Almost every visitor arrives in France intent on tasting the renowned cuisine about which he or she has heard so much. Who has not heard endless paeans of praise for its fabulous quality and allure? To be sure, it is one of the world’s culinary blessings, and a well-deserved source of French pride and joy. […]
Author Archives: marina.woodson
In the affordable range of the market, eating establishments that reliably maintain their standards, over the years, are rare in France, especially in its large cities. This is partly explained by French labor legislation, which imposes heavy charges on employers, which weigh more heavily with the passage of time. Another part accrues to voracious tax […]
Every year we host hundreds of visitors in France who come from the United States, and a large number of them are surprised and relieved that they do not encounter any of the anti-Americanism for which France is notorious in the USA. Many ask us what has happened to it? Is it gone for good, […]
Lovers of the art of Claude Monet can see an imaginative exposition of some of his works juxtaposed with later works of pure abstract art, including works by Jackson Pollock, Gerhard Richter, Mark Rothko, Clifford Still, Lee Krasner, André Masson, Sam Francis, Joan Mitchell and others. It makes the case that those works of Monet […]
Many of our clients ask us, before they arrive in France, what they can expect in the way of weather, so that they can pack accordingly. The short answer is: everything. In the good old days, when the weather here was predictably unpredictable, we used to say that our springs are hopelessly unpredictable (might be […]
Many clients ask our opinion of the pricey Jules Verne restaurant in the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Is it worth the money? Isn’t it a tourist trap? Is it really a wonderful experience? Isn’t it over-priced? The answer to all of those questions is: yes. Despite the agonizing, the Jules Verne remains a […]
Residing near the Arc de Triomphe, just inside the 16th district, has much to recommend it, even if it is a bit far from the historic city center that I consider the most attractive part of Paris. One of its greatest rewards is an impressive selection of superb places to dine. That includes a wealth […]
Is Paris a good place to shop? It depends on what you seek. If you are looking for best value, there are many places in the world where you will get more for your money, such as in the USA. That there are often more choices in Paris (size, color, model, etc.) does not alter […]
We regularly receive emails from visitors in France who relate they are lost in trying to find information on how to get from one place in France to another. The latest asked us for help in getting from Compiegne to Pierrefonds by bus. On such occasions we refrain from advising them to book one of […]
One of the disappointments in visiting Claude Monet’s last home and gardens in Giverny, is the realization that none of his works can be found there. However, until the 31st of October, 2011, there is a near-by remedy. Visitors in Giverny should not miss the exceptional exposition of a selection of paintings from the collection […]