Eurostar is back to running a full timetable of trains out of London, Paris and Brussels after a "last-minute strike" by French rail workers caused chaos Thursday.
14.12.2023 - 19:37 / forbes.com
Whether you haven't kicked off your Christmas shopping yet, lack inspiration, or simply haven't had a moment to ponder it, fret not. Keep reading for some great Parisian gift ideas crafted by some of the city's most talented creators that are guaranteed to bring some of that seasonal festive cheer to your loved ones and create a reminiscent feeling of travel to the French capital until their next visit.
This holiday season, consider gifting something truly unique and meaningful like a personalized map by artist Sonja Bajic. Her belief in the lasting imprints we leave wherever we go is reflected in her captivating illustrations. These maps serve as more than just decorative pieces — they encapsulate cherished memories, connecting us to places and people dear to our hearts. As an independent, woman-owned business, Sonja's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices shines through all her creations. Supporting local businesses, advocating for eco-friendly solutions, and prioritizing quality define her mission. Sonjabajicstudio.com
Embrace the essence of Parisian living with The French Ingredient: Making a Life in Paris One Lesson at a Time; A Memoir by Jane Bertch, a former Chicagoan and banker turned creator of La Cuisine in Paris, a cooking school that's been a hit with visitors and locals for its croissant- and macaroon-making classes for more than a decade. Through sharp-witted anecdotes and real-life experiences, Bertch recounts her journey from the beginnings of La Cuisine inside an old brothel on the banks of the Seine steps from Notre Dame Cathedral, to the resounding success it has become. The book is available to pre-order now and will be officially released in April - having had a sneak peek of the final draft, it's worth the wait. Pre-order here.
Ma Vie à Paris returns with 200 new spots and updated locations around the French capital. A compendium of reliable plumbers to acupuncturists and masseurs, this is the ultimate insider's guide of secret spots and craftspeople to know by locals - in this case, by Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte, founders of artisanal French lifestyle brand Astier de Villatte. Their Paris guide, which translates as "my life in Paris," is a journey to the heart of the city through their eyes and their favourite spots. Founded in 1996, the brand has a small collection of tableware, creams, candles, eau de cologne, lighting and furniture, all made by hand, just like the book, which is self-published and printed on the iconic letterpress machines of their own printing company, one of the last to print books using lead. It's Astier de Villatte's artisanal fibre, this tribute to centuries-old French savoir-faire, that has earned the brand international
Eurostar is back to running a full timetable of trains out of London, Paris and Brussels after a "last-minute strike" by French rail workers caused chaos Thursday.
Low-cost Icelandic airline Play is going all out for the end of the year by offering a whopping 50 percent off its already low airfare to Europe.
Lots of our most beloved global cities have underground rivers, long forgotten by most. In London, there is the river Tyburn that runs under Buckingham Palace and the river Walbrook running under the Bank of England. New York has several, such as Minetta Brook in Manhattan, which can still give today's residents problems with flooded basements. In Sydney, there is Tank stream which is today an underground stormwater channel. Many of these streams became polluted by tanneries and other livelihoods of days gone by, serving eventually as sewers or drains, before being permanently diverted underground to make way for buildings and above ground life.
With the new year just around the corner, these new hotels should be on the travel radar. For some, bucket list travel may be the best holiday present of all. Others enjoy the anticipation of planning the trip together, especially if you can redeem hard-earned loyalty points to make the trip more affordable. A handful will be lucky enough to win a free vacation trip, but for everyone else, these are some of the newest hotels worth exploring in 2024.
There’s a joke in certain circles, that whenever something goes wrong in Paris, we blame Emily. I think you know of whom I speak.
It’s not too late to get some last-minute gifts shipped for folks on your list who enjoy the great outdoors, but want to do it in style. Glamorous camping is made easy with these finds.
Paris is the global capital of romance but the 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games bring yet another reason to summer in the City of Lights. The Games is that rare sporting event that works its magic on all kinds of travelers and adds a unique twist to a vacation. In addition to the Olympic Village in the suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis, major landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and Place de la Concorde will be transformed into venues. Pencil in a date night at one of these romantic Airbnbs close to the Paris Olympic sites.
The city of Versailles is renowned worldwide for the châteaux, Palace of Versailles and its gardens. Located in the western suburbs of the French capital, just over 10 miles from the centre of Paris, Versailles is a popular day trip, but it’s worth considering an overnight stay. There’s a lot to explore, the Palace of Versailles, often referred to as simply Versailles, is one of the most famous historic monuments in the world and the landscaped gardens are simply spectacular. After a long day admiring the opulent architecture, strolling through the Orangerie and soaking up the history, settle into an Airbnb Versailles rental property and enjoy the city like a local. The Airbnbs below showcases the very best options for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups, who would prefer to enjoy Versailles at a leisurely pace.
The countdown has begun: France will welcome the 2024 Summer Olympic Games from July 26 until August 11 with the Paralympic Games following from August 28 to September 8. Paris and the Île-de-France region form the cradle of the action where the spectacle will kick off at 8:24 p.m. sharp (or, 20:24 – touché).
Looking for the perfect winter holiday? From festive light displays to powdery ski slopes, Europe has no shortage of enticing options.
Belmond, the luxury company behind the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), made a historic announcement this week that will delight those who love luxury European luxury train travel. The company said that in June 2024, the VSOE will travel to the Italian Riviera for the first time on a three-night experience that links Paris and the Ligurian coastal resort of Portofino. Once in Portofino, guests check into the Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, for two nights.
2023 is coming to a close, which means the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are fast approaching. The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26, with the Games finishing Aug. 11; the Paralympics will run from Aug. 28 through Sept. 8.