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Two Tales Of Parisian Generosity

PARLER PARIS: TWO TALES OF PARISIAN GENEROSITY


August 19, 2002


*** INHABITANTS OF A GHOST TOWN


In the dead of August, Paris is a "ghost town," with the exception of
a few brave tourists who either don’t know or don’t care. Several old
friends are visiting right now, which at least affords us lots of
great dinners out (if you’re lucky, you’ll find your favorite
restaurants are open), wonderful art exhibits (no fighting the
crowds), fun shopping (still some sales and salespeople eager to
help) and gorgeous weather (it finally turned warm)…but there was
one small incident in particular that stirred my mind and soul like
no other experience during the week.


It was a muggy evening on lovely boulevard Raspail on route to the
Restaurant Hélène Darroze, with an old friend from the Tennessee town
I lived in for many years. We were stopped by an American family of
four who were lost. They overheard us speaking English and seemed
relieved that perhaps we could help them out of their dilemma. They
could remember the name of their hotel, but didn’t have a clue where
it was located (by arrondissement) and only knew that bus number 95
would get them there.


At that moment, a bus of a different number came along and slowed up
to the nearby stop. Thinking the driver would know where the stop for
95 was, I ran to catch up with the bus. Politely, while the door of
the bus was still open, I asked him, "Excusez-moi monsieur de vous
déranger, mais peut-être vous connaissez l’arrêt pour l’autobus
quatre-vingt-quinze?"


He apologized for not knowing; I said "merci beaucoup" and turned to
walk back to the waiting group while he started to drive off. A
moment later, I heard two beeps of his horn (deep and loud) and a man
standing at the stop calling to me, "Madame, madame…" motioning for
me to come back to the bus. And so I did!


A passenger sitting near the driver seemed to know where the stop
was, had told the driver and thus he made a special effort to stop
the bus again, call me back to give me this information, all just to
be helpful.


I was struck by the generosity on everyone’s part to help…by the
civil servant bus driver who certainly didn’t have to take his time
(and the time of his passengers) to call me back, by the passenger
who spoke up that she knew the 95 stop and by the man standing at the
stop who helped get my attention.


I wondered if I would have the same experience in New York or Los
Angeles or even in that Tennessee town. And I wondered why the French
have a reputation for being "rude" or "arrogant" when I continue to
have heart-warming experiences like this.


Then, yesterday I heard yet another small tale of generosity. An
American friend who accompanied me to visit the exhibit of Arnold
Newman photographs at the Hôtel Sully (which will wow you–do not
miss it) and who has lived here many years, went into her
neighborhood laundromat after we parted to collect her finished
laundry, only to find a homeless man there listening to music. He had
found a 2-cent coin on the ground and instead of pocketing it
himself, offered it to my friend who was using change to feed the
machines. Normally, she would have said, "No, you keep it," but
instead felt it would have been rude not to accept the gift
graciously, as he had so graciously offered it.


Perhaps August in Paris brings out the best in Parisians–the few
remaining inhabitants of a "ghost town" who feel a certain
camaraderie bonding in unusual ways.


A la prochaine fois (from the Big Apple),


Adrian


P.S. A few special notes:


RESTAURANT HÉLÈNE DARROZE: 4, rue d’Assas, 6th, Métro
Sèvres-Babylone, 01.42.22.00.11, email
mailto:[email protected], closed Sunday and Monday. Hélène
Darroze is one of Paris’ finer restaurants, but is NOT listed in the
Leeds Good Value Guide to Paris Restaurants
(http://www.insiderparisguides.com/restaurants/index.html) primarily
because for the quality, while excellent, doesn’t quite live up to
the price.


BUS NUMBER 95: From Porte de Montmartre to Gare Montparnasse–sights
along the way include Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Musée du Louvre, Opera
Garnier, Gare Saint-Lazare, Place de Clichy, Montmartre. For a map of
the bus routes of Paris, click on
http://www.citefutee.com/orienter/plans.php then click on "Bus
Paris." For a description of the best sightseeing bus routes, read
PARIS CONFIDENTIAL by Warren Trabant and Elizabeth Reichert, a
soon-to-be-released guidebook by International Living. For more
information or to order your copy in advance, write
mailto:[email protected]?subject=ParisConfidential


ARNOLD NEWMAN: A MASTER OF PORTRAITURE: till September 22nd, 2002 at
the Hôtel de Sully, 62, rue Saint-Antoine, 4th, Métro Bastille or
Saint-Paul, 01.42.74.47.75, Opening every day except Monday from 10
a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
http://www.patrimoine-photo.org/dhtml-us/pres/exposition/plan.html
This exhibit will WOW you! Newman manages to

recreate in the
composition of each photo portrait a subtle reflection of the work of
the artist he portrays. It is worth a spe
cial detour–plus enjoy the
gardens at the Hôtel de Sully.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Parler Paris
/parlerparis/
Written and Edited by Adrian Leeds


Published by International Living
http://www.internationalliving.com
[email protected]


Issue Number 52, August 19, 2002


In this issue:


*** Swim in France at Your Own Risk
*** Shopping for Breads in Paris Can Be a Gay Affair
*** Diane Johnson Speaks on Divorce and Marriage, Paris Style
*** Come to a Parler Parlor Party for a Light Lunch September 21
*** Get Ready to Hit the Streets of Paris with the Survival French
Course
*** Our Experts Can Answer Your Questions About Moving to France
*** A Seat at the Conference Awaits You and You Can Still Save
$100–Till August 30th
*** What Are You Making for Dinner? Reservations, Of Course!
*** Take the Tour with Thirza–4 Hours Seeing All of Paris
*** Spend 5 Days in the South of France: A Tour to
Languedoc-Roussillon
*** Traveling to Paris with the Kids…Help!


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


*** YOUR PRIVATE POOL–SWIMMING AT YOUR OWN RISK


Practical Questions and Answers by Jean Taquet, author of "The
Insider Paris Guide to Practical Answers For Living in France"
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/answers/index.html


QUESTION


I am the owner of two "gites" in Poitou Charantes. I am being
pressured to add a swimming pool. I live in the United States and am
familiar with the litigious society here which makes me worried about
personal injury liability with having a swimming pool. The property
is not supervised other than by our guests. If a pool is installed,
it will be maintained by a local firm (filtration, skimming,
covering) but there will be no attendants there while it is being
used.


ANSWER


France does not have the frequency nor amount of law suits and the
level of damages awarded in liability suits as in the U.S. On the
other hand, my recollection of having a swimming pool open to the
public would put you under the regulation of a normal pool. This
means a lot of safety regulations to obey.


Therefore, like you, I believe that the issue is not so much the
technical aspect of the issue (filtration, skimming, covering, the
quality of the water, the possible leaks either in the pool or in the
ground). My complete answer would be if it is for purely private use
with no payment (rent) for the use of money and the people who go and
live in these houses are friends or family members, then a waiver
releasing you from all responsibility for anything that would happen
in the pool. Make sure that your home owner insurance policy covers
the pool. This means that the company has been notified of this
creation.


If the place is rented, then as the landlord you have the obligation
to make sure that the tenant takes his/her own "home owner
insurance"-"multi-risques habitation." Then you transfer the risk of
using the pool to the people who have the legal right to use the
place, i.e. the tenant.


If these places are used as Bed and Breakfast or any sort of
"hotel"accommodation type of service, then my reaction is that you
need to verify how much you are operating a public pool.


JEAN TAQUET


To read Jean Taquet’s complete monthly column posted each month in
Parler Paris, visit /parlerparis/practicalanswers.html


To contact Jean Taquet or to subscribe to Jean Taquet’s monthly
column, email mailto:[email protected]


To order your copy of the The Insider Guide to Practical Answers for
Living in France, visit: http://www.insiderparisguides.com/answers


*** "MY NEWEST FAVORITE BOULANGERIE"
— by Schuyler Hoffman


It’s perhaps a bit cliché to assume that the Gays would be interested
in fabulous shopping, but there it is, we are! With gentrification of
the Marais has come a variety of boutiques and shops for just about
everything and everybody. Many of them are upscale and
trendy–targeted at an upscale, trendy Gay clientele–but even in the
Marais you’ll find shops for everyday things. Add in those found in
the more Jewish area of the Marais and you can shop ’til your heart’s
content without ever leaving the quarter. You’re sure to find things
to take home with you that few, if any, of your friends will have.
It’s always nice to be able to tell someone who comments on a
particular item of yours: "Oh that, I bought it in Paris!"


You’ll find the main aggregation of shops and boutiques along rue
Vieille du Temple (running north from rue Sainte Croix de la
Bretonnerie to rue des Blancs Manteaux) and some scattered along rue
Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie (running east from rue Vieille du
Temple to rue du Renard). There are a few interesting shops on rue
Vieille du Temple north of rue des Blancs Manteaux, so don’

t stop too
soon. The same holds true for a stroll down rue des Blancs Manteaux
east to Place des Vosges. And don’t miss a quick stroll a
long rue du
Temple, about half way between rue Vieille du Temple and rue du
Renard. The upscale shops are beginning to spill over onto this
street as well.


My newest favorite, just added to the updated Insider Guide to Gay
Paris is–


LEGAY CHOC (LGC) (BOULANGERIE- PÂTISSERIE)
45, rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004
Métro: Hôtel-de-Ville
Phone: 01.48.87.56.88
Hours of Service: Weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Wednesdays), 8
a.m. to 10 pm weekends


Owned and operated by Richard Legay–yes, that is his real name–this
newer addition to the treats in the Marais opened in October 2001.
His brother Dominique’s expertise in the art of bread and pastry
making, "à l’ancienne" (the old way), creates the daily inventory of
breads, baguettes, and pastries. Consequently they have quickly made
their mark in the neighborhood as one of the places to go. Legay
purchased the shop mid 2001 with the intent of being the first
gay-owned boulangerie/patisserie in the Marais. Though he had hopes
of opening much earlier, the previous proprietors left the facility
in such shambles that it took a couple of months just to clean it and
get it to the point of usability. The hard work and the wait have
paid off. LEGAY CHOC is at the top of the list of must-stop Gay
establishments. (When you stop in, tell them Schuyler sent you!)


Editor’s note: This and more can be found in the Insider Guide to Gay
Paris, just recently updated with new and exciting information. To
order your guide, visit: http://www.insiderparisguides.com/gay


*** LE DIVORCE AND LE MARIAGE, PARIS STYLE


"Le Divorce is about Americans in Paris. Worse. Americans from Santa
Barbara, California, in Paris. Also, French cultural superiority and
American innocence. One sister’s marriage. Another’s illicit love.
Infidelity. Family disapproval. A crime of passion. Perhaps murder."


That’s the opening from the book jacket of "Le Divorce" by Diane
Johnson. And it lives up to its promises–a delightful read for
Francophiles.


Diane Johnson is the bestselling author of "Le Divorce" and its
sequel, "Le Mariage," is a 1997 National Book Award finalist, as well
as author of eleven previous books, including the novels "Persian
Nights," "Health and Happiness," "Lying Low," "The Shadow Knows," and
"Burning."


She will be speaking in Paris at the upcoming International Living
Working and Living in France Conference, October 18 – 21.


For more information, visit the site at:
/parlerparis/liveinfrance/


*** PRACTICE YOUR FRENCH, HAVE LUNCH ON THE HOUSE, SAVE 10%


Paris’ most popular French-English conversation group invites
everyone to celebrate it’s new second location at Eurocentres and La
Rentrée 2002 with LUNCH and a SAVINGS OF 10% on all memberships and
renewals.


Come for conversation at 11 a.m. then stay for a light lunch. Make
new friends–get to know the members of Parler Parlor. Then sign up
or renew your old membership and save 10% that day.


It’s FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE! Saturday, September 21 at
EUROCENTRES: 13 passage Dauphine, 6TH (between rue Dauphine and rue
Mazarine)


Reservations are REQUIRED. Call or email:
mailto:[email protected] or 01.44.19.76.61 or 01.40.27.97.59.


NEW PARLER PARLOR SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 10: 4 TIMES A WEEK AT
TWO LOCATIONS


COPROM LANGUES, 14 rue La Fayette, 4th Floor, 9th arrondissement
Métro Chaussée d’Antin, Opéra, RER A Auber
Tuesdays 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursdays 6:30 to 8 p.m.


EUROCENTRES, 13 passage Dauphine, 6th arrondissement
Métro Odéon, Saint-Michel
Wednesdays 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


* Both language schools offer courses in French for those who need
more structured instruction in basics and grammar.


For more information, visit http://www.parlerparlor.com or email:
mailto:[email protected] or call: Elisabeth Crochard: tel. 01 44
19 76 61 or Adrian Leeds: tel. 01 40 27 97 59.


*** SURVIVAL FRENCH COURSE OPEN TO EVERYONE


Learn more about the International Living 9-hour SURVIVAL FRENCH
course OCTOBER 16 and 17, 2002 at Coprom Langues, 14 rue Lafayette,
9th, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (both days)
— /parlerparis/liveinfrance/survivalfrench.html


* * * * * ADVERTISEMENT * * * * *


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Jiang River…a FREE EXPEDITION exploring the ancient palaces of
Kathmandu…or a FREE TREK through primitive jungles on an Amazon
safari?


If you ever dreamed about the romantic life of a travel writer,
here’s a very unusual opportunity to actually live it!


Click here now to find out more:
http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/120STWC/W120C7WP
/


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


*** NEED PERSONAL ASSISTANCE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ON HOW TO LIVE
AND WORK HERE?


The International Living Paris Office offers consulting services to
assist you with every aspect of living, working, renting or buying an
apartment here in France.


* Working and Living in France and Consultation


Let us help you get off on the right footing. We can think creatively
to maneuver the system and make it work for you, or refer you to the
experts who can.


* Property Finding and Purchasing


We can help you find an apartment or home, make contact with real
estate agents, lending institutions and banks, financial advisors,
notaires and attorneys, architects and contractors, apartment
managers. We can also arrange to set up your utilities (electric/gas,
phone, cable, Internet) in your absence.


To inquire about our services and fees, please contact Schuyler
Hoffman at mailto:[email protected]


*** WANT TO MEET WITH OTHERS WHO SHARE YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING
AND LIVING IN FRANCE?


Make your plans to attend the Working and Living in France Conference
Sponsored by International Living


Paris, France October 18 – 21, 2002
/parlerparis/liveinfrance/index.html


SAVE $100 IF YOU REGISTER BEFORE AUGUST 30TH.


Availability Is Limited to Just 40 People.


There is so much that Paris has to offer–that it’s little wonder it
can be an expensive city for tourists. But this conference is all
about helping you become a local–whether you’d like to retire here,
start a new career, or acquire a second home. And the price you’ll
pay for the tour is very "inside," indeed.


Just to consult on a private basis with French legal advisors,
finance professionals of the caliber you’ll meet on this tour could
cost you thousands of dollars. Yet the entire four-day Working and
Living in France Conference will cost you just $695 if you register
by August 30, 2002.


This includes 3 ½ days of intense meetings with expert speakers,
coffee breaks, a welcome reception and dinner, a 4-hour real estate
and historical city tour of Paris, meeting with real estate agents,
viewing properties in Paris, and assistance from the International
Living staff.


To register or for more information, contact: In the U.S. or Canada,
Barbara Perriello, Agora Travel; Telephone. 1-800-926-6575 or
1-561-243-6276; e-mail:
mailto:[email protected]=WorkLiveConf


In France, Schuyler Hoffman, Assistant Director International Living
Paris Office; Telephone +33 (0) 1 40 27 97 59; e-mail:
mailto:[email protected]=WorkLiveConf


*** JOIN US FOR DINNER!


* CHEZ JENNY
Friday, October 18th, 7:30 p.m.
Open to Working and Living in France Conference participants and
their guests. Read more at
/parlerparis/liveinfrance/dinner.html


* A 2-HOUR DINNER CRUISE ON THE SEINE
Sunday, October 20th, 9 p.m.
If you are not taking part in the Conference and still wish to join
us on this cruise, you can!
To see the special menu and for more information, visit the site at:
/parlerparis/liveinfrance/dinner.html


*** SEE ALL OF PARIS IN 4 HOURS WITH THIRZA VALLOIS


* You don’t have to be a participant in the Working and Living in
France Conference to take the amazing 4-hour tour around Paris! We’ll
be winding in and out of the prettiest streets to illustrate
residential areas that have the most appeal. All 20 arrondissements
will be covered, and while author of "Around and About Paris,"
historian and Paris expert, Thirza Vallois, describes the history and
personalities of each:
/parlerparis/liveinfrance/grandtour.html


Plus read Thirza Vallois’ article about the 20 arrondissements of
Paris here:
/parlerparis/liveinfrance/arrondissements.html


To register or for more information, contact: In the U.S. or Canada,
Barbara Perriello, Agora Travel; Telephone. 1-800-926-6575 or
1-561-243-6276; e-mail:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=WorkLiveConf


In France, Schuyler Hoffman, Assistant Director International Living
Paris Office; Telephone +33 (0) 1 40 27 97 59; e-mail:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=WorkLiveConf


*** DISCOVER LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON WITH INTERNATIONAL LIVING


October 22-27, 2002


After Paris you can experience country living at it’s best in the
South of France. You can continue exploring France and the
possibilities of making a home here on our Real Es

tate Discovery Tour
of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France, from
October 22-27.


The day after the conference (October 22), we’ll take you on a 5-day
tour to the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, where you will
discover quaint villages and beautiful properties.


See what the region has to offer for an idyllic life. Meet with
residents, journalists and real estate agents and learn about finding
your vacation, retirement or primary home in the French countryside.
This is too important an opportunity to miss. For more details go to
/parlerparis/liveinfrance/languedoctour.html


To register or for more information:


Barbara Perriello, Agora Travel
Phone: 1-800-926-6575
or 1-561-243-6276
Email mailto:[email protected]?subject=LanguedocTour


In France, Schuyler Hoffman, Assistant Director International Living
Paris Office; Telephone +33 (0) 1 40 27 97 59; e-mail:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=LanguedocTour


* * * * * ADVERTISEMENT * * * * *


WORK AND LIVE IN FRANCE


Have you ever dreamed of working and living in France…but just
don’t know how to go about simply doing it?


What if you knew someone who had already done it? Navigated the
tricky French system…successfully dealt with residency and work
permits…knew how to find a job…create a business…and more…


Plus, they’re willing to share with you everything they’ve learned.


To read more about this JUST UPDATED resource, click here:
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/workandlive/index.html


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


*** HELP ON KID-FRIENDLY HOTELS


QUESTION: Do you have any ideas on kid friendly hotels in Paris –
children aged 18 months to 7 years with a moderate budget?


Rhonda EC


ANSWER: Here’s some advice from our upcoming soon-to-be-released
Insider Guide to Paris for Kids —


ACCOMMODATIONS THAT MAKE LIFE EASIER


* A rental apartment is the best option with kids. They offer one or
two bedrooms. Don’t you deserve a private room where you can shut the
door to parenthood? The more kids can feel at home the easier it is.
A kitchen to make snacks in and a TV to sit in front of, even if the
cartoons are in French makes them feel less disoriented. They will
have play space and so will you.


Apartment rental prices are comparable if not cheaper than hotels.
Hotel rooms in Paris are notoriously small and very few have rooms
adjoining to add space. What better experience than to live in a true
Parisian apartment full of the style and charm of Paris? The added
bonus of having a kitchen allows you to cook meals made up of all the
great French products you will be tempted by at the great shops and
open markets. It is much less stressful to give the kids their cereal
and toast while you’re getting dressed. Many of the apartments come
with washers and dryers that can come in handy with kids. Some even
offer VCR’s with the TVs and if the kids are hungry for some English
language movies you can rent them.


Short-term apartment rental is big business these days. An Internet
search will give you a nearly endless list of possibilities. As the
number of visitors renting grows, so does the number of apartments
available and companiesm offering rental services. It can be a bit
overwhelming. To help you narrow down the search, send an email to
Schuyler Hoffman at
mailto:[email protected]?subject=FindaRental


* Another option is residence hotels that provide apartments instead
of rooms. If you prefer to have a host on site this is the way to go.
There are not many of these to select from. Here are some we can
recommend:


SAINT-SULPICE RESIDENCE HOTELIERE
23, rue Guisarde 75004
http://www.saintsulpiceresidence.com
01.40.46.07.99. Fax 01.43.26.62.10


CITADINES APARTMENT HOTELS
http://www.citadines.com


3 POUSSINS
15 rue Clauzel
75009
01.53.32.81.81
http:// www.les3poussins.com


Editor’s Note: For more information about the Insider Guide to Paris
for Kids or the Insider Guide to Good Value Paris Hotels, visit:
http://www.insiderparisguides.com


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


TO JOIN THE PARIS KEY CLUB:


If you are not a member of the Paris Key Club, and would like to be,
click here for more information:
http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/PKC/WPKCC523/


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


TO READ MORE:


Go to /parlerparis/


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



HAVE A SPECIAL MESSAGE? WANT TO EXCHANGE LINKS?


If you would like to have your message read by the subscribers of the
Parler Paris Nouvellettre®, please e-mail me at
mailto:[email protected]


If you have links about Paris or France and would like reciprocal
links, please e-mail me at mailto:[email protected]


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Know someone who would be interested in the opportunities in this
e-letter? Forward it to your friend, relative, or associate!


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


TO RECEIVE THIS E-LETTER REGULARLY:


If you’re not a regular reader of this e-letter, and would like to
be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it’s free):
http://www.internationalliving.com/signup.cfm


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


TO MANAGE YOUR E-LETTER SUBSCRIPTION:


Go to: http://www.internationalliving.com/manage_eletters.cfm


Copyright 2002 Agora Ireland Publishing & Services Ltd.

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