I have been very fortunate in being able to sample much of the varied richness of France available within a few hours of Paris–food, wine, culture and a wonderful group of new friends, colleagues and partners. From the green, rain-soaked pastures of Normandy, providing cheese and butter for both eating and cooking, to the cont de canard and goose fat of the southwest and ending up in Provence, where olive oil is king, it has been a challenge to keep the weight off and the smile from my face, as I pinch myself to verify that this life is not a dream. This collection is my way of saying thanks, and sharing with you my many memorable experiences. If you would like to visit any of the locations mentioned, I am often able to arrange special trips for parties and individuals where you will be welcomed with the same warmth extended to old friends. terrance@paris-expat.com
museums
Musée Cognacq-Jay
The Musée Cognacq-Jay is a museum located in the Hôtel Donon in the 3rd arrondissement at 8 rue Elzévir, Paris, France. It is open daily except Monday; admission is free. The nearest Metro stations are Saint-Paul and Chemin Vert.
Pierre Cardin Museum
M, our special correspondent, gives us a look at the man and the legend, Pierre Cardin. It is rare to meet a man without equal but Pierre Cardin is such a man. He welcomed a group of journalists from the Association de la Presse Etrangère with humility, kindness and generosity, that, in spite of his advanced age of 92 and limited time for work, made me feel as if we had all the time in the world.
Musée Carnavalet
Behind this somewhat mysterious name is hidden one of the capital’s most genuinely Parisian museums. The oldest of the municipal museums tells the story of Paris from a bygone era (a prehistoric dugout canoe dating from 4600 BC) to the present day, in all its immense variety.
The Musée Galeria
Just steps away from the most prestigious couture boutiques, the Galliera Museum is located in a Renaissance-inspired palace. Through temporary monographic exhibitions – renowned couturier, major figures in fashion – or thematic exhibitions – by decade, type of clothes, trends and influences – the museum displays part of its invaluable and fragile collection, which bear witness to the creative genius in fashion from the 18th century to present day. The museum does not display its permanent collection.
The Prefecture de Police Museum
This museum was established in 1909 by the Prefect Louis Lépine, made famous by the inventors contest that bears his name. He brings a rich testimony with the pieces together for the 1900 Universal Exhibition.
Musée Luxembourg
At one time visitors could admire twenty-four paintings by Rubens celebrating Marie de Medicis and around a hundred paintings from the Royal collection (Cabinet du Roi) by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Veronese, Titian, Poussin, Van Dyck and Rembrandt. After these works were transferred to the Louvre, the Musée du Luxembourg was designated in 1818 a “museum for living artists”, or in other words, a museum of contemporary art. David, Ingres and Delacroix, among others, were exhibited there.
Musée d’Art Moderne
Inaugurated in 1961, the Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris (or MaM) is located in the east wing of the Palais de Tokyo.The museum is dedicated to contemporary creation in all its forms: painting, sculpture, installations, photography and video.
The Paris Insider Newsletter
THE PARIS INSIDER family of weekly newsletters,Including THE PARIS INSIDER (Tuesday,) THE PARIS READERS CIRCLE (Wednesday,) THE PARIS WEEKENDER (Thursday,) and THE PARIS INTERVIEW (Friday) offer freshly written reviews about restaurants, museums, books, events, showings and what's on in Paris. Arriving at 9:15 AM Pacific Time you'll receive all of this plus tips on excursions to the surrounding regions from Champagne to the Loire Valley and much more. Thank you for subscribing.
Bistros
No one should have a bad meal in Paris! Whether a 2-star restaurant or a local bistro there should always be an excellent rapport qualité prix– relationship between price and quality. At my favorites you will be treated as a regular and have a satisfying experience. Just tell them “Terrance sent you.”
Events
Regularly scheduled literary salons with guest writers, private dinners, restaurant openings, wine tastings,market visits and cooking classes attract a discerning, sophisticated crowd who love to have a good time while they learn. Our cadre of Paris–based colleagues happily share their passion for this magical city.