Inside Paris – Ariel’s Favorite Paris Walks and Tours

September 30, 2011  by Ariel Kocourek

Contemplating Van Gogh in Paris - Giovanni Giorgini

There are so many tours to choose from in Paris… Whether you want to be whisked off on your adventure by bike, boat, balloon, Segway or foot (I have yet to find a horseback tour, but I’m sure someone, somewhere is cooking one up), a tour exists to help make that dream come true.

Having that many options at your fingertips can be overwhelming. That’s why we make it our duty here at Haven in Paris to scour the city tirelessly for the very best tours to recommend to our clients. I’ve been lucky enough to meet more than my fair share and have compiled a list of four of my favorites, chosen because they are so original, in depth and because the people behind them are amazing characters themselves!

Musée D’Orsay (Manolo Blanco)

Time Travelers Tours

Sara Towle’s “Time Travelers Tour” StoryApp (downloadable to the iPhone) is one of the most original Paris tours I’ve experienced. This labor of love started out as a book geared towards children and has evolved into an fully interactive, fact-filled, historical adventure through Paris. The first tour in the series, “Beware of Madame la Guillotine”, reveals the stories behind the landmarks and personalities associated with the French Revolution. It’s perfect for adults and children alike (I had a great day out following the tour with my husband)!

You can download the Time Travelers Tour App for your iPhone here or here. Continue Reading »

Posted in Arts, Tours and Classes | 2 Comments »

Eco-Friendly Shopping Tours in Paris

February 11, 2009  by Haven in Paris

Eco-Friendly Shopping Tours in Paris – Rachel Kaplan

These days, inspired by France’s Green Party and a growing emphasis on public cycling (Vélib), organic foods and sustainable development, Paris is emerging as an eco-friendly European capital.

On Sundays the quais of the Seine are closed off for bikers, joggers and roller-bladers. The city prides itself on its over 400 parks and gardens, including one growing organic fruits and vegetables. There are at least four weekly organic food markets selling everything from fresh produce, meats, and honey, as well as organic wine. The city boasts several health food chains, and even the Monoprix store group prides itself on carrying a range of organic foods, with the AB label. Once you have tasted an omelette made with organic eggs there is no going back. Now, a number of beauty companies have created organic skin care products and cosmetics, including Nuxe and l’Occitane. Other retailers are selling cutting-edge clothes made with organic cotton, or are steering away from leather shoes and bags in favour of attractive substitutes.

If you want to learn more about doing an Eco-Chic Shopping tour while in Paris, do visit www.parischicshopping.com or write to Rachel Kaplan at chic@parischicshopping.com

Fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, Provence and Tuscany: haveninparis.com

Posted in Green, Shopping, Tours and Classes | No Comments »