Paris In Florida
PARLER PARIS: PARIS IN FLORIDA
March 25, 2002
*** PARIS HAS COME TO FLORIDA
I am writing from the land of white sand, palm trees, and
Grouper. International Living is holding its annual Retire
Oversees Conference here, so about 100 retirees (and those
interested in living the retiree lifestyle) are gathering
in Delray Beach, Florida to see what life outside the U.S.
might offer. I am, of course, championing Paris and France
in the hope that others will fall in love with La Vie
Francaise, as I have.
What did I bring to represent life in France? Fragrances
from Occitane, printed scarves, lots of herbes de Provence
(for individual packets to be given to all the attendees),
along with a slideshow and tales of life as an American in
Paris.
I’ll tell you more about the conference next week.
A la prochaine fois . . .
Adrian
Email: mailto:[email protected]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Parler Paris
/parlerparis/
Written and Edited by Adrian Leeds
Published by International Living
http://www.internationalliving.com
mailto:[email protected]
Issue Number 31, March 25, 2002
In this issue:
*** Get a Legal Address in France
*** Final Travel Writer’s Workshop
*** Parler Paris Readers Save Money
*** Brian Friel’s "Faith Healer"
*** Where to Eat if You Want to Impress
*** Tired of Hotels?
*** Stay in the Heart of Historic Paris
*** Free Form Conversation with the Locals
*** Walk with an Expat Expert
*** Driving in France: Renting vs. Buying
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** DON’T LET THE LANDLADY GET IN YOUR WAY
Jean Taquet continues to help many expats who find
themselves in dire straits while living in Paris:
"I moved in January from the 11th arrondissement to the
15th. I now live with an elderly couple who are retired. I
asked my landlady to fill out an attestation d’herbergement
and she refused. How do I get this information now? Without
it, I cannot open a bank account or change my address on my
carte de sejour!"
Jean says:
You indeed need this document to prove your address. There
are no subtle ways to twist her arm regarding this issue
and I do not see you taking your landlady to court for
that. Surprisingly enough the easiest way to solve this
problem could be by getting a legal address different from
where you live. It is called "la domiciliation". You could
call Entraide et Partage (20-22 Saint Marthe, 75010 Paris)
01.42.41.30.13. and ask what the requirements are for you
to get your official mail there.
Jean Taquet has been well-known in Paris for his past eight
years of informative Q and A columns in the Paris Free
Voice magazine. For personal consultation, contact Jean
Taquet, Alliage Conseil, 4 rue Béranger, 75003 Paris, Tel:
(33) + 01.48.04.30.30, email:
[email protected], website:
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/answers/index.html
* * * * * ADVERTISEMENT * * * * *
THE BAD NEWS:
Although France is as romantic a place to live in as you’ve
been led to believe…even experienced expats run into
problems every day. The unanswerable questions just keep
piling up…and most people you turn to for help are having
the same problems…
THE GOOD NEWS:
The latest "Insider Paris" resource answers just about
every living-in-France question there is (over 200, in
fact). Now, you can have access to all these answers in a
constantly-updated informative–and interesting–guide.
To read more about this amazing reference, click here:
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/answers/index.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** KEEP MAY FREE IF YOU’RE A BUDDING TRAVEL WRITER
The Ultimate Travel Writers Workshop III
Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, 2002
With the growing interest in traveling and writing about
one’s adventures, it’s no wonder our two workshops
scheduled at the end of April are fully booked. We’ve added
a third session to accommodate everyone and to avoid using
my least favorite expression in French: C’est complet!
(Sold out!)
With the first two already full
, you don’t need me to tell
you to reserve early for this wonderful workshop–fun
awaits you with many well-known and experienced
professi
onals coming together. Hosted by International
Living, you’ll have instruction with Jen Stevens, Steenie
Harvey, Rose Marie Burke, John Forde, Addison Wiggin and
guest appearances with local authors Polly Platt, Harriet
Welty Rochefort, Thirza Vallois, and Elizabeth Reichert.
Evening events include readings at the Cafe de Flore,
dinner at the home of Adrian Leeds and a farewell dinner at
historic Le Bouillon Racine.
See all the details about this exciting workshop at
/parlerparis/travelwriters/index.html
* * * * * ADVERTISEMENT * * * * *
LA VIE FRANCAISE
Fine wine…good food…beautiful countryside…fields of
lavender and sunflowers in every direction…ancient stone
farmhouses…plus the world’s most fashionable and exciting
city…
Yes, France always makes sense. But, right now, it makes
more sense than ever.
The dollar has been high against the euro. As I write this,
US$1 buys 1.14 euro. A farmhouse…a chateau…even a Paris
pied-a-terre is more affordable right now than it has been
in more than a decade. This is a window of opportunity
worth paying attention to.
How about, for example, a two-bedroom 17th-century cottage
in a picturesque little medieval town…for less than
$20,000? For more details, click here now:
http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/from/w120c339
(If you live outside the U.S., click here:
http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/from/w120c340)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** MOVING MADE EASY
If you’re relocating to France anytime soon, you know all
the details and arrangements you’ll have to do to get
settled. And in French! Have you considered how much time,
effort and money can be saved if you have professional
assistance?
ElvesNet is making a very special offer to our Parler Paris
readers on their "Relocation–Getting Settled" Assistance
Program.
ElvesNet is a lifestyle management company that helps
individuals, companies and their employees, simplify and
balance their personal and professional lives.
This program includes answers to your pre-move questions, a
detailed guide to your new neighborhood, a list of English
speaking doctors and professionals, help to set up your
bank accounts, phone line, Internet and cable
services…plus unlimited 30-day access to ElvesNet
concierge services ("Liberte Domestique")…and much more.
If you order it now to start within the next 60 days,
you’ll get an extra 15 days of "Liberte Domestique"
services FREE plus 10% off e-mail and Internet training (2
hour minimum)!
For more information, contact the International Living
Office mailto:[email protected]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** THIS WEEK IN PARIS
The epic tale of faith healer Francis Hardy, and his
sordid, hilarious, drink-sodden, chaotic voyage towards his
tragic destiny in Ballybeg, recounted separately by Frank
himself, Gracie his wife and his cockney manager Teddy.
These three versions of the same triumphs and tragedies
criss-cross, contradict and confirm each other creating an
intriguing picture of three fascinating characters who
loved and depended on each other in very different ways. A
masterpiece of storytelling with Patricia Kessler Les Clack
Jean-Pierre Stewart.
You can see the play every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 7
p.m. from 29 March-5 May. Tickets cost 20 euro, 13 euro
(concessions), and 10 euro (groups), plus you can get two
tickets for the price of one if reserved in advance (first
three performances only.)
To book, contact The Sudden Theatre, 14 bis Rue Ste Isaure,
75018 Paris (Metro Jules Joffrin ou Simplon), tel. 01 42 62
35 00
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** GOOD EATS NEAR GREAT ART
Except taken from
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/restaurants/index.html
LA FONTAINE GOURMAND:
Traditional French:
11, rue Charlot, Arrondissement 3
Phone 01.42.78.72.40
Métro: Filles du Calvaire, République
Closed Saturday Lunch, Sunday, Monday Evening and August
Lunch: 10.50 euro, (2-course) and 13.50 euro (3-course)
La Fontaine Gourmande is one of my favorite spots in my own
Marais neighborhood to take a group of friends who I want
to impress. The décor of this tiny, cozy stone-walled nook
(just near the Musée Picasso) didn’t change much except to
freshen up the walls with fresh paint and new art when new
owners came in a couple of years ago, but the quality of
the food has far surpassed it. Expect traditional French
fare, two steps up from the ordinary, of a very good
quality, beautiful presentation and large portions. Service
is very helpful, friendly and they speak English if you
have questions about the menu. I find the service is quite
well timed. My personal favorite is the &quo
t;foie gras poêlé"
entrée which I often order as a main course and add a green
salad to balance the richness of the dish.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** UNIQUE VACATION RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
When you stay in an apartment in Paris, you’ll have all the
comforts of home . . . and get the sense of what it’s like
to really live here. Now, we’re making it easy and simple
for you to find the perfect Paris vacation apartment.
Apartments start at $450 per week for studios and rage to a
three-bedroom apartment in a prime location for $3,900 per
week.
We’ve put together a simple online form that you can submit
to several rental agencies at once. It’s easy to do, and it
costs nothing. If our contacts have an apartment that suits
your needs, you’ll hear directly from them shortly after.
Take a look here:
/parlerparis/property/rentalrequestform.html
Try it out for your next trip to Paris!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** A FEW LAST-MINUTE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW
These short-term rental apartments are currently available.
I am familiar with these apartments so I personally
recommend them and trust their managers to give you good
service.
STUDIO IN THE MARAIS
* Beautiful studio on a courtyard near Le Musee Picasso
with three windows overlooking a quiet, peaceful and
romantic courtyard. It is outfitted with two large, high
quality single beds that together make a King size bed, TV,
VCR and films in English, hairdryer, iron + ironing board,
digitcode and intercom entry, telephone and answering
machine, Internet access, Hi-Fi, safe, kitchenette with
fridge, two-burner stove, microwave oven, coffee maker,
toaster and all the basics needed to have a snack or dinner
at home, plus a welcome kit including breakfast basics and
complimentary drinks and French wine. Hand and bath towels
are provided for daily use. 100 euro per day, minimum 5
nights.
To inquire about the above apartment, email me directly at
mailto:[email protected] and please be
sure to copy and paste into the email the description of
the apartment. Thank you.
AVAILABLE THIS WEEK AND ENTIRE MONTH OF APRIL
* Rue de Temple large 1-bedroom luxury apartment;
$1,500/week, $4,000/month)
In the heart of the Marais, Paris’ historical center, this
spacious very upscale one bedroom apartment is perfectly
suitable for a couple with elegant taste. It is located on
the Rue du Temple, right in the heart of the historic
Marais district, well known for its trendy night spots and
happenings all around the clock. This sunny, spacious
apartment is located on the main number 1 metro line at the
Hotel de Ville, and is within walking distance of Chatelet,
all Marais sites, St. Michel, Ile St. Louis, St. Paul and
the Louvre. This spacious one bedroom apartment is located
up one flight of stairs. The living room overlooks the
street and you can see the Centre Pompidou in the distance.
The bedroom is facing the courtyard, for quiet nights. The
bedroom has a queen size bed, the living room has a one
person sleeper sofa, the kitchen has a washing
machine/dryer, all modern appliances, and cable TV. Sleeps
2-3 people.
* 1-bedroom loft apartment on rue de Rivoli; $1,200/week,
$3,700/month
In the heart of the Marais, Paris’ historical center, this
spacious one-bedroom duplex loft apartment is perfectly
suitable for a couple with trendy funky taste. It is
located facing the Hotel de Ville, Paris’ City Hall, at the
entrance to the Marais district, well known for its trendy
night spots and happenings all around the clock. This well
furnished stylish apartment is located on the main number 1
metro line at the Hotel de Ville, and is within walking
distance of Chatelet, all Marais sites, St. Michel, Ile St.
Louis, St. Paul and the Louvre. This spacious one bedroom
duplex is located on the ground floor and includes an open
staircase leading up to the bedroom and bathroom on the 1st
floor. This comfortable apartment contains a bedroom with a
queen size bed, a trendy living-room, an open completely
equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine, a
redone bathroom, telephone, TV and even a small terrace.
Sleeps 2 people.
* 1-bedroom apartment on rue St. Gilles; $900/week,
$2,750/month
Right behind the beautiful Place des Vosges, this apartment
is located in the heart of Paris’ historic Marais district.
A quiet sunny cozy third floor apartment overlooks a
courtyard (no elevator). Recently decorated, in perfect
shape, this "pied-a-terre" contains a bedroom with a queen
size bed, a living-room (with sleeper sofa), an open
kitchen area, a modern bathroom, washing-machine,
telephone, TV (with cable). Sleeps 4 people.
* 1-bedroom apartment on rue St. Claude; $800/week,
$2,500/month
Very close to the Place des Vosges and the Carnavalet
Museum, this apartment is located in
the heart of Paris’
historic Marais district. A quiet studio apartment facing a
church on a quiet side street, this apartment is perfect
for guests
looking to capture a piece of history. The
apartment is up two flights of stairs and has windows in
the main room and the kitchen. Furnished with a number of
antique pieces collected by the owner over the years, the
St. Claude is a very unique place. This "pied-a-terre"
contains a bedroom with a double bed, a living-room with
cable TV, a full kitchen, a modern bathroom,
washing-machine/dryer and telephone, Sleeps 2 people.
To inquire about any of the above apartments, email me
directly at mailto:[email protected] and
please be sure to copy and paste into the email the
description of the apartment. Thank you.
MONTMARTRE
* Rue Livingstone Penthouse Studio, available April 2 – 22;
reduced from $1,000 a week to $850 a week!!
This beautiful and completely renovated apartment is
located on the 7th and top floor (with elevator) of a
typical 1930’s Parisian building with a spectacular view of
sky, Parisian rooftops and all of Basilique Sacré-Coeur.
Perfect for a couple with a child or three friends
traveling together.
To inquire about any of the above apartments, email me
directly at mailto:[email protected] and
please be sure to copy and paste into the email the
description of the apartment. Thank you.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** CELEBRATING OUR 4TH YEAR IN PARIS
If you don’t already know–Parler Parlor is a great place
to brush up on your French and meet people from all over
the world. Practice speaking 45 minutes in French, 45
minutes in English. The first session is free and
Anglophones benefit from a 10% discount.
Parler Parlor
French-English Conversation Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.
Coprom Langues, 14 rue Lafayette, 9th, 4th floor
For more information, visit the site at
http://www.parlerparlor.com or email Adrian at
mailto:[email protected] or call Elisabeth
01.44.19.76.61 or Adrian 01.40.27.97.59
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*** TOURING AROUND PARIS
* Rediscover the romantic, authentic and whimsical 18th
arrondissement of Paris by seeing the locations in the
quirky French film "Amelie From Montmartre" led by Rose
Marie Burke.
"The Montmartre of Amelie Poulain"
Wednesday, April 3rd, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 6th, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1st, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 4th, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
* Literary Tours led by author Elizabeth Reichert:
"Literary Left Bank" Saturday, April 27th, 2 p.m. to 4
p.m.
"Paris is a Woman" Sunday, April 28th 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To reserve your spot, email
mailto:[email protected], call 01.40.27.97.59,
or click here:
/parlerparis/guidedtours/index.html
*** LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
* Rental cars are so expensive in Europe–if I’m staying
for an extended stay (2-3 months), would it make sense to
buy a car and sell it on? Thank you, Jim B
Dear Jim,
Not worth the hassle, especially if you can find an
affordable rental agency. Try www.autoeurope.com, I had a
fantastic (and inexpensive) experience renting from them
two summers ago when I vacationed in Provence. You can also
call them toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
1-888-223-5555.
Happy renting.
* Last year I was in Paris on the first weekend in May.
There was a large antique market in the Place de la
Republic. Can you tell me if that is a yearly event?
Marion
Dear Marion,
I wasn’t aware of an annual flea market in la Place de la
Republic. Does anyone know about this flea market?
I’ll keep my eye out for more information.
Adrian
*** HAVE A SPECIAL MESSAGE? WANT TO EXCHANGE LINKS?
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subscribers of the Parler Paris Nouvellettre®, please email me
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reciprocal links, please email me at
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