This article is inspired by an article written by Bonjour Paris, "What The French Miss When Away From France".
Here are the top five things I miss the most being away from Paris specifically:
1. Culture - mainly museums but culture in general
2. Wonderful, affordable wine and especially Champagne
3. Architecture - who doesn't absolutely love Haussmann
4. Accessible, affordable and efficient public transit - who needs a car?
5. Beauty in everything from flower shops on most corners (as noted in the article) to pretty cakes in windows. It seems in Paris every little thing deserves to be beautified.
Of course I also agree with the article on the following points:
1. Bread/Pastries, real baguettes and pain au chocolat, no where else compares!
2. Cheese - choice is unlimited but I miss being able to pick up a Comte at any store without breaking the piggie bank. Here is Canada, it's hard to find and when you do, be prepared to pull out the credit card.
3. Conversations, it is so tiring talking to people about business and what you do for a living. You'd think that North Americans can't think of any other topic to talk about. In Paris it is quite possible to never know what someone does for a living, there are lots of other topics to discuss, and they do.
Read the article from Bonjour Paris.
What do you miss most?
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
New AutoLib Car Service In Paris
Blogs and Facebook Pages are buzzing with this month's launch of the new Autolib car sharing service in Paris. The car service is based on the popular Velib (bicycle service).
You can use the Autolib service if you are resident by signing up for a annual or short term membership. Annual membership costs 12 Euros/month, plus usage fees. Overall, the costs are very affordable especially if you consider the cost of car ownership (outrageous and unnecessary). The idea, like Velib is for short term rental, in half hour increments within the city.
Currently in a two month test phase, there are according to some sources, 66 electric cars available for rent by the half hour. The goal of the program is reportedly to reduce car ownership. Ultimately, the plan is to expand the service to 1200 stations by the end of next year.
Intuitively, I like the idea of having a quick, convenient, affordable and eco friendly car rental service. However when I really gave it some thought, I wonder for what I would actually use this service? I am a big supporter of public transit and public transit in Paris is fantastic. You do not need a car in Paris. Yes, for some reason there are still a lot of cars, why I really have no idea.
I lived in Paris for two years and never, never once missed having a car within the city. The only time I needed a car was if I was picking up something that I could not get on the metro or walk home in my shopping cart. On most occasions this was as a result of a visit to Ikea. A short rental service to pick up a shelf or some sort of furniture kit from Ikea, I can get on board with that. The problem, these electric cars seem not much bigger than a Smart car. I cannot see myself getting my build your own Ikea furniture home in one of these electric cars.
So what I ask is the need for these cars?
Take transit, walk or cycle.
Love to hear you chime in on the value of Autolib.
You can use the Autolib service if you are resident by signing up for a annual or short term membership. Annual membership costs 12 Euros/month, plus usage fees. Overall, the costs are very affordable especially if you consider the cost of car ownership (outrageous and unnecessary). The idea, like Velib is for short term rental, in half hour increments within the city.
Currently in a two month test phase, there are according to some sources, 66 electric cars available for rent by the half hour. The goal of the program is reportedly to reduce car ownership. Ultimately, the plan is to expand the service to 1200 stations by the end of next year.
Intuitively, I like the idea of having a quick, convenient, affordable and eco friendly car rental service. However when I really gave it some thought, I wonder for what I would actually use this service? I am a big supporter of public transit and public transit in Paris is fantastic. You do not need a car in Paris. Yes, for some reason there are still a lot of cars, why I really have no idea.
I lived in Paris for two years and never, never once missed having a car within the city. The only time I needed a car was if I was picking up something that I could not get on the metro or walk home in my shopping cart. On most occasions this was as a result of a visit to Ikea. A short rental service to pick up a shelf or some sort of furniture kit from Ikea, I can get on board with that. The problem, these electric cars seem not much bigger than a Smart car. I cannot see myself getting my build your own Ikea furniture home in one of these electric cars.
So what I ask is the need for these cars?
Take transit, walk or cycle.
Love to hear you chime in on the value of Autolib.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Renting A Furnished Apartment In Paris
As you may know from other articles written on the Paris Dream, renting to the tourist market in Paris is not legal without a permit. According to an article in Le Figaro, the city of Paris is moving to enforce these laws. The city is cracking down specifically on those renting through a real estate company (SCI). The penalties for not complying to the law are hefty.
According to the article it is still possible to rent a furnished apartment to the holiday market if you have a permit and the rewards are three fold:
Of course there are downsides as well:
If you decide to go the furnished short-term rental route be sure to know the regulations and comply with them. You do not want to be subject to heavy fines or worse be stuck with a flat that is draining your finances because you hadn't planned properly.
Read the original article from Le Figaro.
According to the article it is still possible to rent a furnished apartment to the holiday market if you have a permit and the rewards are three fold:
- Increased rent (up to 10% higher rent than an unfinished Paris apartment)
- Reduced taxes (compared to unfurnished)
- Easier removal of tenants again compared to unfurnished, however the law still favours the tenant if it is a primary residence (ie student)
Of course there are downsides as well:
- Possibility (even likelyhood) of having periods of vacancy
- Increase wear and tear on the apartment and furnishings
- Must be sure that the building coop allows for rental
Primary target for furnished flats are:
- Tourists (shortest term)
- Students (usually 9 months)
- Executives on a mission
If you decide to go the furnished short-term rental route be sure to know the regulations and comply with them. You do not want to be subject to heavy fines or worse be stuck with a flat that is draining your finances because you hadn't planned properly.
Read the original article from Le Figaro.
How To Find A Good Real Estate Agent In France - Expatica
Recently I have been reading a number of articles on Expatica, France. I have found this website to be a wealth of information and you may too.
I came across an article about how to find a good real estate agent in France. There are a number of valuable tips included. You can read the full article on How To Find A Good Property Agent.
In addition to the points listed in the article, if you are looking for a flat in Paris you also have to consider that there are many different arrondissements and each will have their own agents. If you have been reading much about Paris real estate (or French real estate) you will well know that there is no MLS type service in France. This makes finding your Paris Dream flat, a lot more challenging. Agents do not share listing information and each will serve only their specific neighbourhood. As a result, you will need to find a good agent in each neighbourhood you are considering.
It is one thing to find a good agent, it is another thing altogether to get the agent to want to work with you. You need to build a relationship with each agent with whom you would like to work. You want them to call you first when a perfect flat comes on the market.
Good luck in finding a good agent to help you in your quest for the Paris Dream.
I came across an article about how to find a good real estate agent in France. There are a number of valuable tips included. You can read the full article on How To Find A Good Property Agent.
In addition to the points listed in the article, if you are looking for a flat in Paris you also have to consider that there are many different arrondissements and each will have their own agents. If you have been reading much about Paris real estate (or French real estate) you will well know that there is no MLS type service in France. This makes finding your Paris Dream flat, a lot more challenging. Agents do not share listing information and each will serve only their specific neighbourhood. As a result, you will need to find a good agent in each neighbourhood you are considering.
It is one thing to find a good agent, it is another thing altogether to get the agent to want to work with you. You need to build a relationship with each agent with whom you would like to work. You want them to call you first when a perfect flat comes on the market.
Good luck in finding a good agent to help you in your quest for the Paris Dream.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Companies Come To Employees Aid In France Housing
Given the over heating of the France Real Estate Market many companies are taking note of this impact on their employees. As a result companies are offering various incentive to employees from loans to subsidized rent. While Ile-de-France (Paris) is the hottest market, many other regions in France are suffering from unaffordable housing as well. Companies in these regions are also offering housing support to their employees.
Read the full article from Les Echos.
Read the full article from Les Echos.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Jack, The Dog of Paris
Move over Yorkie, your place as the pooch of Parisians have been taken by the Jack. What happened to the feisty Yorkie as the dog of choice for Parisians? In this recent visit to Paris, I was struck by the prominence of Jack Russell Terriers, they were everywhere. Any one have any insight into the Yorkie losing favour to the Jack?
I snapped this shot from behind not wanting the owners to think I was a little crazy.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Hôtel de Ville Exhibits
One of my favourite places to visit for exhibits during my time in Paris is always the Hôtel de Ville. If you love Paris, and really is there anyone who does not, you will love the city of Paris exhibits. I always make a point of visiting.
The exhibits generally focus on a specific topic about Paris. Artists in Paris, la tour Eiffel, etc. I have been to many exhibits here and never once have I been disappointed.
On this past visit to Paris, we visited two exhibits at the Hôtel de Ville, Paris at the Time of The Impressionists and Paris Sur Seine. Both were absolutely outstanding.
There are potentially two small challenges with visiting the exhibits at city hall. The first is that the information is in French. Sometimes they have an audio guide (available in English) but not always. The second is that you are likely going to be queueing to get in. But trust me both current exhibits are worth the line up.
If you love the Impressionists, seeing this exhibit is really wonderful. It explores Paris during the time of the Impressionists which also happens to coincide with the development of Haussmannian architecture in Paris.
Additionally, since part of the Musée d'Orsay is undergoing renovation, you can see some of the beautiful Impressionist paintings at this exhibit that would normally be at the Orsay, some of which have not previously been on public display.
If you are in Paris, visit soon as the exhibit will close at the end of the month.
Do not let the posters around the city promoting Paris On The Seine mislead you about this exhibit. The posters feature an impromptu concert with young people in 1963. This poster could lead you to believe that the exhibition focuses on leisure time on the Seine during the 1960s. However the exhibit is much more than this. The exhibit traces the Seine back to its very early days. It is a fascinating look at the changes and life on the Seine over time. The exhibition runs until September 17th.
Hôtel de Ville exhibits are open daily except Sunday.
The exhibits generally focus on a specific topic about Paris. Artists in Paris, la tour Eiffel, etc. I have been to many exhibits here and never once have I been disappointed.
On this past visit to Paris, we visited two exhibits at the Hôtel de Ville, Paris at the Time of The Impressionists and Paris Sur Seine. Both were absolutely outstanding.
There are potentially two small challenges with visiting the exhibits at city hall. The first is that the information is in French. Sometimes they have an audio guide (available in English) but not always. The second is that you are likely going to be queueing to get in. But trust me both current exhibits are worth the line up.
If you love the Impressionists, seeing this exhibit is really wonderful. It explores Paris during the time of the Impressionists which also happens to coincide with the development of Haussmannian architecture in Paris.
Additionally, since part of the Musée d'Orsay is undergoing renovation, you can see some of the beautiful Impressionist paintings at this exhibit that would normally be at the Orsay, some of which have not previously been on public display.
If you are in Paris, visit soon as the exhibit will close at the end of the month.
Do not let the posters around the city promoting Paris On The Seine mislead you about this exhibit. The posters feature an impromptu concert with young people in 1963. This poster could lead you to believe that the exhibition focuses on leisure time on the Seine during the 1960s. However the exhibit is much more than this. The exhibit traces the Seine back to its very early days. It is a fascinating look at the changes and life on the Seine over time. The exhibition runs until September 17th.
Hôtel de Ville exhibits are open daily except Sunday.
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