Flower and fruit markets are scattered all over Paris. Montorgueil Market (Rue Montorgueil and Rue Montmartre, 1st) is good for both fresh fruit and pastries also. For organic products, every Saturday mornings we suggest to go on Boulevard des Batignolles.



Some of the city's bakeries and pastry shops are at the Mouffetard Market (Rue Mouffetard, 5th) while the Port Royal Market (Blv. Port-Royal, 5th) has not only food produce, but cheap clothing also.

Throughout June and July Paris holds a yearly International Rose Competition at beautiful Parc de Bagatelle. It definitely is a place to see, where a riot of colours explodes everywhere making the air perfumed and a walk through the park something divine.

If you wish to crown your desire for flowers, blossom and rejuvenation you might consider taking a 40 minute train ride to Giverni and visit Monet's enchanting house literally floating on a pond of nymphs, lilies, tulips and narcissi.

If you wish to stay in Paris and dedicate an entire day on regular shopping, you can visit some department stores as: Au Printemps (Blv. Haussmann, 64; ph.: +33 01 42 82 50 00) or Le Bon March? stores (24, Rue de S'vres, ph. : +33 01 44 39 80 00) or the Galeries Lafayette (Blv. Haussmann, 40, ph: +33 01 42 823 456) the flagship of Paris retailing with one of the largest stores.

It handles Duty Free purchasing and Tourist Tax Refunds, has a Welcome Desk with interpreters and restaurants. An inexpensive chain of department stores is Tati (76, Av. de Clichy, 17th Arr.). Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. It has other branches around the city.

Very nice places where to rest in your trip are boutique hotels offering colourful rooms, fresh ambience, secret gardens or terraces where to enjoy your breakfast. Many of them are located in central Paris but a little out of the standard circuits as they privilege a more authentic touch and a familiar relationship with their guests.

You may try these ones where prices range from 30-50 euros per person: Cecil hotel, Taylor hotel, Des Artes hotel, Altona hotel, Mon reve Hotel, Bac Saint Germain ( in Latin quarter) or the Hotel du Parc Saint Charles.