With the phenomenal success of the Velib public bicycle system introduced in 2007, Paris has now introduced the car version, Autolib. The set up is similar: you apply for a day, week or year pass at the automatic kiosks around the city, where you will need your drivers license, a valid form of identification (passport or national identity card) and a credit card. During a videoconference with one of their representatives, you identify yourself and chose the subscription you want. (Insurance is included). Your transaction will be validated and the kiosk will print a personal badge, which will give you access to the Autolib service. You can then take out a car at any of the 250 rental stations around the city. Once you are done, you return the car to any of the other stations and connect it to a recharging station.
Best of all, the cars are electric and have no fumes or make any noise. The overall goal is that with 3000 Autolibs on the streets, it will eliminate 22,000 gas-powered cars, meaning less pollution and traffic. A French or international drivers license is required to use the service. The rate for a day card is 10 euros, week card 15 euros, and the yearly card 144 euros. The first 30 minutes ranges from 5 to 7 euros depending on what type of pass you buy, the second 30 minutes ranges 4 to 6 euros, and each additional 30 minutes after that ranges 6 to 8 euros.
http://www.autolib.eu/
Eye Prefer Paris on Twitter
I just launched a fun new daily Twitter post- Paris Photo du Jour. Every day I will post a photo of Paris. Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/eyepreferparis
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Une Idée magnifique !!! we need thus in Los Angeles !!!
LOVE love love the French !!
Posted by: Abby | January 07, 2012 at 04:06 PM
BRILLIANT!!
Posted by: joan | January 07, 2012 at 04:35 PM