Monthly Archives: May 2009
Daytrips from Paris
I could very contentedly spend weeks vacationing in Paris without ever feeling compelled to leave. Many visitors though wonder about the surrounding country side and there are some fascinating destinations just an hour or so from the center of Paris. … Continue reading
Filed under Destinations
Spending in Euros
Though certainly no expert, I have followed the topic of money exchange carefully for some time now and have drawn several conclusions. Here is a summary of money exchange options and how you may benefit from the advantages of each … Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
Alerte Résa
For those who are already familiar with the PREM fares sold by the SNCF (French Rail) and the fact that fares go on sale 3 months before any given departure date, SNCF has an interesting service which may interest you … Continue reading
Filed under Transportation
Amboise – a tourist ghetto?
Many of us who have had a relationship with the Loire Valley for many years have not been overjoyed with what has happen to Amboise (now a tourist ghetto) or to Tours (unfortunate victim of urban sprawl). Accordingly I have … Continue reading
Filed under Hotels, Restaurants
How I learned to love mussels
No one enjoys a bowl full of mussels more than I do, I have consumed millions of the things (well, almost). One evening, many years ago, my wife and I had just been seated at a small brassier on the … Continue reading
Filed under Restaurants
Chez Germaine and the story of aligot
Many years ago when I was studying in Tours, a friend of mine from Amboise invited me to his home for dinner. We were very young and he still lived at home with his parents who were originally from Auvergne. … Continue reading
Filed under Restaurants
Car rentals
If you can avoid picking up a rental at either a train station or an airport, you can save the pickup surcharge fee of 30€ to 60€. Expect to pay a one time road tax of about 10€ as well … Continue reading
Filed under Transportation
Driving in France?
Driving in France is really no different that driving anywhere else (OK, excluding the UK, Australia and other drive-on-the-left locations). Here are several points which might make your experiences on the highway a bit easier: 1. Purchase a map in … Continue reading
Filed under Transportation
Your mobile phone in France
There are many options for those wanting to remain in contact by phone: roaming with a North American provider, VoIP, Télécartes, or using a French mobile network just like the French do. Here is a rundown of providers offering pre … Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
Sarastro’s 13 lucky rules for dining
How is dining in Paris different than in other locations? Here is a short guide which will help you feel right at home dinning among the Parisians. 1. Always reserve. Always. Reserving is a simple courtesy that a restaurant operator … Continue reading
Filed under Restaurants
