Four Star Charm

For the last few years, the Travel Writers Workshops and Working and Living in France Conferences have been held in the conference spaces of a little-known hotel in an “off-the-beaten-track” spot just off boulevard Beaumarchais in the 11th arrondissement, but not far from Place des Vosges. I discovered it quite accidentally years ago thanks to my sister who found some sort of “deal” for a stay there, and being so close to my apartment, was ideal.

With an unassuming, but comtemporary entrance, it is a surprise to enter the “Home Plazza Bastille” and discover a marble lobby, glass roofed and walled terrace-like dining room on a “sunken” level and lovely rose-planted courtyard surrounded by historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th-centuries — some of which were designed by Gustave Eiffel, the architect and engineer of La Tour Eiffel, the symbol of the 1889 World Fair and most famous monument in the world (at least WE think so!).

Until now, the three-star hotel has been part of a group of “All Suite Hôtels de Charme” — but just recently gained its status as a four-star hotel and changed its name to “Les Jardins du Marais.” ‘Course, it’s NOT technically in the Marais, but we can’t argue that for promotional value, they might as well capitalize on their close proximity to the Marais (just across the street).

Last night, they celebrated this major leap into four-stardom by inviting all their friends and associates (hundreds of people) for a full-blown fashion show, art exhibition (photography in one conference space, sculpture in another and paintings in yet another), champagne and hors d’oeuvres. It was an international assortment of travel and tourism professionals…a superb people-watching event.

Are prices going up? You better believe it…but not before they make a special offering for the rest of 2004. Now’s the time to take advantage of rates less than half of what we can expect in 2005! To book a 350 euro room for only 150 (or any of the other upgraded suites), call or email Dominique Balancier [email protected], Phone +33 (0) 1 40 21 23 40 and be sure to tell Dominique that Adrian at Parler Paris sent you.

Les Jardins du Marais
74, rue Amelot
75011 Paris
Phone +33 (0) 1 40 21 22 23
Fax +33 (0) 1 40 09 11 55
Email [email protected]
Web: http://www.homeplazza.com

A la prochaine…

 

Adrian Leeds
Editor, Parler Paris
E-mail: [email protected]

P.S. Tonight at 6:30 p.m., international syndicated astrologer Eric Francis will be speaking at Paris Network and reading my own astrological chart as an example of “professional empowerment!” Should I be worried? Scroll down for the details.

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Further resources:
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* The best 35 hotels under $100 a night in Paris…

* The best and fastest way to find the pied-à-terre of your dreams…

* Let us help you put a move to France in perspective — we can make it work for you. Take us up on a one-on-one consultation that could be the start of your new life.

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If you wish your community announcement to be listed in the Parler Paris Previews, please provide the text in ENGLISH just as you’d like it to appear and send it to [email protected] We reserve the right to edit as necessary.

Thank you, Adrian

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Strictly Entertainment:
Comedy, Plays, Movies
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THE IMRPROFESSIONALS
are happy to Present the NEW Impro La Carte show.
Come Join in the fun and the Laughter.

Wednesday, September 22, 7:30 p.m.

Les Sept Lezards
10 Rue des Rosiers
75004 Paris
Métro St. Paul

10 Euro, 8 Euro reduced ticket

ALSO: IMPROSTIVAL
The 1st Paris International Improvisation Theatre Festival is only three weeks away. October 2-9th 2004.

Troups from LA, Chicago, London, Strasbourg, Geneva and Brussels and Paris join together for an Impro theatre Extravaganza. A great opportunity to participate in workshops from some of the worlds best teachers and see spectacular shows. Also, free conferences.

For more infomation see http://www.improstival.com

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ONE WORLD ACTORS PRODUCTIONS

English/French & World Theatre Season

From September 21st, 7 p.m. and every Tuesday
Les Caprices de Marianne d’Alfred de Musset en français

From October 19th, 9 p.m. and every Tuesday
TWO by Jim Cartwright, British Comedy in English

THEATRE Darius Milhaud
80 allée Darius Milhaud
75019 Paris
Bar
Métro: Porte de Pantin, Sortie 4 “rue Eugène Jumin”
Bus: PC2, PC3 arrêt Porte de Chaumont & bus n°75
Parking: Cité de La Musique
Reservations: 01 42 01 92 26

ONE WORLD ACTORS PRODUCTIONS
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.oneworldactors.com
06 26 10 48 48

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MOVING PARTS PLAY READINGS IN ENGLISH

Carr’s Pub & Restaurant
1 rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris
Métro: Tuileries
Sundays 7:30 p.m.

3rd October Lance Tait (TBA)
7th November Linda Healey “Masks”
21st November Jon Allen Russo “Farce Noir”
5th December Shena Wilson (TBA)

To receive the monthly mailings email [email protected]
For further information contact: http://www.scamparis.com or call Stephanie Campion on: 06.14.67.18.58

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Literary Events
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THE AMERICAN LIBRARY IN PARIS PRESENTS EVENINGS WITH AN AUTHOR
Sponsored by the Annenberg Foundation

Wednesday, September 29, 2004, 8:00 p.m. (20h)
Asma Hasan
I AM A MUSLIM: AN AMERICAN ODYSSEY

“Out of all the cultures in the world…true Islamic values, as embodied in the Qur’an and the life of the Prophet Muhammad, most closely resemble American values,” so asserts Hasan, a graduate of Wellesley College (B.A. in Religion and American Studies) and NYU Law School. Now a practicing attorney in San Francisco, Hasan grew up in a Pakistani family in Colorado, where she learned to treasure traditional values but also to fit into mainstream American life. During the course of promoting her book and speaking about the new generation of American Muslims, she has appeared on CNN, Politically Incorrect, Fresh Air, Morning Edition, Fox News, and many other television and radio programs-and she just turned 30.

While Asma Hasan presents a vision of Islam that is ethnically diverse, tolerant of others, and supportive of women’s rights, her humanistic views have earned her hate mail as well as friendships. Don’t miss this presentation by a courageous and outspoken young woman.

Evenings With an Author are free and open to the public.

American Library in Paris
10 Rue du Général Camou,
75007 Paris
Métro : Ecole Militaire , Alma-Marceau, RER C Pont d’Alma
Bus: 42,63,69,80,82 and 92

For more information, please call 01 53 59 12 60 or e-mail [email protected]

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THE AMERICAN LIBRARY IN PARIS PRESENTS EVENINGS WITH AN AUTHOR

Sponsored by the Annenberg Foundation
Wednesday, October 6, 2004, 8:00 p.m. (20h)

Alan Furst
A Special Library Benefit Cocktail

Just 15 euros (under 18: 10 euros); Sponsor: 25 euros

Alan Furst will read from his brand-new novel Dark Voyage-and will take questions from the audience. To celebrate this extraordinary occasion, the Friends of the American Library in Paris will host a cocktail in his honor and as a fundraiser for the Library.
The Daily Telegraph says “Furst is the most immaculate of writers, one of those superlative craftsmen who never seem to produce a jarring sentence or a clumsy piece of dialogue. His exquisitely wrought spy thrillers, set in the thirties and forties, have set a new standard for the genre.”

It isn’t often we have the opportunity to meet and speak with a writer who creates a reading experience with “espionage oozing from every shadow.” Bring your friends!

It isn’t often we have the opportunity to meet and speak with a writer who creates a reading experience with “espionage oozing from every shadow.” Bring your friends!

Open to the public
Cocktail Event Sponsored by the Friends of ALP

American Library in Paris, 10 Rue du Général Camou,
75007 Paris
Métro: Ecole Militaire, Alma-Marceau, RER C Pont d’Alma
Bus: 42,63,69,80,82 and 92

For more information, please call 01 53 59 12 60 or e-mail [email protected]

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SHEETS FOR MEN ONLY

We invite those of you in the Paris area to mark your calendars now for the Grand Launch of:

Sheets for Men Only
An international anthology of poetry and prose
Tuesday September 28, 2004
American University of Paris
31, avenue Bosquet
75007 Paris
Grand Salon
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Twelve of the 25 contributors live in the Paris region. Many will be reading from their work and autographing books that will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP is necessary for entry
Please notify [email protected] or phone/fax: 1 202 543 5220

Those of you in the Washington, DC area, we have a reading/reception scheduled for Thursday, October the 7th, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
McLendon Room
National Press Club
529 14th Street NW, 13th floor
Washington, DC

Sheets for Men Only will be available for purchase at the press club.
Contributors reading/signing your copy:
Washington poet, Ethelbert Miller and
visiting from Paris, Hall Gardner

RSVP: [email protected]

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CARA BLACK AUTHOR OF “MURDER IN THE MARAIS” SPEAKS

Reading and discussion with mystery writer Cara Black, author of Murder in the Marais,” “Murder in the Sentier,” “Murder in Belleville” and “Murder in the Bastille.”

September 29, 8-10 p.m.
Alesian Literary Salon
3 ter rue d’AlÉsia
75014 Paris
Reserve and for door code, email Toby, your host, at: [email protected]

September 30, 7:30 p.m.
WH Smith Bookshop
248, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
Métro Concorde
Please call to reserve for this event: 01 44 77 88 99

October 3, 7:30 p.m.
Paris Soirées
14,rue St Louis en L’Ile
75004 Métro Pont Marie
Contact Patricia Laplante-Collins at [email protected]

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Exhibitions, Vernissages and Fairs
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UN JEUDI AUX PUCES
hursday, October 7, 2004
Marché aux Puces – Saint Ouen
3500 Professionals Open Their Doors to the Public
http://www.parispuces.com

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FOIRE AUX VINS 2004
September 29 – October 9, 2004

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Galerie Food
Email: [email protected]
58 rue Charlot
75003 Paris

Thursday, September 23, 2004
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cecile Maslakian and Isabelle Rozenbaum will sign “Cuisines de Nos Grandes-Mères”

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Musical Interludes
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SEPTEMBER CONCERTS AT LES 7 LÉZARDS
7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Concerts
For all details and more information, visit
http://www.7lezards.com/welcome.htm

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ANYTHING MATTERS

Jack Tempchin
A peaceful easy evening at The Sound Gallery
104 quai de Jemmapes
Paris 10th
Friday, September 24th, 8:30 p.m.
Cover charge 20 euros including first drink
Email Karel Beer for more information: [email protected]

Jesse Malin
Tuesday, October 6th, 8:30 p.m.
Tickets on night 22 euros advance payment 20 euros
La Java
105 faubourg du Temple
Paris 10th

Rex Foster + Kerry Getz
In Concert in The Sound Gallery
104 quai de Jemmapes
Paris 10th
Saturday, October 9th, 8:30 p.m.
Cover charge 20 euros including first drink

Reservations for all concerts 01.53.19.98.88 FNAC/VIRGIN etc.
Book all shows by calling 01.53.19.98.88 or by email
Email Karel Beer for more information: [email protected]

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Bonnes Soirées and Great Gatherings
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Parler Paris Après-Midi /parlerparis/apresmidi.html

NEXT MEETING: October 12th, 2004 AND EVERY SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This is your opportunity to meet every month, often with local professionals who can answer your Working and Living in France questions. You are invited to come for drinks and share your questions and comments about what it takes to create a life here, own property and enjoy what France has to offer. It is also an opportunity to network with other Parler Paris readers.

Upstairs at La Pierre du Marais 96, rue des Archives at the corner of rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris Métro Lines 9, 3 et 11, stations Temple, République or Arts et Métiers

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PARIS SOIRÉE DINNERS EVERY SUNDAY

Patricia Laplante-Collins has international dinner parties on the Ile St-Louis. She hosts a 21st Century Paris Salon where you meet interesting people in Paris and have a lot of fun. There is always a Guest speaker, perhaps a Writer, Actor, Historian — you name it, Patricia hosts them all. For reservations or to be on the mailing list: call 01 43 26 12 88 or write [email protected]

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PARIS NETWORK COCKTAILS EVERY WEDNESDAY

Hosted by Patricia Laplante-Collins…
PARIS NETWORKING COCKTAIL
Wednesdays 6:30pm. Make contacts for business, career opportunities, self-development.
Cocktails. Networking: Bring lots of Business Cards to exchange with others.

Wednesday, September 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Guest speaker Eric Francis
Astrologer, Author, Consultant

ERIC FRANCIS graduated from investigative journalism to astrology in 1994 and has worked in the profession full time for more than 10 years. He helps his clients experience personal changes with a sense of adventure, realize creative their potential, and integrate spiritual growth into real-life endeavors. His Planet Waves horoscopes and articles appear in newspapers and magazines in the nationally in the US and locally in 10 states, as well as UK, Spain, Australia and Canada and worldwide through his Internet sites. Eric is a pioneer in new planetary discoveries and has written many articles on the frontiers of astrology and consciousness. Before coming to astrology, Eric wrote incisively on environmental law, education and politics in such places as Sierra magazine, the Village Voice and The New York Times. He now describes horoscopes as “the most accurate part of any newspaper.”

ADDRESS:
A Patricia’s apartment on the Ile St. Louis: 14 rue St Louis en L’Ile,
75004 Paris.
Métro Sully-Morland (closest) and Pont-Marie. Farther away is
St. Paul.

PARTICIPATION:
15 Euros and lots of business cards.

GOOD WINE. GREAT CANAPES!
CONFIRMED RESERVATIONS PLEASE
Thanks for reserving via return email — [email protected] or call Patricia: 01 43 26 12 88

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Services
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Have your portrait painted or photographed by American Portrait Artists, Kathy Burke and Theodore D. Robinson.
For samples of their great work, visit /parlerparis/art/index.html

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Knowledge is Power — Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
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Paint or Draw Portraits and Self Portraits with American Portrait
Artist Kathy Burke in her beautiful Marais atelier…

245 Euros 3-hour private session
490 Euros 3-hour session with 2 to 6 people
Includes all materials.

For more information, [email protected]

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Learning la Langue Française
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Parler Parlor French-English Conversation Group
http://www.parlerparlor.com

Celebrating our 7th Year in Paris

Join us at the Parler Parlor conversation group in Paris France for free-form conversation with native French and English speakers. Practice speaking 45 minutes in French, 45 minutes in English. Make friends, discuss interesting topics, learn about other cultures, progress in understanding and speaking, naturally and easily, in groups of six to eight, each in its own acoustically sound private room.

PARLOR TIMES — 3 TIMES A WEEK IN TWO LOCATIONS

Tuesdays 6:30 to 8 p.m.

BERLITZ OPERA
38 Avenue de l’Opéra
2nd arrondissement, Paris
Opéra, RER A Auber

Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

AT EUROCENTRES
13 passage Dauphine (entrance between rue Dauphine and rue Mazarine),
6th arrondissement
Métro Odéon, Saint-Michel

MEMBERSHIP AND GENERAL INFORMATION
http://www.parlerparlor.com
Email: [email protected]
Elisabeth Crochard, Tel: 01 44 19 76 61
Adrian Leeds, Tel: 01 40 27 97 59

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What’s On in The City of Light
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CONSULT THE CITY CALENDAR!
Exhibitions, Concerts, Conferences, Debates, Trade Shows
http://www.paris.fr/fr/citoyennete/bureau_des_temps/calendrier_sept.asp

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LA NUIT BLANCHE: 3rd edition
OCTOBER 2, 2004
http://www.paris.fr/

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FÊTE DES JARDINS
http://www.paris.fr/fr/environnement/jardins/animations_jardins/fete_jardins_2004/default.asp
September 25 and 26, 2004

The public is invited to visit with gardeners, landscape designers, lecturers, organizers of City of paris who will share their know-how and creativity. Take part in special activities at all the gardens and parks — many exceptionally opened to the public.

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Special Announcements
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DEMOCRATS ABROAD

EVENTS FOR YOUNG (OR YOUNG AT HEART) DEMS

For more info about the following events, contact
Sheila Sarem 06 16 12 65 51, [email protected] or Bérengère Parmly [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 23rd
10 Ways to Make Bush Pay On Election Day … and other suggestions welcome.

Come learn what you can do abroad to help Kerry/Edwards win the election and meet other people doing the same.
Voter registration is one of the 10 ways, so obviously, yes, we’ll have that.

Panfoulia, 7 rue Ste Croix de la Bretonnerie, Métro: Hotel de Ville from 8PM. FREE ENTRANCE.

SEPTEMBER 29th
Overseas Voters Unite at the Man Ray

Last chance to register to vote and hone your arguments for the last stretch before Nov.2nd in one of Paris’ trendiest locales, owned by some francophile Americans you may have heard of…
Man Ray, 34 rue Marbeuf, Métro: Champ Elyséees-Clemenceau from 7:30PM on.

FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER (date to be announced)
“Bring a Republican” for our own version of the Great Debates.
Are you tired of hearing nothing but spin? Let’s get down to the issues this time. It’s Speaker’s Corner at the Café de Flore, bd St Germain, Métro: St Germain, from 8 p.m. tentative; alternate location: Shakespeare & Co.

MORE DEMOCRATS ABROAD EVENTS

Tuesday, September 28, 8 PM
William Pfaff: We Saw It Coming (dinner filled, no more RSVPs)
Renowned syndicated journalist, Bill Pfaff remained, from the start, strongly critical of the war in Iraq and the consequences it would have on the world.
Fundraising dinner at the home of
Connie Borde, 240 bis bd St-Germain, 75007 Paris
100 euros
RSVP below.

Thursday, September 30, 6:30 PM
Insiders Talk About the 2004 Elections
Jim Bittermann, CNN correspondent and Christian Malard, Senior Foreign Analyst FR3, Consultant for BBC, and FR3 anchorman for the US elections.
Sponsored by the Center for the Study of International Communications
American University of Paris, Grand Salon
31 avenue Bosquet, 75007 Paris
10 euros
RSVP 01 45 49 14 70 or [email protected]

Tuesday, October 5, at 7 PM
Take Back the Congress
DAF’s traditional rally with live call-ins to John Kerry (if possible), and congressional candidates. Lots of food, music and (short) speeches
At Joe Allen Restaurant, 30 rue Pierre Lescot, Paris 75001
40 euros (student price 32 euros)
RSVP send check made to Democrats Abroad to
Connie Borde, 240 bis bd St-Germain, 75007 Paris.
Questions? [email protected]

Tuesday, October 12, at 8 PM
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Ted Widmer, former speechwriter for President Clinton, takes us behind the scenes in the White House and Chappaqua. We are honored to have the knowledgeable and witty head of American Studies at Washington College with us in Paris for this event.
Fundraising dinner at the home of Susannah Weiss
22 Place du General Catroux, Paris 75017
100 euros
RSVP 01 45 49 14 70 or [email protected]

Saturday, October 16, at 6 PM
Rally: Letter to America from Democrats Abroad
A rally to send the message home: “Why I’m Voting.”
At Place d’Alma in front of the flame.
Come one, come all. (More information to follow.)

Wednesday, October 20, at 8 PM
Women’s Caucus Dinner
Christine Ockrent: View From the Other Side
Renowned French journalist, and author of newly-released book
“Bush, Kerry : le choc des deux Amiriques” ed. Robert Laffont
Ms Ockrent will speak in English
Fundraising dinner at the home of Susan Loder
1 avenue Bertie Albrecht, Paris 75008
100 euros
RSVP 01 45 49 14 70 or [email protected]

Thursday, October 28, at 8 PM
Diane Johnson and All That Jazz
Author of Le Divorce, Le Marriage and L’Affaire, among others, will recite her now-famous
lyric poem, “Make the Pie Higher,” based entirely on the words of George W. Bush, with piano accompaniment by Lauranna Mitchelmoore.
Fundraising dinner and recital, some jazz music, and some political talk, at La Main d’Or,
9 Passage de la Main d’Or, 75011 Paris
RSVP 01 45 49 14 70 or [email protected]

RSVP for dinners
Win Back America
Four pre-election fundraising dinners to put the Democrats back
where they belong, in the White House and Congress

Tuesday, September 28, at 8 PM
(sorry, this dinner is full)
Bill Pfaff: We Saw It Coming

Tuesday, October 12, at 8 PM
Ted Widmer Tells All

Wednesday, October 20, at 8 PM Women’s Caucus Dinner
Christine Ockrent: View From the Other Side

Thursday, October 28, at 8 PM
Diane Johnson and All That Jazz

Contribution 100 Euros per Person or more is welcome!
Send check made payable to Democrats Abroad or credit card information before September 15 to Jane Donaldson, 65, rue de la Fontaine, 75016, Paris.
RSVP: 01 45 49 14 70 or [email protected]

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FIRST ANNUAL WICE BOOK FAIR BENEFIT
In conjunction with Studio Arts Open House

Do you have books to donate? Contribute your books to the Fair and we will pick them up!
Please contact John Baxter at 01.43.54.25.74

Biggest English-Language Weekend Book Fair in Paris
Thousands of Books — starting at 50 centimes
Signed first editions, paperbacks, rare books, children’s books, DVDs, CDs, including books from the libraries of Diane Johnson, Mavis Gallant, C.K. Williams, E.L. Doctrow, Carolyn Kizer, Robert Harris and many more. Not to be missed!

Saturday, October 16th from 2:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. (auction at 6:00)
Sunday, October 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WICE
20 bd du Montparnasse
75015 Paris
Métro Duroc

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Classified Ads
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VACATION APARTMENT

For rent by the week or longer

Two lovely 2 or 3-bedroom apartments — 1st arrondissement, same building. Just minutes away: the Louvre, Tuilleries, Place Vendome and more. French s

tyle gives you a true taste of Paris. Fully equipped makes your Paris stay effortless, comfortable and memorable.
Complete information at http://www.youlloveparis.com

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VACATION APARTMENTS

Rent a luxury apartment in Paris and in other parts of France your next stay and have all the conveniences of home. Visit /parlerparis/apartments for a listing of International Living’s favorite great stays.

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French Property Insider is an e-mail newsletter from the editors of Parler Paris. If you’d like to learn about the insights, recommendations, and discoveries about buying and investing in real estate in Paris and France that French Property Insider readers get every week, read more about a subscription here:
http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/FPI/WFPID8PF/ or call 1-800-643-2479.