I Prefer Paris

Fractional Ownership Apartments in Paris

I recently caught up with my old friend, Walid Halabi, who reignited my excitement about fractional ownership. In case you don’t know what fractional ownership is, it’s typically used to describe shared ownership of a vacation or resort property in an arrangement that  allocates usage rights based on time. In other words, only one owner will be allowed to use a particular home at a particular time.  

His company, Fractional France (www.fractionalfrance.com), is developing stunning apartments in Paris, and they currently have 3 shares left in their latest property.

I visited the apartment last week and it's truly exceptional - a 1-bedroom (convertible to 2-bedroom) haven in the heart of the Marais. Check out the beautiful photos below, which don’t even do it justice.

Fractional apartments are a great proposition - a much lower cost of entry, beautifully renovated and decorated apartments, and none of the problems to deal with.  Honestly, who doesn't want to skip the mundane parts of owning a second home (and life for that matter)?  

Fractional France manages every aspect of the home from cleaning and maintenance to bill paying and tax filing.  Those headaches are their problem, freeing you to focus on the real prize – croissants, culture, and shopping. You simply focus on experiencing the magic of Paris!

Imagine blissful mornings spent savoring coffee and croissants on the balcony, or evenings unwinding with an aperitif.

If you are interested in inquiring about purchasing an apartment share with Fractional France, please email me at [email protected] and I will forward your message.

www.fractionalfrance.com

Walid founded Paris Pied-a-Terre, an innovative vacation rental platform, in 2005. In 2009, he launched Paris Residence Club, one of the first urban fractional ownership programs in the world.  And his partner, Laura, started the fractional program at Fractional Paris which developed 7 rue Malher, and has a background in luxury real estate and interior decoration.  She started her real estate career in New York City with the esteemed Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. After knowing each other for several years, they joined forces to form Fractional France two years ago.

 

Answer to Guess Where I Am Contest

Thanks for all of your answers to the Guess Where I Am Contest. Unfortunately, no one got the correct answer. The popular answers were Vernon, Villandry, and Giverny.

So here it is, (drumroll please). Le Vesinet.

Le Vesinet is a wealthy suburb of Paris with grand houses and mansions, beautifully landscaped gardens, lakes, parks, and tranquil wooded areas with streams.

I am house sitting for a friend for a few days while he is away and his home is spacious and warm with a lovely garden and outdoor patio. The weather over the weekend was delightful- warm and sunny with radiant blue skies. I took a long walk the other day and discovered a winding, wooded trail with a babbling brook.

Le Vesinet is only a 20-minute RER train ride from Paris, yet I feel as though I am in a French countryside village surrounded by verdant green space. It’s not really a vacation and i am still working but it’s a nice respite.

I also stayed in Le Vesinet in March and captured some terrific snow landscapes. Click here to view.

I am so pleased to have Ann Mah as my guest this week at on A Bite of Paris. We went to Le Mistral, her favorite Paris bistro and had their signature dish, aligot, a rich, creamy mix of whipped potatoes and cheese from the Aveyron region.

Click here   or link below to watch Ann and I enjoy aligote.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiRHIW7Oitw&t=4s 

Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more.  In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.

Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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 

 

 

 

Opening of BETC/ Les Magasins Généraux

 I was invited a few weeks ago to take a tour of the new BETC headquarters, Les Magasins généraux in Pantin, a suburb of Paris.

The visit started with a boat ride up the Canal de l’Ourcq. I boarded a small boat with about ten other journalists on the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement on a sunny end of the summer day with a clear sky and a nice breeze.

The voyage started on the Bassin de la Villette followed by the Canal de l’Ourcq, two bodies of water I hadn’t been on before. The canals pass through many areas of Paris I am not that familiar with and the architecture is different than the typical Haussmmanian buildings in central Paris. There are many newly built buildings and building complexes rising much higher than the standard six stories. Sometimes I didn’t feel as though I was in Paris,

We passed the Parc de Villette and there were some intriguing sculptures of American Indians. Many colorfully painted were barges moored on the docks, which had been converted into restaurants, bars, and one was a cinema.

BETC is a French based worldwide advertising and publicity agency with high profile clients such as Air France, Evian and Canal+. The new headquarters is not only a space for its 900 plus employees but a place for cultural and food events and a commitment to the city of Pantin. Pantin, a former warehouse and industrial district just outside of Paris, is becoming the new boomtown for forward thinking institutions such as art galleries looking for large spaces and businesses who need more space and can’t afford sky high Paris rental prices. Hermes and Chanel have already opened ateliers in Pantin. Could it be the Williamsburg of Paris in the near future?

Les Magasins généraux was a former graffiti ridden abandoned warehouse before BETC transformed the building. The reception was on the top floor, which had a garden, restaurant, and clear lookouts with vistas of Paris I hadn’t seen before.

BETC/ Les Magasins généraux has a food truck, organic restaurant and live music venue and in January 2017 will launch art, music, food and drinking events.

1 Rue de l'Ancien Canal, 93500 Pantin

BETC/ Les Magasins Généraux

Rooftop of BETC/ Les Magasins Généraux

View from rooftop of BETC/ Les Magasins Généraux

Eye Prefer Paris Postcards

I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.

Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.

Only $30 for a 3-month subscription plus shipping or

Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or

$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)

Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store

Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store

Click here to order a 3-month subscription from my Etsy store

Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more.  In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.

Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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 

  Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

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: 195 euros per person (about $210)
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.

June 2016 Instagram Photos

Many of you follow me on Instagram but for those who don’t you are missing some of my fun photos. Here is a series of photos from the last few weeks when I was meandering the streets of Paris in springtime.

I have two Instagram accounts you can follow me on:
https://www.instagram.com/eyepreferparis/
https://www.instagram.com/parisian_doors/

Montmartre

Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Marais

JR installation at the Louvre

Fresh apricots

Le Precope- oldest cafe in Paris, St. Germain

Eye Prefer Paris Postcards

I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.

Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.

Only $30 for a 3-month subscription plus shipping or

Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or

$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)

Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store

Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store

Click here to order a 3-month subscription from my Etsy store

Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more.  In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.

Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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 

  Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

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: 195 euros per person (about $210)
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.

 

Rue des Martyrs

After reading The Only Street in Paris- Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino, (click here to read my review) I was inspired to go back to rue des Martyrs with my camera. Since I now had a much richer knowledge of the street, I saw it in a much different light. Here is a series of photos from December.

I would love to have you join me for a tour of SOPI/South Pigalle- 9th arrondissement Tour which includes rue des Martyrs, so email me anytime [email protected] and let me know.

Eye Prefer Paris Postcards

I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.

Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.

Only $30 for a 3-month subscription plus shipping or

Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or

$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)

Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store

Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store

Click here to order a 3-month subscription from my Etsy store

Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more.  In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.

Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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 

  Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

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: 195 euros per person (about $210)
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.

Christmas Decorations Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis

A little bonus post just for you this week, as I usually don't post on Fridays.

I bet you are scratching your head wondering why I am still posting Christmas decorations in January after you've taken your tree down, vacuumed up all the pine needles, returned your gifts, traded in your gift cards, and started your  post holiday diet.

I was on the rue du Faubourg Faubourg Saint Denis checking out a new cheese shop (blog coming soon about that) and saw these festive Christmas decorations still up. They made me smile on this cold January day and hope they make you smile too. We always need a little Christmas, especially in January.

Eye Prefer Paris Postcards

I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.

Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.

Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or

$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)

My offer of a 12-month subscription with an extra month free is good until January  31, so remember to order now before the offer ends.

Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store

Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store

Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more.  In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.

Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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 

  Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

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: 195 euros per person (about $210)
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.

Rosa Parks Fait le Mur

Rosa Parks Fait le Mur is a street art installation displayed on 493 meters of walls from a construction site in the 18th arrondissement. Renowned female street artists Batardilla, Tatayana Fazlalizade, Katjastroph, and Kashink have pooled their talents to produce an extraordinary work of art inspired by the brave actions of Rosa Parks.  Forums, seminars and artistic workshops were conducted throughout the months of November and December.

104 -164 Rue d'Aubervilliers, 75019
Metro: Riquet
http://www.rosaparksfaitlemur.com/

 Eye Prefer Paris Postcards

I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.

Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.

Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or

$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)

My offer of a 12-month subscription with an extra month free is good until October 31, so remember to order now before the offer ends.

Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store

Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store

Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more.  In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.

Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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 

  Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

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: 195 euros per person (about $210)
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.

 

 

Night Photos Architectural Details 16th Arr.

After attending the must-see David Altmejd exhibit at the Musee d’Art Moderne last week, it was twilight time. There was a coral and purple hue from the sunset, bathing the Eiffel Tower in a stunning light. As it got dark I started to take photos of the grillwork on various buildings in the area of the museum, which is the 16th arr. Most of the buildings are luxury Haussmannian apartment buildings from the late 1800s/early 1900s and have the grand architectural details I favor. I also shot photos of the frosted glass windows with wrought iron detail and the light streaming through in an abstract way. I used my new Sony 6000 Hybrid camera. What do you think?

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 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 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 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

 

 

 

Latin Quarter and Marais Night Photos

I’ve been out shooting more night photos around Paris. It takes a serious effort as it doesn’t get truly dark till about 10:30, so I have to make sure I don’t curl up in bed and get caught up in my favorite American television shows. This summer I am hooked on Ray Donovan, Masters of Sex, Project Runway, and Hot in Cleveland.

I was having dinner with a friend a few weeks ago in the Latin Quarter and was walking home in between the Quai de Montebello and Quai de la Tournelle and got the first shot above while waiting for a traffic light to turn. The next photos are of the Pont de la Tournelle bridge connecting the Ile St. Louis and the Left Bank and after that are lights shimmering on the Seine.

A few nights later I went around the corner from my apartment to the rue St. Paul, where the Village St. Paul is located, a series of hidden inner courtyards specifically designated by the city for craft, design, and antique shops.  At night the entrances to the courtyards are lit in colored lights, each entrance in a different color. They’ve always had an air of mystery and intrigue to them.

Shall I continue to shoot more night photos?

Do you like the black and white?

   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 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 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 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour

Marais Night Photos

After the breathtaking sunsets at the Pompidou a few weeks ago, I walked home from the museum. It was the blue hour, where evening is just beginning and the sky is that indescribable shade of vibrant blue. I walked  down some alleyways with ancient buildings with figures walking in the night bathed in the dim light of yellow street lamps. Neon Tabac and flower shop signs glowed against the special blue sky looking like amusement park rides. The carousel at the Hotel de Ville plaza was all lit up with its tiny light bulbs and the BHV department store behind it with a red flag hovering above its black turret.

How do you like my portrait by my friend Blair Pessemier?

Blair and his wife Laurie give Plein Air Painting Classes in Paris, Giverny, and Auvers sur Oise. http://www.studiopessemier.com

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 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 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 

Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour