***Secrets of Paris Newsletter #1: January 8, 2001

Welcome to the first edition of the Secrets of Paris Newsletter! This is where all of the extra info goes that I can't fit onto the website, and all of you are my guinea pigs -- let me know what you'd like to see more of in this newsletter, and hopefully it will evolve into something useful. Until then, stick with me while I iron out the glitches!

For Visitors
Win a trip for two to Paris from ParisGuideBook.com (US residents only, contest ends February 1st!). Even if you don't win, this is a great new site to help you plan your trip to Paris: http://www.parisguidebook.com/

Get real time tickets for Paris shows on this trilingual website: http://www.ticketclic.fr/html/english/english_main.asp

But One, Get One Free!
From January 5-14, the Mairie de Paris is offering a free ticket for every ticket purchased to jazz, classical, and traditional musical concerts throughout the city. The concert program can be found at all Virgin Megastores (there's one on the Champs-Elysées), and tickets can be bought directly at the concert venues and at FNAC. For more information and the concert program, call +33(0)1 42 78 44 72, or, if you read French, visit the web site at: http://www.paris-france.org/parisweb/FR/VIVRE/PARISCONCERT2000/concert1pour2sommaire.htm.

For Residents
Too tired to shop and cook but can't bear another delivery pizza? Rest easy and get some good grub delivered to your door from these four quality sites:

http://www.floprestige.fr/

http://www.chronoresto.fr/home.asp

http://www.clicresto.fr/

http://www.canalfood.com/

Literary Paris
Play readings every Monday night at the famous Café de Flore (in English three Mondays a month, and in French once a month), 172 blvd, St Germain, 6th arr., Metro St-Germain-des-Prés. For more info call 01 45 56 01 03.

Mondays are also Open Mike Nights(except when there is a guest reader) at Shakespeare and Company, 37 Rue de la Bucherie, across from Notre Dame. Metro Saint Michel.

News Flash: Soldes!
On your marks! The bi-annual sales (les soldes) begin this Wednesday, January 10, and last until February 20. You'll have to wake up early to even get into the Gucci or Chanel boutiques, but with discounts up to 75% on some things, it's worth it! And it's not just clothing -- everything is on sale from housewares to eyewear. Don't even attempt the 'grands magasins' unless you're wearing your combat gear!

Going Out
The Fabulous Josephine Baker
The end of 2000 marked the 75th anniversary of Paris' celebrated Revue Nègre, and the 25th anniversary of the death of the incomparable Josephine Baker. In homage to her immense talent, a new exhibit has just opened at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées. "Josephine Baker, Music Hall et Paillettes" features over 200 photographs, designs, illustrations, costumes and jewelry that once belonged to the grande dame herself -- Naomi Campbell serves as honorary sponsor of the show. Until February 28th at the Espace Drouot Montaigne, 15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris.

Festival Musical Intinérant
Music concerts throughout Paris, Brussels, Geneva, Nantes, January 29 - February 9. Schedule and ticket prices are found (only in French, sorry) here: http://www.webcity.fr/lesjeux/programe.asp#

Restaurant Review
Le Potager du Marais is the latest restaurant to capitalize on the Bio trend (organic food). Here you'll find Earth-conscious foods like tofu and seaweed sauces next to more classic fish and meat dishes. A lunch menu, including a starter, main dish and dessert, starts at just 69ff, with organic wines going for 85-110ff a bottle. The atmosphere is cosy and unpretentious, with a quiet mix of locals and business lunchers. Located in the 3rd arr. just behind the Centre Pompidou at 22 rue Rambuteau (Metro Rambuteau). A good idea to reserve a place if there are more than two of you. Tel: 01 44 54 00 31

Latest at Suite101.com
Looking for something different in Paris? The best sushi? A good kimono shop? An authentic Chinese market? Read my latest Secrets of Paris article, 'Exotic Paris Part I: Asian Influences' at: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/4820/56890

December's Articles

Tips for Throwing Your Own Soirée à la Française: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/4820/55164

Top Ten Entertainment Links for Paris: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/secrets_of_paris/54593

WalkinCloset.com
Are you a fashion addict? Read the latest Inside Paris article for my own interpretation of the latest French trends at: http://www.walkincloset.com/read/heather/index.html

Back to Archives.