Category: Paris

The sea birds that fly over the capital… seagulls, gulls, and cormorants:

If some of these species settled in Paris during winter have gone up the rivers to find a little more warmth, other gulls are returning from a long journey started in the Scandinavian countries.

From July to mid-March, Paris counts up to 5000 gulls according to the LPO, mainly black-headed gulls and nearly a hundred pairs of gulls. Coming from the North Sea and Brittany, herring gulls take advantage of the warmth of the roofs in the city, similar to those created by the cliffs of their original maritime location. If they usually feed at sea, they can find plenty of food in the city to get under their beaks without difficulty.

After a warmer winter in the capital, these colonies return to their birthplace, a territory more conducive to reproduction and with food more abundant in insects. Some species, such as the Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, and Black-headed Gull, can, however, spend the whole year in Paris.

Where are gulls found in Paris?

During the day, these seabirds are usually found on the barges of the Seine and the canals, as well as the lakes of the two woods of the City of Paris. That said, a ringed gull is regularly spotted in the Jardin des Tuileries!

At nightfall, these birds land in “winter dormitories,” sheltered from predators such as foxes, weasels, cats, and dogs. On Le Point du Jour, near the Garigliano bridge, or along the Seine towards Ivry, they gather at night, in shoals, on moored barges: they can be up to 2000! These seabirds also enjoy the nights at the Boulevard Victor et Javel (15th) as well as the Garigliano bridge on the high barges. In the 13th arrondissement, about a hundred of them spend the night on the side of the Pont d’Austerlitz, opposite the Jardin des Grands-Moulins.

How do you recognize a black-headed gull from a herring gull?

These two species belong to the same family, that of the Laridae, coastal birds that also live inland. Their French name “mouettel” comes from the old French word “miau” which means meow, which probably evokes its cry. The French name “goéland” comes from the Breton “gwell” or “gwellan” meaning “weeping bird,” again a reference to the cry. Herring gulls can be recognized by their large white heads, large, powerful, yellow and red-spotted beaks, flesh-pink legs, and yellow irises.

What do cormorants do in Paris?

They are the great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) found in the capital in autumn and winter. Often perched on trees, they have an ideal observation point on the Seine and the canals. Raise your head to find them on top of trees such as poplars. Swan Island, in the 15th century, is home to great cormorants, of which there are nearly a hundred or so who spend the winter in Paris. Very rare during the summer season, these fish eaters go to their nesting sites outside the capital to breed.

Paris is changing, the 2019 trends

In this article, you will discover more about the development of the city of Paris. As you know, the city is in full mutation and is constantly changing. This is even more true given the events that are coming soon to the city of love. Today, I am pleased to give you some information on this subject.

Green roofs, a revolution in progress

Paris is going green and continues to do so. After having already spent two incredible seasons around this development of green roofs in Paris, the work continues and intensifies.

In order not to be too small, the target was 100 hectares by 2020. I recognize this as a form of madness that I appreciate in having great ambition for this city, this country.

Like all large cities, buildings occupy a lot of space, and for Paris, it has been calculated that roof surfaces represent about 32%, which is vast. The simple idea was, therefore, to promote the greening of roofs and to raise awareness of the surfaces available for small vegetable gardens or to put greenery on them.

The largest food hall in Europe

Paris will soon have the largest Food Hall in Europe. It is in the Montparnasse district that this project will come to life. It will be inside a magnificent new complex that is slowly emerging from the ground.

In a complex of several tens of thousands of square meters, it will be possible to find thematic spaces. Indeed, the project revolves around “experiences” and will thus propose places of a pleasant life. It is how it will be possible to experience moments of after work, help to learn how to do crafts, but also coworking spaces, etc….

This large building will also be surrounded by accommodation and hotels, because it is also part of sustainable development and the welcoming of tourists for the Olympic Games, for example.

The street paradise and its objective of zero waste

For the moment, it has been a few months since the project began, and it is not yet time to conclude. It is only exciting to continue to talk about it and to make this magnificent project known, which may soon gain more weight. That’s right… and if this approach were to be extended to the neighborhood, the borough, etc.

Paris is undergoing a significant transformation

I often say that Paris is changing before our eyes right now, and I hope that these little trends allow you to see them. The period is exciting and will enable us to have some significant initiatives underway. The objective of the Olympic Games gives a lot of dynamism to the city, and this gives a new character to this dynamic city.

As you will have understood, the city is undergoing a significant transformation, and I look forward to seeing this as the months go by.

Paris: 4 new Italian Restaurants to enjoy pizzas and pasta

Piero TT, Malro, Uno,… To eat Italian-style in the heart of Paris, here are the brand new restaurants to be tested urgently.

Piero TT

Here works Pierre Gagnaire! The chef has set up his new restaurant in the place of the old Gaya, now located a few streets away. On two levels, this cozy address offers the classics of Italian gastronomy, revisited in the sauce of the French chef and executed in the kitchen by Ivan Ferrara. Excellent service, expert advice from the sommelier, a flawless service. Don’t miss the seasonal risotto, the good burrata of course and the baba for dessert.

Malro

If you are not careful when placing your order at Malro, you could end up with the most blinged pizza in Paris. Yes, the Marin’oro IGP with tomato is domed in gold. This new table, inspired by the Mediterranean – by Denny Imbroisi (former Top Chef) and Michael Memmi – offers a menu as long as Ariana Grande’s ponytail. We especially remember the crazy pizzas (including the one with truffle!) and the delicious pasta (caccio & pepe). They serve Italian specialties with cocktails like the spritz revisited with peach liqueur. The starters are also worth a visit, especially the white tarama with ginger and lemongrass. If you are still hungry for dessert, the chocolate pie is a wise choice. The only downsides are the large space and the noise.

Uno

Why Uno? Because this Italian restaurant is in the 1st Arrondissement of Paris, between Les Halles and the Louvre. This address was created by the association between the owners of Tripletta and David Soussan (Cucuzza and Le Mercier). We come here for its well-rolled pizzas, of course, and its fresh pasta to go (the almond pesto ones!). We water it all with natural wine and finish this feast with an inverted tiramisu. You will not be disappointed! And the prices are very affordable for the neighborhood (pizza from 9 € and pasta from 12 €).

Eataly

Pasta, pizza, foccacia… If you want to eat good things whose name ends with an a, you’ve come to the right place! This Italian hot spot finally arrives in Paris, in the Marais, after endless work. A terrace for sunny days and a three-story space with seven dining areas, 420 seats, a grocery store with carefully selected Italian products. It is how Eataly quickly became the headquarters of lovers of Italian gastronomy.

Ile-de-France: The first coffee shops for cannabis CBD open their doors

Many shops selling cannabidiol have been opening in France in recent months.

CBD can be purchased in various forms: in crystals, syrup, oil, vaporizing liquid and grass.

The supposed use to relieve pain and anxiety is debatable.
Turn the buzz around. After Besançon or Annœullin near Lille, the first shops where you can buy weed or cannabis made CBD, are now flourishing in the Paris region. Customers are attracted by the jars lined up underneath store windows and the smell of herbs.

A few days apart, these shops were opened in Puteaux in the Hauts-de-Seine and the 11th arrondissement of Paris, rue Amelot, on Thursday. Their name: E-Klop and Cofyshop. The man behind the window of this last shop is well known to Parisian polemics. A few months ago, Joaquim Lousquy set up Xdolls, the first French sex doll rental establishment. From silicone to a firecracker, it’s only a step away. He comes back for 20 minutes on his new business.

“It seemed obvious to me to open this in Paris.”

cbd oils for sale“As for Xdolls, I came across a press article talking about CBD this time, and once again I found the product interesting, and I launched myself because it seemed obvious to me to open this in Paris,” he explains proudly, with the “Super Skunk” grass in his hand. But what are we talking about? CBD or cannabidiol is a molecule derived from cannabis. This substance extracted from hemp – which does not have the psychoactive effects of THC – can be purchased in France in various forms: in crystals, syrup, oil, vaporizing liquid, resin, pollen, balm, sweets or even as an infusion. If you want to know more about portable weed vaporizers visit www.cannavapos.fr/vaporisateurs-portables/

Stuck in a vague legal framework, CBD is not illegal in France! Nor is THC based cannabis legal. One thing is sure, in November, the Ministry of Health announced that its presence in consumer products was authorized. This was as long as the THC level did not exceed 0.2%. So, merchants are surfing on the trend and are now well established. Joaquim Lousquy welcomes this but reminds us that he is not a doctor. Or a dealer.

“We sell this like we would sell a table or a chair.”

“It is neither a medicine nor a relaxant. We’re not doctors. I advise against smoking for everyone. We sell it as a product of the common good, as we would sell a table or a chair,” he explains. On grass jars from Switzerland, a label even says “no smoking.” “Afterwards, everyone does what they want,” he smiles. The same goes for Puteaux. “I don’t sell products at CBD to make them smoke like firecrackers, but for people who want to find the taste differently,” explains Stéphane Bélaiche, 46, founder and manager of E-Klop.

He opened his shop five years ago but recently started in CBD. “I was already selling liquid CBD in my shop, but I naturally started using this famous light cannabis a few days ago,” he adds, adding, on the other hand, that it has therapeutic properties. But this supposed use to relieve pain and anxiety, in particular, is nevertheless debatable.

CBD: a first step towards cannabis legalisation in France?

The General Directorate of Health in france stresses that “no therapeutic virtue can be claimed, in particular by manufacturers, sellers of products containing CBD.” And some advertisements perpetuate “confusion between cannabis and CBD and thus promote cannabis,” a practice that may “constitute the criminal offense of provocation to the use of drugs.” Contacted by French news 20 Minutes, Dan Velea, addictologist psychiatrist in the 6th arrondissement, confirms the “problem.”

cbd and weed vaporizers

“There are not enough studies, and we don’t have enough perspective on the substance, but there is a risk that users will return to cannabis containing THC and especially that CBD will be a gateway to the product for new users. It doesn’t matter to weed light sellers.

“It’s going to be a hit,” says Stéphane Bélaiche, who sells his gram for between 20 and 25 euros to an audience of “executives and liberal professions.” Joaquim Lousquy, who emphasizes four different herbs, has already planned to open new boutiques in the 15th, 17th, Essonne and Val-de-Marne regions. No worries? ” If the police can come and seize the stock because there is no way to distinguish the “real” weed from the “fake.” But they’ll return it after analysis. That’s the game.

Seven must-see record shops in Paris

Over and over again, vinyl records transcends the knowledgeable music lovers, and their quest is taken more seriously than ever.

The Parisian diggers are lucky because they can count on many old record shops to satisfy their passion for music, and even on unique events dedicated to them, such as the Disquaire Day.
Focus on 7 record stores among our favorites in Paris.

The classic: Crocodisc

By its longevity (forty years) and its opulence which overflows the shelves and bins of the three shops Rock, Jazz and Black Music reigning in the Latin District, at Crocodisc, abundance meets the exception, and the impressive expertise of the salesmen will help you to find the rare record.

Crocodisc
Tuesday – Saturday: 11am-7pm
40 and 42, rue des Ecoles, 5e.
64, rue de la Montagne-Sainte-Geneviève, 5e.

The coziest: Balades Sonores

A lovely shop, decorated by Chicamancha, is full of new products and rare pearls despite its modest size. The wise advice and its adorable team will make you a satisfied digger. And to avoid ruining anything, this record store welcomes showcase bands every week in an amicable atmosphere.

Sound Walks
Monday – Saturday: 12pm-8pm
1-3 Avenue Trudaine, 75009 Paris

Underground: Born Bad Records

In the kingdom of rock’n’ roll, all styles are at the court: from punk to garage, to new wave and other psychedelic and saturated joys. Enough to delight lovers of classics and forgotten nuggets, as well as the curious who will appreciate the section of the famous eponymous label and the promotion of great French bands.

Born Bad Records
Monday – Saturday: 12pm-7.30pm
11 Rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris

The favorite: Pop Culture

The beautiful shop, which bears its name, and the excellence of the selection (indie rock, pop, but there are also soundtracks, hip-hop, and world music) catch up with the narrowness of the bins. Let Fred guide you, the passionate record dealer with silvery hair, in this well-equiped store with new products as it is with rare ones.

Pop Culture
Monday 2pm-7.30pm – Tuesday – Saturday: 11am-7.30pm
23 Rue Keller, 75011 Paris

The generous: Souffle Continu

The abundance of records and the profusion of references plunges you into a most delightful music lover’s apnea. Electro, jazz, experimental, rock, cold wave and black metal, and the bosses have the knack to propose re-releases of unknown treasures but also new ones. The digger’s paradise! The most? The regular showcases!

Souffle Continu
Monday – Saturday: 12pm-8pm
22 Rue Gerbier, 75011 Paris

The versatile: La Silence de la Rue

A large stock, well stocked in all genres (nice funk, soul and hip-hop section), honest prices and the possibility to listen to your finds on the spot. And once you have tamed the boss of the place, you may benefit from his precious advice.

La Silence de la Rue
Monday – Saturday: 11am-7.30pm
39 rue Faidherbe, 75011 Paris

Extreme: Music Fear Satan

With a name like that (which refers to the post-rock band Mogwai) we have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Here the devil’s music has found its kingdom and the latter feeds the pagans with unholy records with exotic covers. Rock and metal in ALL its forms, lots of new releases and very chic French bands like Jessica 93.

Music Fear Satan
Monday – Saturday: 11am-8pm
4 Bis Rue Richard Lenoir, 75011 Paris

Best Exhibitions in Paris – October 2017

Autumn sets in comfortably, and with it its share of cultural victuals.

GAUGUIN The Alchemist

The Grand Palais exhibition presents Gauguin, a nineteenth-century artist, and pioneer of modern art, in several facets: paintings, ceramics, sculptures and wooden objects, engraved wood, prints, and drawings.

The chronological course of the exhibition retraces the artist’s creative process, from his beginnings in Brittany made of wild landscapes to his more philosophical inspirations, nourished by his various travels…

October 11, 2017, to January 22, 2018
Grand Palais
3 Avenue du Général-Eisenhower, 8th Avenue
Every day (except Mar) 10am – 8pm; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: until 10pm
Prices: admission 14€, reduced price 10€.

PICASSO 1932

gsgshsdjhftfttrdeOrganised in partnership with the London Tate, Picasso 1932 is an exhibition which, as its name suggests, traces the year 1932 (from 1 January to 31 December as it should be) in that it could have had a more productive year for Picasso.

We can discover the inspirations and research of the artist that have given birth to his greatest successes. The bathers, the portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter, the artist’s exhibitions at the Georges Petit Gallery… Any date of this crucial year.

It is, therefore, a year of the master’s life that one discovers through the historical journey that presents works – including Le Rêve, emblematic of his aesthetic – but also archives.

October 10,2017 to February 11,2018
Open from 10:30am to 6pm (closed Mondays)
Picasso National Museum
5, rue de Thorigny, 3e

Bourdelle and the Ancient

The exhibition Bourdelle and the antique, a modern passion, thinks of itself as an invitation to take a step back. A reading of the present in the light of the past, because in the history of forms and ideas, there is no “progress” that does not come from a “step back,” no aesthetic revolution that does not pass through the rebirth of a buried past.

Starting from this premise, the Bourdelle Museum invites us to discover the work of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, who drew inspiration from Ancient Rome for the works that marked his maturity at the beginning of the 20th century.

Alongside the works of Picasso, Modigliani and Zadkine, the sculptor’s work is now being rethought through this exhibition, which explores the fascination of artists of the last century with the ancient world.

October 4, 2017 to February 4, 2018
Museum Bourdelle
16/18 Antoine Bourdelle Street, 15th Floor
Open every day except Monday, 10 am – 6 pm

Burmese Images

fksgnsojgnpsgnpsngrrtrrrrDiscover Burma, its colonial history and multiple faces in a photo exhibition at the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet.

This fall, Burma is the focus of the exhibition Burmese Images, Photographic Treasures of the MNAAG.
This tour highlights the Burmese collection acquired by the museum between 1989 and 2015 and enriched by recent donations – in particular, exceptional images of Burma dating from the second half of the 19th century.

Burma, its colonial history, and its many faces are all visible in this exhibition, where scenes of daily life and exploratory journeys of a civilization that oscillates between permanence and change intersect.

October 18, 2017, to January 22, 2018
Every day (except Tuesday, January 1st, May 1st, December 25th) 10am-6pm
Musée des Arts asiatiques Guimet – Paris
6 place d’ Jena, 16th

These are just some of the best Paris art shows you’ll find in October in the city of love !

Terraces you need to know in Paris

The ritual is the same every year. From the first rays of sunshine, black sunglasses on the road, creamy and ready to sip rosé and summer cocktails, you will not resist the appeal of the summer terrace.

Before going head down, I have compiled unavoidable and new spots where to stop in the French Capital city.

The Roof of the Moulin Rouge Machine

The Machine adds a new string to its bow with its rooftop-garden

This summer, the Machine du Moulin Rouge is adding a floor to its arc: we already knew the boiler room in the basement, the central unit on the ground floor and the terrace of the bubble bar, which plays the extensions until dawn in July and August. From now on, we can also drink glasses on the roof of the Moulin Rouge, right under the blades of the legendary Parisian cabaret, until sunset!

It may take an early arrival to find a place, knowing that the initiative will only last for the summer period.

During the summer and spring period, the Machine will deploy an eclectic programming on its four floors, between hip-hop, disco, techno, Balearic or Afro house. Launched on July 1st with the evening Problèmes d’ amour, with the Italian DJ Alexander Robotnick, author of the hit of the same name in the 80s.

90, boulevard de Clichy, M° Blanche. Wednesday to Sunday, noon to midnight (22:00 on Sundays). Tapas (between 4€ and 9€), 7 € the Spritz at 14 € the Mojito (with champagne).

New Ground Control opens its doors.

Ground Control

Ground Control is packing its bags for the summer season in a former SNCF mail sorting center, hidden behind the Lyon train station. This version revisits on 1 500m2 the atmosphere of the two previous editions then established rue Ordener: chic guinguette spirit, big tables, deckchairs, refreshments, street-food and urban vegetable garden are part of the game.

The restaurants are located in a pretty cool area and offer a wide variety of dishes such as smoked trout, veggie burgers, Breton cakes, sandwiches at the porchetta or British pastries.

At the bottom left of the site, don’t miss the Argentinean barbecue of the Asado team which will delight the salty beaks with its grilled meat, roasted vegetables and choripánes, sausage sandwiches, chimichurri sauce, made with black bread with vegetal charcoal. The first weekend of the launch will take place from Thursday 18 May to Sunday 21 May. The season is officially open!

Ground Control, 81 rue du Charolais, 12th floor. RER Gare de Lyon. Open Tuesday to Saturday / 11am – Midnight & Sunday / 11am – 10:30pm.

Palazzo, the summer terrace at the Palais de la Porte Dorée

From June 15 to October 15, the summer terrace Palazzo is installed on the forecourt of the Palais de la Porte Dorée.

Palazzo is a new festive summer event. Located in front of one of the most beautiful Art Deco buildings in Europe, near Daumesnil Lake in the 12th arrondissement, this ephemeral terrace will offer many activities every day to enjoy summer in Paris with family or friends.

The program includes nooks and crannies to indulge in the delights of idleness, a caravan scene, spaces to play (regardless of your age), free dances and DJ sets, a bar in Spritz, playful workshops, a petanque court, or an open-air bookstore.

From June 15 to October 15, Palazzo at the Palais de la Porte Dorée, 293 avenue Daumesnil, 12th. Golden Door No. See you Thursday, June 15th from 6 pm to midnight for the launch of Palazzo.

Bamboo

A perfect vegetal ambiance to sipping delicious cocktails creation

The new business of Thomas Delafon and Jean-Pierre Lopes opened (in September) in an unusual setting, a kind of sizeable Asian salon with a contemporary décor and vintage touches, serving every day an excellent Thai cuisine (well executed Thai pad, well-rolled nems).

This summer, we will be squatting in the terrace’s bistro tables, some sixty in all, and drinking – before or after dinner – at the outdoor cocktail bar.

A wooden kiosk surrounded by greenery, where you can order one of the eight creation cocktails. In favorites, a remix of the Piña Colada spiced with curry, the most refreshing, the Thai Basil, with vodka, lime, and basil, all to sip in a relaxed atmosphere, Acapulco seats, and benches to make you disconnect.

23, rue des Jeuneurs, 2nd floor. Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:30, from 19:00 to 23:30. Average ticket: 25 €. Cocktails from 11 €. Phone: 01 40 28 98 30. Terrace in the shade.

Renoir Café

Artistic strolls in the gardens during lunchtime

Located in the Montmartre Museum, Café Renoir is no longer accessible only to visitors of temporary or permanent exhibits since this summer. Access to it is enough to pay an entrance fee to the beautiful Gardens of the places (to be preferred in subscription mode) that inspired Auguste Renoir for his Bal du Moulin de la Galette.

There, outdoors or under the glass roof, you can enjoy a snack or lunch on the go or just a drink, all the products being provided by good Parisian houses, except the summertime mint and lemon iced tea home-made. We also supervise the gardening workshops, as well as the Thursday evenings to drink a glass of wine as in the garden of a country house (15 €). PA

12 Cortot Street, 18th. From 12h to 18h, nocturnal from 19h to 22h. Breakfast formula: 16 €. Iced tea: 4 €. Entrance to the Garden: 4 € or annual subscription: 10 €. M° Lamack-Caulaincourt

Renoir Café

Artistic strolls in the gardens during lunchtime

Located in the Montmartre Museum, Café Renoir is no longer accessible only to visitors of temporary or permanent exhibits since this summer. Access to it is enough to pay an entrance fee to the beautiful Gardens of the places that inspired Auguste Renoir for his Bal du Moulin de la Galette.

There, outdoors or under the glass roof, you can enjoy a snack or lunch on the go or just a drink, all the products being provided by good Parisian houses, except the summertime mint and lemon iced tea home-made. We also supervise the gardening workshops, as well as the Thursday evenings to drink a glass of wine as in the garden of a country house (15 €). PA

12 Cortot Street, 18th. From 12h to 18h, nocturnal from 19h to 22h. Breakfast formula: 16 €. Iced tea: 4 €. Entrance to the Garden: 4 € or annual subscription: 10 €. M° Lamack-Caulaincourt

Paname Brewing Company

One of the most beautiful terraces there is in Paris

With the installation of Paname Brewing Company on the quays of the Loire, the Ourcq Canal holds one of the prettiest terraces in Paris, directly on the water with ball lanterns and a panoramic view of the canal.

In addition to the beers brewed in the large vats inside a large pub shed, the house serves a series of small dishes that will do good to the stomach (quesadillas, burgers, pizzas, kebab, ribs, bo bun, beef curry). The relaxed service – Australian girls in caps and students from all over the world – is a perfect match for the local atmosphere. As the first rays of sunshine are crowded, the alternative is on the first floor in the perched room with a canal view.

41 bis, Quai de la Loire, 19th century. M° Riquet. Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 2 am. Average ticket: 25 €. Tel. 01 40 36 43 55. Sunny terrace until sunset.

Les Nautes

The perfect place for a sunny front before leaving in the Parisian night.

A year ago, the Nautes Facebook page posted a viral photo of the team drinking on the terrace with water down to the hips.

Fortunately, this year, Parisian floods have given way to heat waves, and the bar/club will be able to profit serenely from the closing of the quays to cars and the crowds of Paris Plages, with its unique location at 10 meters from the Seine. At the bar, tight mojitos, and inside, DJ’s not very well known animate the turntables almost every evening, in an atmosphere that can quickly become decadent.

One, Celestine Quay, 4th. Wednesday to Friday 5 pm – 2 am, Saturday from 2 pm to 2 am, Sunday from 2 pm to midnight. Sully Morland. Cocktail: 8-12€. Board: 20€ Tapas: 5€.

 

Hope you like my selection!