Month: August 2018

picnic

5 Essentials for the Perfect Parisian Picnic

Summer’s almost over, so with just a few fair-weather days left to enjoy, we’re heading to one of our favorite picnic spots to soak up the last of the sun. As for what we’re packing in  our baskets…  here are the five essentials we always have.

1. Baguette

It’s not a picnic without this most emblematic of French breads. The long, skinny loaf’s name actually means “stick” (and is also used to say “wand,” so Harry Potter had a magic baguette in French!) Not all baguettes are created alike, so seek out only the very best: a former winner of the “Best Baguette in Paris” contest is always a good bet!

2. Wine

While public intoxication is certainly illegal in France, public drinking is not! It’s not uncommon to see folks sitting in a park enjoying a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. Just don’t forget cups and a corkscrew!

3. Rillettes

Rillettes are one of our favorite charcuteries to bring along on a picnic. This spread of shredded meat (often duck) combined with fat is delicious slathered on bread, and it’s sold in most supermarkets in an easy-to-transport tub!

4. Cheese

Is a picnic really Parisian if there’s no cheese? Some easy-to-transport varieties include Camembert and Saint-Marcellin, both of which are sold in a handy container perfect for setting on your picnic blanket (or on the ground).

5. Pastry

Don’t forget about dessert! Most pâtisseries will box up your pastry selection for easy transport, making this the perfect choice for a picnic dessert. Discover some of our favorites with our pastry tour!

Bonus: The Emergency Picnic

Paris sunshine is famously fickle, so when we’re suddenly blessed with a sunny day, speed is occasionally of the essence. That’s when our favorite boulangerie becomes our best friend: local bakeries make fresh sandwiches to offer every single day. The classic Parisien is simple ham-and-butter, and it’s a delicious, truly Parisian treat.

The Real French Kiss: All About ‘La Bise’

We’ve all seen those European air kisses that some people do when they greet each other in the States, but in France, la bise isn’t a rarity: it’s the norm. Generally speaking, any ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’ involving a woman (and sometimes, greetings between men who are particularly close) involve brushing your cheeks against those of your interlocutor. And to make things even more complicated… it’s not done the same way throughout France.

How to Bise

Giving the bise is generally done by brushing your cheeks against the cheeks of your interlocutor and kissing the air simultaneously. However, the rules change a bit for children: if you’re greeting a child, you’ll let the child actually plant a kiss on your cheek before doing the same!

(Some close friends will also opt for this style of bise, but it’s best to err on the side of air-kissing).

One thing’s for sure: unlike in the States, contact is made with the other person’s cheek.

How Many Kisses?

Depending on the region where you are, the number of kisses involved in the bise will range from two to four:

  • In Paris, as well as in some other major cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse, two kisses are the norm.
  • In the South, particularly near Marseille and Montpellier, as well as in the North, near Lille, people have a preference for three kisses.
  • In western France, meanwhile, near Nantes, four kisses are given (that’s a lot!)

Which Side?

To make things even more complex, not all regions start their kisses on the same side. Not knowing which side to lean to first can certainly lead to some awkward moments!

  • In the north of France (including Paris), turning to the right/droite (so brushing left cheeks first) is the norm.
  • In the south, however, people turn to the left/gauche (and brush right cheeks first).

A Bit of Bise Etiquette

There are a few times where you won’t want to bise:

  • If you’re ill. Because the bise can spread germs, if you’re under the weather, let people know!
  • If you’re meeting someone in a business scenario. Here, a handshake is preferable.

With all of these rules, there are often some faux pas. If you’ve ever had a bise blunder, be sure to share the story with us on Facebook!

Paris Plages: A Summertime Must-See!

Braving the heat during a Parisian summer can be tough, but there is one place you can cool down: the Parisian beach!

I know what you’re thinking: Paris is landlocked. And while the city hasn’t undergone any topographical magic, since the creation of Paris Plages in 2002, you can indeed go to the beach, even in the city.

What’s Paris Plages?

Paris Plages is a series of beach-like installations along the Seine River and the Bassin de la Villette. These free installations feature chaise lounges, misters, sun umbrellas, and sports activities. (There used to even be sand!)

Paris Plages 2018 is open until September 2, and it’s totally free for anyone to access.

Where’s Paris Plages?

There are two different Paris Plages areas: one in central Paris along the Seine, and the other in the 19th, at la Villette.

Image care of Praia

Quais de Seine

The first extends from the Pont de Solferino to the Pont Alexandre III on the Left Bank and from the Pont de Sully to Pont Neuf on the Right Bank. Pulling up a chaise lounge on this portion of Paris Plages allows you to take in historic monuments like the Louvre and Notre Dame, not to mention the River Seine flowing at your feet.

While there’s no swimming here, there are activities like foosball, mini-golf, and even ballroom dancing – and there are misters all around in case you need to cool down.

Image care of Lionel Allorge

Bassin de la Villette

If you can’t imagine the beach without swimming, however, the Bassin de la Villette is the place to be. Here, swimming pools have been installed in the Canal de l’Ourcq, providing the perfect spot to take a dip and cool down.

Chaise lounges, lockers, and changing rooms are at your disposal, and lifeguards watch over the different swimming areas during opening hours.

Once you’ve had a dip, take advantage of the board games, paddle boats, and even a zip line with exquisite views over the Canal itself!

Top image Ken Eckert

canal saint martin

It’s August in Paris – Where Are All the Parisians?

If you’re visiting Paris this month, you may be surprised to see that there are very few locals lolling about. Cafés, shops, and restaurants have shuttered, with possibly a sign in the window indicating that their staff will be back come September.

This isn’t a Purge situation, but rather a regular Parisian tradition of les grandes vacances, or “the big holiday.” Since most French people get a full five weeks of paid vacation, a large portion of Parisians flee the capital for the entire month of August, and that includes some of our favorite fromagers, restaurateurs, and barmen.

That said, don’t believe for just one minute that you’ll be encountering a total wasteland when you arrive in Paris in août. Here are some of our favorite things to do in a Paris sans Parisians.

1. Visit Paris’ Museums

The Parisians may be gone, but Paris’ museums won’t be shutting their doors. Enjoy a wander through the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, or Catacombs and take in Paris’ past.

2. Eat AT Some Great Restaurants

Many Parisian restaurants will close their doors in August, but that isn’t the case for all of them! Here are a few of our favorite restaurants that will be remaining open this summer:

If you need help finding a restaurant (or planning the rest of your trip!) consider letting Paris Uncovered help you plan your trip!

3. Take Advantage of Paris’ Summer ACtivities

Paris in summertime is filled with fun things to see and do. Not only will many of the parks be empty enough for you to take advantage of the free seating at the Tuileries or the centuries-old pushboats at the Luxembourg gardens, but you can also:

Share your favorite summer activities with Paris Uncovered via Facebook and Instagram!