Where to Stay in Paris – My Recommendations
Where to Stay in Paris? It's a question that I get asked each week by readers and social followers asking 'where to stay in Paris' and more specifically, 'where do you stay in Paris' and 'what hotels do you recommend'. After answering numerous emails and helping loads of travellers with my personal Paris hotel recommendations, I thought it made sense to put my suggestions all in one place and share it with everyone. Honestly, I don't know why I haven't already done this!
The timing is perfect to share this blog post because I've just come back from a couple of pleasant Autumn days in Paris and stayed at my usual hotel, and I have a number of emails from readers waiting for my reply on 'where to stay in Paris'.
Advent in France
What is Advent and How is it Celebrated in France?
As I've grown older, traditions have become more important to me including those surrounding Christmas. As a child, Christmas traditions were not really observed by my parents. But as a parent myself, I've loved adopting some traditional Christmas practices and decorating our home with pretty twinkling lights and, of course, a beautiful tree.
One of the more recent traditions I've embraced is celebrating Advent. This post will cover what Advent is, how it is celebrated in France and gift Advent calendars. I also share ideas on how to make your own calendar. In next week's post we will share everything you need to know about Advent Wreaths, what they are and how to make your own beautiful Advent wreath.
French Advent Calendar
Advent is derived from the Latin word for "coming" adventus, and is celebrated in the Christian church calendar. It celebrates the period of preparation for the birth of Jesus.
Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30, which is St Andrew's Day, and is the beginning of the liturgical year. However, counting down the days on an Advent calendar ignores the St Andrew tradition and rather than counting down from the nearest Sunday to November 30, the calendars start on 1 December and counts down to Christmas Day.
It's a tradition now that each year I share our own advent calendar on social channels including Facebook and Instagram. Our calendar has stunning Christmassy photos from across France and in case you've missed them or want to see them again - here's the photos in all their twinkling, decorative colour.
Armistice Day in France
Armistice Day in France
Armistice Day in France is a public holiday and day of remembrance commemorating the end of World War I. Known as L’armistice de la Première Guerre Mondiale in France, it occurs on 11 November annually.
I've written about other public holidays and national days of celebration in France, and the Remembrance poppy on Remembrance Day but not about Armistice Day in detail. Armistice Day is very important in France and our village and others all around us solemnly celebrate it. Here's more on what's Armistice Day, when is Armistice Day celebrated and what happens in France on Armistice Day.
The Napoleonic Bee
The Napoleonic Bee
Have you heard of the term 'Napoleonic Bee'? As you might guess it relates to Napoléon Bonaparte I, you know the famed military and political leader of France. Napoléon (also referred to as Napoléon The Great), adopted the bee as his court symbol from as early on as his coronation in 1804 and throughout his reign as Emperor.
Napoléon Bonaparte I
Let's take a brief look at Napoléon Bonaparte's life before we look at his bee emblem and why he chose this symbol for himself and his family. Napoléon lived between 1769-1821 and is considered to be one of history's greatest military leaders. He rose to prominence during the French Revolution and served as Emperor of France from 1804 to 1814, and again in 1815. He is probably mostly remembered for his role in the Napoleonic Wars and his very well known defeat at the battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815.
Best Small Group Tour of Paris
Best Small Group Tour of Paris
A French Collection's Paris tour has been described as the best small group tour of Paris and "connecting with the heart of Paris". Our bespoke small group tours have been created from my passion and insider knowledge of the most romantic city in the world that has, simply captured my heart. You'll be seduced by the Eiffel Tower, Museé d'Orsay, Monet's Garden and the bucket list items Paris is so famous for. We'll also soak up the buzz of the boulevards and cafes as we eat beside the local residents.
This is no rush-around-tick-a-box tour, instead you'll get to see the most beautiful sites, historical gardens, and legends and icons of Paris. You'll visit authentic cafes famous for their patrons and sweet smelling patisseries, discover the secret bits that most visitors miss, take a garden picnic and stroll antique markets which make this the most romantic city.
A Guide to Mont-Saint Michel Abbey
What do you think of when someone mentions the region of Normandy? Do you imagine the world famous Mont-Saint Michel with its high rock dwellings, fluctuating tides and peaceful grazing sheep. And why not, it's a stunning site that draws many people to Normandy.
The people of the Middle Ages believed that Mont-Saint Michel was a representation of the heavenly Jerusalem on earth, an image of Paradise. I think many of us would agree that photos of the sun setting on the Mount or grazing sheep upon the marshes still looks a bit like Paradise!
