With fewer locals out and about and most tourists sticking to the well-beaten path, those who avoid the most popular spots will be surprised with the relaxed pace of life in Paris at this time. While many shops and restaurants do shut down in August, there are still plentiful options; Parisians still have to eat and you will still find hundreds of charming cafes and quiet bistros for dining, as well as markets and grocers where you can pick up supplies for a peaceful picnic along the Seine. Stroll through the many parks of Paris, or watch children sail boats on the lake in the Tuileries gardens. Pick a less-visited museum, like the Musée Rodin or the Musée National du Moyen Age and you may find you have the place nearly to yourself. Even at the most touristy places, like Père Lachaise cemetery, it’s fairly easy to escape the masses – just skip Jim Morrison’s grave in favor of the resting places of people like Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, or Sarah Bernhardt.

Fashionistas will be glad to know that Paris’ twice a year sales, or soldes, are still going on in early August, though if you come later in the month you can also find great deals at one of the city’s many flea markets, like the Porte de Clignancourt. Other highlights of August include free open air movie screenings in Parc de la Vilette and outdoor theatre at the Jardin Shakespeare. From checking out the beautiful metro stations in Paris to laying on a man-made beach, there are quite a few free activities to explore during August in Paris.

If you’re the type of traveler who looks for the best party hostels in Paris when booking accommodation, or who prefers to stick to the well-traveled tourist trail, you may find the shuttered businesses more a turn off than an enticement. But if you’ve been there, done that when it comes to a whirlwind tour of Paris’s major attractions and would rather visit the city at a less hectic and stressful time, consider making your next trip in August. Depending on your travel style, you might even find that this month, with it’s slower pace and fewer crowds, is your ideal time of summer to enjoy a visit to Paris.

By Katie Hammel of BootsnAll

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Image by: drdcuddy

The underworld of Paris

Over time the use of these tunnels and caverns has changed hands: In the 19th century they were mined for building stone, then farmers used them for production of mushrooms. During World War II, French Resistance fighters used some of the quarries to hide, while the Germans built bunkers in others. Today brings a different group to the underground; an illicit group of leaderless individuals who spend days or weeks without coming above the surface. Also known as cataphiles, these people love the Paris underground. Cataphiles of course make some of the best tour guides to the underworld of Paris, with their own intricate maps as well as secret rooms that can’t be found on any map. They are often young people fleeing the surface world and all of its rules. The scene grew in the 70′s and 80′s when it was easier to enter through forgotten doorways and open entrances. They would crawl through the tunnels filled with bones aka the catacombs. Cataphiles really became known to us as what they are due to the freedom they were given underground. Many of them say ‘To be happy, stay hidden.’ In secret places, they partied, staged performances, created art and took drugs. And since the end of the 80′s it has become increasingly difficult to enter the underground. Private property owners began closing off entrances and police now patrol the tunnels.

And while the cataphiles roam the underground, archeologists and forensic pathologists are investigating the catacombs, where some six million Parisians reside. And each skeleton has a story. Meanwhile, inspectors from the Inspection Générale des Carrières, the IGC investigate the quarries. It is their job to ensure that Paris doesn’t collapse into the quarries that damage its infrastructure. Today Paris sits atop formations of gypsum and limestone. While the Romans were first to produce the stone, their sculptures, bathhouses and arena can still be found on the Île de la Cité as well as the Latin Quarter.

For those that have experienced Paris’ underworld, they can’t help but look at the numerous manholes and envision what lies beneath, their paths and many branches. Cataphiles will tell you this is perfectly normal after returning to the surface world. One can’t help but imagine the freedom and many possibilities that lie beneath.

Images by: watchsmart, jessica mullen

 

Deauville

This picture-perfect belle époque resort town remains one of northern France’s most fashionable destinations. It’s home to the famous racecourse and a wealth of hotels, cafés, restaurants and chic boutiques with plenty of attractions and activities for young visitors, too. The Boardwalk – the place to stroll, people watch and devour ice cream – is a highlight, along with miles of clean, safe, golden sand beaches. And if you’ve got active teens, head to the Deauville Watersports Centre, which offers surfing, kayaking and catamaran sailing.

 

Normandy Landing Beaches

If your brood’s ready for a history lesson, taking a tour of the famous WWII Normandy Landing Beaches (including Juno, Sword, Gold, and Omaha Beach featured in Steven Spielberg’s hit movie Saving Private Ryan) and the war memorials and cemeteries is an unforgettable and moving experience.

 

Cabourg

If paddling and sandcastle building is more the order of the day, take your buckets and spades to Cabourg, where you’ll find the finest pleasure beach on the entire Normandy coast. In addition to great family friendly hotels and restaurants there’s active pursuits aplenty from sailing and watersports to mini golf, tennis and horse riding.

 

Bayeux

Can your kids name the date of the Battle of Hastings? Bring history to life and take them to the medieval town of Bayeux – the first place to be liberated after the D-Day invasion – to see a much older war, depicted in a giant 70m-long piece of intricately embroidered cloth. The famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman Invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings in all its glory is housed at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.

 

Honfleur

If you’ve got budding art buffs in your brood or simply want to make your base somewhere breathtakingly pretty, take a look at the picturesque harbour town of Honfleur. The magical light and scenery drew the great impressionists of the 19^th century, including Monet, Renoir and Cézanne, and today you’ll still see artists with sketchbooks at work along the quayside. Yachts fill the harbour which also boasts a charming selection of cafes, shops and restaurants, although you might have to go it alone if you want to feast your eyes on all 15 of the town’s art galleries.

You’ll find frequent daily ferry crossings to the ports of Le Havre and Dieppe throughout the summer season.

This post was written by Natalie Walsh, a travel writer who specializes in family holidays in France.

Visiting just about anywhere in Europe for spring is sure to be a pleasant experience – the streets, bars and restaurants are filled with enthusiastic locals, the French are packed into their neighborhood bistros while the British are packed into their traditional pubs for lunch, the Dutch linger over strong coffee while the Italians gesture over tiny espressos and the Spanish fill the evening streets for their paseo and tapas.

Concert series are fully underway. Unique art collections are on display at museums, local castles and palaces and everywhere you go, you will find locals enjoying regional specialties and vino from nearby vineyards.

Residents truly cherish this time of year because it’s when they can enjoy their cities without being crammed into small spaces by the rush of travelers. This is also the time that seasoned travelers will want to take in the enjoyment of these same places.

Here are a few spring destinations to choose from for 2011.

Holland

An easy daytrip from Amsterdam, the gardens here are truly worth a visit. A riot of tulips and crocuses, spring in Holland is the most colorful time of year.

Springtime means the Dutch fields will be rainbow colored and the farmer’s markets will sell 50 tulips for less than 10 euros. In spring, the Keukenhoff gardens are truly at their very best.

Paris

Avoid hyped prices and wicked long lines by taking your travels to Paris in the spring instead of summer. Overbearing crowds really put a damper on a romantic visit to the Eiffel Tower and can really thwart all your efforts at a romantic experience. Take a visit to the Palais de Versailles to see the legendary gardens in bloom or take a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries to admire the well-maintained gardens surrounded by palaces and ponds. Often a spot for picnics, don’t miss out on a visit to Le Pont des Arts for some photogenic moments and people watching. Tip: if you are planning a visit to a popular museum, reserving online before arrival is worth it during springtime too. No matter what season, lines are bound to form and while a half-hour wait in spring is much better than a two-hour wait in summer, no line at all is even better.

London

While the winter months in London bring drab weather and heavy clouds, the spring is filled with warmth and sun. Pub terraces reopen, magnolia trees spring all over the city, contrasting against the drab grey buildings, and the weather shifts from blustery to balmy. One to check out is Edinboro Castle, which is located near Camden Town.

Download an mTrip Travel Guide for your spring travels

Les deux Magots

The Paris of artists, writers and philosophers like Picasso, Matisse, Oscar Wilde and Hemingway spent their days in cafe life at their favorite haunt, Les demux Magots. Enjoy a romantic drink here with your loved one.

The Eiffel Tower

While the Eiffel Tower might be the world’s most famous tourist attraction and Paris’ most familiar symbol of romance, long lines and thousands of tourists could thwart all your attempts at a romantic experience, especially on Valentine’s Day. During the day, make your way to the fountain adjacent the Eiffel Tower, which sits next to the viewing platform of the Trocardero. While there are still crowds here, there will be less so. Also the various parks surrounding the fountain are often empty and still provide wonderful views of the Tower. Take a bottle of champagne and a picnic for a romantic Paris-style lunch.

If you decide to go to the Eiffel Tower, try visiting at night when the tower and skyline are gorgeously lit up and you are less likely to fight the crowds.

Arc de Triomphe

With its awe-inspiring details and beautiful architecture, the Arc de Triomphe is quite the sight to see. Sit at Place de L’etoile square and admire the beautiful monument while the hustle and bustle of Paris passes you by. If you are feeling more adventurous, climb to the top to get a full view of Paris. It’s great to see the famous avenue at sunset or all lit up at night.

Jardin des Tuileries

Surrounded by palaces and ponds, these well maintained gardens designed in the 1600′s are perfect eye candy for a Valentine’s Day stroll with your loved one.

Square du Vert Galant

This tiny but pretty park derives its name from Henri IV. Vert Galant was one of his nicknames to signify that he had a reputation for many love affairs.

The square is a great place to picnic. You can almost dangle your feet in the Seine. Here you will also find the departure point for the Vedette tour boats on the Seine.

Seine River

Stroll the banks of the Seine river, or sit and watch the water with a bottle of wine. A highlight for many is taking a cruise of the Seine river. This can be a good option if its too cold to sit outside or you are looking for more of a tour of the banks. See the river at night for a romantic evening.

Pont Alexandre III

Never miss a chance to stand on this bridge. Considered to be the most beautiful bridge in Paris, Pont Alexandre III is really romantic. With its opulent decoration of lamps, cherubs, nymphs and alarm horses at each end, many have said it is good luck to kiss on this bridge.

Le Pont des Arts

One of Paris’ most photogenic monuments, Le Pont des Arts has long been visited by lovers for every corner of the world. A declaration of love here isn’t so unusual. In fact, it wasn’t until last year that the city decided to remove almost 2,000 love padlocks (candenas d’amour), with eternal messages of love written on them. It also happens to be the same bridge where Big of Sex & The City proposed to Carrie!

Often a spot for picnics and a studio en plain air for painters, artists and photographers, the bridge is a place to observe people, listen to music, watch a painter or just take in the atmosphere of Paris.

Download mTrip’s Paris Travel Guide

Image sources: dewet, stopherjones, Chadica, RachelH, maxintosh, Marc Lagneau, Metaphox, Guillaume Cattiaux and _sarchi at Flickr

Enter Toma Haines, who runs the antiques shopping business, The Antiques Diva. As expected, Haines knows her way around a brocante. Last fall, I attended the Foire Nationale a la Brocante et au Jambon (The National Fair of the Flea Market and Ham), the largest antiques and gourmet food fair in France. But instead of wandering around clueless and scared to bargain en français, I was on an Antiques Diva Shopping Tour learning shopping secrets such as:

-You have more bargaining power in Paris than in other European cities.
-Buying two or three items from a single vendor usually gets you a deal.
-Dressing for success means leaving designer sunglasses at home.
-Larger items are usually better priced than smaller ones.
-It’s possible to negotiate free shipping for what you can’t carry home.

Best of all, when I wanted something, I didn’t have to bargain. Haines’ had a translator on the tour to bargain for us, ensuring we got the best deal possible.

Besides learning where and how to shop for antiques, joining an Antiques Diva tour of Paris is like shopping with long-lost friends. While touring Paris’ best antique and flea markets, I not only acquired a 1920s tripod and 1930s Parisian wallpaper book, but I acquired three new friends. Now that’s what I call a souvenir.

The “Perspectives” exhibition begins September 5th at Espace Culturel Louis Vuitton in Paris.

Address: 101 Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Phone: +33-1-53-57-52-03

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Image by max_trudo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/max_trudolubov/

To see participating museums and cities visit La Nuit des Musées

Cost: Free

Where: Various venues throughout France

When: May 16, 2010, Sunset – Approximately 1am

Download mTrip’s Paris Travel Guide

Image source: Mateusz War at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:0905_Muzeum_Narod_ENM_SZN.jpg

All proceeds of Twestival went toward Concern Worldwide, a charity that seeks to provide children with access to school education.

Any city worldwide had the opportunity to host a Twestival and to choose a specific educational area to raise funds for, with all proceeds going toward Concern Worldwide’s educational programs. The areas of focus were:

• Building schools
• Training teachers
• Furnishing classrooms
• School meals
• Water for schools
• Reaching the vulnerable
• Health education
• Education for girls

Check out how successful some of the hosting Twestival cities were:

• New York
• Chicago
• San Francisco
• Paris
• London
• Barcelona

…and if you would still like to make a donation it’s not too late!

For more information visit Twestival

@twestival for more fundraising updates!

Download an mTrip Guide: Paris Travel Guide, London Travel Guide, Amsterdam Travel Guide, Berlin Travel Guide, Rome Travel Guide, Barcelona Travel Guide, New York Travel Guide, Chicago Travel Guide and San Francisco Travel Guide

Image source: cambodia4kidsorg at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cambodia4kidsorg/

January – Head to France’s comic strip capital, Angouleme and check out the 37th edition of Festival International de la Bande Dessinée. From January 28th-January 31st check out exciting shows and exhibits, showcasing cartoons from all over the world. Download the Angouleme application for iPhone or iPod Touch from iTunes and learn all about the exciting works competing for prizes.

February – It’s definitely worth hitting the small town of Roquemaure for the annual kissing festival, La Fête des Amoureux (French site). This is a reenactment of the arrival of the relics of Saint Valentine, not to be missed.

March – Uniting art and culture from March 8th to April 18th – Festival de l’Imaginaire (French site) will bring you non-stop dance, music, and theatre performance all the way from Algeria to Zambia.

April – April 2nd-5th celebrate Easter in all its brilliance. Join the 60,000 people in Arles at the Roman amphitheatre for the first bullfight of the season, Be witness to an exciting atmosphere filled with customary events, dancers, painters, writers and diverse band entertainers from across France.

May – Celebrate all forms of jazz for the exciting 20th anniversary of Luberon Jazz Festival (French site). Taking place May 10th-16th, watch dedicated jazz performers both emerging and professional take the stage for the spectacle of the year!

June – On July 5th and 6th celebrate the medieval past with the residents of Reims. A series of exciting light shows and music, in memory of French patron saint Joan of Arc at Fêtes Johanniques (French site).

July – July brings the celebration of Les Fêtes des Gayants (French site) Head to Douai in Nord-Pas de Calais on July3 12th-14th and witness the Gayant family (five giant puppets) being carried through the city by locals and visitors. Be one of the visitors carrying the Gayant family you are sure to be a part of the action!

August – Water jousting, a tradition since 1666 reflects the very soul of the Sète’s residents. Witness this crazy tournament alongside the Fête de la Saint Louis (French site), packed with six days of exciting shows and banquet.

September – Discover the benefits and pleasure of long distance running on September 11th in the Marathon du Medoc. This festival is like no other – the race follows a path alongside famous vineyards so instead of pairing your long distance running with energy drinks and energy bars, you can enjoy the distance with appellations and local produce!

October – Walk down the Antique Quarter, rue August Comte in style. On the first Thursday of every October, the city of Lyon rolls out the red carpet for the…but think again, its not movie stars you will find strutting down this carpet. Residents and visitors will walk the carpet and enjoy street shopping, as each shop owner displays its wares. From jewelry to art objects, you will have plenty of street shopping to do! For more information on the 20th edition of Le Tapis Rouge visit Quartier Auguste Comte.

November – Don’t miss the stroke of midnight. The third Wednesday of November brings the nouveau Beaujolais (new wine), released in the town Beaujeu-en-Ligne. Stick around for tastings, dinner, an exciting street festival, music and dancing all alongside beautiful candlelight. For more information visit Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu.

December – The Licques Turkey Festival (French site) in Nord-Pas de Calais is boasting with excitement – an indoor Christmas market, a huge party, most notably with a turkey stew and fun competitions. Save more fun for the following day, as locals in traditional costume bring the birds that didn’t make it into the turkey stew through the town. The festivities take place before Christmas, just in time to get you in the holiday spirit.