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Bouquinistes – The Paris Booksellers

Paris booksellers - Bouquinistes

Paris Booksellers along the Seine River

When I was in Paris the other month I spent a lot of time at the Paris booksellers along the River Seine, also known as the bouquinistes. I enjoyed looking through secondhand and rare edition books, posters and out of print magazines.

My impulsive purchase saw me carrying my antique and very delicate newspaper, Le Petit Journal (dated Sunday 23 August 1896) and ancient print gingerly around on my day's wonderings and then even more gingerly on my long haul flight home. (Can you see all the ancient Le Petit Journals clipped along the stall above?)

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BnF or Bibliothèque Nationale de France – Richelieu Library

National Library of France

BnF or Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France)

“The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.”
― T.S. Eliot

National Library of Paris - Richelieu Library

The other month I was standing in awe in the oval reading room of the National Library of France - Richelieu Library, otherwise known to the locals as the BnF and the beauty of this building nearly brought tears to my eyes. I am not joking, the immense and kaleidoscopic oval reading room designed by academic architect Jean-Louis Pascal took my breath away!

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Paris In Springtime – What to See and Do

Paris in the springtimeParis in Springtime – What to See and Do

Paris in Springtime is quite simply one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Paris and if you love gardens and blossom then you’ll love springtime in Paris.  Our round up of what to see and do in springtime is the result of many trips to Paris, and especially at springtime.

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Notre Dame Cathedral Bees Survive the Fire

Notre Dame Cathedral beehives

Notre Dame Cathedral Bees Survive The Fire

Notre Dame Cathedral is just one of the famous buildings in Paris that have active beehives on their rooftop and as the fire raged through the Cathedral on 15 April 2019 the survival of the rooftop bees and their beehives was on many peoples' minds.

On Monday the 15th April, the day of the disastrous fire, I was gazing up at the scaffolding and taking photos only an hour before the fire broke out and the fate of the bees crossed my mind on hearing about the fire, having researched and published my article Paris' Rooftop Beehives in 2015 all about Paris' hidden beehives and their keepers.

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Louvre Museum Glass Pyramid Turns 30 Years Old

Louvre Museum Paris

The Louvre Glass Pyramid Celebrates its 30th Birthday

The glass pyramid entrance at the Louvre Museum in Paris has recently turned 30 years old and while it is loved the world over now, that was not always the case. In fact it was a very controversial issue for many years. Most of us however, cannot image the Louvre now without its unique and much photographed glass pyramid entrance.

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Paris Rooftop Beehives

Paris Rooftop BeehivesParis Rooftop Beehives are on many Parisian Buildings

You may be surprised to find out that many of the famous buildings you visit in Paris have beehives on their rooftops. Beehives are on rooftops all over Paris, with some passionate Parisians even installing hives in their offices and on apartment balconies.

Did you know Paris is fast becoming the centre of apiculture with rooftop beehives around the city being cited as the salvation of the bee, together with growing public awareness of the crisis in rural bee-keeping caused by the collapse in bee numbers. City bees are apparently immune to the health problems facing their country cousins and they are also far more productive.

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Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots – Two Famous Paris Cafés

Cafe de Flore ParisCafé de Flore and Les Deux Magots Café – Two Famous Parisian Cafés

Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots Café are two famous cafés both in the Saint Germain area in the Left Bank of Paris. The cafés are top on the list of many people’s Paris itineraries and we’ll take a closer look at these two iconic Paris cafés and why they are famous.

What are your best travel memories? Does sampling the local produce and eating out dominate your travels? For some it is the food itself and its presentation that is paramount, for others it is the ambience or history surrounding the location that appeals to them.

I love it best when I’m with friends eating good hearty food in a location with historical significance. And that’s why I love both Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.

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Why Staying In Saint Germain Is A Good Idea

Staying in Saint Germain

Why Staying In Saint Germain Is A Good Idea When In Paris

Today we share why staying in Saint Germain is a good idea on your next visit to Paris. The 6th arrondissement or Saint Germain area in Paris is famously known for its glamour and style. It’s a beautiful place with a perfect mix of wide boulevards and beguiling side streets, classic Parisian bistros and fantastic French stores, elegant Haussmannian architecture and bold green gardens.

Decorating and design stores, bookstores, florists, fashion boutiques and iconic sidewalk cafes like Café Deux Magots beguile and appeal the tourist and local alike. The area is also home to the quirky Deyrolle with its tigers, peacocks and insects.

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