B&B…log is Bed & Breakfast Paris’s blog, the space where you can find and exchange news and information about exhibitions, shows, events, talks and special offers.

 In my opinion, there is nobody better than those who love travelling to give advice and information to those who share the same passion: this is our philosophy at B&B…log.

All that’s left for me to do so is to say: ENJOY THE READ and HAVE A GOOD TRIP!

The exhibition gathers together works painted by Pablo Picasso from 1906 to 1925: it deals with his cubist period and includes the Spanish painter’s most daring and mindful creations. His cubist turn came about in 1906. Around that time a large retrospective of Paul Cézanne’s paintings was held as he had passed away not long before. This greatly influenced Picasso. Search a BandB in the Marais and enjoy this exhibition!

Analytical cubism (1909-1911) bears the mark of his studies of Cézanne’s volumes and is founded on the idea of seizing the object from all points of view simultaneously. This gives the painting a particular density, even if this is not always perfectly legible. In the same period, Picasso got interested in African sculpture, under the guide of the rediscovered exotic primitive art that influenced much of European art culture from Paul Gauguin on. From these encounters and the desire to continuously experiment that had always characterized the nature of the artist, in 1907 the painting Les demoiselles de Avignon signalled the start of Picasso’s cubist season.

The cubist phase was a period of great experimentation, in which Picasso once again questioned the actual concept of artistic representation. The passage from analytical cubism to synthetic cubism represented a fundamental moment in his artistic evolution. The painter seemed more and more interested in the simplification of form, to reach the pure sign that contained within it the structure of the object. Picasso’s cubist phase lasted about ten years with a post-cubist return from 1921-25. The Picasso National museum (third arrondissements) is situated in what was once the Hôtel Salé built in the seventeenth century, one of the nicest in the Marais neighbourhood. Picasso would certainly have approved of the building that has hosted his work since 1985, as once he had told Gertrude Stein that he wished to live in an old house.

Information source: parisinfo

A vist to the Musée d’Orsay is ideal for anyone who, like me, appreciates French painting from the turn of the twentieth century. The museum is in the 7th arrondissement and houses works by important painters from the impressionist school like Renoir, Cézanne, Degas, Sisley, Monet and many others.This is an occasion not to be missed and you can search a B&B in the Orsay 7th arrondissement not too expensive!

The museum was erected inside what was once the Gare d’Orsay, the railway station that was built for the occasion of the Universal Exposition in 1900 and connected Paris and Orléans until the 1940’s. Its spacious, light vaults, joined at the stone façade have made the Gare d’Orsay a monument to modernity of inimitable style.

At the end of the 1970’s, the ex-station seemed the perfect place to host the works of young artists who had renewed the language of figurative representation, giving faces and landscapes a realistic yet evocative mark. Without getting into the abstract side of things, the objects and situations weren’t represented on the canvas for what they were, but as depictions of a specific emotion or light. The canvas was used exactly as a camera film to be exposed or impressed upon.

The same subject was often painted at different stages during the day, as in the case of the Saint-Romain Cathedral, that Monet painted at midday and in morning light. While in the painting Le moulin de la Galette, Renoir catches the festive atmosphere of a Saturday in a country dance hall. The sketched faces belong to shopkeepers, dressmakers and, maybe, some of his models.

Gosh, writing this has made me want to go back to the Musée d’Orsay!

2binparis, Orsay, Cézanne, Renoir

Discover our Bed & Breakfast Promotions

at extremely interesting prices!!!

 2binparis,promotions

On December 17, at The Bercy the Boss will be accompanied by his orchestra for a concert of gospel, folk and blues music. This is an occasion not to be missed and you can search a B&B near the Bercy (11th arrondissement) not too expensive!

The Boss comes back to Bercy for a concert, in the 12th arrondissement, for the tenth time in less than 20 years. Springsteen has a particular fondness for Paris and last year he played his new album, ‘We shall overcome’, a tribute to folk music and its musicians, just a few days after its official release.

The Boss gives his fans his all and is never lacking in energy. This is also a date not to be missed because, after 5 years, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are back with a new studio album, ‘Magic’. Since 1987, following the release of Tunnel of Love, Springsteen has only rarely played with the E Street Band musicians. In this tour though there will be Clarence Clemons on the sax and percussion, Roy Bittan and Danny Federici on keyboards and Nils Lofgren on guitar.

Springsteen has by now become part of music history but at the same time has stayed a down-to-earth, decent person, like the time he improvised an acoustic concert with his guitar for his fans queuing up for tickets for his concert.

Even the literary world is inspired by him: Nick Hornby has written a book, ‘Thirty-one Songs’, about his most loved songs and among these he includes ‘Thunder Road’ because "Thunder Road describes exactly how I feel and who I am, and at the end of the day this is one of Art’s consolations". This is precisely what makes the Boss so popular: he’s able to describe exactly how we feel.

At the Folies Bergère the musical ‘Cabaret’ by Sam Mendes is on until 28 January 2008. Given its great public success(200,000 spectators and 250 performances), the show has been extended. ‘Cabaret’ is a chance to visit Paris and discover the thousaund souls of the city that also hosts great Cultural Institutions like – the Sorbonne, the Académie Française – and the historical theatre Folies Bergère that has been making music hall history since 1886.

Sally, the main character, hopes to find a way to make her fortune sooner or later. She never gets it right though starting with her relationship with Brian who loves her but may not be the right person for her. Brian on the other hand is on for anything, so much so that he, like Sally, falls into the trap of the rich and seductive Max. In the USA, in 1971, the film Cabaret was released with the great Liza Minnelli in the role of Sally, and Michael York in the role of Brian. Songs like ‘Money, Money’ and ‘Cabaret’ are still well-known favorites today. The cabaret around which the story revolves, symbolizes the anxieties and changes happening in pre-nazi Germany. Opulent yet perturbed by strong social imbalance, Berlin experienced a thoroughly unique moment during those years of both decadence and high-spirited creativity: an effervescent ‘joie di vivre’ was the reaction of many to the numerous material problems and the nationalist and racist ideas that were filtering into society. The glistening cabaret presentator is the emblem of this ambiguous, free society where all the characters, starting from Sally, seem to breeze through life.

The new version of the musical by Sam Mendes, has already been performed by its cast of 20, in London, New York, Amsterdam and Madrid. Thanks to Sam Mendes ‘Cabaret’, the musical born in Broadway and based on the book by Christopher Isherwood, has seen a great revival and won several awards. With coreography by Rob Marshall, the director offers a contemporary show whose originality stems from the reconstruction of the Kit Kat Klub, the “boîte de nuit”, in other words, the cabaret scene of pre-war Berlin with all its plots and intrigue. The Kit Kat Klub is a world apart ruled by different laws. The Kit Kat Klub’s night life is a fascinating universe into which the theatre audience magically enters.

The musical’s by Sam Mendes atmosphere is much more than a simple backdrop because it deeply conditions the behaviour and choices of the main characters and mirrors the same atmosphere as Paris during the years between the two world wars. This same atmosphere, always in unstable balance, is narrated by Henry Valentine Miller in ‘Tropic of Cancer’, the novel that established him on the literary scene. The writer had German origins but was born and lived between America and Europe. At the begining of the 1930’s, after reading Dostoevsky, Rimanud and Proust, he travalled to Europe and in Paris he lived like a tramp, depending on his friends for survival. It was some of these friends who introduced him to Anais Nin’s circle where he came into contact with artists and writers. During this time he began to write ‘Tropic of Cancer’, inspired by his experience of life without money but full of happiness. The novel brings its readers through hotels and cafés in the poorest areas of Paris with their brawls, drinking binges and erotic adventures.

infos:

Sleeping: Bed & Breakfast Paris's Map

Folies Bergère 32, Rue Richer 75009 Paris Tel. : +(33) 1 44 79 98 60 Reservations : +(33) 1 44 79 98 98 From 31/12/06 to 27/01/08 to 15:00: Sunday, Saturday - From 31/12/06 to 27/01/08 to 20:00: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Ticket prices not supplied. The programme can be subject to last minute changes so it is always better to call first to confirm.

A weekend in Paris 11 / 13 january 2008 to discover the secrets of shopping. For good-price accommodation, use the family hospitality formula and discover an enticing promotion: B&B Paris 17° arrond.

January is sale month when the shops drastically cut prices. If you’ve been putting off your holidays, now is the time to get away because Paris is offering not only its usual great atmosphere, but loads of great bargains too! Real deals are waiting for you as the shops are getting rid of all unsold 2007 stock as quickly as possible!

 Our Members have three suggestions about where to get the best deals(open Sunday): 

GALLERIE LA FAYETTE PRINTEMPS 75008 - METRO OPERA

BON MARCHE' 75006 - METRO SEVRES BABYLON

CHATELET et TOUTE LA RUE DE RIVOLI 75001 - METRO CHATELET

Finish off your day with a performance of the highly successful musical ‘Cabaret’ at the Folies Bergère: Broadway’s world famous show, revised by Sam Mendes.

For St. Valentine's Day, surprise your partner with a very special idea: a gift for the two of you… a romantic weekend in Paris in one of our B&B! Choose a romantic B&B in our new web page "romantic weekend" and add a very romantic restaurant.

There are lots of delicious dining guides but here you will find some original ideas coming up from three Parisian Citizens! On the week end of Lovers’ Day the wonderful setting of Paris with the discreet and charming atmosphere will offer you unforgettable moments…

Theresa suggests you :

Julien – Brasserie

Where : 16, rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis 75010, web site  - Must try: the “tapenade” - Romantic why: original liberty furniture style, visited by artists and actors on XIX century’s beginning - Prices per person: less than € 40,00 - all inclusive.

Vincent suggests you :

Au Petit fer à Cheval

Where : 30 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris IV,  web site - Must try: the "cheese soufflé” - Romantic why: a little cosy place (less than ten tables) original Deco furniture style and a wonderful statue shaped horseshoe made of zinc - Prices per person: max € 25,00 min € 35,00 – all inclusive

Jenny suggests you :

Bateauxparisiens

Where: at the foot of the Eiffel Tower - Port de la Boudonnais – 75007 Paris, web site - Must try: the special Valentine’s Day menu - Romantic why: an elegant, quiet setting - famous romantic music for listening and dancing . Two and a half hours on the Seine with emotion - Prices per person: min € 125,00 - max € 165,00 – including cruise, drink, meal and entertainment.

Maison Blanche

Where: Restaurant Maison Blanche, 15 avenue Montaigne – 75008 Paris, web site - Must try: the special Valentine’s Day menu (excellent warm chocolate fondue on a mint mousse and brioched croutons) - Romantic why: restaurant’s lights create an atmosphere depending on the visitor’s mood and Chefs say: “We play with the ingredients for managing to whet the five senses simultaneously” - Prices per person: at the rate of 200 euros per person, drinks to be added.

La Mosquée – Restaurant, Hammam, Salon de thé and Souk

Where: 39, Rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire - 75005 Paris (near the great Mosquéee de Paris), web site - Must try: chicken couscous -  Romantic why: oriental atmosphere: cushions, comfortable armchairs, benches, and around large copper trays and oriental music; the complex offers you an Hammam  (be careful: for Women and Men different enter times) - Prices per person (restaurant): min € 50,00 max € 75,00 .

Have a good St. Valentine’s Day ! If you wish you can either write a comment about this post or let us know about the restaurant you’ve tried sending a message to j.johnson@2binparis.com

With spring in the air, the Saint-Martin Canal - this particular glimpse of Paris - is perfect for a weekend in Paris  to get back into good spirits after the long winter months. Take advantage of the Easter 2008 in Paris special offer to stay in one of Bed & Breakfast Paris’ B&B’s. The Saint-Martin Canal, together with the Saint Denis Canal, makes up a route of waterway communication devised in the eighteenth century to allow boats to cross Paris and reach the Seine. The Saint-Martin Canal joins la Villette to the Seine and nowadays is a popular place for those who enjoy walking, running, cycling or roller skating. The canal flows for 4.5km, 2km of which are underground. This makes for an unusual atmosphere with underground vaults and vegetation of centenary plants intertwined with romantic footbridges. Nowadays, visitors can go rowing in one-man boats or as a group. Inaugurated in 1825, the canal is made up of 9 dams and 2 bridges. It is open for navigation 363 days a year.

The shallow canal was originally used to supply the city with drinking water. Later, when industrial settlements sprung up along its banks (glassworks, mills, warehouses), it started to be used for commercial navigation. In the past, sand and coal were transported along the canal. However, towards the end of the 20th century, the river stopped being used for industrial and commercial navigation and became one of the city’s beauty spots. Newly restored, it actually became a communication route passing through the old, picturesque neighbourhoods of Paris in a type of tour through the 4th, 10th, 11th and 19th arrondissement. The Saint-Martin Canal is still one of the least known beauty spots in Paris.

The Saint-Martin Canal joins la Villette to the Seine and nowadays is a popular place for those who enjoy walking, running, cycling or roller skating: visitors can go rowing in one-man boats or as a group.  It is open for navigation 363 days a year.

From the time of its original planning up to modern times, the Canal Saint Martin had a troubled history: Napoleon Bonaparte decided to build it in 1802, and the actual work started in 1805 and finished in 1825 due to the difficulties encountered trying to fit a work of such vast proportions, in an already urbanized location.

The building of the canal coincided with one of the most intense periods in France’s history that culminated in the Second Empire and the great project conceived by Napoleon III to rebuild the city on the criteria of making eventual future revolutionary actions more difficult: large areas of Paris were razed to the ground and small medieval streets gave way to large boulevards that lead to the Arc de Triomphe. The intention was to create large, open spaces for cannon action within the city and to avoid the barricades that they had witnessed in the past (during the French revolution, the revolution of 1830 and the risings in 1848).

The rebuilding of the city was entrusted to Barone Haussmann (1809-1891) who was the chief department officer of the Seine (1853-1870). He wanted to create the Boulevard du Prince-Eugène in honour of the emperor’s son (Boulevard Voltaire), and the presence of the canal did not fit in with his plans because it would have been necessary to build a mobile bridge that would limit circulation on the canal itself. It was another engineer who resolved the problem by lowering the canal by a few metres between the Bastille and Rue du Faubourg-du-Temple thereby permitting the construction of a stable bridge that could accommodate the new road but this meant the ports disappeared.

Therefore the chief officer Haussmann decided to complete the operation by covering the canal between the Bastille and Avenue de la République, thereby creating Richard-Lenoir Boulevard. In 1906, the work to cover the Saint Martin Canal restarted. A new arch, the Temple arch, was built as the continuation of the Richard-Lenoir arch. This is how the Jules-Ferry Boulevard came into being. The part remaining uncovered was rebuilt in 1890 and restored in 1999 and in 2002. The whole canal was improved and it original splendour restored. The famous footbridges date back to the second half of the 19th century.

The canal is a symbol of continuous evolution: it is characteristic of the first half of the 19th century in its general conception and it mirrors the ideas of the second half of the century in its subsequent works like the footbridges and the Richard-Lenoir arch.

At the beginning of the 1970’s there was a general movement in the city to stop the canal from being covered over by a motorway. All of a sudden, the Parisians rediscovered the canal, its nine locks, its centenary trees and its Venetian-style footbridges. Commercial activity gave way to tourist activity with everything from passenger transport to one-man boats. The oldest parts of the canal are located under the bridge of Morland Boulevard, the Bastille arches and Rue de la Fayette.

Since December 2006, the canal has become the scene of attention for public and political opinion about homelessness. 100 igloo-type tents sprung up along the canal in April 2007 in the run up to the general election. The protest was removed and in the summer of the same year, the Parisian police went ahead with the evacuation of the last tents. The problem of a lack of housing in Paris however is still far from being resolved.