tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184616822024-03-14T14:19:56.926+01:00Etienne MarcelLife in Paris, though no longer anywhere near Etienne MarcelEtiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-7180823328551800772008-10-15T23:21:00.002+02:002008-10-15T23:27:59.456+02:00I wish this was a post on the marche de l'aveyronBut you know, that would be too easy.I just realized that the Fete d'Auvergne was actually last weekend, not this weekend. This is one amazing market, so amazing it is only once a year! The auvergnats invade Bercy for the weekend, selling traditional products and hosting cultural events and activities. I discovered this on accident a few years ago when a friend and I happened to stumble upon Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-2136407144219101932008-10-03T16:35:00.003+02:002008-10-03T16:54:37.156+02:00Les petits bateauxThis is one of the stands that rents out toy boats in the Jardin de Luxembourg. If you pass by on a Wednesday, you're likely to see the young French children, accompanied by their nounous, pushing around these old-fashioned wooden sailboats in the large pond in the park. And you might even be lucky enough to witness elementary-school style drama: there's always "that" kid, with a remote-controlEtiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-89836954174076054292008-09-23T08:35:00.003+02:002008-09-23T08:35:00.556+02:00Graffiti in St-GermainThis graffiti certainly stands out on from the rest of this small road in St-Germain.Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-56571135774535908082008-09-21T20:34:00.000+02:002008-09-21T20:34:00.954+02:00If you were thinking of using the insurer MACIF,maybe you should think again. Apparently punctually resolving claims isn't its strong point. The sign reads "The accident was May 12, we're insured by MACIF!"Short and sweet, it certainly makes its point: the sign is hanging firm, over four months after the initial fire. This antique/thrift shop in the 6th closes up at night by putting boards through the window panes. I don't know the storyEtiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-61801403239686926632008-09-08T14:35:00.002+02:002008-09-08T14:38:21.062+02:00Serious questionWhere can I find seedless grapes (besides Atac and Auchan)? Just wondering if anyone out there has seen any.Real posts on the way, promise.Oh, also, all the gyms/salles de yoga and pilates are EXORBITANT. I was just quoted 185/month for a gym. It took all my willpower not to laugh out loud. Does anyone have any experience taking classes at the municipal sport/loisirs centres?Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-88903839724624317992008-07-10T13:13:00.000+02:002008-12-11T02:29:26.519+01:00Les PapillesLes Papilles is one of the best values for those of you adventurous enough to accept whatever the chef deigns to serve you. For you have only one option when eating here: the 31 € "retour du marche" menu which includes entree, main dish, cheese, and dessert course. I lucked out with every course on my first visit, and had a great meal.We were an hour late (oops), so we got relegated to the Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-15524713211855734332008-07-05T20:27:00.000+02:002008-12-11T02:29:26.700+01:00So not having internet...kind of annoying. But now housing is all sorted out (nope, won't even go there!) and internet is too and I'd thought I'd share this lovely surprise that greeted us while walking home one evening a few weeks ago.Le Figaro is currently exhibiting "30 ans d'emotion" at the Jardin du Luxembourg, with some of the most moving images in the past 30 years, many of which were Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-6084536544625740532008-06-13T06:14:00.005+02:002008-12-11T02:29:26.875+01:00Au Cheval BlancRecently had the most amazing, amazing meal I have had in a long time at the Cheval Blanc. I didn't take pictures except for this, but trust me. Five "official" courses, with wine pairings and all the in betweens. Fantastic service, inviting setting, love love loved it. Currently one-starred but I don't see why it can't earn another soon enough. Above is a photo of just one (yes, ONE!) ofEtiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-9825088428509477082008-06-09T14:31:00.003+02:002008-12-11T02:29:27.239+01:00Ambiance & StylesOne of my favorite design and homeware stores in Strasbourg is Ambiance & Styles. I always drop in when I am looking for a unique souvenir from France to bring home to friends or family, and they do the most beautiful job of wrapping the presents with contrasting paper colors, ribbons and all.They have almost every possible object by Valerie Nylin, a French designer who has a line of Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-80670258787111449252008-06-07T15:23:00.000+02:002008-12-11T02:29:27.510+01:00Biggest Dog EverChillin' in a corner press shop in Lembach, Alsace. We had a long discussion with the owner about how she prefers big dogs to small dogs (my dog would be a light afternoon snack for this giant), our shared dislike of poodles, and her philosophies on training dogs. I can't remember the breed, but I do remember the weight of the dog: more than 60 kgs! Over 120 lbs! Wow.Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-72705362834913300632008-06-05T03:57:00.000+02:002008-12-11T02:29:27.729+01:00Only in France FNAC, the French equivalent to Best Buy or Circuit City, memorializes the protests of May 68 on all of their shopping bags, replacing their usual logo with a revolutionary fist. May 68 court toujours ≈ May 68 is still alive.Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-44762936174402652932008-06-03T03:40:00.003+02:002008-12-11T02:29:27.878+01:00Hello Kitty Invasion!Galeries Lafayette has paired up with Hello Kitty as part of their "Asiatic" theme, and the results are irresistible. Stuffed animals, coffee mugs, reusable shopping bags, stationary products: they all feature that famous Japanese cat against the Paris skyline and Galeries Lafayette logo. Yes, I bought the big shopping bag. And it took all my willpower not to buy the mug at the same time!Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-3313942457310742302008-04-10T13:19:00.000+02:002008-12-11T02:29:28.756+01:00L'atelier d'Grand PereR and I had been running around all day, and we needed to stop and breathe before we rushed on to dinner with friends. We first went by l'Epicerie, but as usual it was totally packed, so R suggested this place. Loved it! So cute, great menu, great atmosphere, great happy hour specials, ok service: a keeper for sure.I got my usual pot of earl grey, while R took advantage of their happy hour Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-47765696836699863892008-04-06T19:09:00.002+02:002008-12-11T02:29:28.866+01:00Not Liberty Island... This replica of the Statue of Liberty is right outside of Colmar, where Frédéric Bartholdi was born. It's actually in the middle of a traffic circle, and I did a double take as we were going around it, but was still able to take a photo in time. Just not what I expected when traveling along a French road.Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-78805571881541487652008-04-04T14:13:00.000+02:002008-12-11T02:29:29.630+01:00SelestatSo what is there to see in Selestat, a town between Strasbourg and Colmar?Well, there was this churchand that churchThere's also the Maison du Pain, a museum on the history of bread. We didn't go into the museum, but I did treat myself to one each of these meringues from their adjoining bakery:Mmmmm.Selestat is also known for its Humanist Library, but we didn't visit it.Finally, I love these Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-63107392167146414902008-04-02T18:14:00.000+02:002008-12-11T02:29:30.753+01:00Le BuerehieselContinuing on with our Formule Jeunes adventure, R & I made reservations at the Buerehiesel, a one-starred restaurant smack dab in the middle of Orangerie Park. This restaurant lost its three stars when the father handed it over to the son, but Eric Westermann was awarded his first star in this year's Michelin guide. We didn't know what to expect, and after the Auberge de l'Ill it was hard not Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-85101501277128615382008-03-30T14:21:00.001+02:002008-12-11T02:29:31.765+01:00Colmar and Le Croissant DoreI said I would write more about Colmar, so here goes. Colmar is an adorable Alsatian town worthy of at least an afternoon visit if not more. Our afternoon stroll took us through the old town, each storefront more wonderfully Alsatian than the next.There was also a church,the famous Bretzels of Colmar (that I didn't try), And a door marked from the 15th centuryand just beyond the passageway to Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-28605423965021579142008-03-29T21:07:00.010+01:002008-12-11T02:29:36.542+01:00Auberge de l'IllTo celebrate the coming of Spring, and to take advantage of the Formule Jeunes promotion while it lasts, R and I made reservations at Auberge de l'Ill, which has had its 3 stars since 1967! Quite the Alsatian establishment.All of the photos might be a little dark because I didn't use a flash.We were served this cute platter almost immediately, accompanied by champagne. From top to bottom: Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-44896266909903491742008-03-24T00:01:00.001+01:002008-12-11T02:29:37.302+01:00Happy Easter!At the mall in Strasbourg, there were easter bunnies passing out chocolate eggs: I wonder if the French children were confused that there weren't any bells handing out the chocolates.And at the easter market in Colmar,there were real bunnies! The easter market itself was adorable, with festive goods and decorated trees. Who knew? More on Colmar to come...Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-3772975060913976252008-01-27T16:59:00.000+01:002008-12-11T02:29:37.694+01:00L'autre salon de theOr, the tea salon that could've been.This tea salon had everything going for it. A plentiful display of every pastry or cake imaginable as you walk in; a menu with pages and pages of different types of teas; cosy interior; chic clientele and waiters that were even more chic. I was ready to compare it to Demmer's in Vienna (the ultimate tea salon) or even Sketch in London.But then I realized it Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-47671988894092013012008-01-27T16:13:00.000+01:002008-12-11T02:29:37.846+01:00fyiFor anyone who cares (or is still reading this blog): the Hermes store in Toulouse has a few Birkin bags in stock; sizes/color/leather/price vary.For people like me, who wouldn't be able to afford such a bag even 2 years from now (the longest wait possible in Toulouse depending on what you want), this news is no comfort.Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-42683013535293470292008-01-20T19:31:00.000+01:002008-12-11T02:29:38.108+01:00You can't deny the French this: they have a sense of ritual when it comes to coffee and tea. Even dingy bars, still reeking of their smoking years, will offer a proper pot of hot water complete with cup and saucer and sugar cubes. So this doesn't always happen, and sometimes you might just get lipton yellow instead of a choice of teas or infusions. Compare this to the unromantic steps needed Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-25839624512539652242008-01-19T18:44:00.000+01:002008-12-11T02:29:44.015+01:00Le ChaletIn my original post on Ax-les-thermes, I mentioned the springs, the ski slopes, and the casino. But another good reason to spend an afternoon there is the bib gourmand restaurant and hotel, Le Chalet.Le Chalet has a couple different menus. There is the weekday lunch one, which is a deal at 22€ for 3 courses; a 2-course choice from the menu for 26€; a 3-course choice for 30€; 4-courses for 36€; Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-66876726844155013802008-01-09T14:47:00.000+01:002008-12-11T02:29:45.282+01:00Ax-les-ThermesWe have been exploring l'Ariege and Midi-Pyrenees slowly but surely, making daytrips or afternoon visits here and there. Last weekend we went to Ax-les-thermes, which is known mainly for 3 things: the hot springs, the ski slopes, and the casino. Even though we did not partake in any of these activities, we still enjoyed our afternoon there.Springs, fountains, and spigots with the hot spring Etiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18461682.post-38536853747010243792008-01-06T13:24:00.000+01:002008-12-11T02:29:45.580+01:00MirepoixWe recently spent an afternoon in Mirepoix. Besides the church, and the cute buildings in the center of the town, there's not much to see or do. There aren't even any bars or restaurants worth mentioning! Still cute and still worthy of an afternoon visit.tags: sightsEtiennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15819263637351824653noreply@blogger.com2