www.grandpalais.fr

Parc Asterix is a French amusement park located in the suburbs of Paris. Asterix, the lovable Gaul warrior (think 50 B.C.), and his friend Obelix have been beloved comic book characters in France since the 50s. They have taught countless French children about the history of France in an incredibly fun and unique way. Asterix and Obelix’s amusement park is another way to teach children (and you!) a bit of history while having a blast at the amusement park.

Parc Asterix features all the traditional amusement park rides for big and small, plus restaurants, shopping, and even on on-site hotel. In my opinion, if you want to go to a theme park in Paris, it makes best sense to go to one that is purely French in nature and in tradition. Do something you can’t do at home!

Open every day from April 5 - August 31
After September 3, oopen Wednesdays and Weekends through October 31
Hours: High season (July/ August) from 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., other days from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tickets:
1 day: 12 and older — 37 euros
3 - 11 — 27 euros
Reduced rates for seniors, large families and the handicapped

RER: Take RER B3 from Paris to Roissy CDG 1. Take the Parc Asterix shuttle at platform A3.
Cars Air France: Take the Air France bus to CDG 1. Line 2 leaves from Place Charles de Gaulle Etoile or Porte Maillot. Line 4 leaves from Montparnasse or Gare de Lyon. At the airport (CDG 1), take the shuttle bus at Platform A3.

I’m a National Public Radio/ Public Radio International junkie, and today I heard a story on their program “Marketplace” that piqued my interest. Eleanor Beardsley, whose life I envy for all of its jet-setting and living and reporting in Paris, tells us what it’s REALLY like to live in Paris with her American dollars. And it ain’t pretty.

The dollar, which started out on par with the euro at its inception in 2001, is now so pathetically value-less vis-a-vis the strong euro that our dear Eleanor can’t even window shop anymore. (Gasp). She’s become a haggler. (Double gasp). She winces when she realizes her 300 euro withdrawal from the ATM equals almost $500. That makes me wince too. That makes me decide that this year maybe I’ll vacation in Paris, Kentucky.

For a good idea of what life is like when you earn dollars but spend and live in euros, read (or listen to) Eleanor Beardsley’s report on PRI’s Marketplace.

The eighth annual 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 rythm 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.

It’s settled. The next time I go on a cruise of the Seine, this is the ONLY one I will consider: Vedettes du Pont Neuf has teamed up with Olivier of O-Chateau for CHAMPAGNE CRUISES! What could possibly be better than that? Sipping champagne, getting an education and seeing the beauty of Paris at night? That’s just a perfect evening in my book.

During the one-hour cruise you taste three types of champagne for only 40 euros. I’ve been to O-Chateau tastings and let me tell you, Olivier is a WONDERFUL teacher and has a great personality! I highly recommend his tastings, whether in his loft or on this boat!

LOVE this idea, Olivier!

If you will be in Paris this Easter, there are a few things to remember. First of all, as it is a holiday many shops and restaurants will be closed for the day. Some will remain closed the following day as well (Easter Monday). Be sure to call before arriving at a restaurant, as you don’t want to be standing outside a locked door.

The windows of the Parisian patisseries and chocolatiers are like works of art at Easter. The beautiful cellophane wrapped eggs, the white, milk and dark chocolate chicks. The Easter bells. Easter bells? Yes, Easter bells. You see, in France, there is no Easter bunny. Instead, they have the “Cloches de Pâques” or Easter bells. These are the bells that fly across France, dropping chocolates and treats in the grass, under trees and in the bushes. When the children hear the church bells on Easter morning, that is their signal that the Easter bells have passed and they run out looking for their Easter goodies.

French church bells remain silent from the Thursday before Easter until Easter morning. The French Easter tradition is that the church bells fly to the Vatican in Rome, returning to France in time for the Easter celebration, depositing chocolates and eggs all over the gardens of French children.

Enjoy ferris wheels, roller coasters, bumper cars and even arcade games at this traditional Parisian fair.

The best-known Parisian funfair will be open from March 22 to May 17, 2008. This is its 106 th year on the Pelouse Reuilly!

Roller coasters, ferris wheel, bumper cars, junk food, stuffed toys, everything that makes a fair a fair will be had at the Foire du Trone.

Great for all ages.

PELOUSE DE REUILLY
Bois de Vincennes 75012 PARIS
Noon - Midnight, Noon - 1 a.m on Saturdays
Metro: Line 8, Porte Doree or Liberte, a shuttle bus will take you to the fair from there
Web Site: Foire Du Trone

In the U.S., Daylight Savings Time starts soooo early this year: March 8. Perfect for people who suffer from SAD, but weird for those of us who are still looking at snow and ice.
In France? They are keeping with tradition: DST will begin the last Sunday of March this year, ending the last Sunday of October.
What does that mean? For three weeks in March, New York will be 5 hours behind Paris instead of 6.