 |
Three Spots for a Quiet Afternoon in Paris
Author: Phil Chavanne  | Posted: 09-11-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 202 | Rating: (53)  (?) 
There are so many things to see in Paris and so little time to do it that your journey in the French capital can wind up taking the colors of a marathon run. I offer you a different take on it: stop, review your options, and decide to kill a couple of hours doing just nothing but reading a good book in a spot where you can be left to yourself. Here are three spots where you can do just that.
The China House
In America when we think of a social venue where to spend a couple of hours reading and sipping on some hot beverage, the local Starbucks shop comes to mind almost immediately. Starbucks is slowly building a beach head in Europe where Italian coffee dominates the espresso market, leaving very little room for the kind of brew Starbucks sells.
In other words, Starbucks shops do not abound in Paris. But there are many other venues of the sort, and sometimes much better ones. The China House (La Maison de la Chine) belongs to this latter category.
Standing at 76 rue Bonaparte, in the Saint Germain des Pres area, La Maison de la Chine offers tea lovers a perfect haven to taste various teas and nibble at a couple of 'macarons' (small cookies with a light cream spread within) and other pastries. The 'tea house' is open from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Monday to Saturday. Tasting sessions give you an opportunity to sip on some of the finest Chinese teas: Tieguanyin, Longjing, Yinzhen, and Shuixian. The tea is prepared along the lines of an ancient tradition with special bamboo utensils, clay teapot and water pot, a 'cup for smelling' and a 'cup for sipping'.
Should you also wish to have lunch there, their Shanghaï Cafe opens between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. Their courses are a mix between Chinese and Thai food, with some interesting flavors. The food doesn't come cheap (there are two options, one for 22, the other for 28) but quality is good.
Les Jardins du Luxembourg
Definitely one of my favorite areas in my teenage years. The Luxembourg Gardens are the Parisian version of London's Hyde Park and NYC's Central Park. It extends across a large section of the city, spreading over parts of several districts. The French Senate House was built along one of its sides.
Monikered 'le Luco' by the youth of the 6th district (a well-to-do crowd with its own social codes and exclusive parties), the Jardins du Luxembourg are informally divided into sections.
In one of these, children can ride an old wooden-horse merry-go-round, and catch metal rings with short wooden sticks. Further away, there are a few tennis courts, and a puppet theater. The vast expanse of land facing the French Senate House features a water basin where youngsters float model sailboats.
One of the quietest spots of the Gardens borders the Rue d'Assas. It is shaded by old trees around which narrow alleys wrap up. Metal chairs line up the alleys, and it may become hard to find one unoccupied during summer as students love to hang around and study in this area. A perfect place for a quiet afternoon of reading or romantic strolling.
Meet Louis the 13th at Place des Vosges
Ensconced by four rows of 17th century mansions, Place des Vosges is probably best known for its art galleries. Those exhibit artworks of a more modern breed that the galleries which line up the famed Rue de Seine, near Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
To me however, Place de Vosges is mainly remarkable for its peaceful, miniature park. The 39 mansions around the Place shelter it from the traffic rumble coming from the Rue Saint Antoine (Southern side) and the Boulevard Beaumarchais (Eastern side). This sort of a rampart also serves as a wind-cutter during fall and springtime.
Mid-sized trees line up the fence around the symmetrically built park. At its center, a tree-circle in which stands a bronze statue of Louis the 13th who, we learn, died at age 33. Around the central circle, my target: one of four green lawns where I can unfold a spread, lay down, and read.
During summer, there are always a couple of classical and jazz formations playing under the nearby arcades. They play at a pretty good level which gives a nice touch to the local vibe.
Among the restaurants around the Place, I personally like 'Ma Bourgogne' at No. 19. They serve hearty meals for 25-35.
Plenty more spots to come
There is no shortage of quiet spots where to kill a couple of delicious hours in Paris. In fact I'll write about some more in the coming weeks. When you are in Paris, take some time off to enjoy the city vibe differently; don't just roll with the Parisian hustle-bustle. I'll see you in a while with more food for thought.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/three-spots-for-a-quiet-afternoon-in-paris-71517.html
 About the Author:About the Author:
As an experienced traveler and a long-term specialist of Paris, Phil Chavanne gives scores of tips and advices on Paris hotels, restaurants, and monuments in his free city guide: Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
David Letterman grilling Paris Hilton
By: Buffy | 01-10-2007
Is David Letterman grilling Paris Hilton more funny or more sad?and why isn't she wearing a bra?
26 hours day in Japan
By: Oshi | 20-09-2007
The Japanese have a (seemingly) longer day than the rest of the world... This is actually their way of indicating hours extending beyond midnight, so why restart the clock at one.But seriously, what would you do with extra two hours a day?
Travel Guide of France
By: iopepito | 11-09-2007
I have to go in France, where can I find a goog online travel guide
Were there female musketeers?
By: nerdybirdy | 05-09-2007
Were there female musketeers?
What Time is it in Baghdad Now?
By: Yuri Doudy | 13-08-2007
What Time is it in Baghdad Now?
Where can i download paris hilton sex tape?
By: z1geo | 07-08-2007
where can i download paris hilton sex tape?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Destinations Articles
Cheap Holidays
By: Elena Carr | 06/10/2008
So you’ve decided that you want to go somewhere, anywhere for holiday but like most people these days have found yourself the victim of bouncing economics, where do you go? The answer is a lot closer than you think.
The Reason Why Australia?
By: Journey Mile | 06/10/2008
As we all know that the biggest attraction in this place is its natural beauty. From the exquisite beaches to the impeccable landscape. Who among us didn't want to experience this kind of thing? Read on to know more...
Delightful Experience of Kerala Tours
By: Michael smith | 06/10/2008
Last year we with our friends decided to visit Kerala – one of the most beautiful states of India and globally famous tourist destination. We book a 9 Nights – 10 Days package with a Delhi based tour operator.
Kumarakom Houseboat Backwater Holiday
By: Michael smith | 06/10/2008
Imagine a luxurious cruise passing though the picturesque lakes, lush canals, scenic waterways, brackish lagoons, etc. Picture mesmerizing views of sunset viewed from a sundeck of houseboat cruise amidst tranquil water, gentle breeze and copious nature beauty.
Rajasthan Vacations in India
By: Manjari Singh | 06/10/2008
Planning for a tour to a culturally rich heritage destination where excitement never ends. Then nothing can surpass an enthralling trip to Rajasthan in India, a much desired monumental heritage tourist destination.
Country Lakes
By: Jeffrey Arcones | 06/10/2008
Country Lakes is a small district in Naperville, in the “prairie” state of Illinois. Naperville is considered as one of the most affluent cities of Illinois and is also the fifth largest in the state.
A Pretty Goa Villa for Your Perfect Honeymoon
By: Rick Hendershot | 05/10/2008
People who are seeking a unique, beautiful and affordable vacation or honeymoon destination should consider Goa.
A Rainy Day in Barbados, it Sure Sort of Reminds Me of Scotland
By: garryaw | 05/10/2008
Sunday sure was a rainy day, it rained heavily all night and for most of the day. At times it felt like I was back home in Aberdeen in Scotland, where I have known it to rain incessantly for 2 or 3 days at a time.
More from Phil Chavanne
Classic Paris: Book-hunting Along the Banks of the River Seine
By: Phil Chavanne | 28/06/2007 | Destinations
"Walking through Paris in search of new tips and hot-spots for readers of paris-eiffel-tower-news.com, I realized I’d neglected one its most classic locations, despite the fact that I often take time to skulk around the “bouquinistes” (second-hand booksellers) of the banks of the river Seine."
Four-star Gourmet Food in Paris - Part III
By: Phil Chavanne | 21/04/2007 | Travel Tips
If there's one thing the French know how to do well, it's food. Food is more of an art (and for some, a quasi religion) in France, and so I knew I would be remiss in my duties to readers of paris-eiffel-tower-news.com if I did not go and seek out Paris's finest gastronomic glories for you. Sampling the following is not an option – it's a must!!!
Four-star Gourmet Food in Paris - Part II
By: Phil Chavanne | 21/03/2007 | Destinations
If there's one thing the French know how to do well, it's food. Food is more of an art (and for some, a quasi religion) in France, and so I knew I would be remiss in my duties to readers of paris-eiffel-tower-news.com if I did not go and seek out Paris's finest gastronomic glories for you. Sampling the following is not an option – it's a must!!!
Four-star Gourmet Food in Paris - Part I
By: Phil Chavanne | 21/03/2007 | Destinations
If there\'s one thing the French know how to do well, it\'s food. Food is more of an art (and for some, a quasi religion) in France, and so I knew I would be remiss in my duties to readers of paris-eiffel-tower-news.com if I did not go and seek out Paris\'s finest gastronomic glories for you. Sampling the following is not an option – it\'s a must!!!
Awesome Parisian Shopping Discoveries
By: Phil Chavanne | 10/02/2007 | Destinations
Good news! I have more great Parisian hot spots yet for the readers of Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com. Read on, I believe you won't be disappointed.
Parisian Wonders Off the Beaten Track
By: Phil Chavanne | 10/02/2007 | Destinations
In this issue I have yet more Parisian shopping bargains and discoveries in store for the readers of paris-eiffel-tower-news.com: designer leather and furs direct from the manufacturer’s workshop, fine crystal and more!
A Melting Pot of Ideas to Try Out in Paris – Act I Scene II
By: Phil Chavanne | 11/01/2007 | Destinations
Everyone will memorize something personal about Paris. I thought it would be a rich idea to start writing a brand new series of articles in which I would offer each time a motley of ideas: obscure sites to see, off-the-wall museums to visit, quaint shops to shop at, and other things to do (for free or for money) in Paris. Starting now!
Serendipitous Paris: a Random Assortment of Things to Do – Act I Scene I
By: Phil Chavanne | 11/01/2007 | Destinations
Your experience of Paris will necessarily be different from that of any other traveler. Because your expectations are unique, your perception of the French capital will be yours, and yours only. Diversity being the name of the game, I thought you would enjoy being told about a larger variety of unusual places to visit, and singular things to do while in Paris.
|
|
Travel 
