Paris for Vacation

PARIS MOST FAMOUS MONUMENTS

WHAT: "Conciergerie"
WHERE: 1 quai de l'Horloge. 75001 Paris
METRO: Chatelet-les-Halles, Cité
PHONE: + 33 1 40 51 71 05

WHAT: Hotel de Ville
WHERE: Place de l'Hotel de Ville. 75004 Paris
METRO: Hotel de Ville
PHONE: + 33 1 42 76 40 40

WHAT: Panthéon
WHERE: Place du Panthéon. 75005 Paris
METRO: Cluny la Sorbonne
PHONE: + 33 1 44 32 18 00

WHAT:Palais du Luxembourg
WHERE:15 rue de Vaugirard. 75006 Paris
METRO: Luxembourg
PHONE: + 33 1 44 54 19 49

WHAT: Assemblee Nationale
WHERE: 126 rue de l'Université. 75007 Paris
METRO: Chambre des Députés, Invalides
PHONE: + 33 1 40 63 60 00

WHAT: Invalides
WHERE: L Esplanade des Invalides. 75007 Paris
METRO: Invalides
PHONE: + 33 1 44 42 37 72

WHAT: Eiffel Tower
WHERE: Champ de Mars, Trocadero, Bir-Hakeim
PHONE: + 33 1 44 11 23 33

WHAT: Triumph arch
WHERE: Place du Général de Gaulle. 75008 Paris
METRO: Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
PHONE: + 33 1 55 37 73 77

WHAT: French National Library
WHERE: 11 quai François Mauriac. 75013 Paris
METRO: Quai de la Gare
PHONE: + 33 1 53 79 59 59

WHAT: Montparnasse Tower
WHERE: Rue de l'Arrivée. 75015 Paris
METRO: Montparnasse-Bienvenue, Raspail
PHONE: + 33 1 45 38 52 56

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 8:55 PM 0 comments links to this post

LIST OF PARIS MUSEUM

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 8:15 PM 0 comments links to this post

Paris: City of lights, lovers and bikes !

Paris is becoming a city of bikes as well. This last summer 10000 communal bikes were available not only for the use of local but also visitors. The same number is expected to arrive by 2008. The "Velib" (translate from French as free bike) concept is a city-sponsored service.
There will be 750 self-service stations around Paris that will allow you to cruise the streets of the city (or its bike lanes...) for a weekly fee of E 5.

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 6:19 AM 0 comments links to this post

Château de Vaux le Vicomte -

Candlelight evening. Over 2000 candles are lit throughout the château
and in the gardens, recalling the very atmosphere of its festive
evenings in the days of Nicolas Fouquet.

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 9:05 PM 0 comments links to this post

List of English Speaking Doctors and Dentists in Paris

If you need to see a physician during your stay, you might want to see some one with whom you can speak in your mother tongue.

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 9:00 PM 0 comments links to this post

French Customs and Tax Refunds

For up-to-date and detailed information on what you may bring to France (currency rules, entry requirements for pets, importation rules for variety goods, food products, vehicles or firearms), visit the French Embassy's website customs page.
 
Minors traveling alone must carry authorization for traveling signed by their parents. No vaccinations are required for entering France.
 
U.S. citizens who have been in France for more than two days may return to the United States with up to $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. For those who wish to bring more of France home with them, a flat rate of 3% duty is levied on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. It's a good idea to retain the receipts from your purchases should they be requested by a Customs Inspector upon your return to the United States.

You can  claim you VAT refund--After making a minimum purchase of 175€ in the same store (sometimes purchases requested to have been done in the same day), ask the store for your detaxe papers. On this paperwork, be sure to request that your refund be applied to one of your credit cards (this can be done even if you made the purchase in cash). Fill out the forms before you arrive at the airport for departure. Be sure to have the forms stamped at the clearly indicated airport customs desks. The customs official may ask to see your purchases so it's best to have them in your carry-on bag. Mail the stamped forms at the airport (the store provides an envelope) and the refund process has begun (note - this is only if France is your final point of departure back to the U.S.).

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 11:17 AM 0 comments links to this post

French School Holidays

There are five terms in the school year starting in September (or late August in some cases). Here is the calender divided in the 3 zones
ZONE A
Caen, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, Lyon, Montpellier, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse

Return to School 04-09-08
Toussaint 27-10-08 to 08-11-09
Noel 22-12-08 to 07-01-09
Hiver 16-02-08 to 03-03-08
Printemps 2009 12-03-08 to 28-03-08
Summer holidays 03-07-08 to 02-09-08


ZONE B
Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Besan�on, Dijon, Lille, Limoges, Nice, Orl�ans-Tours, Poitiers, Reims, Rouen, Strasbourg

Return to School
04-09-07
Toussaint 27-10-08 to 08-11-08
Noel 22-12-08 to 07-01-09
Hiver 09-02-09 to 25-02-09
Printemps 2006 05-04-09 to 21-04-09
Summer Holidays 03-07-09 to 02-09-2009

ZONE C
Bordeaux, Creteil, Paris, Versailles

Return to School 04-09-08
Toussaint 27-10-08 to 08-11-08
Noel 22-12-08 to 07-01-09
Hiver 23-02-09 to 10-03-09
Printemps 2006 19-04-09 to 05-05-09
Summer Holidays 03-07-09 to 02-09-09

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 6:18 AM 0 comments links to this post

National Holidays in France for 2009

1 January	New Year's Day (Jour de l'an)
1 May	Labor Day (Fête du premier mai)
8 May	Victory Day world war II (Fête de la Victoire 1945) Monday of  "Pâques" (Resurrection Of Jesus)
14 July	Bastille Day (Fête nationale)
15 August	Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assomption)
1 November	All Saints Day (La Toussaint)
11 November	Armistice Day (Jour d'armistice)
25 December	Christmas Day (Noël)
26 December	2nd Day of Christmas  (in some areas of France)

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 6:10 AM 0 comments links to this post

The Palais de Chaillot

 Description
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine  opened in the Paris wing of the Palais de Chaillot in March 2007. 
 
Address
Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine
Institut français d'architecture
1 place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
75016 PARIS

Web site
www.citechaillot.fr

Phone : +33 (0)1 58 51 52 00

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 5:54 AM 0 comments links to this post

Versailles Castle: Special Events

Description
At the Neptune Basin historically-inspired scenes are relived for a night in celebration of the kings. Firebirds, palaces, the decor, all goes up in smoke with the crackle of the fireworks...

Address:
Château de Versailles. 78000 VERSAILLES

Transportation:  Bus :  171. Train : C, Versailles Château Rive Gauche

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 5:40 AM 0 comments links to this post

Heath issues while in Paris? Here are your answers

You can consult a general practitioner, a specialist, or a dentist at a hospital or a health center, or go to the emergency service of any hospital, depending upon the severity of your condition.                
 
You can also have a doctor visit you at your hotel. Doctors can be registered with the Department of Health (fees fixed in agreement with the Department of Health) or from a private practice (more expensive).

There is always a doctor on call, but please be aware that home visits and consultations on Sundays and public holidays are always more expensive.          
 

There is a wide network of pharmacies, and although their hours are generally the same as shops (9:00 am to 7:00 pm/8:00 pm), there is always an on-duty pharmacy open at night, and on Sundays and public holidays. All pharmacies display the address of the nearest on-duty pharmacy.                                     
 
Obtaining certain medicines requires a prescription issued by a doctor (whom you must have consulted beforehand). Other medicines are freely available and can be bought over the counter. Any pharmacist can give you full details on this subject and will be able to advise you accordingly.                
 
For the refund of medical costs, If you are a national of a country belonging to the European Union, you can be refunded for your medical costs upon your return from France. Be sure to take an International Social Security form E111 with you. The simplest way, however, is to take out an all-risks insurance policy before you leave. In case of a problem, your insurer will accept all of your medical expenses.
 

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 11:13 AM 0 comments links to this post

The Bois de Boulogne

This Park is a remainder of the belt of forests, which surrounded old Lutèce. It was initially called Bois of Rouvray, because it was primarily planted with oaks. It was used as hunting ground to kings of France. The church of Boulogne-the-Small, which was built there, gave its name to the park which, since 1417, is indicated more only under the name of Boulogne. With the revolution, the park will know an almost complete destruction.

Under Bonaparte, great work of afforestation is undertaken. In 1852, Napoleon III yields it to the town of Paris. Under the direction of the Baron Haussmann, important work of rehandlings is undertaken. This work followed closely by Napoleon III and the Eugenie Empress, so strongly marked these places which one can still recognize, in the broad outline of the park of today, that of the Second Empire. The park of Boulogne covers a surface of 845 hectares including 315 hectares of forest solid mass, that is to say 142.000 trees and 300.000 shrubs.

It offers many places of relaxation and leisure, cultural activities and sporting exercises: Garden of the poets Greenhouses of Auteuil Pre Catelan Shakespeare garden Horse clubs Childish attractions, horse-gears, swings, Coffees places, restaurants.

Th ePark is minutes walk from the Flat - http://www.parisforvacation.com

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 10:28 PM 0 comments links to this post

Useful Telephones Numbers While In Paris

Useful Telephones Numbers While In Paris

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Ambulance : 01 43 78 26 26
Association des Urgences Médicales de Paris (Medical Emergencies): 01 48 28 40 04
Anti Poison Center (anti-Poison) : 01 40 37 04 04
Bus Information in English : 01 40 46 42 12
Central Post Office in the 15th district (24 hours) : 01 40 28 20 00
Hotline for kids in trouble : 05 05 12 34 (Free )
Highway Information Center : 01 48 94 33 33
Le Bourget Airport : 01 48 62 12 12
Lost American Express Card : 01 47 77 77 77
Lost Animals : 01 47 98 57 40
Lost Diner's Club Card : 01 47 62 75 00
Lost Eurocard / Mastercard : 01 45 67 84 84
Lost Property : 01 45 31 14 80
Lost Visa Card : 01 42 77 11 90
Marine Radio Information : 05 19 20 21
National Railroad Information : 01 47 23 54 02
Paris Culture Listing : 01 49 52 53 54
Police : 17
RATP (Public Transport) Information : 01 43 46 14 14
Restaurant information : 01 43 59 12 12
Search for Hospitalized Persons : 01 40 27 30 81
SOS HELP English Crisis Hotline : 01 47 23 80 80
SOS Nurses : 01 48 87 77 77
SOS Eye Care : 01 40 92 93 94
SOS Pédiatre : 01 42 93 19 99
SOS Tailor : 01 40 15 03 14
S.O.S. Dentists : 01 43 37 51 00
S.O.S. Pregnancy :  01 45 84 55 91
S.O.S. Help in English : 01 47 23 80 80
S.O.S. Help in French : 01 42 93 31 31
S.O.S. Drug center : 05 05 88 88
S.O.S. Vétérinaire:  01 47 55 47 00
Stock market news : 01 42 60 00 18
S.O.S. Medecins :  01 47 37 77 77
Taxis bleus : 01 49 36 10 10
Taxis radio étoile : 01 47 39 47 39
Theater Information : 01 49 52 53 54
Time : 36 99
Tourist Office : 01 49 52 53 54
Train Information : 01 45 82 50 50
Weather Information for Paris : 01 36 65 00 00

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 1:26 PM 0 comments links to this post

"Must Know" French words before your trip

Appartement – Apartment
Arborée – lots of trees/green space
Ascenseur – Lift, elevator
Avec – With

Baie fenêtre - Bay windows
Balcons – Balcony
Bâtiment – Building
Bien distribué – Well laid out
Bon état - Good condition
Bonne exposition – Good aspect
Buanderie – Wash house/laundry room/utilities room

Calme - Quiet
Carreau – Floor tiles
Carrelage - Tiles
Cave – Cellar
Chambre – Bedroom
Chambres des bonnes - Small independent rooms often with shared water facilities
Charmant - Charming
Chauffage au sol - Under floor heating
Chauffage au gaz - Gas heating
Chauffage collectif – Heating controlled by the building
Chauffage électrique - Electric heating
Chauffage individuel – Individual heating (as opposed to heating from the building)
Cheminée – Chimney
Clair – Light and airy
Coin cuisine – Corner kitchen
Comprenant – Comprising of
Compris(es)– Included
Concierge - Caretaker
Couloir - Corridor
Cour - Courtyard
Cuisine - Kitchen
Cuisine ammenagé – Kitchen with cupboards but no equipment or white goods
Cuisine Equipé – Fully equipped kitchen (usually only found in furnished rentals)

Dépot de garantie - Deposit
Deux pas – Very close
Digicode – Security coded entry
Disponible le – Available from
Double exposition – Double aspect
Double vitrage – Double-glazing
Duplex – On two levels (floors)

Eau chaude par cumulus électrique – Hot water from electric water tank
Ensoleillé – Sunny
Entrée - Entrance hall
Escalier – Staircase
Étages – Floors with in the building (ground floor, 1st floor, 2nd floor, etc)
Évier- Kitchen sink
Exposée – Facing (north/south/east/west – nord/sud/est/ouest)

Fonctionnelle – Functional/practical
Four – Oven
Frais d'agence - Agency Fees

Garage intérieur – Internal Garage (i.e. in the building)
Gardien (ienne) – Guardian
Grand standing – Luxury

Honoraires – Fees (usually agents fees)
Hôtel particulier - Mansion

Immeuble – Building
Impeccable – Immaculate
Interphone - Interphone

Jardin privatif – Private garden

Lambrissé - Panelled
Lavabo – Wash basin
Loft – Open plan apartment (not necessary in the attic)
Logement – Lodgings/accommodation
Loyer - Rent
Luminosité – Naturally well lit

Maison – House
Maison de ville – Town house
Maison individuelle – Detached house
Maison jumelle – Semi detached house
Maison mitoyennes - Semi detached house
Mansarde - Attic (room with a sloping roof)
Moquette - Carpet
Moulures – Plaster mouldings and decorative finishes
Meublé - Furnished
Mobilier et installations – Furniture and fittings
Mois - Month
Murs - Walls

Niveaux – Levels
Nombreux - Numerous

Orientée – Facing (north/south/east/west – nord/sud/est/ouest)

Palier - Landing
Papier Peint – Wall Paper
Parking – Designated parking place
Parquet – Wooden floor
Peinture - Paint
Penderie – Closet (hanging storage)
Pièces – Rooms (only applies to living areas, not kitchens, bathrooms, halls etc
Pierre de taille – Haussmann style buildings/ cut stone
Placard - Cupboards/wardrobes
Plaque électrique – Electric hob
Plaques de cuisson - Hob
Plafond – Ceiling
Plancher – Floor
Porte blindée – Security door (required by most insurance company)
Porte vitrée- French window
Premier étage – Floor above the ground floor (ground floor = Rez-de-chaussée)
Près – Near
Privatif - Private
Proche – Near
Proximité - Close by

Rangements – Storage (cupboards/wardrobes)
Refait à neuf – recently redecorated
Repeint - repainted
Rez-de-chaussée - Ground floor
Rue privée – Private road

Sans - Without
Salle à manger – Dinning room
Salle de bain - Bathroom
Salle de douche – Shower room
Salle d'eau – shower room
Salon – Lounge/ living room
Séjour – Living room
Sol – Floor within the apartment or house
Soleil assure – good sun light
Sous-sol – Underground/Basement
Style moderne – Modern style
Studio – one room apartment
Sur – on

Tapisserie - Wallpaper
Tout confort moderne – All the mod-cons

Verdoyant – Green space
Vide - Unfurnished

Vestibule – Hall
Villa – detached house
Vue degage – Clear view
Vues – Views

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Paris For Vacation
Luxury Vacation Rental in Paris
Email: info@parisforvacation.com
Web: http://www.parisforvacation.com

posted by Paris for Vacation @ 1:15 PM 0 comments links to this post