PARIS LETTERS
We have painters and non-painters coming from other countries and I find that incredibly exciting (NYC is considered a foreign country by some but not by me because I live there), but much of the following information is directed more at the US people.
I recommend bringing some euros with you so you have enough to pay for the cab from the airport. Even though by law taxi drivers in Paris are supposed to accept credit cards some may not. I like to bring 250-300 just to get a head start and not have to spend any time in Paris going to an ATM. But just so you know there are ATM's within 2 blocks from our hotel.
If you arrive early to our hotel and the room is not quite ready leave your luggage and explore this wonderful neighborhood.
Upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) you can take a cab to the hotel, the RER (the commuter rail service serving Paris and its suburbs) or have the hotel arrange a shared pick-up. If that interests you let me know and I can arrange it. The cab fare from CDG is now a flat rate of 50 euros, not counting tip. The shared pick up is cheaper but also a bit more complicated. You will need to pick up a free courtesy phone to call a number you'll be given by the van company. You'll receive information about where to meet the shared van on that phone call. The van will undoubtedly be making other stops on the way. Last year the cost of the shared van was 27 euros for one or 21.50 euros for two. You could also take an Air France bus to one of the hubs in Paris and then take a cab or the metro to the hotel.
When you arrive at CDG, you will go through passport control and get your bags before entering the terminal.
If you take a cab it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the name and address of the hotel written on a piece of paper to show the driver. Hotel France-Albion 11, rue Notre Dame de Lorette 75009. Telephone: 001 33 1 45 26 00 81 (dialed this way when called from the US).
For those of you not familiar with the layout of CDG here is a map http://www.parisaeroport.fr/docs/default-source/passager-fichiers/acces/plan_masse_cdg.jpeg?sfvrsn=4
We will have a meet and greet and orientation 5:00 PM in our hotel reception area. Then dinner nearby. The dinner is included but not the wine or beer. Be prepared for a lesson in French wines from yours truly.
Additional information:
1) I need your flight information: airport, airline, flight numbers, departure and arrival times.
2) If you're going to be using your cell phone to make calls in France please send me your phone number. I use AT&T and sign up for their Passport package or other international roaming so I can use my phone overseas. OF course there are other ways to stay in touch: WhatsApp, Skype and who knows what other ones: smoke signals?
3) Plan to take your meds on board.. Do not put them in your valise because if your stuff is delayed you certainly want to have your meds with you.
4) You might want to check the 10 day weather forecasts for Paris in a few weeks https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/FRXX0076:1:FR
5) If you're coming early or staying late those extra days are your responsibility and you can pay the hotel directly.
6) Don't forget trip insurance. It can cover things like lost or delayed baggage. I like to get competitive quotes from www.insuremytrip.com
Here are some things to think about in preparation for our trip to Paris and then Giverny. But before you start reading take a look at your passport and make sure the expiration date is not coming up.
Our hotel, the Hôtel France-Albion is located just adjacent to one of the most charming and interesting streets in Paris - the Rue des Martyrs. There are numerous restaurants and specialty shops and even a really well stocked supermarket right there. Of course they have internet access and they will give you their password when you arrive. The hotel is Hotel France-Albion 11 rue Notre Dame de Lorette.
I recommend bringing some euros with you so you have enough to pay for the cab from the airport. Even though by law taxi drivers in Paris are supposed to accept credit cards some may not. I like to bring 250-300 just to get a head start and not have to spend any time in Paris going to an ATM. But just so you know there are ATM's within 2 blocks from our hotel.
If you arrive early to our hotel and the room is not quite ready leave your luggage and explore this wonderful neighborhood.
Upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) you can take a cab to the hotel, the RER (the commuter rail service serving Paris and its suburbs) or have the hotel arrange a shared pick-up. If that interests you let me know and I can arrange it. The cab fare from CDG is now a flat rate of 50 euros, not counting tip. The shared pick up is cheaper but also a bit more complicated. You will need to pick up a free courtesy phone to call a number you'll be given by the van company. You'll receive information about where to meet the shared van on that phone call. The van will undoubtedly be making other stops on the way. Last year the cost of the shared van was 27 euros for one or 21.50 euros for two. You could also take an Air France bus to one of the hubs in Paris and then take a cab or the metro to the hotel.
When you arrive at CDG, you will go through passport control and get your bags before entering the terminal.
If you take a cab it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the name and address of the hotel written on a piece of paper to show the driver. Hotel France-Albion 11, rue Notre Dame de Lorette 75009. Telephone: 001 33 1 45 26 00 81 (dialed this way when called from the US).
For those of you not familiar with the layout of CDG here is a map http://www.parisaeroport.fr/docs/default-source/passager-fichiers/acces/plan_masse_cdg.jpeg?sfvrsn=4
We will have a meet and greet and orientation 5:00 PM in our hotel reception area. Then dinner nearby. The dinner is included but not the wine or beer. Be prepared for a lesson in French wines from yours truly.
Additional information:
1) I need your flight information: airport, airline, flight numbers, departure and arrival times.
2) If you're going to be using your cell phone to make calls in France please send me your phone number. I use AT&T and sign up for their Passport package or other international roaming so I can use my phone overseas. OF course there are other ways to stay in touch: WhatsApp, Skype and who knows what other ones: smoke signals?
3) Plan to take your meds on board.. Do not put them in your valise because if your stuff is delayed you certainly want to have your meds with you.
4) You might want to check the 10 day weather forecasts for Paris in a few weeks https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/FRXX0076:1:FR
5) If you're coming early or staying late those extra days are your responsibility and you can pay the hotel directly.
6) Don't forget trip insurance. It can cover things like lost or delayed baggage. I like to get competitive quotes from www.insuremytrip.com
Here are some things to think about in preparation for our trip to Paris and then Giverny. But before you start reading take a look at your passport and make sure the expiration date is not coming up.
Our hotel, the Hôtel France-Albion is located just adjacent to one of the most charming and interesting streets in Paris - the Rue des Martyrs. There are numerous restaurants and specialty shops and even a really well stocked supermarket right there. Of course they have internet access and they will give you their password when you arrive. The hotel is Hotel France-Albion 11 rue Notre Dame de Lorette.
If you are planning to bring a phone or tablet or computer not to worry. No need to bring a converter because all of our devices are dual voltage so they will operate nicely on the French 220V system. An adapter to their weird receptacles is all you need. There are several kinds and some look like this and are found on Amazon or Radio Shack or other places.
I would recommend getting this street map of Paris to familiarize yourself with the city and to see if you can locate where we'll be. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0935039252/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A word to the wise is sufficient: seriously consider trip insurance. I always go to www.insuremytrip.com and let them do some comparisons for me. I need to find a company that insures musical instruments being that I carry a banjo with me. I don't suppose you'll be doing anything like that but there are some coverages you ought to consider. You can even call them and ask them specific questions.
You should look like the person on the right, not on the left. I'm serious - go light as you can! I understand it's not always that easy to do with your art supplies but there are light weight options for easels you might want to consider - ask me.
Dress is always casual in France for us so eliminate what you absolutely don't need!
A word to the wise is sufficient: seriously consider trip insurance. I always go to www.insuremytrip.com and let them do some comparisons for me. I need to find a company that insures musical instruments being that I carry a banjo with me. I don't suppose you'll be doing anything like that but there are some coverages you ought to consider. You can even call them and ask them specific questions.
You should look like the person on the right, not on the left. I'm serious - go light as you can! I understand it's not always that easy to do with your art supplies but there are light weight options for easels you might want to consider - ask me.
Dress is always casual in France for us so eliminate what you absolutely don't need!
This could be worth reading about beating jet lag:
https://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/travel-guide/10-tips-to-fight-against-jet-lag.htm?LinkKeyword=Inspiration&pa=true&zoning=Trig2&WT.mc_id=G_US_Email_Unica_165&WT.tsrc=email&WT.z_g=c5c3-1b2a-907f-6a53-4bd8-9ff0-e82f-ec6a&utm_medium=Email_NewsLetter_NonTactic&utm_source=Unica&utm_campaign=Inspiration_165&ESV_market=US
Paper towels in France are rather pathetic so if you use them in making your art bring your own roll.
If you intend to use a credit or debit card notify your bank of your travel plans. Your card should probably be one with a chip on it.
https://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/travel-guide/10-tips-to-fight-against-jet-lag.htm?LinkKeyword=Inspiration&pa=true&zoning=Trig2&WT.mc_id=G_US_Email_Unica_165&WT.tsrc=email&WT.z_g=c5c3-1b2a-907f-6a53-4bd8-9ff0-e82f-ec6a&utm_medium=Email_NewsLetter_NonTactic&utm_source=Unica&utm_campaign=Inspiration_165&ESV_market=US
Paper towels in France are rather pathetic so if you use them in making your art bring your own roll.
If you intend to use a credit or debit card notify your bank of your travel plans. Your card should probably be one with a chip on it.
For those of you who have not yet met me here's a photo:
1WorldArtTravel
69 bank Street Suite 102. NY, NY 10014-2184
phone: 212-414-8875 fax: 866-501-6873
e-mail: philip@1worldarttravel.com
69 bank Street Suite 102. NY, NY 10014-2184
phone: 212-414-8875 fax: 866-501-6873
e-mail: philip@1worldarttravel.com