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Paris Postings...What's Up This Season in the City of Light!
Paris is always beautiful. Paris has an excitement that permeates the air. Whether we're strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens or visiting the Christmas Markets, there's just nothing that's better than a spin through this city.Where else can you find a 1000 year old church (in which an emperor was crowned) built on the site of a 2000 year old church, which was in turn, built on the site of a temple to Jupiter? Oh, and just to make things a bit better, just around the corner is a place that serves the best "n'importe quoi" (anything) for dinner served with a glass of absolutely marvelous wine....Enough said. A picture is worth at least a few words. So, let's post some from Anthony Bianciella, our favorite traveling photographer (and the one who will be chronicling our holiday trip, making DVD's of the highlights for everyone, and also offering one-on-one photography lessons, tips and help for people taking their own shots.)
Maybe just a little stroll before dark? Or if you're too tired, a bike ride!
From whatever angle, the Left Bank is pretty close to perfect.
But, what truly sparkles with beauty is Paris over the holidays. Not a lot of tourists. Lots and lots of lights. Christmas tree displays, mile long holiday marekts in every corner of town, decorations and different sorts of tress by every monument...
Even in the Chocolate shops! Look! It's true. This Left Bank shop is a real gem, and quite beautiful over the holidays in particular (when chocolates won't melt).
Next up...Gourmet treats ONLY served during the holidays!
Paris Hotel Rooms and Holiday Travel Planning!
We are planning our Holiday Paris Getaways.
We are always asked about the Paris hotel rooms. It's really hard to tell "what you are getting", especially when you are dealing with different cultures and different cultural expectations. People tell us nightmare stories about the room with the bath down the hall or the beautiful room --that was 40 minutes, and a subway ride-- from anything they wanted to see.So, to help people out, we wanted to post some photos of actual rooms we use, and to describe what people will see when they turn the key in the door of their room!We use only centrally located lodging --we prefer the Left Bank, in the 6th Arrondissement or the Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement for people traveling with us. The hotels are always boutique. The hotels are always 3 or more stars. We describe them on our website at www.blisstravels.com under each trip description. The hotels or Inns are always located in great locations within walking distance to the major sites and great restaurants and cafes. They are always charming and feel Parisian. The "luxury" ones have additional amenities, such as designer products, larger rooms, super luxe baths, and ultra gourmet breakfasts --sometimes even cool jazz bars or other hang out spots!So, that all sounds good, but the real question is "what do we consider charming, boutique lodging in Paris"? Some of the below. These are what we call "standard" rooms in the 3 star hotels we use. So, if you're coming to Paris over the holidays with us on one of our Paris Getaways (http://www.blisstravels.com/parisgetaways.html#ParisTrip ) this is what you can expect for "standard lodging". theds
Our Inns in Provence are equally charming and even a bit more spacious and luxurious than our standard rooms...If you are booking our "luxury" lodging, then that includes larger rooms, Bose sound systems, robes, large, all marble bath rooms with special showers/tubs (rainforest showers, and the like), along with sitting areas in each room and many other special amenities, including "over the top" quality breakfasts each morning.I hope this helps for those of you who have asked! Write or call if you'd like more info! You can also watch one of our client video slide shows on our homepage www.blisstravels.comwendy@Blisstravels.com or 609 462 6213
Top 4 Ways to Have an Amazing Journey into Provence!
Want to have almost as much fun getting to Provence, as you have in Provence? Here are 4 easy ways to do that!1. Pack light. Don't make your travel a wrestling match with your luggage.2. Try to get an upper level seat on the TGV for a great view! 
3. Pack a gourmet picnic and a great bottle of wine. Our picnics are highlights of our trips...and we include things like foie gras stuffed ballotin of chicken or homemade zucchini flans with goat cheese and roast tomatoes, walnut cabbage salad, smoked duck, sausages, quiche, fig bread, muscat grapes, tapenades....In other words, "the best items" from our favorite hand selected places. In our world, there is no such thing as "over doing it".
-Pair with a wonderful Chateauneuf du Pape white, or white Croze Hermitage in Spring and Fall, or a great rose in summer!4. Have someone meet you in Avignon, and, literally, "head for the hills" --away from the hustle and bustle of it all. And enjoy being there!
Provence + Picnics = Paradise!
On the way...
Half the fun is getting there!
The butcher, cutting our market treats to order!
Some very authentic, less touristy markets.
Say "Cheese"!
Mmmmmmm!
Ho Hum! Just a little picnic spot!
Amazing what a nice lunch (and a little --or a lot of --rose will do for you!! Stay tuned for more shots from our trip. Next stop, the Mediterranean!
5 Fab Tips for Stress Free Travel Days (to France)!
Get the most out of your trip from the beginning, with a little planning!1. Plan in advance so you can use one of the airlines' private lounges. If you're not a high mileage flyer, check with your credit card companies. Some of them offer passes to the lounges if you've bought your ticket using their card. Some cards or airline programs offer passes to the lounges for signing up. So, before you purchase your ticket, check out the various offers.2. How to prepare so you beat Jet lag. If you're traveling from the US to Europe, start adjusting your body clock. The week before travel, start going to bed a bit earlier and waking a bit earlier. Try going to bed 10-15 minutes earlier each night. Your body clock will be set by 2 or more hours before you even leave!3. Sleep on the flight. Do whatever it takes to get some shut eye! Don't be (gulp) tempted to stay up for the airline food. For Heaven's sake, why? If you're going to Paris, you're headed to the gastronomic capital of the world. What on earth would be tempting about airline food. Note: If your airline serves food good enough to keep you awake in anticipation of it, please write us immediately at wendy@blisstravels.com (or through our website at www.blisstravels.com) because we are going to switch and start putting ourselves and our clients on this amazing new carrier!4. When you arrive in Paris and plan to go to another part of France. Go. Immediately. The same day. That's what we do. Why not? You'll be tired anyway. Why not take a relaxing train ride to Provence on Day 1. You'll rest and grab a cat nap --and you'll be ready to go the next morning.
5. If you're staying in Paris...press on! Have a cup of rocket fuel (aka Expresso) at your local cafe, and have an easy day of walking around and seeing sites. Nothing too intense. Have a nice late lunch or early dinner but DO NOT NAP. You will throw your body clock off and be up every night for a week. We find our clients are usually fairly excited and ready to go in the morning but start to slow down by about 4pm. Time for a glass of wine and some appetizers. Then a little walk. Go to bed at 8pm and you'll be fresh and happy, and be on local time the next day.(Oh, p.s. This "rocket fuel" photo brings back a lot of memories. And not just of jet lag. Sarah Miller took this photo while we were finishing lunch in Provence. We were on a fashion shoot for Nicole Miller Philadelphia wedding dresses. We spent Christmas in Paris, Provence and Chateauneuf du Pape...A winery even opened for us on Christmas Eve day! Even though we were all working, it was a pretty cool trip!
For more tips contact us at wendy@blisstravels.com. Or to follow our current trip to Paris, Provence, and the Mediterranean on this blog!
Tips for Your Best Ever Holidays... in Paris
Paris for the holidays! Wow! What a fabulous experience. Take our advice and follow these easy tips to make the most of your Paris adventure.
1. Do pack waterproof boots or shoes --so the slushy streets don't slow you down!2. Do Make Dinner Plans for the Holidays. Even if you're not religious, many restaurants have special menus (or conversely, the "real" chef is away) during the 24th and 25th. So, plan to plan for these days. You will have a great time if you do!
3. Do Choose in advance which Christmas Markets to visit. The Christmas markets are amazing! Each one of them is a bit different. Some focus on antiques. Some on food. Some on artisan products and touristy gifts...(Our personal favorite is the foie gras vendor at one of the markets--who is across from the caviar stand! Where else in the world can you have foie gras and Sauternes or Caviar blinis while standing on a street decorated with lights, and lined with world class monuments?) Decide where you want to go and make sure you give yourself enough time to linger at each stand. Don't forget to have a glass of warm spiced wine to take the chill off!
3. Do have "bad weather" plans. Have an idea of a warm cozy day, in case it rains or snows. What's your favorite small museum? What fabulous covered passageways haven't you seen? Which of the large department stores entice you? French theatre or film? Or simply bring your notebook and chill at a warm cafe and watch the world go by as you write your award winning novel.
4. Do save room for the best hot chocolate in the world! Paris is full of places where you can get "real" hot chocolate, from the well known Angelina's to some of the lesser known, but top notch quality hot chocolate spots. Explore!5. Don't forget there are exciting day trips outside of Paris! If the weather permits, Champagne is wonderful over the holidays --and so appropriate!6. Do bring an extra bag rolled up in your suitcase, for all the gifts you are going to buy!For more information or to join us on one of our holiday trips, visit us at: http://www.blisstravels.com/parisgetaways.html#ParisTripor write wendy@blisstravels.com