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Context Walking Seminars and Tours Paris + Italy

Walking Seminars:

Context’s walking seminars of Paris are much more than a typical walking tour. Their network of historians, architects, curators, writers, sommeliers and chefs help the intellectually curious traveler understand and investigate Paris on a deeper level. They have a diverse weekly calendar of small group walks (limited to 6 people) or they can organize any of their walks for a private party to suit individual schedules.

Hidden Kitchen Paris – Underground foodie heaven

Text Erica Berman Photos – courtesy of Hidden Kitchen & Erica Berman

Hidden Kitchen private supper club in Paris

With no idea what to expect, and no expectations to fulfill, we were unexpectedly seduced and delighted by this underground Parisian dining extravaganza. Expertly run by a young American couple, the food has a fresh US slant not so common in France. In over 16 years of fooding in Paris I have experienced a lot of Paris’ culinary treats, and I can honestly say that this was one of the best meals I have had in the city of lights.

Paris apartment Spotlight – Luxurious 2 Bedroom haven by Palais Royal & the Louvre

Text Genevieve Sandifer

Paris Apartment rental Spotlight – Sleek Opulence in the Heart of Paris: This week on the HiP Blog we bring you an inside look into one of our favorite properties of the moment: our Rameau two-bedroom flat, located right smack in the mythical heart of Paris. The Louvre, Palais Royal, Tuileries Gardens and the Seine river are the backdrop for this exquisitely decorated pied-a-terre.  Designed by a fashionable French architect

Perfect Pizza in Paris

Text Erica Berman

While most people don’t come to Paris for pizza, if you get the urge for a fix of authentic Italian eats, the Golfe de Naples is the place to go. This bustling inconspicuous restaurant nestled on a corner behind the Bd St. Germain by the Marché St. Germain is hopping from the moment it opens to the moment it closes. Tables are tightly packed, privacy minimal, service brisk but friendly, and food tasty and simple. Thick-crusted and chewy pizza

Vintage Shopping by HiP Canal St. Martin

Text and photography by: Genevieve Sandifer

Although we all want to channel a little Coco Chanel/Edith Piaf/Laetitia Casta while wandering through St. Germain, the price points attached to the fashion dream can be more than a little dissuasive. Here to rescue the dream felled by “recessionitis”: Thank God I’m a VIP, a gem of a vintage store located just east of Pl. de la République in the up-and-coming 10th arrondissement.

A walk in Paris in the sun

Text – Erica Berman    Friday Feb 20, 2009

After many years of living Paris the beauty of the city is often lost behind the cloudy grey weather and daily train-train*.  Often I find I must make a concerted effort to find the time to take advantage of this beautiful city.

Yesterday, a sunny day, I decided to steal a few hours in town. First stop: the Passerelle de Solferino, a small bridge across the Seine from Musee D’Orsay to the Tuilerie gardens, to admire the spectacular view up and down the river Seine.

Recession-Friendly Travel: Comparing Luxury Hotel Rates With Luxury Apartment Rates

Same services, same amenities, drastically different budgets

Photo courtesy of Haven in Paris

Text by Genevieve Sandifer

When you think vacation, what first springs to mind? Finally getting a full night’s sleep in luxurious sheets, sleeping in ‘til noon, lifelong friendships that spring from random chance encounters in corner cafés, soaking in the sun without a care in the world… But as you surely well know, thanks to falling currencies and the pervasive doom-and-gloom attitude, everyone is being a little more careful about throwing money away for a little square of paradise. Staying in “budget” hotels, though, can often be worse than not getting away at all: questionable cleanliness, rude concierges, cigarette-tinged rooms, second-rate sheets and towels… you’d be better off at home.

We made a few calls, did a little research and put together a shortlist of the rates of some of Paris’ notable higher-end hotels, and compared them to how much you would spend for the same standards of luxury in a Haven in Paris property — to show you show you just how advantageous having your own home away from home can be. Click through for step-by-step price comparisons…

B&B – Chambres et table d’hotes – in the Creuse ‘les Puits’

Photo Erica Berman – view from bedroom window

Text Erica Berman

Feb 1, 2009 -  Tonight we head toward our B&B I found in La Creuse, a little known & lovely region of France. Orleans, to Vierzon to Le Chatre to Boussac..la Creuse. We arrive in fog and drizzle to a little village in the middle of nowhere welcomed warmly at our chambre et table d’hotes  by a lovely transplanted English couple….

Domaine de la Piale – B&B in the Lot

Photo Erica Berman

Text Erica Berman

Many hours of driving on winding roads, a near collision with a large male deer, and poor directions later we arrived at our Chambre D’hotes – Bed & Breakfast – Domaine de la Piale in the tiny town of Fons in the heart of the Lot one of France’s undiscovered, and my favorite, regions. It was dark and the curvy narrow road earthen and muddy. We arrived to discover a charming 18th century stone farm compound converted to B&B. The reasonably priced suite we rented included a spacious living room, king bed in the large bedroom, bathroom with tub and separate toilets. Stone floors, wood beams, antiques, artwork and green plants completed the decor. Waking up to the lovely misty views of the forest and rolling hills from the windows enhanced the cozy interior and comfy bed. French owners  Adeline and Bertrand Spindler have restored this 18th century ‘demeure’ with love, style and excellent taste.