ALOHA - Paris Hostel

WALKING ON THE CITE ISLAND

In spring or summer it is pleasant to walk on the Cité island in the heart of Paris along the quays or in the streets of the neighborhood.

Come discover the key places of this island. Here is also a brief summary of the history of this island.

History of the appearance of the island of the Cité

The island of the Cité is the heart of Paris. This is where the first nucleus of Lutetia was developed. The first inhabitants are fishermen of the Gallic tribe Parisii. In Gallo-Roman times the island is surrounded by ramparts and a forum is built on the island.

It is in the 13th century that Maurice de Sully built the famous cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris.
During the French Revolution, the former Royal Palace was transformed into a Palace of Justice (the same as currently found on the island).

Until the end of the 18th century the island had about 15000 inhabitants and included 4 chapels and about twenty churches. In the 19th century, the island was redeveloped by the Haussmann style of the time and the narrow streets near the cathedral are enlarged.

Places to visit during a walk on the Island of the Cité

It takes about half an hour to tour the island of the Cité by taking the docks but about 1 day to visit all the monuments of the island.

Among these historic monuments, we can mention the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, the Palais de Justice, the Sainte Chapelle …

You can finish your visit by passing in front of the two key institutions of the island: the Prefecture of Police and the Quai des Orfèvres.

A walk on the docks in spring or summer is also a good time.

For more information about the Island de la Cité, visit franceballade.com

THE LITERARY CAFES OF PARIS

The literary cafes are places not to be missed in Paris where there is a charming and nostalgic atmosphere. Whether for a coffee or an aperitif, there are several cafes where it is good to stop.

What are the different literary cafes in the city ?

Here are some addresses of literary cafes to remember.

The main literary cafes of the sixth district

The Closerie des Lilas is a café located in Port Royal and frequented during the 19th century by intellectuals such as Ernest Hemingway, Emile Zola or Pablo Picasso. The inscription on his sign is in pink lily and the lush exterior. Inside you will find mosaic boards and woodwork.

La Palette is located in the Saint-Germain des Prés district and is decorated with paintings and ceramics. This coffee bar was attended by Julia Roberts as well as Hemingway and Picasso.

In the same area, you will find the café des deux magots, frequented at the time by surrealist artists such as Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus and James Joyce. Inside, two statues representing mandarins look at the room. The benches are in red moleskin and waiters are dressed in black and white.

The Café de Flore is the famous place of famous writers and philosophers such as Robert Desnos or Raymond Queneau. The interior is rather of Art Deco style.

The Procope café is the oldest restaurant since it was founded in 1686. It was visited by many intellectuals such as Voltaire, Balzac or Verlaine.

The literary cafes of the 14th district not to be missed

We can cite the Coupole which is a Parisian brasserie located in Montparnasse with a plaster sculpture in it. It was frequented by Edith Piaf and Picasso.

In the same district, you will find the Brasserie le Dôme frequented since 1900 by many intellectuals, poets, sculptors and models.

To discover other addresses, visit www.parisencore.com

THE MOST SECRET STREETS IN PARIS

The capital is home to many streets and hidden streets at a street corner or in a quiet and shady area. Here are some hidden and secret streets in Paris to discover during a neighborhood walk.

Secret and hidden streets in the north of Paris

Villa Dietz-Monin is located in the 16th neigborhood and houses private villas and driveways with charming, human-sized houses.

At La Cité Pilleux in the 18th neigborhood at the La Fourche metro station, you will discover a small street with workshops on the ground floor and surmounted by a dwelling.

Also discover the Villa Léandres in Montmartre in the center of the 18th neighborhood, a shaded lane in a quiet and green, ideal place for all tourists.

The city Durmar in the district of Oberkampf is a small lost and flowered street lined with old workshops.

Secret and hidden streets in the south of Paris

The rue des Thermopyles in the 14th neighborhood is one of the most charming hidden streets, quiet and green at the same time.

The Crémieux street in the 12th district near Gare de Lyon station is an atypical and colorful street ideal for original photos.

Poplar Square in the 13th neighborhood is home to a triangle-shaped, green, country-like alley.

The passage Chantier in the 12th district near Bastille is one of the oldest streets which houses own some furniture stores among others …

The square of Montsouris is close to the Parc Montsouris in the 14th neigborhood and you will discover charming houses lined with ivy and wisteria. Artists such as Soutine and Foujita have lived there …

To discover other hidden places, visit http://www.unjourdeplusaparis.com/paris-insolite/plus-belles-rues-secretes-de-paris

THE ANIMAL PARKS OF PARIS

The capital offers the visit of various animal parks for young and old.

From mammals, to birds to fish, all categories of animal families are represented.

Here is a list of places to visit and discover alone or in a group.

The animal parks of Paris to visit

One of the largest animal parks in Paris is the zoological park of Vincennes in the 12th neighborhood. On 14.5 hectares and 4km of course, this park offers the visit of 5 biozones: Madagascar, Europe, Guyana, Patagonia, Sahel-Sudan with zebras, sea lions and baboons for example. This park was renovated after three renovations and reopened in 2014.

The menagerie of the Jardin des Plantes proposes a route and discoveries of different animals (1800 in total!) And is the oldest animal park since it dates from the 18th century.

The aquariums to discover and visit in Paris

The aquarium of Paris is located in the Trocadero gardens and has 47 pools with 10,000 fishes and 37 sharks! This is the biggest shark basin in France. In addition, the aquarium offers interactive shows and entertainments and has two movie theaters.

The tropical aquarium of Porte Dorée in the 12th neighborhood offers 5000 animals of fresh water and sea. The goal is to preserve the aquatic fauna. The building was renovated in 1986.

Animal parks and aquariums in the Paris’ area

The Sea Life aquarium is located to 30 minutes from Paris at Marne la Vallée. In the center of Val d’Europe, it offers the visit of 50 basins on a surface of 2500 square meters with stingrays and other sharks as well as games-courses for children.

The animal park Hi Han in Roissy en Brie is a closed educational animal farm where there are donkeys, pigs, ducks, geese …

The Monkey Land in Lumigny in the south-east of Paris is a space where monkeys and birds are exposed on a surface of 20 hectares.

For more ideas of visits consult the site http://www.zoonaute.net/blog/2015/07/15/france-iledefrance/

WALKING ON SAINT LOUIS ISLAND

When you visit Paris, one of the city’s most romantic ballads is without a doubt visiting the island Saint Louis.

Discover the romantic setting of the island Saint Louis and the corners not to be missed!

The charming hotels of the island Saint Louis

The Lambert Hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels with Louis XIV style architecture. Many decorations dating from the 17th century disappeared during a fire in 2013! Voltaire even found refuge there in the 18th century!

The hotel Bretonvilliers meanwhile was built in the 17th century but was largely destroyed. There remains only the pavilion visible since the street of Bretonvilliers and the street Saint Louis in the Island. The hotel was destroyed in 1874 during the construction of the Pont de Sully in particular.

The hotel de Lauzun has an architecture dating back to the 17th century and is famous for having hosted personalities such as Charles Beaudelaire or Théophile Gauthier who smoked Opium among others in search of an artificial paradise.

The Chenizot hotel has one of the most beautiful facades of the island with its sumptuously decorated porch.

The architecture to discover in Saint Louis Island.

The apartments of the island Saint Louis give a direct view of the Seine and the banks of the Seine, especially at the quai de Béthune lined with magnificent facades and portals.

Also discover the church of St. Louis in the Baroque island. Most of its ornaments date back to the 19th century, but it was looted during the Revolution.

The Saint Louis street en Ile is the busiest shopping street on the island. It crosses the island from East to West. You can find the famous Berthillon shop!

The street Regrettier, where there is a statue without a broken head stands during the Revolution is not to be missed! It is also said that the old name of this street (the street without test) comes from the sign of an old shop representing a woman without a head.

To discover more addresses, visit the site unejourdeplusaparis.com

THE MUSEUMS OF PARIS TO VISIT IN FAMILY

The capital is full of museums to do alone or with the family. For all tastes and all the year round museums offer fun activities for adults and children under 18 years.

Here is a list of museums in Paris to visit with your family

General museums to visit with your family

The Louvre museum offers for young and old courses around canvases and artistic objects: Egyptian antiques and other countries, the famous Joconde …

The museum also offers fun courses for children and the small Gallery, an educational space equipped with digital tools.

The Museum also offers luggage storages, strollers and wheelchairs for families.

The Musée d’Orsay on the left bank offers family games and fun tours for children around paintings by famous painters.

A tablet application entitled “The Musée d’Orsay with the family” dedicated to the museum allows you to discover the collections by theme in a connected way!

Specialized museums to do with your family

The Musée Grévin is a museum exhibiting wax statues of famous personalities.

To do: the “discovery” course on the manufacturing history of these statues for 7-12 years!

The “Choco Story”, gourmet chocolate museum offers children’s playgrounds with a gift for the winners!

The Musée d’Art Ludique in the 13th neighborhood is dedicated to comics (recent exhibition on Wald Disney), cinema and manga, ideal for young and old with interactive animations.

The National Marine Museum offers fun activities ideal for 7-12 year olds while parents will discover objects and other models of historic and famous boats.

Warning: the museum is closed until the end of 2021!

THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE BRIDGES OF PARIS

The bridges of Paris are part of the architecture and history of the capital. There are 37 bridges in the capital where locals and tourists like enjoy walking and observing the city all year long. But do you know the history of the bridges of Paris?

Here is a panorama of the origins of the main bridges of the city of Paris.

The history of bridges in the East of Paris

The 174-meter long Austerlitz railway station bridge connects Austerlitz station to Gare de Lyon. It was erected between 1802 and 1807. Its 5 arches were enlarged by 30 m in 1885 and the cast parapets are replaced the same year by stone parapets. The lion surrounded by flags symbolizes the Republic.

The 168 m long Tolbiac Bridge is the last bridge in the city built of stone masonry. Two plaques on the bridge commemorate the tragic event of October 3, 1943 when four French airmen died in an English plane.

The origins of the bridges in the center of Paris

The 62 m long Saint-Michel bridge was built at the request of Napoleon III, the “N” affixed to the bridge symbolizing the latter.

The Small Bridge – Cardinal Lustiger of 31 m was built between 1852 and 1853 and was rebuilt many times following floods of the Seine or after having been carried away by flames.

The history of West Paris bridges

The Bir-Hakeim Bridge (formerly called Passy Footbridge), 247 m long, was built between 1903 and 1905 by the engineer Louis Biette and the architect Jean-Camille Formigé. The lower deck is for cars while on the upper deck passes line 6 of the Paris metro. It was in 1946 that it was renamed Bir-Hakeim Bridge in memory of a French victory over the Germans in Libya.

The Mirabeau bridge, which has three steel spans, is 165 m long. His four sculptures represent Navigation, Abundance, the City of Paris and Commerce.

The 142m long Alma Bridge was built between 1969 and 1973. Only a statue of the old bridge – the famous Zouave – has been preserved. It allows to measure the flood level of the Seine.

For more information, you can look at the website www.paris1900.artnouveau.com

THE ACTIVITIES TO DO AROUND ALOHA

Paris is full of activities and museums to do alone or in groups. But what are the activities and places to visit in the 15th district around Aloha Youth Hostel?

Here are some ideas for sightseeing in the 15th district around Aloha.

Parks and gardens to visit around Aloha

Georges Brassens Park is a medium-sized park (8.5 hectares) where it is pleasant to stroll. It is built on old slaughterhouses and there is an apiary, a river, a vineyard and a garden of “scents”. For children you will discover a playground, a carousel, ping-pong tables and even pony rides!

The André Citroën Park adjoins the 16th neighborhood and has a size of 14 hectares. It consists of long, flat lawns and water jets. It also offers greenhouse tours.

The Garden of the small belt of the 15th neigborhood is on an old railway line of 32 km long. It offers unusual landscapes and different varieties of plants.

Museums to visit around Aloha

The Postal Museum in the 15th neighborhood offers various exhibitions, workshops and activities around the stamp and history of the stamp.

Warnings : It is currently in construction!

The Jean Moulin Museum is the museum dedicated to General Leclerc de Hauteclocque and the liberation of Paris. It is located near the Montparnasse train station and the access to the permanent collections is free.

The Bourdelle Museum offers exhibition spaces open on a garden at a few steps from the Montparnasse train station. You will discover Antoine Bourdelle’s old workshops dating from the 19th century as well as the modern part of Christian de Portzamparc.

Activities to do around Aloha

You can enjoy a space with a water park and water jets at Aquaboulevard or refresh yourself at the 50-meter-long Keller pool in the heart of Beaugrenelle.

The old and used book market along Georges Brassens Park was founded in 1987 under halls. It is located in the South of the 15th neighborhood. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday of the year from 9:00 a.m to 6:00 om and gathers about sixty booksellers.

The Panoramic Observatory of the Montparnasse tower offers you a breathtaking view of the rooftops of Paris. The entry fee cost 17 euros and cost between 8.50 euros and 15 euros for the reduced rate. It also offers a restaurant with panoramic views of the capital.

To find other activities, visit www.unjourdeplusaparis.com

WHAT TO DO FOR THE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN PARIS?

New Year’s eve is approaching and you still do not know what to do? The capital is full of places to party on December 31st. Here are some good plans to spend the New Year’S Eve in Paris.

Celebrate the New Year’s Eve in unusual places

The Batofar offers for New Year’s Eve an evening aboard a boat with the record labels Livity Sound among others. The evening starts from 10 p.m (from 9.pm to enjoy a meal) and costs between 18 and 22 euros the entrance.

Enjoy a gospel concert on December 31st at the Saint-Roche Church from 8:30 pm to 10 pm. The price is between 27.50 and 33 euros.

The New Year Concert at the Madeleine offers from 8 :30 compositions by Mozart, Vivaldi performed by the Sacred Choir of Paris and the Chamber Orchestra among others. The price range is from 33 to 55 euros for an entry.

Spend the new year’s eve in front of a Flamenco show at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées at 8pm. The show will be performed by dancer and choreographer Sarah Baras surrounded by her troupe.

Why not spend your new year’s eve at the Aquarium of Paris surrounded by 60,000 liters of water and exotic fishes? The entrance fee is around 49 euros and the evening starts from 21H.

Celebrate the New Year’s Eve by attending a world music concert

For 37 euros spend the New Year’s eve at the Bellevilloise on a swing, tropical or cumbia sound. The concerts are spread over four spaces from 9pm.

Travel to Latin America then Africa on December 31 at the Chinese Hall in Montreuil. From 10.pm and before midnight you will enjoy an entry at 10 euros with a glass of champagne.

Spend an eve in the electro-swing club music La Java cabaret from 9pm. You will be able to enjoy this evening animated by the groups The New Sisters and Scratchophone Orchestra among others. The entrance fee is 22 euros.

Or choose to spend your evening at New Morning. From 10 .pm and for 20 or 50 euros you will dance to the sound of soul, funk or groove and RNB.

To discover other addresses, visit www.timeout.fr

THE PARIS MUSEUMS BY THEME TO PRIVILEGE WHAT YOU LOVE

There are a lot of museums in the capital that will seduce both children and adults by the subject they purpose. Here is a list of museums to discover in Paris to privilege what you like.

Museums in Paris specialized “science and discovery”

The Museum of Science and Industry is located in the 19th neighborhood at the Villette and includes the Geode, the City of Children, permanent exhibitions. Aimed at children and adults, you will be both spectator and actor. You will discover scientific exhibitions or watch documentaries in 3D or IMAX for example.

The Museum of Arts and Crafts is located in the 3rd neighborhood and offers 3000 objects and inventions classified by area on three floors.

The large Gallery of Evolution is located near the Austerlitz station. You will discover life-size animals from yesterday to nowadays and exhibitions on the evolution of the human species.

Good to know: interactive animations will delight your children.

Paris museums of “Great French artists”

The museum of Victor Hugo is located on the Place des Vosges and allows visitors to discover the universe and apartments on 280 square meters of the poet and novelist who lived there during nearly 15 years.

The Museum of Romantic Life is located in the mansion of painter Ary Scheffer.

The Orangerie museum is located in the Tuileries Garden. You will discoverthe world of Claude Monet and the Impressionists, his Nymphéas, or the paintings of the artists Renoir, Matisse and Picasso.

Paris museums oriented “Non-Western civilizations”

The Quai Branly Museum, next from the Effel Tower, presents the arts of non-Western civilizations by continents and countries such as Asia, Africa and India.

The Guimet Museum presents Asian arts collections from around the world.

The Arab World Institute is a real cultural center dedicated to the Muslim world in the 5th neighborhood.

To discover more museums, go to the website www.unjourdeplusaparis.com