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What you need to Know B 4 U GoCurrent and upcoming Paris exhibitions "Le deguerréotype francais, un objet photographique" runs through August 17th at Musée d"Orsay. The show features over 300 portraits and still lifes from the 1830's. "Marlene Dietrich, Creation of the myth" is the first major French exhibit of more than 250 of the cinematic icon's garments and accessories. The show at Musée Galleria located at 10, avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie in the 16th arrondisement through October 12, 2003. The Musée Carnavalet is featuring an exhibit of cartoonist Plantu through October 26, 2003. 200 drawings and 50 satricical sculptures showcase Plantu's fascination with politics, justice and the environment.
The reopening of the Musée Guimet (Metro: Iéna) continues to top our list of Paris art events that commemorate the start of the 3rd millennium. The Guimet, closed for renovations the past five years, houses one of the world's finest collections of Asian art. It contains more than 45,000 works of Asian art spanning more than 4,000 years. has been one of the Diner's absolute favorite Paris stops for decades and we're overjoyed that it has finally returned. The Guimet has been transformed into an open, spacious and airy facility that really displays the wealth of ceramics, tapestries, mask, sculptures, religious and cultural artifacts that embodies the diversity of the ancient Asian diaspora.
Last February, the Jeu de Paume presented "Picasso Erotique." The show brought together more than 300 works that explored the three key periods of his creative and lusty journey. Now, they are presenting "Magritte," Paris' first major retrospective of the Belgian Surrealist in 20 years. Magritte's lasting influence in contemporary art most obvious as one views the 100+ paintings, collages, objets and original photographs. The show ran through June 9, 2003. The Louvre is featuring the two giants of the Italian Renaissance, Michelangelo and da Vinci. The "Michel-Ange" exhibit features 60 drawings by the artist, and studies and copies of his lost works by students. The show runs through June 23, 2003. The museum will celebrate the 500th birthday of the "Mona Lisa" by presenting "Leonard de Vinci." Ninety rarely seen da Vinci drawings, manuscripts and students will be presented when the exhibit opens on May 9th. The tribute closed July 14, 2003. "Chagall connu et inconnue" graces the Grand Palais with 150 exploring the artist's recurring folkloric and Biblical themes as well as his relationships to the modern movements of Cubism, Surrealism and Suprematism. The show ran through June 23, 2003. Photographers and aficionados of the art will flock to the new the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation when it opens later this month at 2 impasse Lebouis in the 14th arrondisement. Located in the heart of Montparnasse the light filled atelier will provide 2 floors of exhibition space and a resource center. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France is hosting "de qui s'agit-il?' Henri Cartier-Bresson" concurrent with the Foundation opening. The tribute to the undisputed master of modern photograph includes 350 photographs and personal objects. The show opens on April 29th and ran through July 27 at the Main Gallery in the François-Mitterand Building. There is a 'must see' in Paris for the nautical minded. The Musée National de la Marine at Palais de Chaillot is hosting an incredible exhibit of maritime sculptures entitled, "Les Génies de la mer." 300 years of opulent hull ornaments, marine mythology figureheads, model ships and a life-size re-creation of Luis XIV's royal galley will be exhibited through February 2, 2004. If the olfactory sense is your forte, check out "Parfum, l'expo" at Palais de Découverte on av. Franklin D. Roosevelt. Paris's science museum employs and interactive exhibit to explore the aesthetic, commercial, historic, scientific aspects of perfume. Don't forget to take that stroll through the Tuileries. 15 new modern sculptures have been added to enhance your sauntering pleasure. If you hold the letters YSL in high regard, the new Yves Saint-Laurent Musée at 11, Rue de Cambrai in the 19th is a must. The collection features 5,000 haute couture and prêt-à-porter designs. There are 2,000 pairs of shoes and over 10,000 accessories in addition to sketches and costumes for the theater. Metro: Crimée, Corentin Cariou. La Pagode the famous Paris cinema built in 1896 has reopened. Located in the 7th arrondisement at 57 bis, rue de Babylone has two screens, a Japanese tearoom and garden. Metro: Sèvres Babylone. Do visit Les Electrons Libres (The Free Electrons] currently ensconced at 59, rue de Rivoli. This collective composed of 34 artists representing 15 nationalities is creating renewed interest in contemporary work with their straight ahead explorations into all facets of the visual arts. This artists' "squat" has become a "new art" sensation in Paris drawing more than 40,000 visitors and more than a few patrons last year. Metro: Hôtel de Ville. Another artists' "squat" can be found at 62, rue Pierre Charron off the Champs Elyées. This group called the "Hors Champs" is one of the more established groups. Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt. Current Paris Travel Deals No current listings Before you start packing get France's latest culture calendar and other tourist information. Copies can be obtained by contacting:French Government Tourist Offices
East
Coast Office Monday
- Friday, 9:30am - 4:00pm
West Coast Office 9454
Wiltshire Blvd Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 4:00pm (310) 271-6665, fax: (310) 276-2835
Mid-West Office 676 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 4:00pm (312) 751-7800, fax: (312) 337-6339
FRANCE-ON-CALL (Live operator) Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 7:00pm (202) 659-7779
URL (World Wide Web address)
email address:
Click Paris Restaurants and scroll down to find scores of Paris events and tourism URLs.
INTERNATIONAL ACCESS CODE CALLING PROCEDURES:1. INTERNATIONAL ACCESS CODE 001from United States2. COUNTRY CODE for France 333. CITY CODE for PARIS 14. LOCAL PARIS PHONE NUMBER (e.g.) 41, 42, 43, etc.Phone code from U.S. 011-33 (France) + 1 (Paris) + Local # SCHEDULED FLIGHT TIMES FROM THE UNITED STATES:
GlobalDiner Travel Tip #1.Get $150.00 in French francs from your bank. You really don't want to change currencies or cash travelers checks at the airport or train station. The exchange rates and commissions located at points of entry are outrageous. If you must exchange at the point of entry, change only the amount you need until you can reach an ATM, a bank, or your travel service.
If banks in your locale don't carry foreign currency, you can order francs and 74 other currencies from the Chase Manhattan Bank website at www.currency-to-go.com. Your order will be express delivered the next day.
GlobalDiner Travel Tip #2. Don't exchange currency at your hotel. The hotel's exchange rate will be exorbitant. Your hotel's concierge can direct you to the nearest bank, exchange office, booth or travel service. Be advised the bank will probably have the best and most reliable rate. Always compare exchange rates and be aware that street exchange booths are usually ripoffs.
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Travel Tip #3. GlobalDiner Travel Tip #4.If you are flying First or Business Class, this doesn't apply to you. But if you are one of the masses herded in coach where every centime counts, this applies to YOU! Make friends. Strike up conversations with several of your fellow passengers. Its a long flight and light exchange, if only to commiserate about the cramped conditions passes the time.
Inquire whether your new acquaintance has transportation into the city. If not, suggest that you split the cost of a taxi. It won't make much difference who is in the 16th Arr. (Right Bank) or the 5th Arr. (Left Bank). Whoever gets out first hands over half the metered amount and a few francs for a tip to the remaining passenger. That person(s) #2 directs the driver to the next address and pays the total metered amount. The shared taxi ride will:
HAVE YOU ADDED GLOBALDINER TO YOUR FAVORITES YET?
Its increasingly popular for London visitors to take in a few days in Paris and vice versa. Many U.S. tourists have begun flying into London's Heathrow or Gatwick and departing Europe from Paris' DeGaulle or Orly. This travel option has been enhanced with the advent of the Eurostar which can whisk you away from London's Waterloo to Paris' Gare du Nord in three hours. It's easy, fun and relatively inexpensive (under $120/ticket). Here's how: EUROSTAR Information and Reservations RailEurope Information and Reservations for other Europe to Paris rail travel arrangements. NOW THAT YOU HAVE ARRIVED!
Map of Paris' Twenty Arrondisements. The RIGHT BANK (RIVE DROITE) consists of the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth arrondisements. The LEFT BANK (RIVE GAUCHE) consists of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth arrondisements. For more specific STREET MAPS OF Paris AIRPORT TRANSFERS Taxis: Charles de Gaulle to city center is 15 miles. ($40.00 taxi) Orly Airport to city center is 10 miles. ($30.00 taxi)
Shuttle Vans: Airport Shuttle (CDG & Orly) Door to door service 7 days. Reserve in advance 89F per person for 2+ passengers. Group discounts are available. Single passenger 120F 01.45.38.55.62, fax 01.43.21.35.67
WEATHER AVERAGES
MONTHS HIGH/LOW January 44/36 April 62/44 July 76/58 October 62/47
GlobalDiner Travel Tip #5.After you have settled into your hotel or apartment, your first stops for tourist assistance and information in Paris should be:
The Paris Tourist Office
(Convention & Visitors Bureau) American Express
American Express, 11 rue Scribe, Metro: Opéra. It doesn't matter whether you are a tourist, a student, or a business traveler, the longer you stay in Paris the more important 11 rue Scribe becomes. These are just a few Paris necessities that are available there:
1day (80F) ,3 day (160F) & 5 day (240F) passes for national museums and monuments Remember, Museum are closed on either Mondays or Tuesdays and on certain holidays. If you are a student and senior carry the appropriate identification to qualify for reduced admission. Cartes Musées et Monuments (Paris Museum Pass) admits holders to 65 museums and monuments without having to stand in line. Passes can be purchased at Metro stations, museums, The Paris Tourist Office (Convention & Visitors Bureau) (see above) and American Express.
Paris Visite passes are good for 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days of metro, bus, RER suburban trains, in the Ile-de France region, as well as the Orlyval, Orlybus, Roissybus, Balabus and Noctambus, Montmartrobus and tram services. In addition to transportation privileges, you will also receive discounts ranging from 20% to 35% off. If you plan to see each of the following sights and use these services, you will save more than 200FRF off the regular ticket price.
GlobalDiner Travel Tip #6. If you are Paris for less than a week, pick up FREE a copy of Paris Voice magazine. It contains articles, columns and feature stories about what's going on. If you are staying longer get a FREE copy of FUSAC (France USA Contacts) as well. FUSAC provides extended stay visitors with real subsistence information (i.e. Employment, Health, Housing, etc.,).
GlobalDiner Travel Tip #7.Tour tickets, cabaret reservations, events information, city maps and money exchange are all available. American Express is on located at 11, rue Scribe across the street from Opéra Garnier. Pick up a FREE, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette map of Paris, they contain Fashion Show passes and Discount Coupons for your purchases at those stores.
Galeries Lafayette (40, blvd Haussman, phone 01.42.82.34.56) has a free fashion show every Wednesday at 11:00 am and on Fridays between April and October. Reservations are required. The store is open from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm Monday - Saturday and until 9:00 pm on Thursdays.
Printemps (64 blvd. Haussman, phone 01.42.82.50.00) has free fashion show every Tuesday at 10:00am and on Fridays at 10:00 am between April and October. Reservations are required. The store is open from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm Monday - Saturday and until 10:00 pm on Thursdays.
Remember, USE YOUR CREDIT CARDS & SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS! You can save more than 25% of your total purchases of over $200 at each of these stores with the discount coupon (10% off used at time of purchase) + the V.A.T. (Value Added Tax) to your credit card. Remember, the 10% off applies to regularly priced AND sale ("promotion") merchandise. Imagine your savings with a sale price of 30% off + 10% off (coupon) + V.A.T. refund!
Both stores have a bureau at which you take your receipts and passport to apply for your V.A.T. credit. It only takes a few minutes. When you leaving the country, take the completed paperwork to the Bureau de Détaxe at the airport or train station to get your refund processed. Your next credit card statement should reflect your V.A.T. credit.
GlobalDiner Travel Tip #8.If you plan on spending over $200 IN ANY STORE in the E.E.C. for durable goods (cameras, clothes, luggage, watches, etc.,) inquire about their V.A.T. rebate policy and procedures. Some stores may require a higher total expenditure to process a V.A.T. refund.
GlobalDiner Travel Tip #9 (V.A.T. refund suggestion). If you are spending more than $300 and the store still won't provide a V.A.T. refund, SHOP ELSEWHERE. While you can receive your refund in the form of a check, or bank-to-bank transfer, its a nice post-trip treat to see your card credited with a sizable V.A.T. refund. Remember, the amount of the V.A.T. charged (and subsequently refunded) depends upon the country in which you are traveling. V.A.T.s in Europe range from 12% to 25%.
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