1. Je ne regrette rien—NOT.

Dear Musée Edith Piaf, You broke my heart. Was it really necessary to slam the door in my face back in November when I arrived at your doorstep without a set rendezvous? I’ve loved you since my first visit back in 1998, and every visit since. So what gives? Do the math. For over a decade, I’ve been sending folks your way. In this easy, breezy social media world, perhaps a new system is needed? Just asking.

Regrette rien at Anna’s music box shop.

If operations get switched up for the better, do let me know. Nothing in this world would give me more pleasure than happily spreading the word about the “little sparrow” and your collection once more. (5 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011)

Happy alternative plays on

Yearning for a little “La Vie en Rose” to take home with you? Then trek it to Boîtes à Musique Anna Joliet. Located at the northern end of the Jardin du Palais Royal, Anna and her collection of hand-cranked music boxes have held court here for three decades. Prices start at only €8.

Looking for a specific tune? Just ask. Listen for Debussy, Chopin, and Charles Trénet, along with Mozart, Beethoven and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Yes, fellow felines, “Memory” is always in stock.

The Centre Pompidou. All that plumbing… and not one decent toilet.

2. Skip the loo—entirely.

Dear Centre Pompidou, I love you, but it’s time to clean up your act, as my grandmother Helen would quip. I’m no restroom diva, but golly gee wham—I nearly fainted during a recent visit. All that piping on the outside of the building and there’s still a problem? It makes the mind reel! Perhaps it’s time to get Point WC on the horn. After all, their restrooms at the Louvre and Printemps are state of the art and consistently spotless. It’s just a thought.

By the way, the Point WC washrooms are pretty hot. One euro gets you private seating in a water closet lit by rose-colored lights, and stocked with fluorescent toilet paper in blues, pinks, and greens. Just don’t leave your soda pop bottle behind. They will hunt you down, and give you a scolding at sink side! My-O-My, bad.

Alternative pit stop

Cheapos, if you plan to visit the Centre Pompidou, pick your potty spot prior to your arrival. Or run nearby to the grand washrooms at the BHV department store (Bazaar de l’Hotel de Ville), which also boasts one of my pet views of Paris. It’s a straight shot down rue du Renard. Make a left at rue Rivoli. It’s also definitely worth the wait (or trot)!

So what’s red hot? Follow my lead!

Farewell, Sympa.

1. Sympa

Due to a recent fire, two of my favorite Sympa shops have closed. Located at the historic “Bal de l’Elysée Montmartre,” this is where Can Can starlet (and muse of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec) La Goulue got her start before joining the Moulin Rouge.

I nearly cried when I spotted the damage. Confession: I did cry. Its façade is still a beauty, on the outside at least. I’ll keep you posted on any future reconstruction work.

In the meantime, the Sympa bargain bins on rue Steinkerque and along Boulevard de Rochechouart are still overflowing with tremendous deals.

Wendy at the Starbucks kitty-corner to the Moulin Rouge.

2. Starbucks

Café Royalists, look away because you’re going to hate this tip. During my sister Wen’s recent trip to Paris, the Starbucks at Place Blanche is where she picked up her morning coffee.

Located kitty-corner to the Moulin Rouge, the place was bustling, but by the end of her week-long visit, the amiable staff not only knew her name, but also her standard “Café Latte skim” order. Did they make fun of her French? I don’t think so!

Inside and out, the jaunty joint was packed with locals, not tourists, by the way. Don’t hate me because I’m truthful.

Pumped and ready at Minutit moins 7.

3. Minuit moins 7

And speaking of red hot steals, I recently scored a pair of Christian Louboutin kitten heels at a flea market for just €15. They’re real and they’re spectacular. Except for the soles, the black leather shoes were in perfect condition.

So what to do? I took them to the Minuit moins 7 for a much-needed official red resoling. Located in the historic passage Véro-Dodat, the repair will cost just €20. Also, this is where Monsieur Louboutin takes his very own shoes. Ask about their signature homemade (and affordable) shoe polish.

“Gaz à les étages around 1880” at the Bibliothèque Forney

4. Bibliothèque Forney

While strolling about in the Marais, I stumbled upon the “Gaz à tous les étages” exhibition at the Bibliothèque Forney in the Hotel de Sens (1 rue du Figuier, 75004). It’s definitely worth a pop in. Named as a nod to the little blue enamel signs that can still be spotted on buildings throughout the City of Light (“All floors have gas”—a 19th century boasting), the exhibit recounts the brilliant history of gas in Paris.

Highlights include antique lighting and cooking equipment, gas company uniforms, and a stellar collection of advertising posters along with a 1920s kitchen and hair salon, an Art Nouveau bathroom, and Frédéric Kastner’s weirdly entrancing gas organ. It’s a looker, and one of only two in the world. “Gaz à tous” will stay on through January 28, 2012.

Happy New Year, Cheapos!

The post Paris: What’s hot (and what’s not) in 2012 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So step away from that door and embrace your friendly neighborhood wine shop and its caviste like there’s no tomorrow. Your taste buds and pocketbook will thank you!

Confession!

La Cave des Abbesses

Feeling intimidated by the whole wine cave scene? Cheapos, I have been there. Afraid to reveal my ignorance, I’d slink by to the nearest Franprix or Monoprix, or else feign full expertise in the aisles of the small shops, choosing whatever had the best-looking labels. That is, until the day the owner Philippe Ansot of the Ma Cave en Ville at 105 rue de Belleville shop (near Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement) caught on to my little game of charades.

“Look,” Monsieur Ansot whispered in English, with a knowing look and wink as he handed me my change, “if this is tonight’s wine, be sure to open it twenty minutes before serving it. This other one, however, doesn’t need so much breathing, so it can be opened and served immediately.” Ever since then, I look, listen, and return often to Ma Cave.

Calling all pop culture enthusiasts!

According to legend, Edith Piaf was born under a lone lamppost nearby at 72 rue de Belleville. Look out for the plaque. Also, Le Ballon Rouge was shot at rue de Belleville and rue Piat.

Do ask; do tell!

Shyness is nice, but don’t let it stop you from trying all the things in life you’d like to, so let your inhibitions go. See, you don’t have to be a star, aficionada, connoisseur or a Rockefeller to shop at the caves. Not only are the cavistes your friends, Cheapos, but they’ve trained for years in order to be ready for any question.

Go inside!

So this is your big chance to bone up on the endless varieties of French cylindrical dandies, while letting them show off their expertise. The mind reels with the possibilities. Just ask away and do take notes.

Don’t let a little language barrier get between you and an inexpensive house favorite. Usually at least one person speaks English, and it’s perfectly acceptable to say, “I’m looking for something around five to ten euros to go with [fill in the blank with what you plan to eat].” Trust me, the vrais locals are asking the same questions.

Or, you can simply show them the cheese or sweet you’ve just purchased next door and ask for a recommendation. Oh, they will tell you with pleasure.

Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for cheap house picks. Caviste Pascal Fauvel at La Cave des Abbesses at 43 rue des Abbesses clearly marks his manager’s recommendations with little heart-shaped signs that read, “Coup de coeur maison.” Other wine shops follow suit with their own recommendations. Ooh, fa-la-la-la!

Again, calling all pop culture enthusiasts!

Edith Piaf stayed at the nearby at Hotel Clermont on 18 Rue Véron in the early thirties while performing on the streets of Pigalle and Montmartre. And speaking of Le Ballon Rouge, the fantastical “steps scene” was shot just around the corner at rue Chappe. Up, up and away!

Also, do keep in mind that shopping in France is almost always a social interaction. More often than not a smile and a friendly “bonjour” will break the ice. What’s more, your relationship with the vendors will really flourish if you give them repeat business. French merchants value fidelity and often reward their frequent customers with special deals and discounts.

Always, always pinching from Julia Child: “ The food should enhance the wine and the wine should complement the food. The only way to learn about wines is to drink them!” (Or failing that, just ask!)

Bon appétit et bonne année, Cheapos!

The post Paris: Embracing your local wine shop appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Doubles €55-68

We love scouting out small, quirky hotels in Paris. Happily, the city is full of independent, charming hotels that offer rooms at very reasonable rates. One that we have an especially deep “crush” on is Hotel les Chansonniers (“The Singers”). Located a bit off-the-beaten path, this cheery hotel has a whole lotta heart and soul, and 40 clean and cheap rooms.

If you stay at Les Chansonniers, be sure to say hello to the lovely owner, Madame Sellam. She has a passion for music and takes pride in rooms touting the lives of great songstresses like Edith Piaf. The minute you step inside the note-worthy lobby and hotel bar, you’ll swoon.

What do we mean when we say “off the beaten path”? The property is in the Republique neighborhood, a bit northeast of the main sights, but very well connected by the Metro. The area is busy and working-class. It’s not Latin Quarter touristy, but brims instead with local activity. In short, it may not be right for first-time travelers to Paris who want a hotel steps from the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame.

Read our full review of Hotel les Chansonniers.

Cheapo tip: Try to stay in one of the two top-floor rooms that come with Jacuzzis!

Find more budget hotels in Paris and read our budget guide to traveling in Paris.

The post Paris Crush: Hotel les Chansonniers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.