Les Studios’ finger-licking good new gourmet line

Chef Jean-Yves Montfort (Jym) offers you a scrumptious walk in the Garden of Life with his decidedly delicious homemade ‘confits et confitures’ (chutneys and jams), crafted exclusively for Les Studios, to be enjoyed by our guests in some of our apartments and also available for sale in our Cloud Hotel Lobby.  

Les Studios’ homemade delicacies

A treat for breakfast lovers or a delicious snack anytime, you now have a new tasty alibi when booking that next flight to Paris.

Succulent, authentic and “oh-so-French”, chef Jean-Yves Montfort’s new gourmet line is crafted exclusively for the guests of Les Studios.

Inspired by the idea of providing you with a cozier and more intimate sojourn, we’ve created our in-house gourmet line for you individually. Our latest tasty creations have been conceived to bring an even more homely feeling to your Parisian vacation – for staying with Les Studios has always been about making Paris your home.

“Tasty and original” is in the recipe of each of our creations

Delicious alone or in the company of cheese, toasts, foie gras or wine, Les Studios’ jams and chutneys are a great way to boost up your day.

Treat your senses to the delicate taste of Mirabelle plum with specks of Vanilla, Bourbon and Gewürztraminer which is a perfect match for the Comté – a traditional, hard French cheese.

For a sophisticated flavour with lots of character, sample our Onion Chutney with crème de cassis (a thick blackcurrants’ liquor) which pairs fantastically with Foie Gras and red meats.

With its tart twist, our spicy Raspberry and Rhubarb jam will make your taste buds stand at attention.

As for the hot and zesty Apple and Ginger preserve, it is one of the latest products of our chef’s momentary inspiration.

The Apple and Ginger preserve in the making

Get lost in our Forest of Flavours (more flavours to come) or follow our Map of Aromas to choose the right “taste path” for yourselves.

* We asked the Chef:

What inspired you to launch this gourmet line for Les Studios?

Quite different from any industrialized production even by Fauchon or Hédiard, our home-made ‘confits et confitures’ (chutneys and jams) are just another way of making our guests feel ‘at home’ rather than in a hotel. And we really prepare it just for them as a very personalized gesture and a product made with love from Studios Paris. It’s also our personal approach to treating our guests to one of the greatest pleasures in life, creating and sharing emotion through good food.

How are Les Studios’ jams different from the ready-made ones?

To create that perfect blend of flavours, we make our jams traditionally, using only fresh ingredients, carefully chosen herbs and spices and no artificial coloring or preservatives. The result being a really fruity and natural taste infused with lots of love.

How did you choose the jam flavours?

I am inspired to create something you won’t find elsewhere yet with a truly exceptional flavour and taste. All of our products have been developed to taste authentic and singular so there is a match for every taste. The flavours are mainly inspired by what we like and wish to share; they encourage this delicate, family spirit of homemade comfort food, which brings an intimate whiff of the flavours of the past – something we tend to forget nowadays with all the frenetic rhythm of life and massive industrialization…

Chef Jym in his wonder kitchen

Blissful to eat and authentic to give, our jams and chutneys are also available for sale in our Cloud Hotel Lobby at 4, Rue Androuet, Paris. Great for gourmands everywhere, whatever the occasion, they are the perfect choice to treat your beloved ones to an original and yummy gift coming straight from the heart of the world’s top gourmet capital, Paris.

The Louvre pyramid, one of Paris’ most notable urban peaks

Suppose there were mountain peaks to be found in the heart of modern metropolises? Well, then the peak of the Louvre’s grand pyramid, even if made of glass, would surely cast as one of those, we suppose.

See the two tiny dots climbing diligently up this glass mountain of sorts in an attempt to make this notable urban peak shine crystal-bright in the fresh afternoon light?

Unlike the real mountain peaks which would wait for the natural forces of rain to do their own business, here in the urban jungle of Paris, locals sweep and sponge their own peaks by hand.

Pont des Arts. Picture: Wikipedia

In 1969, Kenneth Clark featured the following passage in his fundamental book “Civilisation”:

I am standing on the Pont des Arts in Paris. On the one side of the Seine is the harmonious, reasonable facade of the Institute of France, built as a college in about 1670. On the other bank is the Louvre, built continuously from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century: classical architecture at its most splendid and assured. Just visible upstream is the Cathedral of Notre Dame –not perhaps the most lovable of cathedrals, but the most rigorously intellectual façade in the whole of Gothic art. What is civilisation? I do not know. I can’t define it in abstract terms –yet. But I think I can recognise it when I see it: and I am looking at it now.

Today, some 40-something years later, the cult Pont des Arts bridge still preserves its fame of a multifaceted modern civilization hub honorably cited in movies, books and songs.

Other than being a uber-famous place for summertime picnics and noisy nights out, sometimes it happens to be an open-air arts scene, for the joy of casual passers-by.

Stop by the next time when you get the chance to experience the bridge’s picturesque serenades and see this island over the water get transformed into a vibrant ground where tunes, musicians and people come together to sing, dance and enjoy life in this magical ephemeral bubble over the river…

Over the bridge – there is music in the air!

The Cloud. Picture: paris.fr

From the banks of the Canal Saint Martin, the “Cloud” is invisible. To see this strange cloud-shaped and resin-made white wooden hut first created in 2010 for a biennial of contemporary art, head towards Paris’ Pont Ephemere (10th).

A work of contemporary art and an ecological habitat to test for a night between  April 26^th and May 15^th, the “Cloud” was created as a mountain refuge, which can host 7 people, with 3 double beds and one single one. Each building located in the municipalities of the metropolitan area has a unique design, with six shelters installed in the Bordeaux area which can be reached when hiking.

In Paris, visitors can sleep in the clouds for one night only (with free access, upon reservation) before the Cloud itself gets blown away towards the Bordeaux area for the summer.

In the calm atmosphere of the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, the terrace of the Pont Ephemere offers panoramic views over the water and a bamboo garden encircling your cloudy home. If not for a night in, at least go have an informative look of this airy creation.  

7 places available each night from April 26 to May 15

Reservations for the Point ephemeral reservation@pointephemere.org

Gras Savoye Grand Steeple Chase 2013 Poster; Picture and quotes from the event’s official website: http://www.grandsteeple.com

Sunday, May 19th is no time to “hold your horses”!

The Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, to be held this Sunday from 11.45am at Auteuil Racecourse, is France’s most prestigious and spectacular jumps race of the year – and this comes straight from the horse’s mouth!

“A spectacle like no other, where courage and naked strength work together in a quest for glory”, the Gras Savoye Steeple-Chase is an intense and thrilling race  intended to be the French equivalent of Britain’s famous Grand National.

Running from 1874 onwards and called “The Everest of Jumps Races”, this spectacular event is one of the longest existing jumps races and boasts 23 expressly challenging obstacles, which will make you hold your breath.

“Admire the horses’ rippling muscles. Gasp as they leap through the air. Hear the thunder of hooves as they storm past the stands. Seven short minutes is all it takes to earn a place in racing legend.”

Horse sense tells us that the 135th edition of the Gras Savoye is not an event to be missed!

So, if you want to witness this breathtaking race and get an answer to the question “Who will be the next Champion?”, you’d better get on your horses – the big day is just around the corner!

Paris avec les enfants ? Pas aussi simple que de partir en couple ! Votre séjour touristique tout tranquille se transforme en un vrai challenge et plein de turbulences. Tout doit être correctement planifié et l’appartement doit être parfait.

Les Studios de Paris ont pensé à vous ! Evasion, un impressionnant duplex de 180m², a été conçu parfaitement pour accueillir toute une famille et ainsi rendre votre séjour avec les enfants plus agréable.

Situé au 6^e  étage – avec ascenseur – d’un très joli bâtiment Haussmannien dans le 17^e  arrondissement de Paris, Evasion peut accueillir jusqu’à 7 personnes. Quatre chambres, un salon spacieux avec balcon, deux salles de bain et deux wc séparés, un petit bureau, une cuisine lumineuse et tout équipée : rien de mieux pour se retrouver en famille et passer de bons moments ensemble.

Un tel endroit est assez rare dans une ville comme Paris, mais ce qui rend cet appartement encore plus exceptionnel c’est la façon dont il a été agencé : ingénieusement dessiné et spacieux, il offre à chacun, adultes ou enfants, son propre espace et confort. Pouvant accueillir une famille de trois générations, Evasion est l’appartement idéal pour que tout le monde se sente comme à la maison tout en découvrant Paris – une ville qui, comme ce duplex, a quelque chose à offrir à chacun, petit ou grand.

Voyager avec des enfants nécessitant plus d’attention, l’appartement Evasion est donc là pour vous faciliter la tâche et faire que votre séjour en famille soit sans soucis. Assez grand pour accueillir toute la famille sans se marcher dessus, l’appartement comporte tous les équipements nécessaires à la contribution du bien-être familial.

Comme la stabilité familiale passe par le bonheur des enfants, le duplex est organisé aussi bien pour les garçons que les filles. La chambre de garçon reproduit l’univers des pirates – avec des figurines, un clavier, des jouets, des stickers et un coin bureau : un terrain de jeu cool et moderne et assez d’espace pour qu’il puisse s’amuser – et même travailler.

Du côté des filles : un tapis rose, une jolie petite table, un tableau noir pour laisser aller son imagination et quelques petits trésors sont à découvrir dans le petit palace créé spécialement pour les petites princesses.

Une fois que les enfants ont pris possession de leur petit monde, à votre tour : détendez-vous sur la méridienne du salon, discutez autour d’un verre de vin sur le balcon ou relaxez-vous devant un bon film.

A la fois lumineux et calme, décoré avec style et doté d’un mobilier vintage, Evasion vous apporte luxe et commodité : une vue agréable du balcon sur les toits de Paris, une cheminée dans le salon et un bel escalier de bois qui vous mène à l’étage.

Envie d’une pause en famille ? Ne cherchez plus, le duplex Evasion est parfait pour une escapade parisienne avec les enfants dans la joie et la bonne humeur !

Pour louer Evasion contactez-nous à l’adresse bookings@studiosparis.net

A la recherche de musées vivants, itinérants ou de galeries en plein air ? Alors bienvenue à Paris où vous pourrez trouver toutes sortes de musées étonnants. Ce mois-ci, nous avons dressé, pour vous, une liste de musées parisiens souvent inexplorés, qui promettent de vous offrir un moment particulier.

Abritant les plus importantes collections d’art dans le monde, certains grands musées sont souvent bien trop bondés pour que l’on puisse apprécier la visite comme on le voudrait. Cependant, il existe d’autres musées moins connus mais tout aussi intéressants à découvrir aussi bien pour les grands que pour les petits.

Pour ceux qui ne veulent pas s’enfermer :

Commençons par un petit détour près de la rivière avec Naomi l’Africaine, Ayako la Japonaise et Jim le New-Yorkais qui attendent de vous rencontrer. Perchées sur la passerelle le long de la Seine, 21 sculptures de bronze ont été édifiées afin de représenter différentes cultures et nationalités dans le cadre du projet « Les Enfants du Monde » créé en 2001 comme un symbole de respect pour les enfants et leurs droits. Ces statues réalisées avec des plaques de bouches d’égout, des modèles de pavés et d’autres matériaux issus des rues vous font voyager à travers le monde.

(Adresse : Parc de Bercy (Métro : Bercy, lignes 6, 14)  Ouvert tous les jours ; entrée libre et gratuite).

Pour les « fashion addicts » :

Capitale de la mode, Paris se devait d’avoir son propre musée de la mode. Pour avoir un aperçu des vêtements portés par la reine Marie-Antoinette et le roi Louis XVII, découvrir la garde-robe de la femme de Napoléon ou contempler la tenue que portait Audrey Hepburn dans le film Diamants sur canapé,  rendez-vous au musée Galliera.

(Fermé pour travaux pour le moment, le musée Galliera rouvrira ses portes en septembre 2013. Adresse : 10 avenue Pierre-1er-de Serbie ; ouvert tous les jours sauf le mardi ; entrée payante).

Pour les fans de romans policiers :

Vous avez toujours rêvé de toucher la lame d’une guillotine ? Le Musée de la Préfecture de Police expose des pistolets, des uniformes, des preuves et des souvenirs ainsi que les casiers judiciaires des criminels les plus connus. Ce musée reflète les événements historiques importants de la France et les reliques de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

(Adresse : Hôtel de police, 4 rue de la Montagne-Sainte-Geneviève. Ouvert tous les jours sauf le dimanche, entrée libre.)

Pour ceux qui aiment se faire peur :

Si vous êtes fan des vampires, que vous croyez aux forces surnaturelles et autres choses étranges, allez visiter le Musée des Vampires, situé à deux minutes de Paris. C’est un endroit improbable avec de nombreux accessoires bizarres et effrayants comme un chat momifié trouvé au cimetière du Père-Lachaise et les autographes des acteurs du film Dracula. Ce petit musée privé, consacré à l’étude des vampires à la fois dans l’histoire et dans la culture d’aujourd’hui, rappelle les origines et explique les mythes des vampires. Tous les soirs de 20 heures à minuit, un dîner est organisé avec un guide, un jeu sur les vampires et des discussions.

 (Le Musée des Vampires se visite uniquement sur rendez-vous : 06 20 12 28 32 aux horaires suivants : 12h30, 15h00 et 19h30. 14, rue Jules-David, Les Lilas,  métro lignes 3 et 11 (Porte des Lilas.)

Pour les gourmands :

Le Musée gourmant du chocolat « Choco-Story », explique quatre mille ans d’histoire du chocolat, au travers de l’exposition d’objets et d’équipements servant à la culture et la fabrication. L’atelier du musée permet aussi d’observer la fabrication et de participer à des cours pour apprendre à fabriquer des figurines en chocolat.

Pour les amoureux de la France :

Si vous n’avez pas le temps de faire le tour de la France, alors optez pour une visite de « France Miniature ». Ce parc extérieur représente les lieux de France les plus populaires ainsi que plus de 160 monuments français. Situé à 40 minutes de Paris, c’est le plus grand parc de miniatures d’Europe. Vous aurez la chance de visiter Saint-Tropez, les châteaux de la vallée de la Loire ainsi que les arènes romaines d’Arles en moins d’une journée.

Pour les amateurs de magie :          

Le Musée de la Magie propose au grand public une collection unique composée d’objets de magie, d’illusions d’optique, d’accessoires truqués et de superbes tours. Perdez-vous au milieu des miroirs magiques et des boîtes secrètes, appréciez le spectacle de magie et devenez vous-même un grand magicien en participant au cours de magie organisé au musée.

(11 rue Saint-Paul (Métro : Saint-Paul ou Sully-Morland), mardi, samedi et dimanche de  14h à 17h. Entrée : adultes 9 € ; enfants 7 €.)

Pour savoir reconnaître un « faux » sac Hermès :       

Créé par une organisation afin de lutter contre la contrefaçon, le Musée de  la Contrefaçon expose environ 350 objets contrefaits au côté des originaux. Promenez-vous au milieu des sculptures de bronze de Rodin, de jouets, de parfums, de vêtements, de dictionnaires et d’objets luxueux et amusez-vous à repérer les différences entre les originaux et les objets de contrefaçon.

(16, rue de la Faisanderie; Mardi-Dimanche de 14h à 17h30. Entrée : 4 € ; gratuit pour les enfants de moins 12 ans.) 

Pour ceux qui veulent retomber dans l’enfance :

Le Musée de la Poupée offre une collection de quelque 500 poupées françaises de la période du XIV^e siècle à maintenant. Une pièce spéciale permet également d’observer la  fabrication des poupées. Vous pouvez même faire réparer votre poupée favorite ou fêter votre anniversaire au musée. Dans l’atelier, il est possible de créer sa propre « poupée soucis » qui aurait le pouvoir, selon une légende Maya, d’effacer tous les soucis.

(Impasse Berthaud, quartier Beaubourg, mardi-samedi de 10h à 18h.  Entrée : adultes : 6 € ; enfants 4 €.)

Pour les curieux :         

Sûrement le plus insolite de tous les musées, le Petit Musée des objets trouvés (appartenant au département des objets trouvés de la Police de Paris) expose des objets retrouvés par la Police de Paris et qui n’ont pas été réclamés. Petite promenade au milieu de cette collection surprenante comme un homard trouvé à l’aéroport d’Orly, un crâne, une jambe de bois, une robe de mariage, un casque de pompier, un faux permis de conduire ou une urne funéraire oubliée quelque part dans les quais souterrains près du cimetière du Père Lachaise. Bizarre n’est-ce pas ? Ce musée est la preuve que la vie sera toujours plus étrange que la fiction.

Ne vous êtes-vous jamais demandé ce qui se cache derrière le fameux look parisien que tout le monde tente d’adopter ?

Inspirés par la coiffure, la façon la plus audacieuse de réinventer sa personnalité, et Paris, la capitale de la mode clamant élégance et sophistication, Les Studios de Paris vous présentent leur nouveau service personnalisé : une vraie thérapie pour le corps et l’esprit !

Afin de prendre soin de nos clients, le nouveau service de coiffure des Studios de Paris tient à prouver que la beauté est accessible à tous et qu’il n’y a pas de place pour les cheveux raplapla. Une coiffure élégante pour une soirée spéciale ou un nouveau look pour la vie de tous les jours ? Finalement, il n’y a pas meilleur souvenir que vous puissiez ramener de votre escapade parisienne !

Plus qu’une simple expérience esthétique, le service de coiffure des Studios de Paris vous offre un moment de qualité. Avec la coiffure comme expression de notre personnalité, réinventer notre look nous permet de rester vivants et libres de choisir qui nous voulons être. Et à Paris encore plus !

Un évènement spécial, une soirée entre amis, une sortie à l’opéra ou juste pour le plaisir, toutes les raisons sont bonnes pour réclamer plus de glamour dans notre look. La coiffeuse Fanny Morin, partenaire des Studios de Paris sait parfaitement comment vous donner un vrai look parisien.

Coiffeuse professionnelle depuis 10 ans, Fanny Morin a géré deux salons de coiffure à Paris et a de nombreuses années d’expérience dans les domaines de la mode, du cinéma, du théâtre, de la publicité, des évènements et du relooking.

Après avoir travaillé à Londres auprès du célèbre Vidal Sassoon, Fanny a déménagé à Paris où elle partage maintenant son temps entre ses recherches créatives et son travail artistique. Avec une formation supplémentaire dans la cosmétologie et la coloration, les cheveux n’ont plus aucun secret pour elle. Elle est aujourd’hui à votre service, offrant des soins professionnels pour vos cheveux : coupe, entretien, couleur ainsi que des conseils de beauté. Fanny sait s’adapter à tous les styles – du contemporain au classique – et a pour objectif de rafraichir votre coupe afin d’apporter brillance et vie à vos cheveux. Et pour les plus audacieuses, Fanny peut également laisser aller son imagination un peu folle et vous sculpter un look radicalement inédit.

Pour en apprendre plus sur les secrets de cette coiffeuse et ses dernières coupes à la mode, voici Fanny :

Pourquoi avez-vous choisi la coiffure et qu’est-ce que vous appréciez dans ce métier ?

C’est en fait très simple, je veux faire ce métier depuis que j’ai 5 ans. J’adorais accompagner mon père quand il allait chez le coiffeur et j’étais très contente quand je pouvais me faire coiffer aussi. Ce que j’ai toujours aimé dans mon métier, c’est la joie et le bien-être que cela apporte aux gens lorsqu’ils peuvent s’identifier à travers leur look.

Vous avez travaillé dans la production cinématographique, le théâtre, les campagnes de publicité et les défilés de mode. Quelle a été la coupe la plus étrange que vous ayez faite ? Et pour qui ?

Je dirais que les coupes les plus étranges n’étaient pas celles faites sur des cheveux mais celles qui intégraient d’autres matériaux comme des légumes, des produits synthétiques, des aliments, des métaux. Cependant, mon souvenir le plus incroyable c’est quand j’ai dû faire des extensions pour le cheval du film Sport de filles de Patricia Mazuy.

Avec Les Studios de Paris, vous formez maintenant un nouveau partenariat afin d’offrir aux clients l’opportunité d’un relooking. Mais pourquoi, selon vous, cela intéresserait les gens ? Pourquoi choisiraient-ils de se faire couper les cheveux à Paris ?

Eh bien je pense que chaque pays, chaque ville a ses propres caractéristiques, son propre savoir-faire quel que soit le champ d’expertise. Pour Paris, c’est la haute couture, la beauté et le style. J’ai passé 7 mois à Londres afin de découvrir certains aspects de mon travail et d’apprendre les techniques de coiffure anglaise auprès de Vidal Sassoon. Mais c’est seulement lors de mon retour en France que je me suis rendu compte que Paris était la capitale de la coiffure. La coiffure française est une référence internationale pour son glamour, sa brillance et sa romance. Tous les coiffeurs les plus connus sont passés par Paris. Je travaille à Paris depuis 9 ans et c’est un plaisir pour moi de pouvoir partager les secrets de beauté des Parisiens avec les clients des Studios de Paris.

Quels sont les services que vous proposez aux clients des Studios de Paris ?

Que vous ayez besoin d’une nouvelle coupe de cheveux, de changer de style, d’ajouter du volume ou de les rendre plus lumineux, de les lisser ou de les allonger : tout est possible ! Chacun de mes produits a d’abord été testé sur moi-même afin d’être sûre de leur efficacité. Que les cheveux soient naturels, désordonnés, lisses ou sexy, en prendre soin est essentiel. Ils reflètent votre personnalité, votre santé et l’image que vous voulez transmettre de vous.

Comment une femme doit-elle choisir sa nouvelle coupe ?

Il y a de nombreux éléments à prendre en considération : la forme du visage, le type de cheveux et l’implantation, sa densité et sa morphologie, vos habitudes etc… Personnellement, je me renseigne sur chacun de mes clients afin de déterminer leurs besoins et de leur proposer le style le plus adapté. Ce sont souvent les petits détails qui font toute la différence et non pas les changements radicaux, comme on pourrait le croire.

Où est-ce que les relooking auront lieu ?

Ce ne sont pas les clients qui se rendront au salon de coiffure, mais le salon de coiffure qui se déplacera jusqu’aux clients. Comme chacun d’entre eux a une chevelure différente, un petit questionnaire leur sera d’abord envoyé afin que je puisse préparer au mieux mes rendez-vous, qui auront lieu directement dans les appartements des Studios de Paris.

Quelle est la tendance de cette saison ? Quelles sont les dernières coupes à la mode pour 2013 ?

Pour la collection printemps-été 2013, les tendances sont inspirées par des coupes rétro des années 60 : des chignons XXL, des coupes très courtes, des coupes style Pompadour ou des franges épaisses, des cheveux longs et fluides, beaucoup de volume et de désordre.

Quel serait le soin à appliquer tous les jours ? Qu’est-ce qu’il faut faire pour garder nos cheveux en bonne santé ?

Tout d’abord, manger correctement : des fruits et des légumes, des céréales complètes, de la viande, du poisson, de la volaille et des produits laitiers faibles en matières grasses. Nos cheveux sont le reflet de notre santé, donc si vous suivez un traitement cela se verra automatiquement. Ensuite, il est important de laisser nos cheveux respirer : éviter de porter casques, chapeaux et casquettes trop souvent. Pour ceux qui ont l’habitude de s’attacher les cheveux, éviter les chouchous trop serrés et privilégier les épingles. Il faut également choisir le bon shampoing et soin pour les cheveux. Les laver 2 à 3 fois par semaine au plus et utiliser un bon masque une fois par semaine (surtout pour les cheveux traités ou longs). Enfin, éviter le sèche-cheveux, à utiliser seulement en cas de besoin.

Vous ne commencez jamais à travailler sans… ?

Ma brosse Mason Pearson.

Si vous souhaitez bénéficier des conseils beauté de Fanny, vous pouvez nous écrire à l’adresse services@studiosparis.net

Pour en savoir plus sur les services Clients que proposent Les Studios de Paris,  vous pouvez nous écrire à l’adresse services@studiosparis.net

Enjoy your free glass of champagne in Montmartre’s historical “À la Pomponnette” where all of Les Studios clients are cordially invited!

The cozy and homely terrace of “A la Pomponnette”

In our never-ending attempt to help our clients feel at home in the City of Light, Les Studios de Paris have established a partnership with a number of traditional Montmartre restaurants where all our guests will be treated to a complimentary glass of champagne should they go there for dinner. Because here on the hill, we do like to take our customers to heart! The first restaurant where all of Les Studios’ clients are warmly invited is the old artistic hub “À La Pomponnette”. Enjoy!

If history was written on the wall, “A la Pomponnette” would be the place to go read some about Montmartre’s artistic past.

At home at A La Pomponnette

Founded in 1909 and family-run for over 100 years, “À La Pomponnette” is a traditional Montmartre restaurant located in the heart of the authentic but trendy district of Abbesses. With its traditional yet creative French cuisine, this artistic institution’ with a capital ‘I’, is a unique place to enjoy lunch or dinner in the charming atmosphere of days gone by. The history of the restaurant is indeed closely related to the hill’s local artists (like Poulbot and Gen Paul, among others) who have spent many a pleasant moment there and have graced the restaurant’s walls with many original paintings, drawings and posters dating back from the beginning of the 20^th century and keeping the historic allure alive.

Charming with a scent of nostalgia

Despite these “lettres de noblesse”, there’s nothing rigid about the atmosphere of this little “coin gourmand”. Decorated like an old Parisian home, with its checkered tablecloths, the old clock counting the good times, the stories on the walls and last but not least – the friendly striped cat Poulette who walks around undisturbed near the tables – “A la Pomponette” feels convivial and adorable, its refined and friendly setting transforming the restaurant into the cozy living room of an old friend, where you are always welcome to share a few intimate moments, have a lovely meal “entre amis” or just sit back and relax, soaking up the delightful ambiance.

An honorable customer or the king of the place, the cat Poullette is being served at the bar of A la Pomponnette

Having received the “Marmite d’or” in 2009, it is no wonder that the food in “A La Pomponnette” makes for a worthwhile stop. This historic place where five generations have followed in each other’s steps to lovingly preserve the traditional family cooking and the sense of joy it brings their guests, has remained faithful to their original motto:

“For over a 100 years, our family has aspired to respect the spirit intended by the restaurant’s founding father, Arthur:  let us all share a moment of conviviality around a good meal!”

The pretty terrace on the lively Rue des Abbesses

And so they do! Specialized in typical French cuisine, promoting comfort food and flagship dishes which each French housewife has on her special menu, this is the place to enjoy the classical tastes of the past, whose mere sound might make your mouth water.

As a starter, experiment with the pistachio-flavoured Lyon sausage in the company of warm potatoes or go light with the exquisite Breaded reblochon (a type of French cheese) with fresh salade on the side. Alternatively, try the mouthwatering and garlicky-spicy Bourgogne Snails, another French classic.

Fresh baguettes are individually sliced for the customers, honoring an old French bistrot tradition

À suivre, take your pick between the phenomenal scent of the Rabbit with rosemary stuffing and the “evergreen” taste of Stewed beef in onion sauce. Seafood buffs might be interested in savouring the extra-light and dietetic Cod with sun-dried tomatoes and basil-flavoured olive oil or the delicate yet rich Saint Jacques scallops in parsley and garlic sauce.

Some of La Pomponnette specials

Dessert-wise, the Parfait au Café (a light and scrumptious coffee-flavoured Sundae) and the Millefeuille Façon Pomponnette won’t disappoint.

To sum it all up, a dinner in “A La Pomponnette” is a privilege not to be missed. Make sure you find out for yourself.

À la Pomponnette,

42, Rue Lepic;  Metro Abbesses (line 12), Metro Blanche (line 2)

Opening hours:               

Monday to Thursday (from 12h to 15h; from 19h until midnight)

Friday to Sunday (from 12h to midnight)

Reservations can be made at 06 12 22 45 32 or at their website www.pomponnette-montmartre.com

If you’re wondering what exploring Paris with your kids would be like, why not just ask those in the know?  And so we did. Our Dutch guests Christiaan and Grace shared their insights on how they put the Parisian puzzle together as a family after a week they’d spent in our “Azur” apartment with their two children. 

Azur apartment

Where do you come from, why did you choose Paris and who were you travelling with?

My name is Christiaan and my wife is named Grace, we have a boy, Filip, who’s 8 years old and a girl, Hendrika, who just turned 6.  We all come from Amsterdam, although my wife is American and we actually met and dated in Paris some 10 years ago! That’s why we decided to go back in time and spend our wedding anniversary in Paris this year, as we wanted our kids to get to know the city where I asked their mom to marry me! We thought it would be fun to revisit old favourite spots or rather rediscover them completely because of the two brand new pairs of eyes that are now an essential part of our family picture!

Azur interior

What made you choose Les Studios and did you enjoy your stay with us?

A family friend of ours had recently come back from a trip to Paris, so it was only natural to ask him for some recommendations. He spoke very highly of Les Studios, a rental agency he was happy to have come across. He said he stayed in a luxurious boat moored on the Seine and felt like a captain with every new morning on the river – an experience he was practically exhilarated by! We, on the other hand, wanted a cozy and friendly place for the whole family, something practical in terms of location and enjoyable to live in. So we browsed Les Studios’ website and the only problem we encountered was deciding on the right apartment – there were so many of them! “Azur” was what we finally went with -  it both struck our fancy and met our requirements! Last but not least, Les Studios’ team members were all easy-going and reliable, always happy to respond to our questions and informative about some really worthy restaurants in Montmartre. Great guys! We loved staying with them!

Azur’s living room

Did you find “Azur” to be kids-friendly? What was your favourite thing about your place?

Definitely! Every one of us was very happy in it and each found their safe spot pretty quickly. We all had a “private corner” to chill out and relax. The kids, for instance, found a new friend in the form of the funky white lamp artistically hanging over the dinner table – they called it The Friendly Jellyfish!  For my wife, it was the kitchen! She was in awe of the blue-tiled walls – she said they look so spotless, bubbly and bright that now all she talks about is remodelling our Amsterdam kitchen after Azur’s one! Personally, I loved taking my quick moment of solitude sitting by the window after the long days full of excitement. Smoking my cigarette overlooking the pretty courtyard below, seeping in the tranquility and revisiting the emotions of our daily discoveries – this was my definition of “father’s bliss” (lasting no more than 7 minutes)!  As a family, we were all pretty excited to be living in the shadow of Paris’ last historical windmill built in 1622! All in all, our stay in Azur was lovely, cozy and serene, just like the apartment itself.

Azur’s azure-hued kitchen

How did a typical day in “Azur” unfold for you?

Oh, we loved everything about it. We enjoyed having breakfast at home in order to peacefully fuel ourselves for the rest of the day. I used to go to the closest boulangerie while the kids were still asleep and my wife was preparing coffee and hot chocolate in the kitchen. Then we’d all gather around the table, spread maps, notebooks, coffee cups and fresh croissants all over it and start planning the day. It really felt like home. In the evening, we liked to cozy up on the sofa and share our impressions from the past day. The one with the weirdest observation on the city would win an extra scoop of Berthillon on our next trip to the Saint Louis island! Observation skills should be praised!

Azur’s bedroom

How is discovering Paris with your children different? Where did you go, what did you do and see?

Contrary to popular opinion, it’s a whole lot funnier! First of all, the kids see things you wouldn’t normally notice (like the weird sculptured heads under the Pont Neuf bridge) and ask weird questions (such as “Why do all French girls wear ripped pantyhose?”). Suddenly all this makes you see Paris in a whole different light and that’s really new and enjoyable! Seeing our children explore this new world with their fresh viewpoint and their pure interaction with the city totally made our stay. We went to most famous museums but then tried some quirky stuff, as well. We cruised the flea markets, rode bikes over the bridges, had a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, much like our Parisian friends would have done! We tried to make our stay as varied as possible.

Azur: Through the window

What did your children like best in Paris?

They liked the giant chocolate hippos in a chocolate shop on Rue de Rennes, they adored sampling the Berthillon ice cream on the Saint Louis island, they enjoyed cruising the Seine on a boat and had a great time inventing French names for the birds for sale in the Flower and Bird Market on Cité.  

One thing that absolutely every kid/family needs to do in Paris is…..? 

Learn to enjoy yourselves no map in hand! Just go with the flow of the city.

To book Azur, please write to bookings@studiosparis.net

Please feel free to contact us at bookings@studiosparis.net with questions regarding more of our family-friendly apartments

A living museum, a moveable feast or an open-air art gallery? This is Paris, a city having a long history with all kinds of museums.  “Tasty”, provocative, weird, curious and 100 % kid-friendly, our “off-the-beaten-track” list of worth-checking Parisian museums guarantees you will have a great time exploring!   

The meaning:        musée = museum

The history:

Famously housing some of the world’s most significant and historically important art collections, the most celebrated Parisian museums might often be too crowded to be properly enjoyed by you and your family. However, there are other no less interesting sites in the City of Light. More surprising, atmospheric, mystical and enchanting, these lesser-known and unexpected fascinations are a real gem to be discovered by little ones and adults alike.

Open-air:

Let’s start our discoveries with a walk by the river. Perched up on a walkway along the banks of the Seine, Naomi the African, Ayako the Japanese and  Jim the New-Yorker (among many others) are all waiting for you to meet them! Meant to showcase different cultures and nationalities, these 21 bronze statues are all part of the project “Les Enfants du Monde” (Children of the world), created in 2001 as a symbol of respect for all children and their rights.     Besides meeting the statues crafted by manhole covers, cobblestone patterns and other materials coming from the foreign cities’ streets, this encounter would also send you on a journey to an exciting new land.

Les Enfants du Monde sculptures

(Address: Parc du Bercy (Metro station: Bercy, line 6, 14)  Open daily; Admission: free)

The trendy one:              

As a fashion capital, Paris couldn’t go without its very own Fashion museum. To have a glimpse of the garments worn by Queen Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XVII, Napoleon’s wife the empress Josephine and Hollywood sweetheart Audrey Hepburn’s dress from the iconic “Breakfast in Tiffany”, go to Musée Galliera for a fashion reel from the 18^th century to present time.

The fashionable facade of Paris’ Fashion museum. Picture: Wikipedia

(Closed for major renovation, Musée Galliera is scheduled to reopen in September 2013. Located on 10, avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie ; Open daily except Tuesdays; An admission fee is charged)

The “crimi” one:            

Want to touch the blade of a real-life guillotine? Then the Musée de la Préfecture de Police is the place to be! Other exhibited curios include pistols and uniforms, records of famous criminal cases and characters, evidence and memorabilia, reflecting major events of the French history and relics of World War II.

Inside the museum. A room dedicated to Alphonse Bertillon, who invented a method of characterization, classification and photographing of offenders in the second half of the 19th century. Picture: Wikipedia

(Located in the Hôtel de police at 4, rue de la Montagne-Sainte-Geneviève. Open daily except Sunday; Admission: free)

The scary one:                 

If you’re a fan of vampires, supernatural forces and strange stuff in general, The Vampire Museum, located just on the edge of Paris, offers an unusual tour. With many bizarre and spooky props to be found (most notably a mummified cat found in the Père Lachaise cemetery and the autographs of each actor who’s played Dracula in a Hollywood movie), this small private museum, devoted to the study of the vampires’ place both in folklore and in today’s culture, covers the origins and folktales surrounding vampirism. Every night from 8pm till midnight, it also hosts a dinner event, accompanied by a guided tour and vampire-related games and discussions (on reservation only).

If this doesn’t scare you, you might well go for it! Picture: Wikipedia

 (Le Musée des Vampires is open by appointment only. Call 06 20 12 28 32 to fix one. Tours at 12:30, 3pm and 7:30pm. Located on 14, Rue Jules David, Les Lilas, accessible by metro lines 3,11 (Porte des Lilas), it’s a 15 min ride from the center of Paris. An admission fee is charged)

The tasty one:                 

For all the chocolate lovers out there, there’s a three-story heaven to tickle your fancy.  Explaining 4000 years of chocolate history, cultivation and fabrication, Choco-Story, the Gourmet Chocolate Museum exhibits a vast collection of cocoa-related objects and paraphernalia. The live demonstration showing the making of filled chocolates and, of course, the tasting are the highlights of your visit, but the best is that you could learn how to make chocolate popsicles and figurines yourself in one the museum’s workshops.

Making chocolate! Picture: the museum’s website

(Choco-Story is open every day from 10am till 6pm (last entry at 5pm). Located on 28, Blvd Bonne Nouvelle; Ticket fee : Adults 9 €, children 6 €)

The “mini” one:             

If you can’t cover all of France in one go, then opting for a tour of France Miniature is a wise choice. This 5-hectare outdoor attraction park, featuring scale models of popular French landmarks, is designed in the shape of France and contains around 160 models of animated French monuments. Located in Élancourt (40km away from Paris), this is the biggest park of miniatures in Europe and your only chance to visit sunny Saint Tropez, the castles of the Loire valley and the Roman arenas of Arles in less than a day!

Exploring the whole of France in just one day! Picture: wikipedia

(The park works every day from 10am to 6pm. Address: Boulevard André Malraux, Élancourt , Ticket fee: Adults 19,50 € ; Children 13,50 €)

 The magical one:           

Inhabiting the 16^th century cellars underneath Marquise de Sade’s house sounds supernatural enough, does it not? And yet there’s more to Paris’ Curiosity and Magic Museum where the ancient crafts of magic, optical illusion and nifty tricks are tackled. Get lost among the see-through glasses, wind-up toys, magic mirrors and secret boxes, but do keep your breath for the magic show included in the admission fee. If you’d like to become the next Harry Potter yourself, enroll in their General Magic class for 20 euro.  

Join the Magic Academy! Picture: the museum’s website

(The Museum of Magic is at 11 Rue Saint Paul (Nearest metro: St. Paul or Sully Morland) Open on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 7pm Ticket fee: Adults 9 € ; Children 7 € )

The “fake” one:              

Established by an organization of manufactures fighting against counterfeiting, nowadays the Musée de la Contrefaçon (Museum of Counterfeit) exhibits a diverse array of about 350 conferfeit objects, each paired with the original. Walk beside Rodin bronze sculptures, toys, perfumes, clothes, dictionaries and luxury goods and learn how to spot the difference and tell true from false in this amusing museum.

Genuine or Fake? You decide!

(Located on 16, rue de la Faisanderie; Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm to 5:30pm; Entry fee: 4 €; Children younger than 12: free) 

The cute one:

Containing a permanent collection of more than 500 French dolls from 1800 to the present, the Musée de la Poupée (The Doll Museum) is a girl’s paradise of sorts, exhibiting cloth, rubber, bisque, plastic and celluloid dolls arranged chronologically. A special room in the museum casts some light on the doll-making process. You could have your favourite doll repaired or even celebrate your birthday in the museum! In a creative atelier during the party you can craft your own “No worries” doll, which would make all of your problems magically go away.

 (Located on Impasse Berthaud, Quartier Beaubourg, Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm; Ticket fee: Adults – 8 €. Children – 4 €)

The weirdest one:         

Probably the most fascinating of all (yet unfortunately very rarely open to the public), is the Petit musée des objets trouvés (Lost and Found Department of the Paris Police). This tiny museum of unusual articles is the public “Lost and found” repository, containing odd items not yet claimed by their owners. Choose among a lobster (!) found at Paris-Orly-Airport, a skull, a wooden leg, a wedding dress, a fireman’s helmet, a fake NY driver’s license and a funerary urn lost somewhere in the underground platforms near the Père Lachaise cemetery. Bizarre, isn’t it? This museum is the ultimate evidence that life, as ever, proves much stranger than fiction…

Doing Paris with the kids? Now that’s a whole new travel scenario you’re facing right there! Visiting the City of Light with your children will clearly change your expected touristic routine for a challenging and unexpected rollercoaster ride, the first stop of which might well be finding the right apartment.  

“Hey, boy! Hey, girl!” Evasion has a room for both of you!

Not just kid-friendly, but safe and also fun to live in, Evasion is an impressive 180 sq.m. duplex apartment, which could also be the haven for your family’s well-being, if visiting Paris with your beloved little ones.

With its four bedrooms, a large living room with a charming balcony, two bathrooms and two separate WCs, a cozy study and a luminous and fully-equipped kitchen conceived to bring everyone together for happy family gatherings around the table, Evasion is the ultimate place for your family to feel pampered in Paris.

Evasion – a hub of relaxation

A rare find in a city like Paris, what renders this apartment just perfect for families is, above all, its smartly designed, spacious and numerous rooms, giving both adults and offspring each a jazzy and singular welcome. Roomy enough to host a whole three-generation family, Evasion  will actually be the ideal place to make your kinfolk feel at home while discovering the wonders of Paris – a city, which, much like this apartment, has the right thing to offer to any of its admirers, whatever their age and preferences.

One of Evasion’s fresh-looking bedrooms

Located on the 6^th floor of an elegant Haussmannian building in the 17^th district of the capital, Evasion comes with a lift and can comfortably host 7 adults and 1 infant (or 7 infants and 1 adult, if you prefer your trips to Paris a lot more extreme and slightly round the bend!)

Bedroom one; lively in red

For, as many of you might know, renting an apartment with your children means having some special needs surpassing those of the typical lodger. For child-friendly accommodation, Evasion comes to be a practical choice and a smart option for the whole family. For a start, it is spacious enough so that everyone would have their little piece of privacy. For another, it is luxurious yet kids-friendly, with facilities keeping both children and parents satisfied.

Going higher

The property further benefits from its main highlight, the two separate kids’ rooms, a boy’s and a girl’s, offering a magical mini-world for your little ones to enjoy.  The boy’s den has everything your little pirate would dream of – some action figures, a keyboard, a toy chest, wall stickers and a bunk bed – it’s a cool and modern playground with plenty of space for him to play or even do some homework on the window-facing desk.

The boy’s den

With its baby pink area rugs, a cute tea table, a chalkboard for creative drawings and a personal treasure chest, the girl’s room, a tiny pink princess’ palace, is smartly designed to strike a balance between originality and practicality.

The girl’s headquarters

So once the kids are comfortably settled in their tiny dream-worlds, you could snatch a slice of adult time, enjoying a soft conversation with a glass of wine on your wonderful terrace or relaxing with a movie in in your vintage Parisian living room.

Evasion’s living room

Bright and tranquil, with stylish and colourful decoration and many French vintage pieces of furniture, Evasion provides true luxury, what with the balcony overlooking the Parisian rooftops, the luxurious old-fashioned ottoman for your moment of sweet idleness, the fireplace in the living room, or the beautiful wooden staircase leading to the apartment’s second floor.

With Montmartre just a 10-minute walk away and the center of Paris accessible in a 15-minutes metro or bus ride (metro station Guy Moquet being a few stops away from the Champs Elysées, Concorde, the Louvre Museum and the major department stores), Evasion is located in a lively area with lots of necessary convenient stores where you could shop and relax.

Evasion’s cozy kitchen

Still looking for a break at a family-friendly apartment? Well, look no further.  Evasion is here for you, the child-friendly apartment that makes every effort to keep all family members well relaxed and entertained.

To book Evasion, please write to bookings@studiosparis.net

Please feel free to contact us at bookings@studiosparis.net with questions regarding more of our family-friendly apartments

Haven’t you sometimes wondered what is it about this famous Parisian look that everyone strives to copy and have?

Even doing the laundry can be hip and trendy when you have the right hairdo. Hair styling: Fanny Morin. Picture courtesy of her website

With hairdressing, one of the boldest ways to reinvent your personality, and Paris, the fashion capital professing elegance and sophistication, Les Studios de Paris have created their new personalized luxury services, therapeutic both for your body and mind.

Inspired to pamper our clients in the most Parisian way possible, Les Studios’ new Glamour Hairstyle Services prove that beauty is for everyone and there is no excuse for “a bad hair day” anymore!  A high-fashion hairdo for a special night out or a bold new look to take home with you? Officially, there’s no better Parisian souvenir to get from your getaway!

Hairstyling: Fanny Morin. Picture courtesy of her website

With some retro Hollywood glamour, a “fresh-but-fabulous” Parisian look or a bespoke style just for you – whatever your hair tone, length, cut or texture – our stylist will know just how to make you stand away from the crowd.

More than a beauty experience, Les Studios’ Glamour Hairstyle Services offer you this quality moment, which makes you feel pampered and nurtured. With hairstyle an expression of our personality, reinventing our looks keeps us feeling alive and gives us the freedom to choose who we want to be. Doing it in Paris, even more so!

Hairstyling: Fanny Morin. Picture courtesy of her website

A special event, a funky night out, a visit to the opera, or just a good reason to spoil yourself like a Parisian would – now and then an extra hit of glamour is needed when it comes to your hair. Les Studios’ partner, hairstylist Fanny Morin, knows just how to stage a “vrai” Paris fashion show for you in your Parisian apartment.

Hairstyling: Fanny Morin. Picture courtesy of her website

A professional hairdresser for over 10 years, having managed two hair salons in Paris, stylist Fanny Morin has many years of experience in the areas of Fashion, Cinema, Theatre, Advertising, Events and Makeovers.

Fanny Morin herself. Picture courtesy of her website

After a training in London with celebrity hairstylist Vidal Sassoon, Fanny moved to Paris, where she now divides her time between creative research and artistic work. With a supplementary training in cosmetology and hair coloring, hair is no secret to her.  Today she is at your disposal providing professional services in hair care, including cutting, maintaining, coloring or styling your hair and also delivers image remodeling and beauty makeover advice. From contemporary to heritage and fantasy hair styles, covering both natural and classical looks for ladies and gentleman, Fanny can breathe life into your hair and make it shine to freshen up your look. With a spark of madness or a spicy touch, she would blend art with hairstyle to highlight your hair’s natural beauty and transform it into a living sculpture.

The living sculptures of Fanny Morin. Picture courtesy of her website

More about the latest hairstyle trends and a few shared professional secrets in our interview with Fanny below. 

How did you get in the hairdressing business and what do you love about it?

It is quite simple really; I’ve wanted to do my job since the age of 5. I loved accompanying my father when he went to the hairdresser each month and was very happy to get a haircut myself.  What I have always loved about my job is the happiness and well-being it brings people when they identify their true self in reinventing their look.

You’ve been working for cinema productions, theatre performances, advertising campaigns and fashion shows. What’s the strangest hairstyle you’ve created in your career so far? Who was it for?

I would say that the strangest ones don’t even involve doing hair sometimes, but feature incorporating various other materials, such as vegetables, synthetics, food, metals. However, one of my most amazing memories so far is when I had to make the hair extensions on a horse for the filming of “Sport de Filles” directed by Patricia Mazuy. Now that is one spectacular memory!

“Sport de Filles” movie poster

Together with Les Studios, you form a new partnership offering our clients the opportunity to reinvent themselves thanks to your beauty services. But why come to Paris to have your hair done? Why reinvent yourself in Paris?

Well, I think that each country, each city has its flagship trait, a signature know-how of its own, whatever the field of expertise. For Paris, it’s haute couture, beauty and style. While I’ve spent 7 months in London in order to discover those other facets to my job and train myself to the techniques of British hairstylist Vidal Sassoon, it was on my return to France that I’ve realized: the capital of the hairstyle industry is actually Paris! French hairdressing is an international reference for glamour, lightness and romance. All major international hairdressers have passed by Paris. I’ve practiced my trade here for 9 years and it would be my pleasure to share some authentic Parisian beauty secrets with Les Studios’ clients.

Frivolous yet chic – the Fanny Morin look. Picture courtesy of her website

What kind of beauty tips do you propose to the clients of Les Studios in particular?

Whether you need a new haircut, some hair shaping and styling, adding volume or highlights, hair straightening or hair extensions, anything is possible! Each of my products has been tested on me to make sure they won’t damage but rather repair your hair, if necessary. Be it natural, messy, sleek or sexy, taking good care of our hair is essential, as it is a reflection of our personality, our health, the image we want to convey.

How should a lady choose her new hair style or look? 

There are many elements to take into consideration: the face shape, the hair type and implant, its density and morphology, your hair habits, even your field of activity! Personally I conduct a study with each of my clients to determine their needs and direct them towards the most appropriate style for them. It is not always necessary to make big changes to find the hairstyle that best suits us, often it is the small details that make all the difference.

Hairstyling: Fanny Morin. Picture courtesy of her website

Where would the beauty makeover take place?  

Let’s say that it is not the client that will come to the hair salon, but the hair salon that will go to the client. (laughs) Each of your customers having unique hair, a short questionnaire will be sent to them in order to best prepare me for every appointment, which will later take place in one of Les Studios’ apartments.

What’s hot this season? What are the latest hair trends of 2013?

In the spring-summer 2013 collection, trends include retro-inspired hairstyles from the 60s, messy-looking XXL buns, ultra-short pixie cuts, Pompadour style or full-fringe mushroom cuts, long flowing hair with an airy feeling, ultra-voluminous waves, rumpled or backcombed.

Hairstyling for the brand of Paris Hilton Europe: Fanny Morin. Picture courtesy of her website

What is the ideal hair care routine in your opinion? What shall we do to keep our hair looking fresh and healthy?

First of all, eat healthy: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish and poultry, low-fat dairy products. And yes, know that your hair is a reflection of your health, so if you have any deficiencies or you’re getting a treatment, your hair will automatically show it. Then, let your hair breathe: avoid wearing helmets, caps and hats too much. For those who are used to tying their hair up, avoid tight bands, and go for hairpins to avoid breaking your hair. Choose the right shampoo and hair care. Wash 2 to 3 times per week at the most, and use a good hair mask once a week (this applies mostly for treated or long hair). Finally, favour air-drying your hair and use a hair-dryer only if necessary.

Hairstyling: Fanny Morin. Picture courtesy of her website

You never start working without…? 

My brush Mason Pearson.

To reinvent yourself with Fanny’s movie looks, please contact services@studiosparis.net

To learn more about our client services, please contact services@studiosparis.net

Fun things to do and see if sharing Paris with your little ones

Spending a week in Paris with the kids would probably mean scheduling your trip correspondingly.  While you might not perform on the city’s night life scene as often or treat yourselves to lazy weekends of sleeping in, not to worry, the other side of the coin is not to be belittled. It might actually prove a whole lot funnier!

Whether you’re into enjoying the fine things in life, keen on getting closer to nature, obsessed with the science of life or wild about all things “fun and games”, there’s something for each and every one of you in our basket of cool activities to do with kids while in Paris. Beautiful, happy, exciting and joyous, our kid-friendly Paris will be equally fascinating for the little ones and for the young at heart alike!

Seeing it the way kids do!

Art and spectacles

Meet Guignol, the puppet which has been thrilling French children since 1808! Originating from Lyon but very popular in Paris’ gardens and theatres, the French tradition of Guignol theatre “amuses children and witty adults“, as says the motto of a notable Lyon troupe. Guignol himself is the main character in the marionette show which later started bearing his name. It all started like this:  Guignol’s creator, Laurent Mourguet, was born into a family of humble silk weavers. During the French Revolution the silk trade experienced difficult times, so Laurent was forced to become a sort of a dentist (which back in the day practically meant just the pulling of teeth). As the service itself was free (money being made from the subsequently sold medicines easing the pain), Laurent started setting up a puppet show in front of his dentist’s chair to attract more patients. And that’s how Guignol theatre was born! Soon after, his instant success prompted him to give up dentistry forever and become a professional puppeteer, writing his own scenarios and developing original characters. Today you can enjoy this integral part of French culture and history across many scenes scattered around Paris.

2 Guignol dolls in a street in the old Lyon. Picture: Kalin Petrov

Guignol spectacles can be seen at Parc Montsouris (4 €), Parc des Buttes Chaumont (4 €), Parc Floral, Jardin du Luxembourg, Theatre Guignol at Rond-Point des Champs Elysées (4 €)

Science 

The biggest science museum in Europe, promoting scientific and technical culture, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is the place to touch Science! Having special areas for children and teenagers (the Cité des Enfants section), the museum’s main goal is to promote public interest in science, research and industry and help children discover the world around them through a series of inspiring hands-on activities and experiments. This unique space for active exploration, highlighting the spectacular and the interactive, proposes a series of entertaining and educational activities, among which repairing your car in a garage, racing with a skeleton, exploring a butterfly farm, building your own house in a mini construction site, getting lost in labyrinths, hearing the sound of two snails having a snack or testing the flight simulator! Parents might help, explain stuff or proudly amuse themselves while observing their little Newtons and Einsteins. Fun guaranteed!

Inside the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. Picture: Wikipedia

Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is located at 30, Avenue Corentin-Cariou (metro Porte-de-la-Villette), Tuesday-Saturday 10-18h ; Sunday 10-19h ; Ticket fees : Children : 6 € ; Adults : 8 €

Nature and Discoveries

Feel like doing some bird watching, growing a plant or kneading your own bread dough? For an inspiringly “earthy” day of picking your own fruits, watching cows being milked and breathing in the fresh smell of hay, get yourself over to the Ferme du Piqueur some 30 minutes away from the center of Paris. Spread on a meadow, this old farm breeds its own cows, pigs, chicken, rabbits, sheep and horses. If you enroll in their workshops for a day, you will discover the life in the farm at first-hand. You can enjoy feeding the animals yourself in the morning or drawing, cooking, taking a walk in the park, dropping by the orchard, doing some gardening, making your own bread or squeezing your own apple juice in the afternoon.

If you don’t feel like going the full distance but still want to scent the sweet fragrance of the countryside, opt for observing how things work out in the “Ferme du Paris”, located within the city limits.

In Paris or in the countryside? Picture: Ferme du Paris FB page

Ferme du Piqueur is at 92380, Garches (30 mins from Paris), Parc de Saint-Cloud, entry from blvd Raymond-Poincaré. Workshops on Tuesdays – half a day – 8 €; the whole day – 16 €; www.fermedupiqueur.fr; Weekly visits (from 10:30 till 12:30 and from 13:30 till 18h): 2 €

Ferme du Paris is in the Bois de Vincennes, 1, Route du Pesage ; (Metro : Château-de-Vincennes). Tuesday-Friday : 13:30-18h ; Saturday and Sunday : 13:30-18:30h Free for children under 7. Children : 1 €;Adults: 2 €;

Amusement

Giant water slides, wave pools, cool whirlwinds, geysers and water mushrooms in a tropical setting is not something your kid would want to say “no” to on a warm summer day! This 7000 sq m temple of fun is a real children’s paradise! With its warm 30 degrees water pools, free floaties and giant rubber rings, baby jungles, Antilles beach-inspired Jacuzzis, palm trees, wooden bridges, sand beaches and semi-deserted islands, Aquaboulevard is a good place to be if you want to have a mini-vacation while still staying in Paris. Our advice: Go there early on a Sunday morning and leave around noon (if your kids let you!) when it starts to get crowded.

Aquaboulevard. Picture: tripadvisor.fr

Aquaboulevard is at 4, rue Louis-Armand (Metro: Balard), Monday-Thursday 8h-23h; Friday until 24h; Saturday 8h- 24h; Sunday 8h – 23h; Ticket fees: Adults: 20 € (from May to September); Children (younger than 11 years); 10 €; Family card for 3 people: 15 or 25 €

Sport

Some popular sports to be practiced in Paris would be biking, roller-skating, swimming or even horse-riding (Ile-de-France being the French region where the equine tourism is most widely developed). We found, however, another sport-based activity which blends movement and fun! A new way to visit Paris with the kids, Paris d’Enfants (Paris for kids) organizes treasure hunts and excursions so that children and parents can discover the sights of the French capital together. Tracing the first Parisians from Notre Dame’s crypt to Cluny’s thermal baths, living like an artist on the Butte Montmartre, jumping in feet first in the Middle Ages of the Marais district or discovering the enigmas and mysteries of unknown Paris… The guides and teachers from the Paris d’Enfants team will invite you to taste this playful and active exploration of the city. Montmartre, the Luxembourg gardens, the Louvre museum and the Notre Dame cathedral are just a few of the 15 guided tours available in English.

Find the buried treasures of Paris with Paris d’Enfants

Paris d’Enfants office is at 169, Rue du Faubourg-Poissonière, information and subscriptions can be taken by phone (01 48 74 92 80) or through their website (www.parisdenfants.com). Treasure hunts’ ticket fee: 10, 12 € (museum tickets not included)

All smiles at Bistrot Smiley

Ain’t nothing sweeter than taking your first sip of coffee or your well-deserved after-work aperitif in a bistrot which radiantly welcomes you with a huge yellow smile beaming on their facade.

At bistrot Smiley, the café au lait comes with a wink and the pastis is topped with a smile.

And the best thing is that all the smiles are on the house!

Based on a true story

“I want out!!!!”, he screams and how can we blame him?

After all, who would want to play the part of the cat in the vegetarian restaurant?

We’ve all been there, haven’t we, stuck in a silly situation with no apparent way out?

So let’s show some compassion here.

Being a “cat on a hot tin roof” is nothing compared to the macabre faith of this Montmartre fellow here.

A cat in a vegetarian restaurant? Seriously? How much more ironic could it get?

Although the phrase does suspiciously sound like a smart new idiom expressing “the unbearable pointlessness of existing“,  we’re still somewhat prone to believing that this furry Montmartre resident is not quite so excited about adding a new entry to the Thesaurus.

“Help! It’s getting really lonely in here… Have somebody call PETA, for Cat’s sake!”

Those were his famous last words.

P.S.

No animals were harmed during the writing of this article

Inscrivez-vous à un voyage métaphysique stimulant grâce aux nouveaux cours de philosophie et de dessin proposés par les Studios de Paris

Visiter Paris sans en connaître les idées, c’est comme se rendre au Louvre sans ses lunettes

Centre culturel et intellectuel de renommée internationale, Paris a toujours possédé cette atmosphère de sophistication fragile qui a enchanté les philosophes, les poètes et les peintres durant des siècles. Souvent appelée la Ville Lumière en hommage à sa prééminence intellectuelle, la ville de la Seine qui a inventé la notion de pensée moderne et celle d’avant-garde est toujours synonyme de culture, de liberté et de liberté de pensée.

Qu’elle soit vue à travers les yeux des Impressionnistes dont les visions pensives et sensuelles n’ont jamais cessé de charmer et d’attirer ou bien de ceux des existentialistes qui nous invitent à tomber amoureux de l’inutilité même de notre propre existence, Paris est, et a toujours été, une idée intimidante, un manifeste rebelle et une œuvre d’art impétueuse qui provoque, inspire et met au défi de l’explorer.

Inspiré par cette image vivante de la Ville Lumière, le tout dernier projet des Studios de Paris vise à pousser les portes de ce considérable trésor intellectuel qu’est Paris.

Moyen tangible d’approcher la culture française, les cours de philosophie et de dessin proposés par Les Studios de Paris et organisés en partenariat avec Arte Dia proposent une nouvelle manière originale d’explorer la ville, de faire revivre Paris dans toute sa splendeur, sa force et sa richesse. Inspirant créativité et pensée critique, nos cours sont destinés aux curieux de la culture et ils leur procurent une immersion immédiate dans l’essence de la France, pays dans lequel les intellectuels ont été hautement estimés de tout temps et où l’intelligentsia a changé plus d’une fois le cours de l’histoire. Personne ne peut véritablement affirmer connaître Paris ou bien la France sans revisiter ses classiques. Cette idée ainsi que l’acceptation de l’esthétique comme philosophie de vie sont à l’origine du partenariat entre Les Studios de Paris et Arte Dia.

L’équipe d’Arte Dia rassemble un groupe de professeurs de philosophie travaillant pour l’Éducation nationale, plusieurs photographes professionnels et des artistes visuels diplômés de différentes écoles d’art prestigieuses telles que BOULLE, DUPERRÉ, ESTIENNE, LES ARTS DÉCO et LOUIS LUMIÈRE. Ce qui les unit est leur vision commune de la connaissance et l’appréciation : elles sont toutes deux issues et renforcées par le dialogue, les débats, la créativité collective et l’échange d’idées.

Visant au partage d’éléments indispensables et essentiels qui donnent une véritable liberté d’expression artistique, les cours de dessin sont destinés à ceux qui désirent apprendre ou bien améliorer leurs techniques artistiques de dessin à l’encre, dessin de l’anatomie, aquarelle, portraits, esquisses, peinture acrylique et plus encore.

Couvrant d’importantes dates dans l’histoire de la philosophie française et mettant en avant les concepts fondamentaux, les grands auteurs et les techniques d’argumentation les plus courantes, les cours de philosophie constituent des parcours philosophiques autour de grands textes et thèmes principaux inspirés par les désirs des membres du groupe.

Nous avons rencontré Bilal Brahim, fondateur et professeur de philosophie d’Arte Dia, qui vous présente nos nouveaux cours de philosophie et de dessin et évoque les raisons à l’origine de son amour de l’art et de la philosophie.

Qu’est-ce qui vous a donné l’idée d’Arte Dia et quelle est la philosophie de l’entreprise ?

Arte Dia propose une étude complète de la philosophie et des arts appliqués, simplement parce que je crois, comme nombre de philosophes avant moi, que ces deux domaines constituent l’essence des activités humaines. De Lascaux à Paris en passant par Athènes et Rome, l’Homme n’a jamais eu que deux véritables passions : l’art et la pensée. ARTE DIA est la synthèse de ces deux activités : l’art et la philosophie pour adultes, en petits groupes. Avec cette expérience philosophique unique, le soir après le travail, vous pouvez désormais différer l’inévitable heure de pointe en métro dans une quête visant à prolonger l’Éternité.

Comment Arte Dia et Les Studios de Paris se sont-ils rencontrés ? Qu’est-ce qui vous a motivé pour former ce nouveau partenariat ?

Arte Dia a toujours désiré établir un lien avec le quartier de Montmartre, voisin historique qui a accueilli à Paris de grands artistes comme Dali, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec et le maître : Van Gogh ! Pouvoir dispenser nos cours de philosophie et d’art dans ce quartier légendaire était un rêve de longue date des enseignants de philosophie et d’art d’Arte Dia. L’emplacement des Studios de Paris dans le cœur historique de Montmartre ainsi que l’art et l’esthétique représentant l’expression ultime de nos philosophies à tous les deux ont fait que Les Studios de Paris se sont avéré le partenaire idéal. Dès notre première discussion avec Eva Léandre, directrice générale des Studios de Paris, nous avons vu à la nature complémentaire de nos deux entreprises dont le but était de soutenir et d’encourager activement à la fois la réflexion philosophique et la pratique artistique. C’est pourquoi nous avons rapidement établi un partenariat composé actuellement d’une offre de cours de philosophie (se déroulant dans la galerie d’art des Studios de Paris, le mercredi soir) ; de cours de dessin (dans de prestigieux appartements sélectionnés avec le plus grand goût par notre partenaire) ainsi que de cours de dessin de nus (dans l’atelier historique Pablo Picasso, le premier atelier de l’artiste à Paris). Dispensés en français et en anglais, nos cours vous permettront de pénétrer à l’intérieur de certaines demeures parisiennes luxueuses avec la possibilité d’acquérir de nouvelles compétences et de découvrir Paris d’une manière entièrement différente. Notre partenariat vous permet de faire à la fois l’expérience du Paris artistique et de développer une conscience historique, touristique, créative et philosophique de celui-ci. Des cours particuliers de philosophie et de dessin sont également possibles.

Pourquoi venir à Paris pour étudier la philosophie et / ou le dessin ? 

Paris, c’est l’art et l’histoire réunis. Après Athènes et Rome, Paris est devenue la capitale mondiale de la philosophie depuis l’ouverture de la Sorbonne en 1254. Certains grands monuments, comme la cathédrale Notre-Dame et la tour Eiffel ont été inspirés par des idées philosophiques concrètes, indispensables à comprendre, afin de mieux apprécier la splendeur de la cité. Paris apporte autant à l’esprit, qu’aux yeux. Visiter Paris sans en connaître les idées, c’est comme se rendre au Louvre sans ses lunettes. A Paris, l’histoire, la philosophie et l’art se mélangent pour offrir des merveilles à celui qui est intéressé. Les œuvres d’art sont susceptibles de révéler leurs secrets à ceux qui prennent leur crayon ou leur pinceau et affrontent les défis artistiques de l’artiste lui-même, elles pourraient raconter leur histoire à ceux qui les étudient et les dessinent. C’est pourquoi nous essayons d’encourager nos étudiants à saisir ces histoires et à dialoguer avec les artistes et les œuvres d’art pendant nos cours et les visites dans les musées parisiens où nous nous rendons pour dessiner les sculptures spectaculaires de Michel-Ange, Carpeaux, Rodin, etc. 

En quoi diffèrent les cours d’Arte Dia par rapport aux cours traditionnels de philosophie et d’art et à qui s’adressent-ils ?

Nos cours s’adressent à un large public d’adultes ayant déjà participé, ou pas, à des cours de philosophie ou de dessin. Ce qui diffère dans les ateliers d’Arte Dia, c’est la démarche pédagogique fondée sur la reconnaissance des différentes individualités qui composent chaque groupe. Nous pensons que la sensibilité artistique et philosophique de chacun peut être mieux développée grâce à une approche personnalisée des membres encouragés à échanger librement en présence de leurs professeurs d’art et de philosophie. Nos professeurs préparent le cours suivant en tenant compte des questions, remarques et idées soulevées par les membres du groupe. 

Que couvre le cours de philosophie ?

Chaque cours traite d’un thème philosophique distinct comme par exemple « Qu’est-ce que l’inspiration artistique dans l’art ? » (basé sur un texte de Bergson) ou bien « Qu’est-ce que la religion ? » (d’après un texte de Rousseau). L’auteur est présenté par l’enseignant et le texte lu et analysé par le groupe. Le professeur développe ensuite davantage les idées principales du texte en interagissant avec les membres du groupe et en les laissant échanger des pensées entre eux. A la fin du cours, le professeur et les membres choisissent ensemble le thème du cours suivant avec priorité donnée aux philosophes français. 

Que couvre le cours de dessin ?

Plusieurs types de cours de dessin existent. Le premier consiste à visiter des musées parisiens (comme le Louvre) le vendredi soir ou bien à se rendre dans des parcs le week-end. En petits groupes de cinq personnes, nous travaillons autour d’objets indispensables de l’histoire de l’art comme « Les esclaves » de Michel-Ange. Le professeur suit et conseille chaque membre à chaque étape de la création, de la composition à l’achèvement en passant par les proportions, les volumes, les lumières et les matières. Le deuxième type de cours concerne des séances de dessin de modèles vivants se déroulant dans les luxueux appartements des Studios de Paris. Ces séances accueillent quinze dessinateurs qui réaliseront le portrait d’artistes et de danseurs parisiens, costumés par nos partenaires Happy Onigry. Le troisième type, les cours de dessin de nus, a lieu dans l’atelier historique Pablo Picasso et porte sur des exercices plus techniques et théoriques.

Voici une vidéo de la préparation et du maquillage d’une des modèles qui a posé pendant les cours.

Art et philosophie : qu’est-ce qui les unit au départ ? 

En ce qui me concerne, c’est l’histoire de l’art qui m’a attiré dans le monde des idées. Réfléchir à l’art impliquait de questionner les critères de la Beauté elle-même, une recherche qui m’a naturellement conduit à étudier d’un peu plus près la philosophie antique. L’art et la philosophie sont similaires en ce que ce sont toutes deux des activités créatives et intellectuelles dont la complexité et la richesse ne connaissent pas de limites. Ces deux dimensions humaines, qui créent les valeurs à travers lesquelles nous apprécions et examinons la réalité, semblent s’interconnecter constamment à notre insu et ce mystère n’a jamais cessé de me fasciner. 

Pour vous inscrire à nos cours de philosophie, de dessin ou bien pour en savoir plus sur notre service clients, veuillez contacter services@studiosparis.net.

Paris is as much for the Mind, as it is for the Eyes. Yet, discovering the unexpected, rare and foreign facets in the big culture cell of Paris should be a pretty exciting sensual journey for the curious and adventurous. We let our Senses be the guide of this emotional voyage and look forward to being amazed by the astonishing “corners of the world” waiting to be found in this fascinating “non-Paris”, peeping just around the corner.  

Lights on on the extraordinary!

Seeing Venice: Masks, perfumes and a Carnival!

No need to rush to Venice to attend to the famous and magnificent Carnavale di Venezia anymore!  A genuine magical extravaganza, the Venetian carnival of Paris, takes place once every two years and transforms Paris into Venice, replacing the majestic waters of the lagoon for those of the Seine and bringing together hundreds of carnival aficionados – from costumed musicians, opera singers and storytellers to painters, minstrels and theater make-up artists. In the flamboyant atmosphere of ostentatious masks and attires, embellished with pearls, sequins and ostrich feathers, you will be carried away to the enigmatic heart of the disturbing and mysterious city of Venice.

Feels like the real thing; picture: Frank Kovalchek

You can admire a replica of the Ponte Rialto erected in the shadow of the Bastille, where tenors and sopranos perform some of Italy’s greatest arias or hop for a cruise in a Venetian gondola travelling between the shores of Port d’Arsenal. Before rushing to the ball, however, you might want to look your best, just like any regular Cinderella would. To unveil the beauty secrets of the courtesans and get stocked up on authentic Renaissance beauty ointments and balms, visit the unusual Florentine boutique of Amin Kader, where you can find amazing and obscure products,  coming straight from one of the oldest perfumeries of the world, established by the Dominican friars in Florence around 1221.

Inside Amin Kader’s boutique; picture: the boutique’s official website

Tasting Ethiopia: Eating with your fingers at “Godjo”, the farmer’s hut

In Ethiopian, “godjo” is the name of the most humble of houses, this of the farmer, but besides modesty, its spirit has come to symbolize sharing, generosity and conviviality – a philosophy cherished in the tiny Ethiopian world of “Godjo”, a restaurant  promoting the richness and diversity of traditional Ethiopian food for more than a decade. Leave your “knives and forks” at home when you first go visit, though, as all you’ll ever need to taste their “back to the roots” Ethiopian cuisine will be your bare fingers and your sense of the extraordinary! “No utensils policy” in “Godjo”, where you are encouraged to eat with “the natural fork” of your hands, just like locals do.

Godjo restaurant

Exciting and diverse, but easy to get into, Ethiopian food is warming, spicy and full of rich flavours to explore. An old Ethiopian tradition has it that all the dishes ordered by the different table members should be served in a single plate, called the “messob”. Eating from the same plate, with your fingers, in the company of your friends inspires the virtue of sharing and reinforces the sense of friendship. The fun part comes right after being served a hearty platter of spongy injera flatbread topped with spicy meats and thick vegetable stews. How to tackle that pickle? It’s quite simple, really, just tear a piece of injera, grab some food with it and transfer it straight to your mouth! Don’t worry if you’re not doing great the first time, getting used to it is all part of the fun!

A typical dish of injera flatbread covered with meat and veggie stews

Touching the Orient: Souk, hammam and pastries in the Grande Mosque de Paris 

The Grand Mosque of Paris is not a mere building but a journey in itself, a real “thousand and one nights” trip, having so much to offer. Built in 1926 in the Hispano-Moorish style, it is a legendary spot in Paris, both a religious and cultural center and an oasis of quiet and peace.  Inspired by the designs of the Mosque in Fez, its interiors are lined with mosaics from Andalusia and shaded by eucalyptus trees. A walk in its decadent gardens will soon make you forget you were in Paris and believe to be somewhere between Fez, Granada and Mecca.

The mosque’s hidden magical garden

During a break in the mosque’s little Moorish café, you can make time stop under the shade of jasmine and fig trees to sip at your mint tea and savour north African delights with distant names like mamould with dates, baklawas and horns of gazelle. A visit to the mosque’s Hammam equals delight for the body and mind. A moment of relaxation, through a succession of steam baths in the setting of mosaics, marble columns and porphyry fountains means you’re already far far away, enjoying some of the best the Orient has to offer… Finally, don’t forget to enter the tiny souk, where objects like flying carpets, magic mirrors and enchanted fabrics remind you of those distant mythical lands and tempt you to take a little piece of the Orient with you…

The Moorish café

Hearing Argentina: It takes two to tango on the banks of the Seine

Dance is a universal language, they say, which more or less all of us speak. A good place to “loosen your tongue”, then, would be the banks of the Seine where people from all walks of life gather to “do the tango” during the warm summer nights. Transformed into an open-air dance floor each evening from May to September (in fair weather), the Jardin Tino Rossi on the Quai Saint-Bernand welcomes enthusiasts willing to happily dance the night away under the hot beats of tango. Should they be courageous enough, beginners can help themselves to a free tango lesson in the early evening. Around 21h, the real virtuosos prove that “their boots were made for dancing” and tango until midnight. This very Parisian summer event will help you spend a friendly night out beneath the lights of the passing bateaux-mouches and in the rhythm of music. Even if dancing isn’t really your thing, it’s perfectly acceptable to just come and watch the dancers, a bottle of Malbec in hand.

Dancing tango by the Seine…

Smelling the East:  Tea and movies in the Japanese pagoda

You wouldn’t expect to come across a Japanese pagoda in a quarter where Haussmanian facades form the average cityscape. Considered by many as one of Paris’ architectural extravaganzas, the pagoda built in 1896 has a story as turbulent as a Japanese saga. Much like a fairytale, it starts with a man madly in love with his wife in an époque when Japonism was very much in vogue in France. So Monsieur Morin, Le Bon Marché’s director at the time, decided to please his darling wife by treating her to her very own authentic Japanese pagoda built in their home garden, snuggled in Rue Babylone.

The marvelous tea garden, guarded by the stone lions

Excited, Madame Morin organized sumptuous oriental-themed gatherings, costumed as “the imperatrice of the Rising Sun and the Fuji Mountain” – not long before leaving her husband for his partner’s son. Saved from demolition in 1931, this “ex-ballroom”-turned-private movie theatre is nowadays considered to be one of the few temples of independent cinema in Paris. Seeing a movie in the “Japanese room” (decorated with authentic tapestries, stained-glass windows, chandeliers and paintings) and having a cup of tea in the tiny bamboo garden in the pagoda’s courtyard, is a smart way to “go to Japan and back” on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Any movie is worth seeing in a setting like this!

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Since the days of the French Revolution, the French have always been obsessed with the concept of Liberty. Covering all aspects of freedom – from their drive towards “Liberté, Fraternité, Egalité“ to Sartre’s ominous “Hell is other people” – this is a take on their contradictory relationship with “the Other”. 

The Meaning:                  Liberté = liberty

The Parisian:                    

God invented Parisians so that foreigners would be totally baffled about what French people really are, suggested Alexandre Dumas, junior. Parisians’ notorious reputation of being self-centered and impolite towards outsiders has long been a public secret. A survey held in 2010 in a French national news’ magazine found that Parisians were seen as “arrogant, snobbish and self-obsessed” – a species which certainly thinks of itself as a race apart.  Well, they’re Parisians, in the end, and their motto “I’m Parisian and I love nothing” has not been coined by chance! Fortunately, Paris is big enough to allow other non-Parisian actors perform on its international stage and that’s what makes this city larger than life. Let’s flip the coin and see what’s to be found on the other side!

“I love nothing, I’m Parisian!”

The Foreigner:                

Thank God there’s always “the other side of the coin”, where Paris is not just a self-sufficient hermetically closed eco-sphere of French-ness, but a kaleidoscope of diverse, picturesque and heterogeneous micro-cosmoses, which even Parisians now begin to approach with precautious curiosity. Mad about sushi, the image of their fellow New Yorker and the idea of backpacking through South America, metropolitans have begun to open up to the outside world. In its modern take on “liberty, equality, brotherhood”, the City of Light demonstrates a globalized tolerance towards the many unexpected foreign cultural niches, intriguing for the accidental visitor and the hereditary Parisian alike.

The ambiance:                

Other than being the city of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees, Paris is also the place to savour so many other flavours of the world – enjoy delicious oriental pastries, meditate in a Tibetan temple, eat a herring à la Nordique, try an Ayurvedic herbal massage, have tea like the British, read Bukowski in a beatnik bookstore, decrypt mysterious voodoo rituals, light a candle in an Orthodox church, participate in a traditional Indian or Tropical festival and so much more… Taking a tour of Paris’ 20 arrondisements equals taking a mini-tour around the globe, for the cultures and flavours of the world present themselves to all keen urban adventurers. So, let’s see what’s on the menu…

Master the art of travelling without moving in Paris

Going East:

Welcome to Chinatown, or Paris’ “little Asia”, the largest Asian quarter in Europe, which first began to single out as such during the 50s when a large amount of Indochinese immigrants  fleeing their homes following WWII, have settled there. Hosting several Buddhist temples, the biggest Asian supermarket west of China (Tang Frères) and the main Chinese New Year parade, Paris’ Chinatown is a land of many wonders. To explore the face of Paris’ Asia, go try a cup of fashionable Taiwan bubble tea (Bubble House, 45, Avenue de Choisy), play a game of mahjong in the Square du Temple, peek into the Notre-Dame-de-Chine, the first Catholic Chinese church opened in 2005, gape in front of the window displays of Chinese-glazed roasted ducks, get a revitalizing foot massage to fine tune your “chi” /or “flow of vital energy”/ (Institut Yung, 22, Rue Caumartin) and enroll in a class of  qi gong to fight the stress and improve your overall wellbeing in Les Temps du Corps (10, Rue de l’Echiquier).

Chinese New Year in Paris; Picture: Wikimedia Commons

Heading West:

You don’t need a U.S. visa to experience “the American dream”- it’s pretty much doable in Paris itself. Want to master the dance moves of Harlem and Broadway or “kick it old-school” and tap like Fred Astaire (Swingtap School; 21, Rue Keller)? Or live the life of a modern cowboy after a quick visit to “El Passo Booty”, a shop selling original moccasins, cowboy hats, sheriff badges, bandanas, bolo ties and other Wild West paraphernalia? (79, Rue Saint-Denis)? To feast on the best burgers in Paris, some blueberry pancakes and bottomless cups of coffee, dine like the Yankees in a real American diner (“Breakfast in America”, 17, Rue des Ecoles). Entertainment-wise, clap in rhythm with “When the Saints come marching in” sang by the toga-dressed black singers from Gospel Dream in the unusual ambiance of a French church (http://www.gospeldream.fr/)

The choir of Gospel Dream in action

Roving South:

To appreciate the sweet breeze of cordialidad, we’re heading South to enjoy our fair share of bohemian “dolce far niente”! For a real feel of Brazilian fiesta, head to the party temple of Favela Chic (18, Rue du Faubourg du Temple), a hot, loud and sweaty dance floor (and restaurant!) where you can celebrate the carnival of life to the rhythm of Brazilian and Latin music. Feeling nostalgic about the long, smoky nights of Havana? You can “pipe dream” about them, cigar in hand, seated in the leather sofas of the sala de fumadores (smoking room) of Cubana café (47, Rue Vavin), the last wharf of ardent cigar smokers who can intimately cozy away with their passion in this Cuban-inspired décor.  To top the pleasure of your cigar with a glass of good rum, go to the legendary La Rhumerie (166, Blvd. Saint-Germain), where practically all roads lead to Rum! Enjoying your Coco Punch and Fried bananas on its exotic terrace equals a journey across Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion and all the French tropical islands, whose culture it proudly celebrates.

The sweet feel of dolce far niente

Moving North:

The Nordic face of the capital is no less rich in opportunities. To get the groovy and swingin’ look of an eccentric British gentleman from the 60s, try the trashy and colourful creations of Mr. Tim Bargeot (3, Rue de Turbigo). After getting all dressed up, how about some tea and sticky toffee pudding in the English-themed café Rose Bakery? (46, rue des Martyrs).  For a Robin Hood-inspired attire, visit the Maison du Kilt (14, Rue de Maine) where you can choose from Scottish tartans, Celtic melodies and present-day daggers. Did you know that Scandinavians are nuts about candies? With 150 types of licorice, lollipops, marshmallows, and – of course – the famous magical Merlin’s pills (which help you see life through rose-tinted glasses, be a champion or learn to fly), the unusual and charming “Karamell” shop speaks well of their addiction! (15, Rue des Martyrs) Finally, for a scent of Ireland, buy an Irish Turf Peat Incense from the Comptoir Irlandaise (157, Blvd. Voltaire), because, as a true Irishman once put it “If you’ve ever been warmed by a turf fire, while sharing stories, music and good cheer with family and friends”, you’ll never be able to live without it!

The candy wonderland of Karamell

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Have you ever dreamt of visiting exotic India, with its vibrant colors, dreamy landscapes and divine atmosphere?  Now is your chance to do so in the course of your very next trip to Paris!

Dream of India’s living room

Imagined as a seductive invitation to an unexpected new world and designed to be your unusual oasis of calm to retreat to, our cozy apartment Dream of India brings a touch of the exotic and evokes that magical feel of freedom that takes you far beyond the streets of Paris and straight to the mystical center of “incredible India”.

Dream of India can be your creative escapade, a trip in your trip to Paris, which will transport you to an exotic and intriguing land, whetting your wanderlust appetite and leaving you dreaming for more.

Dream of India’s enigmatic bookshelf

Designed by its owner, who has the means to travel to India each time Les Studios rent her flat according to her desire and schedule, Dream of India is a unique one-bedroom apartment, ideally located in a quiet street between bucolic Montmartre (The Parisian Village) and the effervescent Pigalle (famous for its busy nightlife). Providing two bright and spacious rooms in an exquisite exotic décor, this Indian pearl is hidden in the shell of a typical Montmartre building.

Rapidly becoming one of the most appreciated ethnic themes worldwide, Indian interior design and its highly decorative palette add sensual sumptuousness and a pinch of sultry spice to any traditional home, thus bringing it to another level of comfortable housing.

Travelling far far away…

Unlike other design styles, Indian decoration follows a “more-is-more” philosophy, which means that decorative elements and accessories are more than welcome. The ornate bits and pieces, little boxes, picture frames, Indian-inspired candlesticks and lampshades and other exotic treasures to be found around the apartment all add character to Dream of India and highlight its authentic look.

As animals play an important role in the Hindu religion, animal motifs are common in Dream of India’s exotic decor. The elephant, turtle and giraffe figurines in the living room as well as the roaring lions’ wall-art in the corridor all make up for a nice and authentic ethnic-inspired naturalistic design.

Dream of India’s “animal kingdom”

Color-wise, so much of India is about making the best of color and light. While some palettes rely on soft and warm tints such as terracotta red, curry yellow and soil brown, others accentuate on the eye-catching, pick-me-up qualities of jewel tones like turquoise. Generously speckled throughout Dream of India’s living room, the turquoise sofa, curtains and rocking chair add energy and light, they soothe and create a refreshing atmosphere. For a more bohemian feel, different colours are often liberally combined to create a cozy, colorful and inviting space. Reinforced by other Indian-inspired accessories, red has been used to add a jolt of the unexpectedness and depth to the bathroom.

Dream of India’s bathroom

With its air of meditation, the apartment’s bedroom provides a vibrant and exotic oasis to rest, read, relax and sleep. The bed being the focal point of the room, a special highlight has been naturally attached to it. The pure white linen hung from the canopy frame above the bed adds a bohemian touch and provides a feeling of intimacy and privacy to the room. Besides being an indispensable classic, the traditional Indian canopy bed creates a romantic and exotic feel which echoes warm Indian summer nights.

The canopy bed adds a dreamy feel to the bedroom

Rustic in style and solid in quality, authentic Indian furniture is another must in Indian design. Ornately carved and made from exotic woods like teak, ebony and rosewood, it often mirrors the significant elements of classical Indian architecture (like rounded arches and pointed domes), as can be seen in the two decoratively carved bedside tables in the bedroom, used to add richness and texture to the room’s look.

The bedroom

On reentering the living room, one finds two other pieces of furniture tempting the eye – “the tamed suitcase”, creatively repurposed as an original sofa table and the relaxing brown leather chaise longue, which could easily be an inspiration for any room.

The “tamed suitcase”

Full of interest and unusual style, Dream of India is like an explorer’s cherished curiosity cabinet which never stops expanding. With its rich and eclectic impressions, this warm and relaxing modern home re-creates a mini cosmos of India for you to admire while relaxing in the turquoise canapé of your Parisian apartment. However, no Indian décor is just about aesthetics, but also about creating a universe that promotes happiness and wellbeing. With its exotic elegance and otherworldly feel, staying in Dream of India will be an enchanting and unique experience, an exotic and memorable escape taking you on an impossible journey of exploring the East and the West all at once.

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