tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21535795194928335142024-03-04T23:44:31.909-08:00Beyond Paris BlogThe blog of www.beyond-paris.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-73919556830771216002014-06-18T01:56:00.001-07:002014-07-10T04:06:36.267-07:00Where in the world am I? (18 June 2014) - with answer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Where in the world am I?</div>
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Answer on Friday (Paris time).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g2kSs5Ia6y8oE9YPR6WBUqkI5mO6RFTuZ1SI9_GWNeHBbLVkDP1-sBRoCsAmRmDofVuq4nH2bi1x7pRdhH4uYbCjWUAinz4ZNQq8HvXpdFOkMF83YTXECmg-JW0jVSU_OSRcldX4BWHi/s1600/14445176412_cfba39b8fe_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g2kSs5Ia6y8oE9YPR6WBUqkI5mO6RFTuZ1SI9_GWNeHBbLVkDP1-sBRoCsAmRmDofVuq4nH2bi1x7pRdhH4uYbCjWUAinz4ZNQq8HvXpdFOkMF83YTXECmg-JW0jVSU_OSRcldX4BWHi/s1600/14445176412_cfba39b8fe_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Moorish castle in Sintra, Portugal built in the 8th/9th century. Ea<span style="font-family: inherit;">sily <span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">accessible</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">from Lisbon via train and local tourist bus.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-43531275242339194922014-05-26T04:43:00.001-07:002014-06-04T03:34:21.376-07:00Where in the world am I? (26 May 14) - With Answer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where in the world am I?<br />
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Somewhere a little off the beaten track this week<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAtXGt0M0cg3wFhM01L5DxP890-YNIY312iSJ3HTnupfnkI-Braog1fjUkkCGzQllYxWc-gOy0NaQDC3kGWJ4jwOzKW1n6r7-uFkRxnMaO7tTCpaaUd2GAEwgX9PsxKqpH3AboCdHKWG5/s1600/Raymonds_iPhone_+347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAtXGt0M0cg3wFhM01L5DxP890-YNIY312iSJ3HTnupfnkI-Braog1fjUkkCGzQllYxWc-gOy0NaQDC3kGWJ4jwOzKW1n6r7-uFkRxnMaO7tTCpaaUd2GAEwgX9PsxKqpH3AboCdHKWG5/s1600/Raymonds_iPhone_+347.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 13.963635444641113px;">Blagaj in Bosnia Herzegovina, near Mostar</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-84220040072451068772014-05-22T03:40:00.000-07:002014-05-23T02:43:50.568-07:00Where in the world am I? (22 May 14) - with answer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This weeks "Where in the world am I?"</div>
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A few days late as I was away for the first half of this week.</div>
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Answer on Friday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bqSiNBFNqoD4AXW3OYxB3SSVMonFvXozxMVHo6K-3ZKxNYi5l4-DX3OLxPC8eJgwA64HEb-ESy-7bpd4B544ZydYGgMU6gmLwG6oZUYNg1P371oiuKpI6dJZ2Z0BBKr9dmHNb2Lls4Ij/s1600/Download+7+Aout+216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bqSiNBFNqoD4AXW3OYxB3SSVMonFvXozxMVHo6K-3ZKxNYi5l4-DX3OLxPC8eJgwA64HEb-ESy-7bpd4B544ZydYGgMU6gmLwG6oZUYNg1P371oiuKpI6dJZ2Z0BBKr9dmHNb2Lls4Ij/s1600/Download+7+Aout+216.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is the Cathedral in Reims, where the kings of France were crowned and in the heart of champagne country. One hour from Paris on the TGV from Paris Est.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-74157948980124013042014-05-12T06:35:00.002-07:002014-05-16T07:49:41.406-07:00Where in the world am I? (12 May 14) - with answer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where in the world am I?<br />
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Answer on Friday (Paris time)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3O-JhPs__3htRFqgsRUncdTBJ6NfGFM7h8fil4Ma_HJRkcksIy5JYTt7fP5YmJ13eZyrDDHqJ-TkmACC_6TbnMryV7EVyqt8alSUFrHJRbeDBX2_6mKnRNyzJJ2qy2xFNLdhZxUh88ui/s1600/Iphone+Photo+745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3O-JhPs__3htRFqgsRUncdTBJ6NfGFM7h8fil4Ma_HJRkcksIy5JYTt7fP5YmJ13eZyrDDHqJ-TkmACC_6TbnMryV7EVyqt8alSUFrHJRbeDBX2_6mKnRNyzJJ2qy2xFNLdhZxUh88ui/s1600/Iphone+Photo+745.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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This week it is the Mezquita-Catedral in Cordoba, Spain. The Medieval Islamic mosque that was converted into a Roman Catholic Cathedral in the 1200's.</div>
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Cordoba can be accessed from Madrid by high speed train.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-82412483107448658592014-05-05T03:55:00.002-07:002014-05-09T04:55:48.748-07:00Where in the world am I? (05 May 14) - with answer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where in the world am I?<br />
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Answer on Friday (Paris time)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qsg6Q24KaDUSyV87DQUKJ9VAeccbO7CE_0u4Yha3iUOkgLbXeoBTeyW7YUvHalkxWha8E-Ahd7ulr8cnMfNQnEiZLcH-cx94cP9gTP67MyKu1KecZiqyZ8CtFya-yn-o-RokHylS1Y5j/s1600/P1070072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qsg6Q24KaDUSyV87DQUKJ9VAeccbO7CE_0u4Yha3iUOkgLbXeoBTeyW7YUvHalkxWha8E-Ahd7ulr8cnMfNQnEiZLcH-cx94cP9gTP67MyKu1KecZiqyZ8CtFya-yn-o-RokHylS1Y5j/s1600/P1070072.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Hassan Tower in Rabat, Morocco.<br />
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Started in 1195 Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour, the tower construction stopped when he died in 1199.<br />
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Accessible from central Rabat by foot or by taxi.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-83098427483621457922014-05-05T03:54:00.000-07:002014-05-05T03:54:31.062-07:00Trip Report: Chateau Pierrefonds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We wanted to head down to Blois and rent bikes to ride through the the Loire Valley to visit chateaux.<br />
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However, as we were looking to book train tickets down to Blois it was clear that the weather was going to be very average on the weekend. We decided that as much as we were keen to head out biking; we weren't that keen to go biking in the rain. We looked around the country and found that if we headed north the weather was likely to be finer.<br />
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One place we have been keen to see for a little while is the chateau/castle at Pierrefonds. However you can't get there by train. So we decided it seemed to be a good opportunity to do our biking, but up north.<br />
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We caught an early morning train up to a town called Compiegne. We had called the Compiegne bike rental company beforehand. They normally opened at 2:30, which was a little later than we wanted to start. Thus we called them and asked if they could open early for us. They said they could open at 10:30 for us. Sometimes learning french pays off.<br />
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We had to walk to the entrance to the Compiegne Forest. The bike rental people pull up in a van at the forest entrance where you pick up your bike.<br />
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We got our bikes and headed off to Pierrefonds. There is a paved cycle path all the way from Compiegne to Pierrefonds. It made a very nice and easy bike ride. Took us about an hour to get there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Biking the cycle path to Pierrefonds</i></td></tr>
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Pierrefonds is a nice town. It felt quite wealthy. The weather was coldish and overcast but not too bad. Our first stop was the castle.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Ll2qYA_wjVkFjJ3fc3Q04wHwLKoGLCS513Y5vf4Wbxivd1Cv5vPLc8DBBq-EZ6hUg5AdpJmAawhBjNyokFItGjWr308T4ROyE7pn7BT4rWNxZ40aZaowvC1doSzalPhenO_DRkLys0/s1600/3_May_2013+117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Ll2qYA_wjVkFjJ3fc3Q04wHwLKoGLCS513Y5vf4Wbxivd1Cv5vPLc8DBBq-EZ6hUg5AdpJmAawhBjNyokFItGjWr308T4ROyE7pn7BT4rWNxZ40aZaowvC1doSzalPhenO_DRkLys0/s320/3_May_2013+117.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>First view of the castle</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>View of Pierrefonds across the town square</i></td></tr>
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The castle was originally built between the 12th century and the 14th century. It was attacked in the early 1600's and was significantly damaged and was abandoned. It wasn't until the late 1800's when the castle was bought by Napoleon III who had it restored in a romantic style.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Entering the castle</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Inside the courtyard</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Drainpipes</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDlUjBC6V6Cg2u0uUhuJhcqVTInJLE5QajXAaK6RhT-BX-a4BvQwHXOz5OIVsoc4x18dGeCeywR3djIKHIYmgS3bUeR0ZfpLfH_EIVVZh6iRcDadlFaLlfQylReZsFa_0SP-4jsEQIHg/s1600/3_May_2013+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDlUjBC6V6Cg2u0uUhuJhcqVTInJLE5QajXAaK6RhT-BX-a4BvQwHXOz5OIVsoc4x18dGeCeywR3djIKHIYmgS3bUeR0ZfpLfH_EIVVZh6iRcDadlFaLlfQylReZsFa_0SP-4jsEQIHg/s320/3_May_2013+031.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Statuary</i></td></tr>
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The castle isn't lavishly decorated alike a Versailles or a Veax de Vicompte but the outside is one of the more impressive castles we have seen. The inside is very spartan. We took our bikes up, there wasn't anywhere to park them but the security guard said we could put them beside the security booth.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeLeZxFkgan8c4vzzxqmi-dnoenDZ4AX70LpAqTdsdAMdkcZIweJJ7ZCGAPFZJOo7hkyXpQF6_9tpnmLA1nIkpk0JmlNP0azDhV0Na0RhAP9Beh16QHmk2x3aJbeGzFF3LM6DOpKTh0A/s1600/3_May_2013+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeLeZxFkgan8c4vzzxqmi-dnoenDZ4AX70LpAqTdsdAMdkcZIweJJ7ZCGAPFZJOo7hkyXpQF6_9tpnmLA1nIkpk0JmlNP0azDhV0Na0RhAP9Beh16QHmk2x3aJbeGzFF3LM6DOpKTh0A/s320/3_May_2013+034.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Inside the castle chapel</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>The great hall</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucgqTOYPwQtJiazqJuImG1P5uhuqsoBu6Ox4TMHhgZu2UEnzd0vj5AQ9wS-SIEL-c0m4BLpUpDRVPPrydgjU2BCE1kRiath5lUeav_1l382kVIloQzz1T70CS5zh9EIMuAixsMnmlLQU/s1600/3_May_2013+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucgqTOYPwQtJiazqJuImG1P5uhuqsoBu6Ox4TMHhgZu2UEnzd0vj5AQ9wS-SIEL-c0m4BLpUpDRVPPrydgjU2BCE1kRiath5lUeav_1l382kVIloQzz1T70CS5zh9EIMuAixsMnmlLQU/s320/3_May_2013+065.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Looking across the courtyard</i></td></tr>
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We looked around inside for about an hour. We were pretty much the only ones there. The highlights we the chapel (apparently the only chapel with the pulpit above the choir), the collection of statuary from the original chateau, and the collection of plaster casts of funeral statuary. The funeral statuary was made several hundred years ago and were originally at Versailles. They were moved to Pierrefonds for safekeeping where they are now on display.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrTpxu4K1P_RDbiKO_TuD1hzppoOoqb2GC16J5EtCJ-DDAB9GnZWbhBOWyM1hK_WQDTk5UIAiLPbUyeDOMFDfnC5YAhJHJeUsk3RiBB5lp8Kh2gT4IATsZe6Xecw-VHwvWmg5CeASdFU/s1600/3_May_2013+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrTpxu4K1P_RDbiKO_TuD1hzppoOoqb2GC16J5EtCJ-DDAB9GnZWbhBOWyM1hK_WQDTk5UIAiLPbUyeDOMFDfnC5YAhJHJeUsk3RiBB5lp8Kh2gT4IATsZe6Xecw-VHwvWmg5CeASdFU/s320/3_May_2013+085.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>A somewhat hard to make out photo of the funeral statuary</i></td></tr>
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The chateau closes at around 1. We took the opportunity to bike around the town trying to get a good view of the chateau. We biked up a hill thinking we could get a good view from the top of a hill beside the chateau. Unfortunately there was no access to a good view from the top. We headed down into town to have lunch. There was a lake area where we pulled up the bikes and sat beside the lake for lunch. I had made a Spanish Torte. And we had some other bits and pieces.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKem8b-TTvDk4AoZP6cEz8MaDJ1S4W-83Pb-7tMoMGTcvH0A2qMVM-sUnJ9Jd1IUKlPF94nR8rIUpgYhMSFRrsWDuP8mJh_9MYkyI6FhLjyDWv0qoodJAKWqz3vcs9sD7oakYlssyhM7Y/s1600/3_May_2013+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKem8b-TTvDk4AoZP6cEz8MaDJ1S4W-83Pb-7tMoMGTcvH0A2qMVM-sUnJ9Jd1IUKlPF94nR8rIUpgYhMSFRrsWDuP8mJh_9MYkyI6FhLjyDWv0qoodJAKWqz3vcs9sD7oakYlssyhM7Y/s320/3_May_2013+161.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Pierrefonds castle walls</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlmvZxRKoIboH2DFNWnTzlQNbx3GIDsXEG_eJTDLs-n8fKCAxVkS2EqUcVG6YzC2SM8sq_Ct48iIZVPmQjLjJQApsRM7G_zykkCZc5jAqQFmD9WdB65WJGj2EPtGuRFJQ_HWlkH6V_-I/s1600/3_May_2013+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlmvZxRKoIboH2DFNWnTzlQNbx3GIDsXEG_eJTDLs-n8fKCAxVkS2EqUcVG6YzC2SM8sq_Ct48iIZVPmQjLjJQApsRM7G_zykkCZc5jAqQFmD9WdB65WJGj2EPtGuRFJQ_HWlkH6V_-I/s320/3_May_2013+096.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Looking over Pierrefonds town from the castle</i></td></tr>
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Once we had finished lunch we headed back to the chateau to look at a few final things. There were a lot more people at the chateau when we had returned. Partly, I think, because if you were driving from somewhere else in France it would probably take you until the early afternoon to get to Pierrefonds, but more likely because French people really don't do so much in the mornings.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvmE5p1nyNLQ1K9RhJlfVm0kjicZN7zai3PPyqRvhUpJv4yf4kyvbZ3s3KL_OZDViRrOvDM1ruhlnPEvIeKOG8_pNjeJqd2kaw6vqBDTkSNsmfgvg46i3njsuCVFw3d4slwkz5cCG0lY/s1600/3_May_2013+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvmE5p1nyNLQ1K9RhJlfVm0kjicZN7zai3PPyqRvhUpJv4yf4kyvbZ3s3KL_OZDViRrOvDM1ruhlnPEvIeKOG8_pNjeJqd2kaw6vqBDTkSNsmfgvg46i3njsuCVFw3d4slwkz5cCG0lY/s320/3_May_2013+140.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Last view of Pierrefonds</i></td></tr>
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Once we had finished at the chateau we saddled up our bikes and headed back into the forest. We took a turn off the cycle way and headed on the road through to our next stop.<br />
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Marshall Foch, in the First World War, chose the forest of Compiegne as the sight for the Germans to sign the armistice. The French arrived in one rail car on one side of the clearing, the German representatives arrived in another car on the other side of the clearing and they met for three days in a separate rail car in the middle of the clearing. Now there are concrete plinths showing where the event happened.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeaD6dQolFoGvUGpN33yIoPhsWLYsrOyRnb3i4Mj-va4b2A8x9wZQNOCuPwSUC8eT5LrtZodtXA2KH-GQV5yypBCFf-57dxs5KIOlRyKNgDRnczpmZo3BQ2XhPEDo8zz_yMETHU4zIyo/s1600/3_May_2013+192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeaD6dQolFoGvUGpN33yIoPhsWLYsrOyRnb3i4Mj-va4b2A8x9wZQNOCuPwSUC8eT5LrtZodtXA2KH-GQV5yypBCFf-57dxs5KIOlRyKNgDRnczpmZo3BQ2XhPEDo8zz_yMETHU4zIyo/s320/3_May_2013+192.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Looking across the armistice clearing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgtmhQWaqeiZ30mLGSn5wWEOJUPUoLJc3ecIKUP2KiX-A6hO75rWpZvoNPmDz0r5vkOGJj6j1mGTuQxnbuGxtIfopklV1CQBPaM5FvI8RsxYjCbFeJTbIHF6LaE-MRJxHPkbKHJvtNV8/s1600/3_May_2013+191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgtmhQWaqeiZ30mLGSn5wWEOJUPUoLJc3ecIKUP2KiX-A6hO75rWpZvoNPmDz0r5vkOGJj6j1mGTuQxnbuGxtIfopklV1CQBPaM5FvI8RsxYjCbFeJTbIHF6LaE-MRJxHPkbKHJvtNV8/s320/3_May_2013+191.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Site of the signing of the armistice</i></td></tr>
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Hitler returned to the clearing when he defeated the French in World War Two and forced the French to sign their surrender in the same rail car, in the same clearing, at the same time of the day as the World War One armistice. They then took the rail car to Berlin where it was eventually destroyed.<br />
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Now at the site there is a small (but really interesting) museum. They have built a replica of the rail car which takes pride of place in the museum. They also have a lot of memorabilia from the armistice and WW2.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ3rBP_pKmKdjazN0x6tyawgeL_FBT3vj3rIMKa6wCBNOOx3ngQpAUkDY8eYslojrply8nnE9OF76R_J0U44NZiuHHLUdZC7q9M_xmu6nNn-F6i3Eh79pw9yR4GSJK73PD2A_YAHBGUM/s1600/3_May_2013+195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQ3rBP_pKmKdjazN0x6tyawgeL_FBT3vj3rIMKa6wCBNOOx3ngQpAUkDY8eYslojrply8nnE9OF76R_J0U44NZiuHHLUdZC7q9M_xmu6nNn-F6i3Eh79pw9yR4GSJK73PD2A_YAHBGUM/s320/3_May_2013+195.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Replica rail car</i></td></tr>
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It was then time to jump in the bikes and head back to Compiegne. We had to navigate through some of the back roads in the forest (including some pretty sandy patches) to get back to the cycle way.<br />
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I think we were the first ones to rent bikes that day and we were the last ones back.<br />
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We had time to have a snack in Compiegne before we caught the train back to Paris.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-52139831932549819722014-04-28T04:19:00.001-07:002014-05-05T03:55:00.227-07:00Where in the world am I? (28 April 14) - with answer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here is the first photo - where in the world am I this week?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6tB-kRM0iqdAM9emVpBmptv0BoXLwLGM-C5xo2xeX0a6FjHHHgpOta9Zf-waDeihQtT8_AsHJXa-T55FxIJDEOiiuD6YLi2cW8dNqA6itln00DG0RqmB1cou0z-lB_xOTssgm3Lmvw5R/s1600/3_May_2013+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6tB-kRM0iqdAM9emVpBmptv0BoXLwLGM-C5xo2xeX0a6FjHHHgpOta9Zf-waDeihQtT8_AsHJXa-T55FxIJDEOiiuD6YLi2cW8dNqA6itln00DG0RqmB1cou0z-lB_xOTssgm3Lmvw5R/s1600/3_May_2013+140.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Answer: </b>Chateau de Pierrefonds.<br />
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Originally built in the 1600's but it then fell into ruins. It was substantially restored in the 1800's by Napoleon III.<br />
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To get there by public transport you should take the train to Compiengne and either bike or walk through the Forest of Compiengne, or take a taxi to Pierrefonds. It is 15km from Compiengne to Pierrefonds and I will put up a trip report with photos of our trip.<br />
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Next photo on Monday (Paris time)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-65255374615025181482014-04-24T06:35:00.000-07:002014-04-24T06:35:10.900-07:00Something new.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Its been a while since I did much with the blog/twitter account/Facebook page that i created to go along with the website.<br />
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Late last year I found full time employment which has limited the time I can spend on updating the website, however we are still travelling around France and around Europe on the weekends and on other holidays. As a result, I have a large number of photographs and corresponding stories of places both on and off the beaten track. I have been wondering what to do with these photos and stories and how I can integrate them into the things i started on beyond-paris.com.<br />
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Inspired by something a friend of mine started on her Facebook page, I have decided to start a "where in the world am I?" game.<br />
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On Monday, and each Monday, I am going to put up one of my photos from our travels around Europe (and beyond) with the question "where in the world am I?". Then on the Friday I will put up the answer to where the photo was taken and how you can get there (normally using public transport).<br />
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I will put the photo up on this blog, and also on my Facebook page (search for us as Beyond Paris), so if you prefer to play on Facebook, feel free to like the page to stay up to date. I will also send it out via Twitter (@beyond_paris).<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-54464444856960259032013-07-08T04:46:00.001-07:002013-07-08T04:46:50.005-07:00Photos from Beyond ParisThis photo is of the main hall at the Royal Chateau at Compiegne - about 1 1/2 hours north of Paris.<br />
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I'll be adding details of Compiegne, and the nearby Chateau Pierrefonds to the site shortly.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-25366922986435904312012-11-20T07:26:00.002-08:002012-11-20T07:27:04.885-08:00Photos from Beyond Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Tour Jeanne d'Arc where Joan of Arc was bought to be threatened with torture in Rouen in 1431.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHzkH9LTTntbobx_23e0YFxOv9JtFfEshnkBolP_rbDGaVecfGYxQfv3eb6xaSjeqtF44iicY6rwsm7SbULGznf8y54OgKvC32RAZ1918rRaJWt8Y3SJVJ0JD5zEPpQlTMePI58OVnQPB/s1600/IMG_5682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHzkH9LTTntbobx_23e0YFxOv9JtFfEshnkBolP_rbDGaVecfGYxQfv3eb6xaSjeqtF44iicY6rwsm7SbULGznf8y54OgKvC32RAZ1918rRaJWt8Y3SJVJ0JD5zEPpQlTMePI58OVnQPB/s320/IMG_5682.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/rouen.html" target="_blank">Find out more on Rouen and how to get there on public transport from Paris.</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-6246046411259448162012-11-13T12:47:00.001-08:002012-11-13T12:47:12.070-08:00New town added: BloisJust added a new town to the "Great Towns" section of the website: Blois.<br />
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Blois has been one of our favorite towns that we have visited. It is the perfect small French town, just a little off the beaten track - not too touristy, but with enough to see and do.<br />
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We dropped down for a weekend, leaving Paris on the Friday night and returning on the Saturday evening. However, the weather didn't co-operate, and we chose a time when many places were shut. We will be heading back next Spring/Summer to explore more.<br />
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See <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/blois.html">http://www.beyond-paris.com/blois.html</a> for details.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-18067340926262558362012-11-06T08:21:00.002-08:002012-11-06T08:21:59.432-08:00Photos from Beyond Paris13th Century Stained glass window from Chartres Cathedral.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtfjMCkZojFyNUwnpYUQSW5W3e2PJJMsbHuytLEnGVOCSnXYwZAz_s4ZpiXfMkGqla91OlA7FaDp5JEWp2g3xtsPe7hYaHjRWEtvemGoRmZ68woSrH6Es1aL8nhDugD7iiynNgQKMzudO/s1600/P1010186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtfjMCkZojFyNUwnpYUQSW5W3e2PJJMsbHuytLEnGVOCSnXYwZAz_s4ZpiXfMkGqla91OlA7FaDp5JEWp2g3xtsPe7hYaHjRWEtvemGoRmZ68woSrH6Es1aL8nhDugD7iiynNgQKMzudO/s320/P1010186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/chartres-cathedral.html" target="_blank">Find out more about the cathedral at Chartres and how to get there.</a> </div>
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Beyond Paris specialises in providing first-hand information and advice on day trips from Paris using public transport. Check out the website at <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/">www.beyond-paris.com</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-27612213676221366892012-11-02T10:23:00.001-07:002012-11-02T10:47:31.947-07:00Paris off the beaten track: Following Lady LibertyParis is full of major must see monuments, sights, and museums. However, hidden within the small side streets of Paris and down some of the less traveled boulevards there are some hidden gems; secret sights that are off the beaten track but are well worth visiting. Not only will they give you some photos of Paris that are different from your friends and family, but they will also give you an insight into the real Paris of today, and the Paris of yesterday.<br />
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This weekends off the beaten track in Paris takes in three different locations.<br />
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The other week I posted on the work of Gustave Eiffel, noting that one of his major accomplishments was the structural engineering inside the famous Statue of Liberty (which was of course conceived and designed Frederick Bartholdi) in New York. No one, even those not of American heritage, can help but be moved at the poignant symbolism of this major global landmark<br />
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Paris' link with the famous statue is a strong one, and long felt. The original statue was designed and constructed in Paris . While I haven't managed to track down exactly where the statue was constructed, there have been a number of photos uncovered of the statue being built in Paris. Where ever it was, it would have been amazing to have seen it being built. The head and the arm holding the flame were displayed at different events in Paris during their construction.<br />
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Today there are a number of reminders of the link between France, and especially Paris, and the Statue of Liberty. Today's post visits three of them.<br />
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The first stop is on the border of the 16th and 15th arrondissements. If you have taken the RER to Versailles and been facing backwards, and looked out the window at just the right time, you may have had a "what the...." moment as very quickly a miniature version of the Statue of Liberty standing on an island in the middle of the Seine flashes by.<br />
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The island is called Ile aux Cygnes (island of swans). The scale model is 11.5m/37ft9in tall and the book in Lady Liberty's hand carries the inscription "IV Julliet 1776 = XIV Julliet 1789" which equates "Bastille Day" with American Independence Day. The statue was given to the people of France by the "American Community of Paris" to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. It was inaugurated by French President Carnot on the 14th of July 1889, three years after the inauguration of the New York statue.<br />
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To get to Ile aux Cygnes either take the RER C line to Champ de Mars or the 6 line to Bir Hakeim and walk along the Seine away from the Eiffel Tower. The other option is the 10 line to Javel Andre Citron.<br />
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If you want to do a trip across Paris and visit all three sights, from here you can catch the RER C line heading into Paris. Get off at Alma Marceau. Cross the Seine to find the second link between Paris and the New York icon.<br />
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Standing on top of the Pont de l'Alma underpass is a full-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty's flame. Called "The Flame of Liberty" the statue was a gift to the people of Paris by the International Herald Tribune newspaper. It celebrated the 100th anniversary of the publishing of an English-language newspaper in France and was also, at the same time, a token of thanks for the work undertaken by France in the restoration of the the New York Statue of Liberty.<br />
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The Flame of Liberty was inaugurated by Jacques Chirac in 1989. In 1997 Diana, Princess of Wales died in a car crash in the Pont de l'Ama tunnel and the Flame monument has since become a memorial to the life and death of Diana with people often leaving flowers, pictures, letters, poems, and, on the anniversary of her death, sometimes candles in her memory.<br />
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For the next stop, jump back on the RER C line, in the same direction as before (towards Invalides) and change to the RER A line at St-Michel Notre-Dame. Hop off the RER at Luxembourg. Exit the RER station using exit number 1. At the top of the stairs is the Jardin du Luxembourg, one of Paris' major parks and home to the French Senate (there is also a pretty good ice cream stand as well!). Enter the gardens and go straight ahead in to the middle of the garden. As you come to the lake in the the middle of the Garden, go around the lake to the left and when you reach the other side, turn left again along the side of the garden and take the first set of stairs on your right. Go up the stairs and head straight down the tree lined alley.<br />
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At the end of the alley is what could be called the original Statue of Liberty. The scale model in bronze was apparently part of the preparation works for the larger statue in New York. Bartholdi gave the statue as part of the Universal Exhibition in 1900 and was moved to the Luxembourg Gardens in 1906.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb17TQBLhXNfDThlXAgG6YWcDizp9_qhz7yacmQRlAcGZjvi30FCmw5HfH70GU3hBp-4luLIQSBOWODtSXzg_1yt8fEtY8iL_oEE5XlZfhcLsbSCAa5_pFsgyRG1SuPu7Q9zi35qd7Fs_/s1600/Iphone+Photo+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb17TQBLhXNfDThlXAgG6YWcDizp9_qhz7yacmQRlAcGZjvi30FCmw5HfH70GU3hBp-4luLIQSBOWODtSXzg_1yt8fEtY8iL_oEE5XlZfhcLsbSCAa5_pFsgyRG1SuPu7Q9zi35qd7Fs_/s320/Iphone+Photo+150.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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This statue has inscribed on its book "IV Julliet 1889" the date of the inauguration of the larger Parisian statue (on Ile aux Cygnes). This statue is one of many in the park, and if you haven't visited the Luxembourg Gardens, they are a great place to visit on a nice day.<br />
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Also of note, right next door to the Statue of Liberty, is an American Oak tree planted to remember those who died in the September 11 2001 attacks.<br />
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If you want to complete your tour of Statue of Liberty items in Paris, you should visit the Musee des Arts et Metiers at 60 Rue Reaumur in the 3rd arrondissement Inside the medieval abbey church of St-Martin-des-Champs is a scale model at 1/16 the size of the original, and two models of the construction of the actual statue. I haven't had a chance to get to this museum yet, but as soon as I do, I will update this post with photos from my visit. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpEfuA5YVPRXTTAjcL6EimW9xMHjo71dEANzeVXYIkjYEKULlyJ63VV44eFqphotROX544KAtRHpwA_b5Eck0bvV9hvha8q0hWJ3OZzjqyIaxKQYn88GsJoDgl7PmWPelQm51cQh9dbPb/s1600/Iphone+Photo+151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpEfuA5YVPRXTTAjcL6EimW9xMHjo71dEANzeVXYIkjYEKULlyJ63VV44eFqphotROX544KAtRHpwA_b5Eck0bvV9hvha8q0hWJ3OZzjqyIaxKQYn88GsJoDgl7PmWPelQm51cQh9dbPb/s320/Iphone+Photo+151.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
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For other activities that are off the beaten track and to get a taste of the real France, explore options for day trips from Paris using public transport on <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/">www.beyond-paris.com</a>.<br />
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Keep up to date with upcoming "off the beaten track" locations, and ideas for day trips from Paris on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Paris/510862218930829?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and our <a href="https://twitter.com/beyond_paris" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-72226467810899748452012-10-29T13:05:00.004-07:002012-10-29T13:05:50.271-07:00Trip Report: FontainebleauThis is our trip report from Fontainebleau. We went a little while ago, as you will be able to tell from the photos - the weather was much nicer when we went down than it has been recently. We had tried to make it to Fontainebleau three times before, but for various reasons we never quite made it down. Finally we made it down. We only knew three things about Fontainebleau:<br />
1) It has a famous chateau<br />
2) The town is reportedly well worth seeing.<br />
3) It has a famous forest where the kings used to hunt.<br />
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So again, we took the train out of Paris (from a new station this time: Gare de Lyon) to Fontainebleau. Train travel is getting much easier to manage.<br />
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We arrived in Fontainebleau at around lunchtime, and scorning the bus (which was packed with tourists) decided to walk the 4 kilometres to the Chateau, thereby seeing the purportedly cute town on the way:<br />
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The Chateau is similar to the others we've seen in that it has an open U shaped forecourt, with the entrance at the "bottom" of the U, but<br />
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The rooms inside are as ornate as Versailles, but somehow manage to feel more homely, and less ostentatious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZoxv1g86LDh_28S3iFu1wgaq9yY6RHdxyM2lctO4m16OiDhSOkTfLJp0pXwVpsXbDaEmn2nJNwxZna0lg_W4UdR6QJz2KBMtdB6eY4s5sWJ8t1gUld5fwNPq6honhENj52LvyH22V0/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZoxv1g86LDh_28S3iFu1wgaq9yY6RHdxyM2lctO4m16OiDhSOkTfLJp0pXwVpsXbDaEmn2nJNwxZna0lg_W4UdR6QJz2KBMtdB6eY4s5sWJ8t1gUld5fwNPq6honhENj52LvyH22V0/s320/photo4.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
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Key differences from Versailles:<br />
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1) Many of the original furnishings are still at Fontainebleau;<br />
2) There's no consistent theme to the rooms' decor, or even their layout - many of them represent different periods in the royal history of France;<br />
3) The ceilings are way cooler- lots of different geometric patterns and decoration styles;<br />
4) There are many walls entirely covered in amazing tapestries;<br />
5) The walls are also decorated with sculptures as well as paintings.<br />
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For example- the tapestries and other furnishings:<br />
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One of the cool ceilings:<br />
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The amazing library:<br />
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Another tapestry and furniture inside the Chateau:<br />
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The King's bedroom:<br />
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The roof of one of the staircases:<br />
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The chapel inside the Chateau:<br />
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Fontainebleau also has formal gardens - the largest in France. Again, these are less coherent than Versailles, but also more charming, but also designed by Andre le Notre. This is the view back over one of the lakes to the side of the palace:<br />
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One of the main lakes, with a summerhouse set on the lake, and the chateau in the background:<br />
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Another view of the formal gardens, with Fontainebleau's Grand Canal (much less grand than Versailles's: about 1/5 of the length, less than 1/2 the width, and without the cross bar) in the distance. We ate lunch by the right hand side of the Grand Canal in this photo but got chased away by swarms of midgets who liked our apples.<br />
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After lunch (at about 4 o'clock!) and some roaming around the gardens, we saw a little path leading as far into the distance as we could see. It went into the forest. Knowing that the forest was also famous, we decided to follow the path. This is about halfway down; you can see there's a hill at the far end:<br />
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In yesterday's photos there were some shots looking back from the top of the hotel toward the chateau. This photo is on that same line, but within the grounds of the chateau (about 2 kilometres from that hill).<br />
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We climbed up the hill, and took this photo looking back over the Chateau. If you follow the line as far as you can, the Chateau is there:<br />
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A photo from the same location, but zoomed so you can just identify the Chateau above the trees:<br />
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Another view from the top of the hill, this time over the countryside and forest:<br />
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Part of the walk to get there- nice to have something approaching a bushwalk!<br />
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We explored through the forest for a bit, and then decided to walk the approximately 6 kilometres back to the train. Once we were out of the track in the previous photos, we cut through the park at Fontainebleau. It was very beautiful- so much greenery! This is one of the glades we walked through.<br />
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Returning through the glades at the end of the day, we caught this glimpse of the chateau through the trees:<br />
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We arrived at the train station just a few minutes before the next train, and arrived back in Paris about 10 pm. Another very good day. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-45081575663499976352012-10-19T07:33:00.002-07:002012-10-19T08:03:35.725-07:00Paris off the beaten track: A walk between two artworksParis is full of major must see monuments, sights, and museums. However, hidden within the small side streets of Paris and down some of the less traveled boulevards there are some hidden gems; secret sights that are off the beaten track but are well worth visiting. Not only will they give you some photos of Paris that are different from your friends and family, but they will also give you an insight into the real Paris of today, and the Paris of yesterday.<br />
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The 18th arrondissement, Montmartre, home of the Sacre Coeur and Place du Tertre, is not really one of those places that you would call 'off the beaten track'. In places the 18th is absolutely heaving with tourists, souvenir sellers, and con artist (especially the bracelet scam at the bottom of the Sacre Coeur).<br />
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Many tourists (and by no means all) make the treck from the Anvers Metro station, up Rue de Steinkerque, through the bracelet scammers, up the Montmartre Funicular, around the Sacre Coeur and across to Place du Tertre. However, here is an option for seeing a little bit of the real 18th (and by no means all of the real 18th) for getting to the top of Montmartre while picking up a few interesting sights on the way.<br />
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[side note: when I started preparing this post, I wanted to look at two pieces of art in the 18th. These have become the bookends for this walk, and the other items are bits that I found as I made my way between the two places].<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Square Rictus</i></td></tr>
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This walk starts at the Abbesses metro station. Make your way out of the metro station and you surface in a little plaza called Place des Abbesses. To get your bearings, there will be a large red church in front of you (Eglise Saint Jean de Montmartre) and behind you is a park, Square Rictus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRFy7Er9Dh1s1V57fzx85Zg7tTVwrBmZWguvDkPBeFPKWYOWdiqm-vIvWSNNGJfNqCYP8dBjb_iaT8tiL3F3IhC8uKnbkrbJWyJumi7-5Eugyh84r3HsnOMa-bgOek4KHwh5D-MagAXMR/s1600/Iphone+Photo+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRFy7Er9Dh1s1V57fzx85Zg7tTVwrBmZWguvDkPBeFPKWYOWdiqm-vIvWSNNGJfNqCYP8dBjb_iaT8tiL3F3IhC8uKnbkrbJWyJumi7-5Eugyh84r3HsnOMa-bgOek4KHwh5D-MagAXMR/s320/Iphone+Photo+006.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The first stop is in Square Rictus, named after the famous Montmartre Poet Jehan Rictus (1867 - 1933) It is open from 08h00 (9h00 on weekends and holidays) - 18h30. Head into the park and turn left about halfway down and you will come across the piece of art known as "je t'aime" or the "I love you mural". Created in 2000 by artist Frederique Bardon and calligrapher Claire Kito, the mural, made of blue tiles with white writing, displays the words "I love you" in 311 different languages.<br />
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Frederique Bardon's idea was that just as love has a day, Valentines day, with the creation of the wall, it now also has a meeting place, in the 18th arrondissement. There is more information on the wall and its creators at <a href="http://www.lesjetaime.com/english">http://www.lesjetaime.com/english</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5w1Iy1Ol73EGalToY5F-R-yp_mWc8fftRLwt7a3fwlEjYDI5Yl2PD0fgrTTMEDici0EFbAZw0A92pKXQGaPJW_xWa7SV5lr2gTLmD1NsgIPKNS2zlRdIAmkY1xXGCfhBShO1tlQKbVeO1/s1600/Iphone+Photo+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5w1Iy1Ol73EGalToY5F-R-yp_mWc8fftRLwt7a3fwlEjYDI5Yl2PD0fgrTTMEDici0EFbAZw0A92pKXQGaPJW_xWa7SV5lr2gTLmD1NsgIPKNS2zlRdIAmkY1xXGCfhBShO1tlQKbVeO1/s320/Iphone+Photo+014.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The second stop is the red church, just across the road from Place des Abbesses. The church is the church of Saint Jean de Montmartre. The church makes beautiful use of tiles, both inside and outside, but is actually more famous for being the first church made out of reinforced concrete. At the time of its construction there was immense skepticism about the use of reinforced cement as it went against some of the construction rules of the time and consequently delayed the construction of the church for several years. The church also has a number of Art Nouveau stained glass windows and some great murals and mosaic work (including the alter) inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKlHtFxcNdA-suDeh7PPj1iPAZy30trH58UvFA9AbHnlpTianvX3qHxRkQIFxwF6hyphenhyphenJtEJKEdVuCEFg_ZS_qUOgJHTfPgJV8pmjMLOjZGSOV4SKh6KGUiLooi37SHzTf6LtaM8HcAjKT1/s1600/Iphone+Photo+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKlHtFxcNdA-suDeh7PPj1iPAZy30trH58UvFA9AbHnlpTianvX3qHxRkQIFxwF6hyphenhyphenJtEJKEdVuCEFg_ZS_qUOgJHTfPgJV8pmjMLOjZGSOV4SKh6KGUiLooi37SHzTf6LtaM8HcAjKT1/s320/Iphone+Photo+041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now its time to start the walk up the Montmartre hill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNY7RNqbdsAQqybveAaNkQ-lBd0Q4fOcvlU7z7SlEwlsEz1Wkql4Vq9EfOP3ITIpCkI8PUo5cJ-sPvKdzkbyOSmzKdEfTPQ0OaEQwL-EMbjEvj8lhpTnd3uykkr44cVdN2oygzKH4PisD/s1600/Iphone+Photo+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNY7RNqbdsAQqybveAaNkQ-lBd0Q4fOcvlU7z7SlEwlsEz1Wkql4Vq9EfOP3ITIpCkI8PUo5cJ-sPvKdzkbyOSmzKdEfTPQ0OaEQwL-EMbjEvj8lhpTnd3uykkr44cVdN2oygzKH4PisD/s320/Iphone+Photo+050.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Come out of the church and turn left - cross the road as soon as you can. The first road on your right is Passage de Abbesses. The passage is home to designers and creative types, and has a strange calmness about it, especially after the bustle of Place des Abbesses. At the end of the Passage, on your right, is a little hidden garden, which is in fact the back of Square Rictus, but feels like a completely different place; it has a nice community garden kind of feel to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQGgZDoDFZH4Lu-xWVSPTirgspKp9Yb9Jbi0eNbEDC8-wQqorCgbphdakebZE1uUsHQ56hAdgf341zBE2f05UWQXnhPnH9LCqfBiGjHVEUcJ6uYKF59Iq3iq15_jhcp4YWTRl0FWRTTOW/s1600/Iphone+Photo+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQGgZDoDFZH4Lu-xWVSPTirgspKp9Yb9Jbi0eNbEDC8-wQqorCgbphdakebZE1uUsHQ56hAdgf341zBE2f05UWQXnhPnH9LCqfBiGjHVEUcJ6uYKF59Iq3iq15_jhcp4YWTRl0FWRTTOW/s320/Iphone+Photo+089.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Check out the modern take of Edward Hoppers "Nighthawkes" on one of the walls.<br />
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Head up the steps. At the top of the stairs is Rue des 3 Freres. Turn left on Rue des 3 Freres and take the next right at the park/plaza up the short set of stairs. This will put you on Rue Ravignan.<br />
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The next stop is where Rue Ravignan meets Rue Gabrielle. A small plaque will show you were Pablo Picasso had his first Parisian workshop which he shared with Max Jacob in 1900. The story goes that Max would work during the day and sleep at night while Picasso would sleep during the day and work at night.. While it is not a tourist attraction, it appears that it is possible to rent the room as a serviced apartment should you wish to follow in the footsteps of the late great master.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVaT0pFZnD-Or8JwdhcXVLlCxwnAzggJhIf80cl_HtoSVBvthYyZ5gwnB_JXw8gHr8OR153osF8OTsEuCYOO7wTJ8UlIXEuJe-IeJq5orXy_dHRrAF0zjEydqJaPAacgeKMJH8FLXSk19/s1600/Iphone+Photo+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVaT0pFZnD-Or8JwdhcXVLlCxwnAzggJhIf80cl_HtoSVBvthYyZ5gwnB_JXw8gHr8OR153osF8OTsEuCYOO7wTJ8UlIXEuJe-IeJq5orXy_dHRrAF0zjEydqJaPAacgeKMJH8FLXSk19/s320/Iphone+Photo+063.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Head up the hill directly behind you (Place Jean-Baptiste Clément) and turn right into Rue Lepic. At the top of Rue Lepic is a peculiar building - octagonal shaped in white marble and surrounded by vines this interesting building which was originally a water tank and tower is now home to the "Montmartre wine brotherhood" founded in 1983. Closely tied with the small wine industry of Montmartre, the building is "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21.75px;">A former water fountain which has become a temple to Bacchus"</span>. It appears that the facility is available for weddings and special occasions.<br />
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Also worth noting is that at 54 Rue Lepic is a house where Vincent van Gogh lived for two years with his brother in 1886.<br />
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At the end of Rue Lepic is Rue Norvins. Turn left onto Rue Norvins until you come to 2 Rue Norvins. An especially hard location to find as Google Maps takes you (logically) to number 1 Rue Norvins, which is by Place du Tertre, however number 2 is at the other end of Rue Norvins from Place du Tertre (so if someone is trying to paint your image you have gone the wrong way).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo0epwU5lxWMmDT2sUXVYR6VvMz7sSJ2jLXMJceOpNa8zljHwXbiAq7oB7UzU33Hv70RyaPO1VV9IDEWrjbVPlZl40mOmtJr_qck1JwaY4lk8e6TllWnK7EzyVqYVA6RaJm0XQTdLuX1f/s1600/Iphone+Photo+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo0epwU5lxWMmDT2sUXVYR6VvMz7sSJ2jLXMJceOpNa8zljHwXbiAq7oB7UzU33Hv70RyaPO1VV9IDEWrjbVPlZl40mOmtJr_qck1JwaY4lk8e6TllWnK7EzyVqYVA6RaJm0XQTdLuX1f/s320/Iphone+Photo+069.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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Just below a little park on your left as you reach the end of Rue Norvins is Place Marcel Ayme. Here is the second piece of art, and the last stop on the route. It is the statue called "Passer through Walls" or in French "Le Passe-Muraille". This statue is in memory of the famous Montmartre author Marcel Ayme who lived near by and is inspired by his short story about a man who can pass through walls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4XOqfWM6CDaS5Fi2ZIqmdq6CIYsJWolUmIfVXuwalUVZoSe7aFHHAyu2gITYTbxYK-wwTWejLHSyOhWIctzinyb9clSHJd_dzRze2HKxtQzHvqA6tzJZFFz2K5y3lKJvJ8fNJ5IggTA_/s1600/Iphone+Photo+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4XOqfWM6CDaS5Fi2ZIqmdq6CIYsJWolUmIfVXuwalUVZoSe7aFHHAyu2gITYTbxYK-wwTWejLHSyOhWIctzinyb9clSHJd_dzRze2HKxtQzHvqA6tzJZFFz2K5y3lKJvJ8fNJ5IggTA_/s320/Iphone+Photo+078.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Marcel Ayme is buried in Montmartre cemetery An interesting touch is the brass bottom that someone has added to the wall to the top right of the statue. Also interesting is the number of guided walking tour groups who walk right by this statue as they explore Montmartre; people don't seem to see it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEV65GV_XOAKZxlsUsfaTjgT3BqoUs8O9BMbj4o_ms64W2T8E9vccvMUHQcMAip5eVK8LJw-rA3cOlrbIGCGDDLORf_3ljsDlI4Ib9MW-QM7MEOwd1MTC2-MovdOLeLB9UUBPZN58ynKc/s1600/Iphone+Photo+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEV65GV_XOAKZxlsUsfaTjgT3BqoUs8O9BMbj4o_ms64W2T8E9vccvMUHQcMAip5eVK8LJw-rA3cOlrbIGCGDDLORf_3ljsDlI4Ib9MW-QM7MEOwd1MTC2-MovdOLeLB9UUBPZN58ynKc/s320/Iphone+Photo+072.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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From here it is possible to head back along Rue Norvins and visit Place du Tertre and the Sacre Couer, or head around the corner, back onto Rue Lepic, to the giant windmill "Moulin de la Galette" immortalised by Montmartre-based artists such as Renior and van Gogh.<br />
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For other activities that are off the beaten track and to get a taste of the real France, explore options for day trips from Paris using public transport on <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/">www.beyond-paris.com</a>.<br />
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Keep up to date with upcoming "off the beaten track" locations, and ideas for day trips from Paris on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Paris/510862218930829?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and our <a href="https://twitter.com/beyond_paris" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-56343443003085718472012-10-12T08:09:00.001-07:002012-10-12T08:09:54.651-07:00Paris off the beaten track: Visiting Gustave EiffelParis is full of major must see monuments, sights, and museums. However, hidden within the small side streets of Paris and down some of the less traveled boulevards there are some hidden gems; secret sights that are off the beaten track but are well worth visiting. Not only will they give you some photos of Paris that are different from your friends and family, but they will also give you an insight into the real Paris of today, and the Paris of yesterday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSnRxVPPtE50azlgt9iP0XWF8at_bwiuW2rPFpyuL3QbVhXB4lRnTQzHC7ftXT2lnzZBbuMBj1IkB4f9S96jajw0yYZsyOvF4odRvDucOq5enwR0VqprFFuTek-We6efnJnpcfuMGGTnF/s1600/Iphone+Photo+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSnRxVPPtE50azlgt9iP0XWF8at_bwiuW2rPFpyuL3QbVhXB4lRnTQzHC7ftXT2lnzZBbuMBj1IkB4f9S96jajw0yYZsyOvF4odRvDucOq5enwR0VqprFFuTek-We6efnJnpcfuMGGTnF/s320/Iphone+Photo+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While Gustave Eiffel was born in Dijon, he is best known for Paris' most famous landmark - The Eiffel Tower. However, while Eiffel's tower is his best known work in France (and probably only rivaled by his Statue of Liberty in New York) it isn't the only remnant of Eiffel in Paris.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICId3Nqk5pkEDMAxxwXHR_FkIKLs4v7jJUbLzS-Mj1qqRbN2TzsFT7lguT6OYky_5GoL4noo916R-u-WCuolBqBsaUcdnXgOYj4a-HMVmMnSJz8-Ii8Gcs7Y1anClO04NlLrUnUe9zajo/s1600/Iphone+Photo+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICId3Nqk5pkEDMAxxwXHR_FkIKLs4v7jJUbLzS-Mj1qqRbN2TzsFT7lguT6OYky_5GoL4noo916R-u-WCuolBqBsaUcdnXgOYj4a-HMVmMnSJz8-Ii8Gcs7Y1anClO04NlLrUnUe9zajo/s320/Iphone+Photo+004.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Eiffel's final resting place is in a small suburb just outside of Paris, Levallois-Perret, in the Cimetiere de Levallois-Perret.<br />
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In the Cimetiere de Levallois-Perret is the family tomb of the Eiffel family. The crypt is, for obvious reasons, well maintain, as is the whole cemetery. Inside the crypt is a metal cross and pictures of members of the family who are buried within.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9-IahfbjzbWaquWLiZvDNw-S15ZZ5_iCtFvJrSkC2qPq-lxlrhddyjIyq_dBC0OYArsRdr7SGxCD6Zfld8g7HIgJij0N0MS8D3MnuL4knUaXjw7p5PUIpQl2Bc9S6GTHC0TSDU4MMnpq/s1600/Iphone+Photo+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9-IahfbjzbWaquWLiZvDNw-S15ZZ5_iCtFvJrSkC2qPq-lxlrhddyjIyq_dBC0OYArsRdr7SGxCD6Zfld8g7HIgJij0N0MS8D3MnuL4knUaXjw7p5PUIpQl2Bc9S6GTHC0TSDU4MMnpq/s320/Iphone+Photo+016.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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What is obvious about the tomb is that it is out of line with all the other tombs in the area surrounding it. This is because the tomb has been aligned to face the Eiffel Tower - although it is not actually possible to see the tower from the cemetery.<br />
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Outside the tomb is some fresh flowers, a well sculptured tree and a small sign acknowledging Eiffel's important contribution to Paris architecture - not just the Eiffel Tower, but his other works as well.<br />
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Also in the cemetery is a very small set of war graves (around 30), including graves for UK, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand war dead where the Union Jack is flying. Levallois was the site for the Hertford British Hospital (now l'institu Hospotalier Franco-Britannique).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM5J_vL9gNxWn6AONt0asglRlhhYUvqvA7ImNj2Xqbr-UKlw59LJI5F9TyohgcKgAWD3_FzYibSPCWEP_8cnBPitLRofubOO2HIq-_EslarX7mwwwfG3EJkvhy_awaAIwAgVtL217Ow_x/s1600/Iphone+Photo+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM5J_vL9gNxWn6AONt0asglRlhhYUvqvA7ImNj2Xqbr-UKlw59LJI5F9TyohgcKgAWD3_FzYibSPCWEP_8cnBPitLRofubOO2HIq-_EslarX7mwwwfG3EJkvhy_awaAIwAgVtL217Ow_x/s320/Iphone+Photo+020.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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Also of interest is the the cemetery is the grave of Maurice Ravel, who composed the famous classical piece "Bolero", the "Red Virgin of Montmarte" Louise Michel, and because of the importance of Levallois to the birth of the French Taxi industry (G7 began its first incarnation in Levallois), there is a memorial to fallen taxi drivers as well (remembering that many taxi drivers died taking soldiers to the front lines of the war).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGgDbyTrA87AkyrgAks-SuRntm7QGzb2sExlsCwkMSemgWZlfKn0Uwg6-Nhe2e3z_d4qsNZsBB-1zAgrWFOUsAJzFPrJHpXDCHYQ9y0HFQOvhd5jlRp9xXH8HXKQqDHtnwBCqvnkcG_yI/s1600/Iphone+Photo+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGgDbyTrA87AkyrgAks-SuRntm7QGzb2sExlsCwkMSemgWZlfKn0Uwg6-Nhe2e3z_d4qsNZsBB-1zAgrWFOUsAJzFPrJHpXDCHYQ9y0HFQOvhd5jlRp9xXH8HXKQqDHtnwBCqvnkcG_yI/s320/Iphone+Photo+027.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>How to get there:</b> To get to the cemetery take the Metro 3 line to the end of the line at Pont de Levallois Becon. to Pierre. There are two options - the nicer walk is to Metro exit number 1 and follow Avenue Georges Pompidou through Place Georges Pompidou. After you have passed through a small square park and gone down Rue Leon Jamin, turn right when you reach the school (College Louis Bleriot) and then left again along Rue Collange following the side of the school. This will take you to Place du 11 Novembre 1918. This is the corner of the cemetery. Take Rue Baudin to the entrance to the cemetery.<br />
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The other option is to take exit 3 from the metro and follow Rue Baudin (head towards Square Mathilde Giraud, it should be on your right). You can follow this road all the way to the the cemetery entrance. Its less scenic, but you do get to see this.<br />
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When you enter the cemetery, head straight down the main driveway until you reach a large round memorial in the centre of the the road. Turn right at the roundabout. The tomb is on the corner of divisions 5, 6 and 7.<br />
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For other activities that are off the beaten track and to get a taste of the real France, explore options for day trips from Paris using public transport on <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/">www.beyond-paris.com</a>.<br />
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Keep up to date with upcoming "off the beaten track" locations, and ideas for day trips from Paris on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Paris/510862218930829?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and our <a href="https://twitter.com/beyond_paris" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-15755975977207327632012-10-08T07:58:00.000-07:002012-10-20T14:56:33.271-07:00Trip Report: Day trip from Paris to ProvinsIf you're looking a place to do as a day trip excursion from Paris, and you have an interest in things medieval, then Provins might be the place for you. If you want to know what to expect, here is our trip report from Provins....<br />
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A while ago we headed Southeast to the Medieval town of Provins, a UNESCO world heritage site. We caught the train from Gare de l’Est (the East Train Station). We were running a little late (or at least close to time) and had some fun trying to find the right ticket machine to buy tickets. It was interesting to see how far we had come since our first visit to Gare de l’Est when we went to Chartres. We had much less trouble this time and caught our train with time to spare. The trip is about an hour or so by train.<br />
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Provins is not one of the more well-known tourist attractions, although we really enjoyed it, and it means that there were a lot less English tourists. The town is more set up for French tourists, which meant that there was a lot of French spoken, but not a lot of English. We got by just fine, which was encouraging. We arrived just after lunch time and were feeling pretty hungry, so we walked into the main part of town and found a Patisserie. We picked up a few things from a local bakery and found a grassy spot behind a church to enjoy the afternoon sun. It turned out the church we were sitting behind was Saint-Ayoul Church and was originally built in the 12 Century with major upgrades in the 16th Century.<br />
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The church near which we ate:<br />
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After lunch we began to wander around the town. It is split into two parts: the lower town and the upper town. We were in the lower town to start with and just followed our noses for a bit. We found a bell tower. This was the bell tower for the church and cloister of Notre Dame du Val which was destroyed during the French Revolution.<br />
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At the foot of the bell tower was a map which had a heritage walk which we decided to follow. This took us up the road a little further to the Sainte Croix church. The church is closed to visitors and looked in pretty bad repair. Like Saint Ayoul, it was originally built in the 12thCentury and restored in the 16th.
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We continued to follow the path up towards the upper town and came across what looked like a church that was open. There were steps leading down to the crypt with an open sign on the door which said souterrain– not really sure what we were going to we went in and purchased a ‘Pass Provins’ for 9 Euro (much cheaper than the major attractions in Paris) which let us in to a vaulted basement. It was quite dark and it appeared to be just a large basement area, albeit with a cool ceiling. There was a French speaking tour of the basement being undertaken in the corner but we ignored it. However the guide invited us to join them for the ‘tour’. He took us through a grate we hadn’t really seen, and into a massive underground cave structure. Provins was a major wool production centre and in the 18th and 19th Centuries the ground was mined for a type of clay that was used to degrease the wool. It was quite amazing to see. There were all sorts of rooms which had been constructed. There was also graffiti from the 18th and 19th century.<br />
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We came back into the light and explored the rest of the upper town:</div>
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The three major features are Caesar’s Tower, The Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church and the ramparts. On the way up we visited the Provins museum housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city – a Roman House from the 12<br />
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Caesar’s Tower is a traditional looking castle structure that towers over the city. Apparently it was originally built as a defensive structure in the 12<sup>th</sup> Century, but it wasn’t particularly useful for defense so over time it was converted to use as a prison and a watch tower. It was great to be able to walk all over the structure and it had great views all over the city.<br />
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Next was The Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church, just down the road from the Tower. The church was an example of a whole lot of things that were never finished. It was begun in around 1176 but they ran out of funds to complete it. It was supposed to reach almost over to Ceasar Tower, but never did. According to a plaque on the side of the church, if we interpreted it correctly, Joan of Arc attended a service here at one stage.<br />
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We decided that we would do the rampart walk. About a third of the upper town has the ramparts surrounding it. You head out one gate and go out into the country side – it was nice to spend some time just looking at empty fields after the huge density of Paris – we then went back in and headed around the walls. They are immense when seen from their base.<br />
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Once we had finished this, we did (as we often do) the tourist office almost last and watched a video about the town, again all in French. We then headed back into the city. On our way through we stopped at the Tithe Barn where the Friars of Champagne held a covered market in the 13th Century. There is a reasonably cheesy display of people plying their trade, but the building was cool. Most helpfully the attendant at the entrance was able to give us some directions about where to eat. He confirmed Gary’s maxim – to always eat away from the tourist spots. He gave us the name of a couple of places in the lower town where he would eat. Given that we would arrive home late we thought it was good to eat in Provins.<br />
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We took one of his suggestions and had a great meal as the sun set dining out on the street. It was a really nice way to finish a great day.<br />
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For details on travel to Provins, and what to see and do, check out <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/provins" target="_blank">www.beyond-paris.com/provins</a>. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-5175538940426618032012-10-05T07:51:00.000-07:002012-10-05T07:51:31.444-07:00Paris off the beaten track: Where are Les HallesParis is full of major must see monuments, sights, and museums. However, hidden within the small side streets of Paris and down some of the less traveled boulevards there are some hidden gems; secret sights that are off the beaten track but are well worth visiting. Not only will they give you some photos of Paris that are different from your friends and family, but they will also give you an insight into the real Paris of today, and the Paris of yesterday.
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Last weekend the "off the beaten track" location was the Le Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale in Nogent-sur-Marne. If you are visiting the tropical garden, visiting the Pavillon Baltard is an interesting side trip, although probably not worth the trip just by itself.<br />
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First, some history: right in the middle of Paris is a large shopping center called Forum Les Halles - where the major metro stations Chatelet and Les Halles come together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://robertgiraud.blog.lemonde.fr/2007/11/25/bob-giraud-paris-les-halles/" target="_blank">Roger Henard</a></td></tr>
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The Les Halles area was the traditional central market area of Paris. Massive halls, known as Les Halles, were errected from the back of the old chamber of commerce beside the Eglise Saint-Eustache. Les Halles was described by Emile Zola as the "Belly of Paris". Zola described a busy marketplace; Les Halles was a collection of large warehouses made of blue and green steel girders with glass windows.<br />
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Les Halles suffered from the new economy in the 1950's - 1970's and gradually became in need of significant repair, further reducing its patronage. Eventually, in 1971, Les Halles was dismantled and all of the halls were removed.<br />
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However, one hall remains - the Pavilion Baltard. Initially constructed in Les Halles in 1857, it was dismantled and moved to Nogent-sur-Marne where it was reconstructed in 1976. Named after the designer of Les Halles, Victor Baltard, Pavilion Baltard was Pavillion Number 8 at Les Halles and was the home of the eggs and poultry market.<br />
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Now the pavilion is a space for concerts and exhibitions, so unless you are attending something specific you aren't able to enter the pavilion but its easy to view from the outside.<br />
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Although, it is a nice little detour to see a part of Paris' history if you are out visiting the Le Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale. Its probably not worth the trip on its own (unless you are a huge fan of the history of Les Halles), but its nice to know that these little pieces of history still exist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_eeh6VDRomW7eM0UWALXHIT1mgFYa9bfqwqmncy6VllIgodJFvBON5btHUWr3XKVHWaoAzJY7Kw-hSBKRysBvk79Jy4piGqshjH4FsBC7_Ru2RG9cTAmUYmq8baCPMPWNpakNUYf_LID/s1600/Iphone+Photo+288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_eeh6VDRomW7eM0UWALXHIT1mgFYa9bfqwqmncy6VllIgodJFvBON5btHUWr3XKVHWaoAzJY7Kw-hSBKRysBvk79Jy4piGqshjH4FsBC7_Ru2RG9cTAmUYmq8baCPMPWNpakNUYf_LID/s320/Iphone+Photo+288.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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<b>How to get there:</b> Take the RER A line to Nogent-sur-Marne. This is in the 3rd zone, so if you are travelling from Paris you will need to buy a specific ticket for this (ie the Paris Metro T+ ticket won't let you out). Take exit #3 from the Nogent-sur-Marne RER station and follow the signs to the
Pavillon Baltard. If you are visiting Le Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale walk back to the RER station, walk past entrance #1 to the RER station, turn right past the RER station, cross the interection, turn right, then walk down Avenue Victor Hugo. Pavillon Baltard is on Avenue Victor Hugo.<br />
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For other activities that are off the beaten track and to get a taste of the real France, explore options for day trips from Paris using public transport on <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/">www.beyond-paris.com</a>.<br />
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Keep up to date with upcoming "off the beaten track" locations, and ideas for day trips from Paris on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Paris/510862218930829?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and our <a href="https://twitter.com/beyond_paris" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-80136385375894717022012-10-03T07:07:00.001-07:002012-10-03T07:07:21.049-07:00Its great to be in Paris this weekend because.....Not only is it free Museum day on Sunday, but it is also Nuit Blanche on Saturday.<br />
<br />If you haven't come across Nuit Blanche before, it is (for me) one of the highlights of the year in Paris.<br />
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Nuit Blanche (which literally means White Night) is an all night art and performance event. It starts at 7pm on the Saturday and runs right through the night to 7am on the Sunday. All over the city (normally clustered around specific areas) there are art installations. And it is art in its widest context - from large orange yetti's in a luminous blue room, to all night classical piano concerts, through sculpture, audio-video, and somethings that are just weird (like last year where you could stand on a strip in front of a wall, you would be projected up on a screen in a farmyard setting - although it wasn't you exactly, you got transformed into a pig, or a horse, or a refrigerator, or a yellow VW Beetle, and these things move as you do around the strip).<br />
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The official site for the Paris Nuit Blanche 2012 is <a href="http://nuitblanche.paris.fr/">http://nuitblanche.paris.fr/</a> and there is also a free smartphone app for Andriod and Iphone.<br />
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Some of my photos from the 2011 Nuit Blanche are below.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-88275280515256349362012-09-28T09:52:00.003-07:002012-09-28T09:52:59.726-07:00Paris off the beaten track: A tropical garden lost in the pastParis is full of major must see monuments, sights, and museums. However, hidden within the small side streets of Paris and down some of the less traveled boulevards there are some hidden gems; secret sights that are off the beaten track but are well worth visiting. Not only will they give you some photos of Paris that are different from your friends and family, but they will also give you an insight into the real Paris of today, and the Paris of yesterday.<br />
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This weekend's off the beaten track site is Le Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale: The Garden of Tropical Agriculture. Credit for this off the beaten track post goes to to Kerouac2 whose <a href="http://www.anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=paris&action=display&thread=5773&page=1" target="_blank">awesome photo essay </a>on the <a href="http://www.anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi" target="_blank">Any Port in a Storm</a> website introduced me onto this garden. Kerouac2 called it the "Abandoned Garden of Desolation" which is a pretty good description.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The entrance to the Jardin</i></td></tr>
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Visit this garden and the chances are you will be alone (or close to alone - when I went there was a small French tour group being guided around and maybe 3 other people) with the ghosts of France past.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Statues from the 1907 colonial exhibition</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Memories of the Indochinese colony</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Many of these statues have seen better days</i></td></tr>
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The garden, at the North-east corner of the Bois de Vincennes has a fascinating history and makes for a unique outing from the busyness of the central Paris.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dilapidated statues in the park</i></td></tr>
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Originally, in 1899 the park was developed as a test garden for scientific exploration on tropical plants from French colonies. The aim was to improve production of products such as coffee, rubber and banana's.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some of the old glasshouses</i></td></tr>
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In 1907 the park became the site of the colonial exhibition. Six 'villages' were developed with the monuments representing the French colonies of the time. These were Indochina, Madagascar, Congo, Sudan, Tunisia and Morocco, Not only were monuments and buildings set up, but people from the colonies were bought to Paris to live in the villages, making them a live display, or what has been called a 'human zoo'. RFI France have an <a href="http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20110216-paris-s-forgotten-human-zoo-shows-crude-workings-colonial-propaganda" target="_blank">interesting article on the 1097 colonial exhibition </a>in English.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Walking through the Jardin</i></td></tr>
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After the exhibition was finished, the park was later used as a hospital for French colonial troops from the first world war, and was the site of the first mosque in Paris. This was removed when the new mosque was built in the 5th arrondisement. Also erected were memorials to the colonial troops who fought and died for France in the war.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Memorial for the troops colonial troops from Cambodia <br />and Laos who died fighting for France</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Memorial for the colonial soldiers from Madagascar</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6xMznyk8_kweLMpkoB0jbja161o6R9TUSDaI6HVIFyy2fkqjscsUerjlqxmZwVt7WDGSEob0CeF1h9n4sFgVKxBUIZAmRGrya_B3yqXz7W62-lns-hCOAHsjWwiV0f2WM9syknkRhrJB/s1600/Iphone+Photo+189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6xMznyk8_kweLMpkoB0jbja161o6R9TUSDaI6HVIFyy2fkqjscsUerjlqxmZwVt7WDGSEob0CeF1h9n4sFgVKxBUIZAmRGrya_B3yqXz7W62-lns-hCOAHsjWwiV0f2WM9syknkRhrJB/s320/Iphone+Photo+189.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Memorial for the Indochinese who died fighting for France</i></td></tr>
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The park gradually fell into disrepair leaving a desolate, yet amazing collection of memorials and buildings. It is what French historian Pascal Blanchard referred to as "the junkyard of French colonial history....the memory of France's relations to its colonies over the last century is concentrated here".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UbcMrcxU6r1Kp8ozDhWVmUEJkURlVK9HzPU-Zgn5NMAe7BjoR2kTFRjTyj4U9V_d1R0PdJZOlwFiCRGh-PE0hih_FgElRs3BxINLXtR_39sdZPbPpxVcj01r0dMN-3LZdHh3hPNEOEuf/s1600/Iphone+Photo+194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UbcMrcxU6r1Kp8ozDhWVmUEJkURlVK9HzPU-Zgn5NMAe7BjoR2kTFRjTyj4U9V_d1R0PdJZOlwFiCRGh-PE0hih_FgElRs3BxINLXtR_39sdZPbPpxVcj01r0dMN-3LZdHh3hPNEOEuf/s320/Iphone+Photo+194.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the abandoned pavilions</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimdRoThL1WefXXj_Ncj1HPDCxY5BrFX-wiioCaErKWM3ixx-nJXcILirKCdnu6LT70jRjqrAeAbZ6-lCIdyWA7a50lcIdjIVbaGQCIUI_0A3LFkGwzw5Cn5GSlVApf6Ty9a3dWpkfRr8-/s1600/Iphone+Photo+197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimdRoThL1WefXXj_Ncj1HPDCxY5BrFX-wiioCaErKWM3ixx-nJXcILirKCdnu6LT70jRjqrAeAbZ6-lCIdyWA7a50lcIdjIVbaGQCIUI_0A3LFkGwzw5Cn5GSlVApf6Ty9a3dWpkfRr8-/s320/Iphone+Photo+197.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another deserted pavilion</i></td></tr>
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However, it is the junkyard feel and overgrown nature of the park which gives it its charm and makes it so unique. Come around a bend in a path and you may come across a Chinese pagoda, or a unique disused building, or a Cambodian temple shaped monument which disappear quickly as you pass, and you are never quite sure what you will discover around the next overgrown corner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFRPzJkhBqjCbWQk4o3RgYDu58jdmJlDc9JjBQSVTvWLEXtRAVmWiHsnZVEuyZsm-XhSWNavII1du7gz_5G1MUF5xyg01SDHb-NweZ55TUaQbSGWnBs4iy3SvFnQXbXY7moN7-v_-mjwy/s1600/Iphone+Photo+242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFRPzJkhBqjCbWQk4o3RgYDu58jdmJlDc9JjBQSVTvWLEXtRAVmWiHsnZVEuyZsm-XhSWNavII1du7gz_5G1MUF5xyg01SDHb-NweZ55TUaQbSGWnBs4iy3SvFnQXbXY7moN7-v_-mjwy/s320/Iphone+Photo+242.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The restored Indochina pavilion</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Cdbn23Jpax0JvgEuQTfW-xn1Ekfo74JO7k6xHphv1fJUSvXure-5byvO3n-BI2RF1Xg0Uz6yH4RHMAq4uEwmD7BRhIQC67j0wsmMuPv7o4tK8bFEMKZktoZDOfCY4XXHfn59wGPQAwpM/s1600/Iphone+Photo+165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Cdbn23Jpax0JvgEuQTfW-xn1Ekfo74JO7k6xHphv1fJUSvXure-5byvO3n-BI2RF1Xg0Uz6yH4RHMAq4uEwmD7BRhIQC67j0wsmMuPv7o4tK8bFEMKZktoZDOfCY4XXHfn59wGPQAwpM/s320/Iphone+Photo+165.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Part of the remains of the Indochina village</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW1sue96yMt5dHcPHk3j7mE3Gdx3QzcJH0Efc4h1QHmrBL3HexZ042aqXPnTPJcJNvsTik94agevRYlpvpRLkZc9SqaECBIeeA2ym7bP9JFCP3sLm99e7NThFSqJ6LJITTSxvpJRLIKI3/s1600/Iphone+Photo+173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW1sue96yMt5dHcPHk3j7mE3Gdx3QzcJH0Efc4h1QHmrBL3HexZ042aqXPnTPJcJNvsTik94agevRYlpvpRLkZc9SqaECBIeeA2ym7bP9JFCP3sLm99e7NThFSqJ6LJITTSxvpJRLIKI3/s320/Iphone+Photo+173.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another view of the Indochina village</i></td></tr>
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Recent years has seen money put into the redevelopment of the park. The paths have been cleared and delineated and the dilapidated buildings have been fenced off. The Indochina pavilion has been renovated and is home to the French Institute of Agricultural Research for countries of the South (CIRAD) and also houses an exhibition of photos which appear to be from former French colonial people (it wasn't open when I visited). Other buildings have suffered greatly. The Congo pavilion, for example, was destroyed by fire in 2004. The restoration appears to be ongoing, however running behind schedule. There is also an interesting collection of wooden sculpture which has been set up in the park designed by Johann le Guillerm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBcSydU34LDo57VaFkLMjvfATIlkeG_3XySLvWXnEKhM8X-M4gOFCQjThsfc5qRQp4jCdHa0S48RAZNPdF81nF_ZQ_EVDj_d4_cueVtzmqbReFc_nENKfbL0DLIo2aYBzdbpVl482XU5H/s1600/Iphone+Photo+202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBcSydU34LDo57VaFkLMjvfATIlkeG_3XySLvWXnEKhM8X-M4gOFCQjThsfc5qRQp4jCdHa0S48RAZNPdF81nF_ZQ_EVDj_d4_cueVtzmqbReFc_nENKfbL0DLIo2aYBzdbpVl482XU5H/s320/Iphone+Photo+202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The burnt out Congo Pavilion</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQRiGtsnuU1S7oZ3t3VCY0RIiG_GqNnc-VmHr3KZ9j50wgL56h91MdGhmbOFFt8ftxZVo6NRA9lh6pV6tw8qGawctmb1Laeqs2U4F6iP36qQpNrH7AmXBrq50h5qQ0kEs4WmpFkRMfXX_/s1600/Iphone+Photo+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQRiGtsnuU1S7oZ3t3VCY0RIiG_GqNnc-VmHr3KZ9j50wgL56h91MdGhmbOFFt8ftxZVo6NRA9lh6pV6tw8qGawctmb1Laeqs2U4F6iP36qQpNrH7AmXBrq50h5qQ0kEs4WmpFkRMfXX_/s320/Iphone+Photo+201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of Johann le Guillerm's sculptures</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4dOsy7OZ-ZvhO0uFbH7RcA3weweNJJRR6_uvpa7D4Wc8FvZYUBJ31a5OLwM3vyDYhnRPR8rOwo6rgIZCUyaesY7OQVDUZGzidJbR6joeiNNcRAYRIdqmHb37LWMEFbeyypiiM2WR1j7o/s1600/Iphone+Photo+205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4dOsy7OZ-ZvhO0uFbH7RcA3weweNJJRR6_uvpa7D4Wc8FvZYUBJ31a5OLwM3vyDYhnRPR8rOwo6rgIZCUyaesY7OQVDUZGzidJbR6joeiNNcRAYRIdqmHb37LWMEFbeyypiiM2WR1j7o/s320/Iphone+Photo+205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another of Johann le Guillerm's sculptures</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5o_14ZvokOrNtkwJJYVQrGbRm5JemRihyYwBFgO54rO0JGtkHXHUU3bKiPmoGBrUkmICFp4_qMXDF0-X8Ss5HQqaMhlO5POMoZEAlxvxIT1ppSWkgLieSqTq6YTsmSwaGzE3kip5pvCM/s1600/Iphone+Photo+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5o_14ZvokOrNtkwJJYVQrGbRm5JemRihyYwBFgO54rO0JGtkHXHUU3bKiPmoGBrUkmICFp4_qMXDF0-X8Ss5HQqaMhlO5POMoZEAlxvxIT1ppSWkgLieSqTq6YTsmSwaGzE3kip5pvCM/s320/Iphone+Photo+140.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Johann le Guillerm's incorporated into one of the dilapidated pavilions</i></td></tr>
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Today the park is great for a stroll. It is a surreal experience with the emptiness of the park and the memorials and buildings from different places and different times. Suitable for taking kids; the derelict buildings are fenced off - but there is also water around, so you will need to keep an eye on them. It will probably take you an hour or two to explore the park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIU69bnwVJ2YgOT5ezWY50tULgJY6eXmBC8gLW0qgVE-xX5N5xhUNLdiaN-qpAmC4NASOZE-1WDRTLbDRtZXKtCLPt4Klz1PSolEHWN8NkMcTH3rdcxvwPIXfsRQHWuLHawOh06tgh1UH/s1600/Iphone+Photo+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIU69bnwVJ2YgOT5ezWY50tULgJY6eXmBC8gLW0qgVE-xX5N5xhUNLdiaN-qpAmC4NASOZE-1WDRTLbDRtZXKtCLPt4Klz1PSolEHWN8NkMcTH3rdcxvwPIXfsRQHWuLHawOh06tgh1UH/s320/Iphone+Photo+129.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A view across the park </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UzAMfbuXmfSv0yGmg5qDXfNlV0OtuFqbHlf3-1NTlO4PwBh8auRt0pa89Xjl78OLho82LNtQvrRAP30d5pK5WDrlxLkOXADa6wq3DmLjh89RvjJ_W8TAxA00ZGn5h9fncgTQK73SuBBK/s1600/Iphone+Photo+237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UzAMfbuXmfSv0yGmg5qDXfNlV0OtuFqbHlf3-1NTlO4PwBh8auRt0pa89Xjl78OLho82LNtQvrRAP30d5pK5WDrlxLkOXADa6wq3DmLjh89RvjJ_W8TAxA00ZGn5h9fncgTQK73SuBBK/s320/Iphone+Photo+237.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the Indochinese bridges with its pond and waterfall</i></td></tr>
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The garden is Nogent-sur-Marne. While you are there, you could also look at the Pavillon Baltard - Link to come.<br />
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<b>How to get there:</b> Take the RER A line to Nogent-sur-Marne. This is in the 3rd zone, so if you are travelling from Paris you will need to buy a specific ticket for this (ie the Paris Metro T+ ticket won't let you out). Take exit #1 from the Nogent-sue_Marne RER station and the direction to the park is well sign-posted from outside the door - follow the signs to Jardin Tropical. It is left from the station, take the first right, and follow this to the end. It is a 5 minute walk from the RER station to the garden.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Exit #1 from the RER<br />You can see the first sign to the Jardin through the door</i></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For other activities that are off the beaten track and to get a taste of the real France, explore options for day trips from Paris using public transport on <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/">www.beyond-paris.com</a>.</div>
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Keep up to date with upcoming "off the beaten track" locations, and ideas for day trips from Paris on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Paris/510862218930829?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and our <a href="https://twitter.com/beyond_paris" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE3lzb7yMcqcPjfD5Q3Cn4Wq6qhSAbBx9c4zxgN2GkpfdbuloGKXzhex2if1IaDBZmpot8ZZK6G7MM-2_kXz6Y617yYK3e58s8OmTo3iq5KDiOTydIGhgGsb0xNl1yLYyiQOdTc0t1pXF/s1600/Iphone+Photo+255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE3lzb7yMcqcPjfD5Q3Cn4Wq6qhSAbBx9c4zxgN2GkpfdbuloGKXzhex2if1IaDBZmpot8ZZK6G7MM-2_kXz6Y617yYK3e58s8OmTo3iq5KDiOTydIGhgGsb0xNl1yLYyiQOdTc0t1pXF/s320/Iphone+Photo+255.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A final view of the remains of the Indochinese village</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-13390946465646224422012-09-25T09:43:00.001-07:002012-09-25T09:43:15.471-07:00Train Tip - Buying train tickets at the stationWhichever station you head to for your day trip from Paris you have a couple of options.<br />
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Of course, you can buy your tickets in advance from an <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.blogspot.fr/2012/09/list-of-sncf-boutiques.html" target="_blank">SNCF Boutique</a>. But, if you are like us, and you don't decide until the day you are going to leave that you are going somewhere it is just as easy to buy the tickets at the train station.<br />
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In each train station there are two options: either buying tickets at the counter, or using the automated machines.<br />
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Buying tickets at the counter is pretty easy, especially if you have written down where you want to go. Most of the tellers speak some English, and its pretty obvious what you want to do. Every time I have need to use a counter the staff have been very helpful. However, there are often very long lines to get to the counter. And, as most people who are using them are either changing an existing booking or there is a reason they aren't using automated teller machines, it can take a long time for the queue to move.<br />
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Important: to use the yellow machines you need to have a "chip" credit card. If you don't, you can't use these machines and will need to buy your ticket from the ticket counter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72TU8VMvQGt5n8ZcX2Ocxuafh5VeOleOv6FPRl-eBXd4P1uYIDQRkUP1lU7Cw-5Ia5_iNQ7SS6QKfx7ufxuZnwjeMx7El-z9-iGxAv-oeIQFZ3vXShVgxLop2eFi4Au8V6UOHHH2JYfAQ/s1600/Iphone+Photo+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72TU8VMvQGt5n8ZcX2Ocxuafh5VeOleOv6FPRl-eBXd4P1uYIDQRkUP1lU7Cw-5Ia5_iNQ7SS6QKfx7ufxuZnwjeMx7El-z9-iGxAv-oeIQFZ3vXShVgxLop2eFi4Au8V6UOHHH2JYfAQ/s320/Iphone+Photo+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the many collections of yellow ticket machines</i></td></tr>
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The automated teller machines are yellow (the green ones are for RER and Metro tickets only) and are touch screen and you need a credit card with a chip to use them (they do not take cash).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraRdaRw9wQad1hVUzI8Epxr9fZLJwcZLplN7b1z_YXRTZESJXN1L2hGwmSt-13RuBxm1j2z6Sic28eRhsrNnlYomr-b3vOpnuNbxutjdtyPCsf6WfpBIhNhex96Prb7avI1ZJoBxZYjbr/s1600/Iphone+Photo+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraRdaRw9wQad1hVUzI8Epxr9fZLJwcZLplN7b1z_YXRTZESJXN1L2hGwmSt-13RuBxm1j2z6Sic28eRhsrNnlYomr-b3vOpnuNbxutjdtyPCsf6WfpBIhNhex96Prb7avI1ZJoBxZYjbr/s320/Iphone+Photo+038.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The main screen of the automated ticket machine</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVc5r-_4Y3ZdaXu8S5XGbPdnovyEXWR2IGDevk0dkxVSREdh3OkazDQW1XvVvBArKmS471lItpnPd_PJiwIwHtBMTBCI54F9xNSdEiVxh7ChCPkIcUKh80Ju4hkMMnzN3DOgzCMTt7cjsC/s1600/Iphone+Photo+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVc5r-_4Y3ZdaXu8S5XGbPdnovyEXWR2IGDevk0dkxVSREdh3OkazDQW1XvVvBArKmS471lItpnPd_PJiwIwHtBMTBCI54F9xNSdEiVxh7ChCPkIcUKh80Ju4hkMMnzN3DOgzCMTt7cjsC/s320/Iphone+Photo+039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Select your language in the top left of the main screen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Don't panic if you don't speak French, you can select the option of English, German, Italian, Spanish, or Dutch. On the assumption that you are reading this blog in English, I have selected English. From here you just need to follow the onscreen instructions to buy your ticket.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPhwlNNJwR0qSC0MB6cAFiPA5uk6fIsjCGcLmmJRtCKVFMndkCIpOoAervDQ3vTs5tEPtqwVAhs9-FQQRDjZxJMLVrGIPZFrsgQgSQpDqkj5uBzrrTraY0YJvKV1MuwxuV46BnvzMmlzS/s1600/Iphone+Photo+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPhwlNNJwR0qSC0MB6cAFiPA5uk6fIsjCGcLmmJRtCKVFMndkCIpOoAervDQ3vTs5tEPtqwVAhs9-FQQRDjZxJMLVrGIPZFrsgQgSQpDqkj5uBzrrTraY0YJvKV1MuwxuV46BnvzMmlzS/s320/Iphone+Photo+040.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Options (in English) on the main screen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Firstly, you need to decide when you want to go - either immediate departure (which will give you the option to pick any of the next three or four trains heading to the destination you select) or a later train. You also have the option to collect electronic tickets using the "File and Electronic Ticket Collection" option. If you have a chip credit card you have the option of booking your ticket online and collecting them from these machines at the station. You cannot use American Express for this option and it is only available in France and Luxembourg however, you can pick up tickets for any station in Europe as long as you collect them in France.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvBWOPy1jaM0bBSpV8fmeVri80G-yzD_kAyD9oikJ2DKl1ZSEvdVTZ4cy-QlMnCsoFqY-xKrWMymQ0uEcDN5e6LT1s9QFzm__4PByh-Q3WrKw1XxZ6qRtzg8IU4JqmwPj5uq0BnG6q57b/s1600/Iphone+Photo+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvBWOPy1jaM0bBSpV8fmeVri80G-yzD_kAyD9oikJ2DKl1ZSEvdVTZ4cy-QlMnCsoFqY-xKrWMymQ0uEcDN5e6LT1s9QFzm__4PByh-Q3WrKw1XxZ6qRtzg8IU4JqmwPj5uq0BnG6q57b/s320/Iphone+Photo+041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Options for immediate departure from Gare du Nord</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you want to head off for your day trip now (or very soon), select "Immediate Departure". If you are in a major train station the machine will assume that you want a ticket from that station. In this example I am Gare du Nord and the machine will insert this for me and give me the most popular destinations from this station. If you are in a station in an outlying area (for example, Chantilly) you may need to enter the station you are leaving from first.<br />
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Next, select where you want to go. In this case, Lille. If the destination you want is not listed you can select "other destinations" on the bottom right - this will allow you to enter your destination on a keypad. Normally you only need to enter three letters before the machine will give you the list of possible destinations. The keyboard will remove letters that you can't use for a place name to ensure you spell it correctly.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lOG6cv-NLMGBBs5XA4kxeFFR3vC41nfkyB1QZL8bKn06QbD-tPlV49KHOOukEPHS_8b3FSg2huxcD-Nb2Ro67zvXNVFFi7f1WzOSwgjJtm3WJMtEXnmkSmaJ6v-Nwab-ft399CfmfPlu/s1600/Iphone+Photo+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lOG6cv-NLMGBBs5XA4kxeFFR3vC41nfkyB1QZL8bKn06QbD-tPlV49KHOOukEPHS_8b3FSg2huxcD-Nb2Ro67zvXNVFFi7f1WzOSwgjJtm3WJMtEXnmkSmaJ6v-Nwab-ft399CfmfPlu/s320/Iphone+Photo+042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>List of options for Lille - note some are Lille Europe <br />and some are Lille Flanders. Its good to know which you need</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Once you have selected the destination you want the machine will display the upcoming train options, departure time, arrival time, total travel time (including changes), and changes and the final destination. For Lille, (for example) there are two stations (Lille Europe and Lille Flanders) and no changes on route. Select the train you want by pressing the option on the screen.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgGAbVDKSEFrXhTGX52O1iMJwv7ET4oM1h9gpeeVKLy5c5ZAHWQ3nb4W2vK6CgWBEb9oSqkVyKgpPPc2UHBagff4tz8k49hKJdo4cS1aC6NUPjbuhuXJYCjhS6Ui3mvIhh28A8zGuZJxE/s1600/Iphone+Photo+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgGAbVDKSEFrXhTGX52O1iMJwv7ET4oM1h9gpeeVKLy5c5ZAHWQ3nb4W2vK6CgWBEb9oSqkVyKgpPPc2UHBagff4tz8k49hKJdo4cS1aC6NUPjbuhuXJYCjhS6Ui3mvIhh28A8zGuZJxE/s320/Iphone+Photo+043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>See the right side of the screen for the selection of one way<br />or return options. This can be easy to miss.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next step is whether you want one way or return. If the train is a TGV, reservations are required, therefore we will normally buy our return ticket and choose the time before we go. All of the other trains do not require a reservation and have no limit on the number of passengers they will take (this does not mean everyone will get a seat). In this case, you may as well buy your ticket when you are ready to leave rather than deciding at the beginning of the day when you will return - that way you can take advantage of any opportunities that the day may present to you. However, it always pays to know when the last train home is regardless of whether you choose to buy now or later.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8vd_zt8ud_SbBYccBFksMGgolfEhse-fuSlfkINX0RDhTAd-5r6dYm8bec14BgiTtExEF3soZsyUd-3TfVWqF1FtmJNbSl0J8q5PjdpRQ3rKwFGeYFkxrPT59CXyqR1oTf-j-jyRYg4w/s1600/Iphone+Photo+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8vd_zt8ud_SbBYccBFksMGgolfEhse-fuSlfkINX0RDhTAd-5r6dYm8bec14BgiTtExEF3soZsyUd-3TfVWqF1FtmJNbSl0J8q5PjdpRQ3rKwFGeYFkxrPT59CXyqR1oTf-j-jyRYg4w/s320/Iphone+Photo+045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First or second class option</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You then have the option of choosing first class or second class. <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.blogspot.fr/2012/09/train-tips-first-or-second-class-on.html" target="_blank">See my post on the difference between first class and second class to help you decide</a>. We always choose second class.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqlxY87-0_oxU-TI7cKTA2yXhUyc8NxoWqOxnnwX1QyjTYLaO-a5y64gbxC3i_116YYnfgjEesT86Eppvkh8Mx6wGUj8XJ2G4G73bfqHwgx8duSNJqTEjylZ3iCPkW_ffGdMb6SDWysCs/s1600/Iphone+Photo+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqlxY87-0_oxU-TI7cKTA2yXhUyc8NxoWqOxnnwX1QyjTYLaO-a5y64gbxC3i_116YYnfgjEesT86Eppvkh8Mx6wGUj8XJ2G4G73bfqHwgx8duSNJqTEjylZ3iCPkW_ffGdMb6SDWysCs/s320/Iphone+Photo+047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Selecting one passenger</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The following screen lets you select the number of passengers. The trick to this screen, and all screens thereafter, is you need to also press "confirm" in the bottom right-hand side of the screen after you select. This can be quite frustrating especially when you are in a hurry.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV63JdwASEvTE-Dm2g1RvCAkNWimahODsKRoohtb-2VAACDvxvDncNu76dTzdYxuZFOCDNqbAzOcPv6EZ_M2XTz4TBUEHnl46h7MT0urE2APFcUPkNmmoyxCiF0o5THYz4y7hA7tijfwo/s1600/Iphone+Photo+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiV63JdwASEvTE-Dm2g1RvCAkNWimahODsKRoohtb-2VAACDvxvDncNu76dTzdYxuZFOCDNqbAzOcPv6EZ_M2XTz4TBUEHnl46h7MT0urE2APFcUPkNmmoyxCiF0o5THYz4y7hA7tijfwo/s320/Iphone+Photo+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First select your tariff</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsW3a1wno0_O7Pe6-jvU7ounXjnhVq8h3qw5aTNjDhMCYA4t-GtPmAZq99-KM-_xeWxkR-HqwOWyJZB8XgyTvGI_hhMPqiu-UW6AwCgdja2IGaNkn8fNqCcSkY_pTpOETa5khqaL0hPBA/s1600/Iphone+Photo+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsW3a1wno0_O7Pe6-jvU7ounXjnhVq8h3qw5aTNjDhMCYA4t-GtPmAZq99-KM-_xeWxkR-HqwOWyJZB8XgyTvGI_hhMPqiu-UW6AwCgdja2IGaNkn8fNqCcSkY_pTpOETa5khqaL0hPBA/s320/Iphone+Photo+049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Then if you are part of a loyalty programme</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You will then have options for selecting age, and various options for ticket prices which unless you are living in France you select "no" for. The TGV has two options which are shown here - TGV PRO 2nd and TGV Plein Tarif Loisir. The TGV PRO 2nd is the more expensive option and is probably better know to western travelers as a fully flexible ticket. You can change or cancel the ticket up to the time of departure and, under certain circumstances, after departure. The TGV Plein Tarif Loisir is the full price (ie no discount) leisure ticket. It is generally cheaper. If you are purchasing the ticket several days in advance, it is free to change the Plein Tarif Loisir up to the day of departure. If you change it on the day of departure there is a 10 Euro charge and it is non-refundable and non-exchangeable after departure. But, it is the cheaper option.<br />
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You will then also have to select if you are part of a loyalty programme - generally the answer will be no.<br />
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Then, the option for a French discount card. Again, if you are visiting, the answer will be no.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o91xcjxNZgz3VVdRcqcbWc4sxqdkGaJPYNsn-YxoFvErfV83EvBtJSA1O_hKoJ6lTY3zUSDRIl30FF8Go6kCHEtKu2pwrpLVn98RiAv-jDsjZqHft-jzIG2f3Wn3dQgecwF64tKtkFl4/s1600/Iphone+Photo+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o91xcjxNZgz3VVdRcqcbWc4sxqdkGaJPYNsn-YxoFvErfV83EvBtJSA1O_hKoJ6lTY3zUSDRIl30FF8Go6kCHEtKu2pwrpLVn98RiAv-jDsjZqHft-jzIG2f3Wn3dQgecwF64tKtkFl4/s320/Iphone+Photo+050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Then any applicable discount cards</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Annoyingly, you will need to do these for each person, and make sure you push the option, followed by "validate" in the bottom right of the screen to continue to the next option.<br />
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This can be the most frustrating part of the whole experience, especially if there are several of you in the group and the train is not too far away. It can feel like it is taking forever (and actually it can be - they aren't always the quickest of machines)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XMF041Bggpkwj4sbHP-M4H-Vx77ZDqt9r-tYRyPOIQWv4Yy-QeYn3AAwYdqOe2jm74w54LD2zQDZPsvakkTc5jfP6d8sJ8RrHczUrGDkzVT4fvV5Y2ZD3GaIlOhTSACBlFkyUchWtv5k/s1600/Iphone+Photo+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XMF041Bggpkwj4sbHP-M4H-Vx77ZDqt9r-tYRyPOIQWv4Yy-QeYn3AAwYdqOe2jm74w54LD2zQDZPsvakkTc5jfP6d8sJ8RrHczUrGDkzVT4fvV5Y2ZD3GaIlOhTSACBlFkyUchWtv5k/s320/Iphone+Photo+051.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Summary of your order</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9NpwiSHwoNRI-sFNc3rePxL4bkfyLn_7w4d7AJhHSlvmg38Hu_L0HQY2XVKzB_MUG8tyuoIYG2lSqyNeB0e2acuixWsif5nJO_VIT3caLYhtaFFUgavbncOxp-vtTk7YPYgzqOtOGfoq/s1600/Iphone+Photo+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9NpwiSHwoNRI-sFNc3rePxL4bkfyLn_7w4d7AJhHSlvmg38Hu_L0HQY2XVKzB_MUG8tyuoIYG2lSqyNeB0e2acuixWsif5nJO_VIT3caLYhtaFFUgavbncOxp-vtTk7YPYgzqOtOGfoq/s320/Iphone+Photo+053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Touch the "Pay this order" option</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once you have selected your travel options you will be presented with your final selection. The left-hand side will show the destination with the date, departure time, any changes, total travel time and the train type and class. The right-hand side will show the number of passengers, the fare types for each of them and the total price.<br />
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Touch the "Pay this order" box with the price in the bottom right corner. This will then activate the credit card slot and the pinpad for completing the payment.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtDNCyft7FFBXscbAOhokoOEog4QBbFzqkQIHFaOWVR29dPvuA7vj39d4UVfDRP28_phNlRuavzE1_P6TbmgFKwscds-zqUHZ4rYXCUQX29vG0fCQP5BskpE9vzBzgjImfQgjP51i5ECh/s1600/Iphone+Photo+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtDNCyft7FFBXscbAOhokoOEog4QBbFzqkQIHFaOWVR29dPvuA7vj39d4UVfDRP28_phNlRuavzE1_P6TbmgFKwscds-zqUHZ4rYXCUQX29vG0fCQP5BskpE9vzBzgjImfQgjP51i5ECh/s320/Iphone+Photo+052.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Use the credit card slot on the right <br />side of the screen</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Remember, you <b>must have</b> a "chip" card to use these machines. This means that on the front of your card, on the right hand side, there will be a gold "chip". If you don't have one, or are not sure, you should go to a counter, because it is incredibly frustrating to get to this stage and find out that you can't pay.<br />
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Once you have successfully paid for the ticket the machine will ask you if you want a receipt before printing out the tickets. These will appear from one of the slots beneath the machine.<br />
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If you are travelling on a train other than the TGV you must ensure you <i>composte</i> or validate your ticket prior to boarding the train.<br />
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We will often decide the night before, or on the day that we want to head somewhere. We always check that there is a train heading to where we want to go using the <a href="http://www.voyages-sncf.com/" target="_blank">SNCF website</a> or the <a href="http://mobile.voyages-sncf.com/" target="_blank">SNCF app</a> which will also tell you which train station you need to go to. There are seven around Paris. Then we arrive about 20 - 30 minutes before the train is due to depart to buy our tickets. We have been as late as 7 minutes before the train is due to depart. However, the yellow machines can be painfully slow, especially when you have left it late to buy the ticket.<br />
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If you are late to the train and don't have time to buy a ticket it is possible to purchase these on the train. It's better to have the ticket first, because technically if you don't have a ticket you should not board the train. However, if it's critical get on and find the conductor and explain the situation. If he comes to you, you are more likely to get fined for not having a ticket. All SNCF conductors carry mobile ticketing machines that take cash and major credit cards.<br />
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If you are aren't sure of somewhere to go on your day trip from Paris, check out the options for <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/" target="_blank">day trips from Paris</a>. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-91978541932753890042012-09-21T13:03:00.000-07:002012-09-21T13:03:12.856-07:00Paris off the beaten track: Parc MonceauParis is full of major must see monuments, sights, and museums. However, hidden within the small side streets of Paris and down some of the less traveled boulevards there are some hidden gems; secret sights that are off the beaten track but are well worth visiting. Not only will they give you some photos of Paris that are different from your friends and family, but they will also give you an insight into the real Paris of today, and the Paris of yesterday.<br />
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This weekend's off the beaten track site is a park located in the 8th arrondissement not far from the Arc de Triomphe: Parc Monceau.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The entrance off Avenue Hoche</i></td></tr>
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The nice thing about Parc Monceau is that is a park that doesn't need especially fine weather to enjoy it. Because of the contents of the park it is reasonably interesting even on an overcast day (although perhaps not so interesting on a rainy day).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Roman Colonnade</i></td></tr>
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The park is at the junction of Boulevard de Courcelles, Rue de Prony and Rue Georges Berger and the easiest metro stop to take is Monceau on Line 2 which is right outside the park. For a nice walk you can take 1, 2, or 6 metro line or the A RER line to Charles de Gaulle Etoile and walk down Avenue Hoche which runs straight to the park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A lonesome arch</i></td></tr>
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The history of the park dates back to 1778 when the cousin of King Louis XVI, Duke of Chartres, Phillippe d'Orleans decided to create a public park on this space. The duke, who was a friend of the Prince of Wales in England decided that he wanted to create an English garden rather than a traditional French style (in the style of Versailles for example). Thus the park has a number of informal trails throughout the park which wind back and forth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The rotunda at the main entrance</i></td></tr>
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Another feature of the park is the collection of different objects from antiquity. These were part of d'Orleans conception, as some English gardens also had. They are known as follies - scaled down architectural models of buildings from different ages and different continents.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Egyptian Pyramid</i></td></tr>
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While the park is now smaller than its original layout, it still contains an Egyptian Pyramid, a Chinese fort, a Dutch Windmill and Corinthian pillars as well as a number of water features and bridges. Scattered through the park are statues of famous French figures including Guy de Maupassant, Frederic Chopin, Charles Gounod, Ambroise Thomas, Alfred de Musset and Edouard Pailleron.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the bridges</i></td></tr>
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The park is great for strolling or jogging, has a play area for children, and free wi-fi. It makes it a nicer place to check your email or update your blog than Starbucks or McCafe.<br />
The park is also a little unusual in that it is a public/private park. While the park is open from sunrise to sunset every day there are a number of apartments which surround the park who have access to the park all the time.<br />
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<b>How to get there:</b> Parc Monceau can be accessed by taking the metro to the "Monceau" station. This station is on the 2 line. For a nice walk you can take 1, 2, or 6 metro line or the RER A line to "Charles de Gaulle Etoile" and walk down Avenue Hoche which runs straight to the park.<br />
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For other activities that are off the beaten track and to get a taste of the real France, explore options for day trips from Paris using public transport on <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/">www.beyond-paris.com</a>.<br />
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Keep up to date with upcoming "off the beaten track" locations, and ideas for day trips from Paris on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Paris/510862218930829?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and our <a href="https://twitter.com/beyond_paris" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another view of the </i> c<i>olonnade</i> <i>and the arch</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The colonnade</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The pyramid</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Greco-Roman pillars</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-13820011542867589012012-09-19T06:31:00.003-07:002012-09-19T06:47:27.925-07:00Hints if you want to visit the l'elysee PalaceOn the weekend we visited l'elysee palace - the home of the President of the Republic.<br />
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Normally the residence is off limits to the public however, once a year, for the Journee du Patrimoine when many of the buildings normally closed are open for people to visit, it is open to visit.<br />
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But some hints if you are going to visit it next year.<br />
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Firstly, assume that the only place you are going to visit on that day is the palace. It seems like everyone in Paris is in line to see the palace. You will have to wait a while to get in, and so it takes up a lot of the day, but is also quite exhausting time standing for such a long time. You might be able to fit in another place - but don't count on it.<br />
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Secondly, as alluded to above - be prepared to wait. We arrived at the time the palace opened to the public at 8am. The entrance to the palace is through the front garden on Avenue Gabriel. At 8am the queue was along Avenue Gabriel all the way to Place de la Concorde, along the side of Place de la Concorde and halfway back along the Avenue des Champs Elysee.<br />
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The time to get to the front of the queue was about 3 and a half hours. This was to get to the entrance of the l'eysee palace garden. At one point we thought we had a mirage of coffee and croissants. Someone was selling them along one point in the line (about 2.5 hours in). We were sure that they would run out just as we got to them, and each time we got close, they moved further down the line away from us. When we finally reached them and confirmed that they were not a mirage.<br />
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At the front of the queue at the entrance to the Elysee gardens we had to go through metal detectors and into the palace grounds. We overheard a policeman at about 9am or 9:30 saying that the queue was then about 5 hours to get to the front of the queue to get into the grounds.<br />
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Once you are through the metal detectors and into the gardens, there is another queue to get into the palace itself. It was another hour and a half to get to the front of the queue inside the grounds and into the palace. All up, 5 hours to get in, and that was arriving at 8am. The line was getting longer and longer as we waited. so arriving later would take longer than this. Ironically, if you arrive much earlier, you would need to wait for quite some time until the doors open at 8am. Apparently at 7:30 the line was already as far back as Place de la Concorde, so it is a trade off between how early you want to get up and where you want to wait. To be at the front of the queue (to minimise the time waiting after the doors open) you probably need to get there at sometime with a 6 at the beginning of it - but then you need to wait for 2 hours anyway.<br />
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The palace itself is amazing. There are some amazing rooms that you can visit. The highlights for me were the Silver Room, the ultra modern dining room from Francois Miterands' time in office, and the Presidents office. The tour is an amazing insight into an amazing building.<br />
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However, be aware, if you want to be able to see it, you need to put in the time to get there. It makes the queue at Versailles look positively minimal. And of course, you will need to wait a year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking through the fountain at the Concorde end of the gardens</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The l'elysee palace with the queue in front (3 - 3.5 hours into the wait)<br />Entrance is on the far right of the photo - Presidential office is second floor, middle</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HgqpPkeIdmxfMx3zKZqXDXj6Pb1rNrPHIh7t5VOHQCmtMNVtxUrxz22w9AuOyIXucyuS4XByTU_fsbc2tO2LayJV9OOEWkPqqnzLttCdR7kcdrLl5aWHjTfY6Ug7dif7o9mwm5VL-tUg/s1600/Iphone+Photo+168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HgqpPkeIdmxfMx3zKZqXDXj6Pb1rNrPHIh7t5VOHQCmtMNVtxUrxz22w9AuOyIXucyuS4XByTU_fsbc2tO2LayJV9OOEWkPqqnzLttCdR7kcdrLl5aWHjTfY6Ug7dif7o9mwm5VL-tUg/s320/Iphone+Photo+168.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Garden beside the palace</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BbpqYOkY1fZvY2wT62ih9TAS2ZJOgrqUFVS0gqeQpj14eHQk9lZAgVNnP7YoazB_pxwwoUX9HptB1d8o7hr7OyiYrrio43Ijw_P8MV2sPZ8NBajurgbPYZn66VA7hF1Ok6jzr3nYV6DJ/s1600/Iphone+Photo+175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BbpqYOkY1fZvY2wT62ih9TAS2ZJOgrqUFVS0gqeQpj14eHQk9lZAgVNnP7YoazB_pxwwoUX9HptB1d8o7hr7OyiYrrio43Ijw_P8MV2sPZ8NBajurgbPYZn66VA7hF1Ok6jzr3nYV6DJ/s320/Iphone+Photo+175.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Silver Room with its Republican Guard<br />lots of white gold in the room</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeblMdjYcYoBtseQAp8mhM4q4nwLOb2xWzPtPMNR7LyYLGIdFby85Lqa9QHVsdEj9rMfgy6tEyAB2dDAD8z7pCaM93ogWFXKoyuvm09cM-Zcu1I7SrlfEC_5jxQL9jWwT90F6tedxgFIj/s1600/Iphone+Photo+183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeblMdjYcYoBtseQAp8mhM4q4nwLOb2xWzPtPMNR7LyYLGIdFby85Lqa9QHVsdEj9rMfgy6tEyAB2dDAD8z7pCaM93ogWFXKoyuvm09cM-Zcu1I7SrlfEC_5jxQL9jWwT90F6tedxgFIj/s320/Iphone+Photo+183.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A piece of art I really liked</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Eating Room built in 1972 by Georges Pompidou<br />The most modern room in the palace</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I_IKBcUOa64m3qfc4bN4VeJVgjc0oG7kkV8U7BuLo4Ir16xUVAGZqV1yXU4J4Lx7jCYE2Z33R_2ZtmmWrk793xyvts8ZNAIurj4rX14EBCoEZkCYhGg33sY9EVVEqSMpna6SKVw6bOeV/s1600/Iphone+Photo+204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I_IKBcUOa64m3qfc4bN4VeJVgjc0oG7kkV8U7BuLo4Ir16xUVAGZqV1yXU4J4Lx7jCYE2Z33R_2ZtmmWrk793xyvts8ZNAIurj4rX14EBCoEZkCYhGg33sY9EVVEqSMpna6SKVw6bOeV/s320/Iphone+Photo+204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The presidential library</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NB9BHNjsYBCuDXKr5vvuY3vmedgfruZvxL8qP2-z9ssszEjzZQge8XxHh0REfAIQp5M1PyAq4CZWxQZGWUQuVIDW_qqbgDjxOar-L4QxgL8v4iJECLe8XrsM0ePEi-dPhQTJFMTH4JdP/s1600/Iphone+Photo+227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NB9BHNjsYBCuDXKr5vvuY3vmedgfruZvxL8qP2-z9ssszEjzZQge8XxHh0REfAIQp5M1PyAq4CZWxQZGWUQuVIDW_qqbgDjxOar-L4QxgL8v4iJECLe8XrsM0ePEi-dPhQTJFMTH4JdP/s320/Iphone+Photo+227.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The formal dining room</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Close up of the place setting</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsikuMDf7gFHoFQPQTRu2Bk2nJSq7mHGBlsXDOy586W9yfk-0NvcoUAwuLl2kx61QrRbhyphenhyphenSPzE0Fuv9GAZbqlAfQp27K2M2rMtTE-a4NZYMMFyZkJz7z1-t0B7cUGVNBA2BDpaJ0pYStf/s320/Iphone+Photo+274.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The room where ambassadors to France are received</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsikuMDf7gFHoFQPQTRu2Bk2nJSq7mHGBlsXDOy586W9yfk-0NvcoUAwuLl2kx61QrRbhyphenhyphenSPzE0Fuv9GAZbqlAfQp27K2M2rMtTE-a4NZYMMFyZkJz7z1-t0B7cUGVNBA2BDpaJ0pYStf/s1600/Iphone+Photo+274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The tapestry in the Salon Pompadour</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Presidential desk</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another view of the Presidential desk</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking over the Cour d'honneur</i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-31642793052988830892012-09-14T06:29:00.002-07:002012-09-14T10:13:43.707-07:00Paris off the beaten track: Two ancient Triumphal ArchesParis is full of major must see monuments, sights, and museums. However, hidden within the small side streets of Paris and down some of the less traveled boulevards there are some hidden gems; secret sights that are off the beaten track but are well worth visiting. Not only will they give you some photos of Paris that are different from your friends and family, but they will also give you an insight into the real Paris of today, and the Paris of yesterday.<br />
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This weekend's off the beaten track site is two triumphal arches. Right down the road from each other in the 10th arrondissement these two ancient triumphal arches feel like they have been cast aside and forgotten as the town has grown up around them.<br />
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Both arches were built by the order of Louis XIV to replace gates (in French: <i>portes)</i> in the original (and now demolished) city walls of Paris. They both celebrate the victories of Louis XIV on the Rhine (over Germany) and in what is modern day Burgundy.<br />
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The first arch, is right outside the Strasbourg-Saint-Denis metro station: Porte Saint-Denis.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVQ6hR6d7NTIH2dYNI0RYNoToFZ0Ne8l1SDqlOIolYyEmQ-ZSzEldo5rhpDjcQd4M6qZslPjezU2iwosjDaqwoVJyquF7gerVxV9uiVGlpmxwoOZ1FnbpN7Btg32xS9gPsc3V5OrSfybV/s1600/Iphone+Photo+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVQ6hR6d7NTIH2dYNI0RYNoToFZ0Ne8l1SDqlOIolYyEmQ-ZSzEldo5rhpDjcQd4M6qZslPjezU2iwosjDaqwoVJyquF7gerVxV9uiVGlpmxwoOZ1FnbpN7Btg32xS9gPsc3V5OrSfybV/s320/Iphone+Photo+088.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Porte Saint-Denis as seen from <br />Rue de Faubourg Saint-Denis</i></td></tr>
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The Porte Saint-Denis, built in 1672, is on the intersection of Rue saint-Denis which turns into Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, and Boulevard de Bonne-Nouvelle which turns into Boulevard Saint-Denis. Porte Saint-Denis has a large central arch and used to have two smaller arches on each side to allow pedestrian traffic. These have now been sealed up.<br />
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The Porte Saint-Denis was the gate that the kings of France would use to return to Paris from religious services at the Basilica of Saint-Denis. Napoleon's troops also passed through the arch, entering the city in 1816 after his victorious campaign. The last sovereign to have passed through the arch was Queen Victoria when she visited Paris for the Universal Exposition in 1855.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The front face of the Porte Saint-Denis</i></td></tr>
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The front face (facing North) has figures picturing the Rhine and Holland. The rear face (facing South) contains a sculpture of the passage of the Rhine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Porte Saint-Denis looking to the North</i></td></tr>
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On the top of the arch is inscribed the words: LVDOVICO MAGNO which can be translated as "Louis the Great".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD0hPyiIhFSasG-m7lCbdNS-o0TQM6dlUJe1vvjbBoaSmvSy21BwQrMG2OL0sIsA_OzoNy3cgcK4Y-DM-r4IIYesbSSBkCyqvsy9eLC6dnAEVC_SpChJzkAEuqYoHxw1tldISotdM0gmm/s1600/Iphone+Photo+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD0hPyiIhFSasG-m7lCbdNS-o0TQM6dlUJe1vvjbBoaSmvSy21BwQrMG2OL0sIsA_OzoNy3cgcK4Y-DM-r4IIYesbSSBkCyqvsy9eLC6dnAEVC_SpChJzkAEuqYoHxw1tldISotdM0gmm/s320/Iphone+Photo+095.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking at the Porte Saint-Denis towards the North</i></td></tr>
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One thing to note about the area directly around the Porte Saint-Denis is that it is the beginning of one of Paris' red light districts. Down the Rue Saint-Denis there is a lot of prostitution and adult themed shops, particularly further down. There is sometimes some of this activity across the road from the Porte but the area itself is perfectly safe and you are very very unlikely to have any trouble however, it is good to be aware.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4r1EyF4H9fUHN-F1vpR7VtoWCjNXB7KHdS9Cm8TDVAHVvF7o15aDeIG3l4vBoFIkQP9_ySorO2tzt098HRYEwHbN2rEk7Ac7P2B1c3d8ruafbVBgJjj_q6jmoLV8PdmdNQAs9DoRYTRU/s1600/Iphone+Photo+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4r1EyF4H9fUHN-F1vpR7VtoWCjNXB7KHdS9Cm8TDVAHVvF7o15aDeIG3l4vBoFIkQP9_ySorO2tzt098HRYEwHbN2rEk7Ac7P2B1c3d8ruafbVBgJjj_q6jmoLV8PdmdNQAs9DoRYTRU/s320/Iphone+Photo+112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Porte Saint Martin</i></td></tr>
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If you walk 5 minutes down the road, away from the Opera House and away from Rue Saint Denis, staying on Boulevard Saint Denis (this is towards the Socitie General with its distinctive black and red square logo you will come to the second triumphal arch: Porte Saint Martin<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90fS-azvwxKMQTbgYQ_8ULUh_P1Q3Bv0Md3ct2OCerCh-kRa4r2JgIQsRaAI_DlF_D0j8IUxF6Rxiqqbd8oFNNDvLWb_7XeFl3zLVFeD_nqV-xmajLERMXKQ3F3xcuEm6z0fYMiBwqdiJ/s1600/Iphone+Photo+117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90fS-azvwxKMQTbgYQ_8ULUh_P1Q3Bv0Md3ct2OCerCh-kRa4r2JgIQsRaAI_DlF_D0j8IUxF6Rxiqqbd8oFNNDvLWb_7XeFl3zLVFeD_nqV-xmajLERMXKQ3F3xcuEm6z0fYMiBwqdiJ/s320/Iphone+Photo+117.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Porte Saint Martin carvings.</i></td></tr>
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The Porte Saint-Martin was built in 1674 the gate was designed by Pierre Bullet, who was a student of Francois Blondel who designed the nearby Porte Saint-Denis, at the command of Louis XIV. The gate was built on the site of one of the gates of the original, and now dismantled, Paris city walls. The arch celebrates the victories of Louis XIV on the Rhine and in modern day Burgundy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfCsqVSG1lzVShFZGlLWcWSTOs8SLFKSgIRXjrQkS26nRDiEh5Lnny-VOhg2S659BXV62XmgKNWCczKGXUeAp7k19ctr_-13EaDhLjgaW3nnHb_Ku9kQX_KWuHvQqw9YN7NnlnfHj3t05/s1600/Iphone+Photo+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfCsqVSG1lzVShFZGlLWcWSTOs8SLFKSgIRXjrQkS26nRDiEh5Lnny-VOhg2S659BXV62XmgKNWCczKGXUeAp7k19ctr_-13EaDhLjgaW3nnHb_Ku9kQX_KWuHvQqw9YN7NnlnfHj3t05/s320/Iphone+Photo+126.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Porte Saint Martin looking North</i></td></tr>
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The monument is a triumphal arch made out of limestone and marble. The front (North) and back (South) have carved reliefs on them. The front on the left depicts the Capture of Limbourg portrayed by a woman setting next to a lion. The right side depicts the defeat of the Germans. Louis the XIV, depicted as the Greek God Mars, is portayed with the shield of France pushing back a German eagle. On the back (to the South), the left side depicts the breaking of the triple alliance with Louis XIV portrayed as Hercules and on the right side, the capture of Besancon where Louis XIV is dressed as the Greek God Fame and is standing in front of an olive tree retrieving keys from a woman.<br />
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<b>How to get there:</b> The Porte Saint-Martin and the Porte Saint-Denis can be accessed by taking the metro to the "Strasbourg Saint-Denis" station. This station is on the 4, 8, and 9 metro lines.<br />
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For other activities that are off the beaten track and to get a taste of the real France, explore options for day trips from Paris using public transport on <a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/">www.beyond-paris.com</a>.<br />
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Keep up to date with upcoming "off the beaten track" locations, and ideas for day trips from Paris on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Paris/510862218930829?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and our <a href="https://twitter.com/beyond_paris" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2153579519492833514.post-38837784603484867802012-09-11T11:58:00.002-07:002012-09-11T11:59:59.813-07:00Train Tips - first or second class on French trains.When you are travelling on the TGV or a French regional train SNCF will give you the option of first class or second class travel.<br />
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With these names come a number of mental pictures. First class feels like you will be reclining in large seats, being served copious amounts of food and drink while smoking a large cigar while those poor people in second class will be jammed in like sardines, six across and two high.<br />
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However, this is not the case on the French train system. In fact, within France there is almost no difference between at all between First and Second class.<br />
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On the TGV, the main difference is that the chairs are slightly larger and recline slightly further (but in reality, not that far). Instead of being two seats on each side of the aisle (as there is in second class) there are two seats on one side, and one seat on the other. In first class there is very likely to be a power point at your seat. Sometimes there is a power point in second class, but not always. There is no complimentary food or beverages and no additional service provided to first class. Therefore, normally it is not worth the additional price. Although, on some occasions, it can be cheaper to buy a first class ticket than a second class ticket.<br />
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On the regional trains, there is even less of a difference. It appears mostly that first class is supposed to be quieter, and again, there may be a power point.<br />
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Therefore, if there is a price difference, it makes sense to stick with second class when travelling inside France.<br />
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This does not apply to the Thalys line which services Belgium and the Netherlands. With the Thalys service first class still has the larger seats and the power point, however the first class cars are more plushly decorated, you are provided with free wifi on board as well as a meal and beverage service. If there is only a small price difference between first and second class, splurge out and buy first class - it's worth it!<br />
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If you are looking for places to explore outside of Paris - for a day trip or maybe something longer - check out<a href="http://www.beyond-paris.com/" target="_blank"> www.beyond-paris.com</a> for ideas.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0