Ruyi Travel Book

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

National Qi Gong Day in France
2008-05-29 12:24:00
Since it's not so common to see this in Paris' streets we'll have to do with one day a year. Sunday 8 June is the 14th national Qi Gong Day. In major cities in France there will be demonstrations, workshops and conferences to inform and show what Qi Gong is all about and you can experience for yourself the good it can do for your mind, body and spirit.In Paris it's from 10am-6pm at la Grande Pagode du Bois de Vincennes, 40 route circulaire du lac Daumesnil, 12e. Metro : Porte dorée. Price for the whole day: 8 ?, reduced price: 5 ?, free for licensees of the Féderation de Qi Gong et Art Energétique and kids under 12 years.
More About: National

Beijing Airport: gateway to China
2008-05-27 10:19:00
Biggest airport of the world, the Beijing Airport , is finished just in time to welcome the guests for the Olympic games.The dragon-like design by Foster+Partners who also are behind the Millau Viaduct in France or the Blibao Metro, forms a gateway to China for an estimated 50 million passengers by 2020. source and photo: www.archdaily.com
More About: Transport , Gateway

Spring Festival in Paris Streets
2008-05-11 18:32:00
During the weekend of 17 and 18 May, around the Canal Saint Martin, Paris 10e, the streets will be the stage for the 11th street-art festival. 2 Days packed with dance, theatre, circus and colourful shows like the "Bollywood show", as the name indicated inspired from Bollywood. (Saturday 17 May at 8pm le Grand Parquet). There are also interesting workshops, for free so no excuse not to learn something new that weekend!for the programme and other information please visit the website.
More About: Spring , Festival , Streets

Velib' Nine Months Later
2008-04-17 10:28:00
Remember the days in Paris before last summer when you had to be more concerned with looking both ways for cars than seemingly harmless bikes? Well, times have changed. Just as you're about to cross in the crosswalk (you know, that small unimposing area of the street where you the pedestrian, have the right of way), you now have to put on your brakes to dodge the cyclist who's plowing through. Chances are that person is on a Velib? bicycle. On its initiation day, Velib?, Paris' effort to "green" the way people get around, had 750 stations around Paris, holding a total of over 10,600 bikes. Today those numbers exceed 1,400 and 20,600 respectively. You can imagine how that has changed the dynamics of the road. Velib? has been largely well-received by the Paris public and the city?s millions of tourists. It allows people to maneuver through the city, above ground, inexpensively and without polluting.Many companies have even begun offering memberships to Velib? as a benefit for th...
More About: Months

See Paris through Cédric Klapisch's Eyes
2008-04-13 17:00:00
There will be a new movie coming out in the anglophone world soon, if it's not already at a theater near you. Cédric Klapisch has made a new film starring Juliette Binoche and Romain Duris about life in the city he has called home his entire life. The film bears the name of his beloved city. "Paris is a city without a center, as one of my characters says. [Paris] is mobile. That?s also why I wanted such a sober title which had never been used before. Paris has been the source of many emotions for me and I wanted to return the favor in a way. I am thankful for having been able to live and enjoy a life here," he said. The film includes many wonderful views and scenes from the city. It's a real treat for those who admire it from afar.Enjoy the trailer for the movie, and be sure to brush up on your French before you watch it!Thanks to allocine.fr for the video.
More About: Eyes

Hotel of the Week: Hotel Nord and Champagne
2008-04-13 12:38:00
In the heart of Gare de l?Est - Gare du Nord area, the Hotel Nord and Champagne welcomes you with its 43 rooms of varying sizes. In the heart of Paris, located between Opera and Montmartre, the Hotel Nord and Champagne welcomes you with all the services of a modern and comfortable hotel. For your comfort and well-being, there is spacious lounge where you can relax in a quiet and cosy atmosphere after touring the city.The hotel's easy access to Paris' most exciting sites makes it an ideal hotel for those wanting to maximize sight-seeing time and stay in a nice place that doesn't break the bank.Book Hotel Nord and Champagne now!11, rue Chabrol 75010M :Gare de l'Est (Lines 4, 5, 7)Poissonnieres (Line 7) RER : Gare de l'Est (Lines B , D)
More About: Week

Olympic Torch Begins its Journey Around the World
2008-03-31 11:45:00
The Olympic torch for the Beijing games is on its way around the world. Last Monday, March 24, the initial ceremony took place in front of the Temple of Hera on the historic grounds of Olympia, where the Ancient Olympic Games took place. A very fortunate Holy Priestess did the honors and lit the torch according to traditional ritual: using the sun?s rays and a parabolic mirror. The torch will pass through Europe in early April, hitting London on April 6 and Paris on April 7. Look for further details on where and when to find the torch passing through Paris as we get closer to the date.Follow the Olympic torch hereOfficial site of the Beijing Olympic Games 2008
More About: World , Journey , Beijing 2008 , Around the world

Hotel of the Week: Hotel West End
2008-03-28 14:14:00
In the heart of the golden Triangle of Paris lies a small charming and luxurious boutique hotel of excellent value. Far from home, you will immediately feel just like home. Each room has an elegant and unique atmosphere and is equipped with all the necessary amenities.Hotel West End has easy access to all major tourist attractions and the concierge can help you discover the lesser known but just as charming spots around Paris.Book Hotel West End , Paris! 7, rue Clément Marot 75008M : Franklin Roosevelt (Lines 1, 9)Alma Marceau (Line 9)RER : Pont de l'Alma (C), Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (A)
More About: Week

Spring in Paris is Just Around the Corner
2008-03-17 16:28:00
I never knew the charm of springI never met it face to faceI never new my heart could singI never missed a warm embraceTill April in Paris , chestnuts in blossomHoliday tables under the treesApril in Paris, this is a feelingThat no one can ever repriseDo these words ring a bell? The famous crooner Frank Sinatra singing about the French capital in such a way that made your heart yearn to see this beautiful sight. Well, Spring is just around the corner in Paris, and we know that means you need to know where to spread your blanket and eat your baguette sandwich.Parc Monceau (8th) - This park, arguably the loveliest in Paris, dates back to 1773. It has lots of green space, a playground, a path around the perimeter, a pond, and more charm than you can imagine.Jardin des Tuileries (1st) - The largest and most famous garden in Paris is situated so perfectly, it has a view of almost every major Paris tourist attraction. But don't go for that, go for the peaceful stroll and people-watching.J...
More About: Corner , The Corner

Hotel of the Week: Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche
2008-03-14 15:53:00
In the Latin Quarter, the very heart of Paris, between Saint -Germain des Prés, the Sorbonne, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saint-Sulpice Church and the Luxembourg gardens, Hotel Saint-Paul is a charming 17th Century residence. Its oak beams and stone walls combined with antique furniture provide a warm and welcoming family-like atmosphere with a touch of luxury. Franciscan monks lived here in the past?A tasty breakfast buffet is served in a 17th Century barrel-vaulted cellar with an original well. In the little flowered patio, a piece of King Philippe- Auguste?s wall has remained since the 13th century. Book it!Contact Info:43, rue Monsieur le Prince 75006Tel. : +33 1 43269864M : Odéon (Lines 4, 10)RER : B, C - Luxembourg or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
More About: Week , Gauche

Best Baguette in Paris 2008 Winners
2008-03-12 10:45:00
Smell that? That's the aroma of a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven baguette at a bona fide French boulangerie. Thought bread couldn't melt in your mouth? Think again. With this year's "Best Baguette of Paris " winners, you will surely want to pack your bags and move in next door. They're that good.Best Baguette of Paris 2008 Winners :Anis Bouabsa, Au Duc de la Chapelle32, rue Tristan Tzara, 75018 ParisTél : 01 40 38 18 98Fabrice Pottier231, rue de Vaugirard, 75015 ParisTél : 01 43 06 14 83Arnaud Delmontel39 rue des Martyrs, 75009 ParisTél : 01 48 78 29 33Some other favorites:The tradition at the artisan boulangerie at Rue Blanche - Rue de Douai, 75009The regular baquette at the boulangerie at Rue de Douai - Rue de Bruxelles, 75009Coquelicot - great and adorable spot for breakfast, 75018Au Panetier - 10, pl des Petits-Pères, 75002Boulangerie Beauvallet - Julien 6, rue de Poissy, 75005Boulangerie Poujauran - 20, rue Jean Nicot, 75007Rene Saint-Ouen - 11 Blvd. Haussmann, 750008

Hotel of the Week: Hotel Lyon Bastille
2008-03-05 14:24:00
The Lyon Bastille is located near the centre of Paris, in the heart of the 12th arrondissement, just 150 m from the Gare de Lyon station. Guests will be thrilled with a location so close to the Opera Bastille, an area that is also home to a lively nightlife and many restaurants. It is also just a 15 min walk from from the famous Place des Vosges in the Marais, as well as the business centre of Bercy.This three-star hotel is a great mid-price find with excellent customer service and will be perfect for your stay in Paris.Book here.Contact info:Hôtel Lyon Bastille 3 rue Parrot75012 ParisMetro: Gare de Lyon (Line 1, 14)RER: A, DTél : 33.(0).1.43.43.41.52
More About: Hotel , Week

Paris Fashion Week Has Come and Gone
2008-03-04 16:27:00
Just as quickly as it was here, it was gone... Paris Prêt-à-Porter Fashion Week took place all over the city last week, bringing in stars from Kanye West to Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sofia Coppola to Dita von Teese.Here's a brief recap:Alexander McQueen's show was based on a fairy tale he made up called The Girl Who Lived In The Tree. His collection included everything from a very full black tulle skirted dress to slimming pants and jackets.John Galliano presented a surprising setting with even more surprising twists. Picture this: Kubla Khan's garden, lots of Buddhas, a gold leaf-filled pond, incense... and then... Michael Jackson's Thriller? Not exactly what the audience expected! His collection was full of color, wild hats, fun dresses, and early 20th Century gowns.Marc Jacobs' show was full of contrast. Muted colors paired with black, polished looks with a hint of fun, and bold jewelry with understated emsembles.Miss this one? Look for Paris' next Fashion Week this October and st...
More About: Paris Fashion , Paris Fashion Week

Hotel of the Week: Hotel Arioso
2008-02-26 11:38:00
At the crossroads of financial district and Paris shopping nest, and within walking distance from the 'Place de la Madeleine', Hotel Arioso provides a unique combination of calm and luxury within the confine of its 28 refined rooms. Hearty and calm, the 28 rooms will allow you to enjoy an atmosphere of the 19th century while benefiting of the 21th century's comfort. Its beautiful common spaces will surely make you feel right at home whether you're taking breakfast or a drink on the patio.Discover Hotel Arioso - book now!Contact info:7 rue d'Argenson 75008Metro: Miromesnil (Lines 9, 13)Tel: +33 1.53.05.95.00Fax: +33 1.40.06.04.21
More About: Week

Last week for Richard Rogers Exhibit at Centre Pompidou
2008-02-25 15:01:00
If you're interested in architecture and/or the work of famed architect Richard Rogers , who with Renzo Piano designed the famous Centre Georges Pompidou in the Marais, then hurry out to the Centre during this final week of the exhibit honoring him. The exhibit has been running since November, and will end on March 3.This exhibition came as part of the Centre's 30th anniversary celebration. Richard Rogers, having had a big year in 2007 also received the Pritzker Prize for Architecture, which "honors a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture."Useful info:Centre PompidouOpen daily, except Tuesdays from 11 am to 10 pmM°: Rambuteau, Hôtel de ville, Châtelet les HallesPrices: Full 10 ?, Reduced: 8 ?
More About: Week , Exhibit

Hotel of the Week: Hotel Daunou Opera
2008-02-22 11:58:00
This week's hotel of the week is found in one of the most happening areas of Paris, where you'll find the famous Opera Garnier with its stunning gilded statues and imposing facade, as well as all the shopping you could hope for. The charming three-star Hotel Daunou Opera has an ideal location in the second arrondissement, or area, and is just minutes on foot from the Louvre, La Madeleine, Place Vendome, and more.With its several categories of rooms, all of which were renovated recently, and comprehensive services, you can't go wrong with this lovely hotel.
More About: Week

Visit Paris and let someone else take the pictures
2008-02-20 10:55:00
So you've arrived in Paris , two maximum-weight suitcases in tow, plus of course the necessities: iPods, mobile phones, Blackberries, and cameras. After settling in, you decide to set out on your first sight-seeing tour. You pack up your "just in case" bag (you never know when a cold might set in or you need extra toilet paper!), and you find it seems to be just as heavy as your luggage. No problem! Leave the heavy electronics behind and take advantage of a service we've just learned about that allows you to have a photographer guide you around Paris and take your photos for you. No more arms-length photos of you and your amoureux that leave out the beautiful scenery behind you! Michel Colson is the photographer and mastermind behind this concept called ParisSnapshot. He also features some of his past work of Paris sites on Spirit of Paris.Even if you can't make it to Paris, but you still dream of that charming tea room where you had that delicious tarte ten years ago, Paris Snaps...
More About: Pictures , Visit

The French Barbara Walters
2008-02-14 10:56:00
Claire Chazal enchants TF1 and the evening news for years and nobody's going to complain about it. For our American friends, she is the equivalent of Barbara Walters .Claire Chazal, born on 1 December 1956 in Thiers, is a journalist, novelist and TF1 news presenter with Patrick Poivre d'Arvor (equivalent still, for our American friends, Dan Rather).She studied in Paris and graduated from the famous HEC business school and obtained a Master of Economics.In 1988, she was named senior reporter specialized in economics at Antenne 2 (former France 2) after seven years of print press, and then was hired in 1991 by the director general of TF1 to present the evening news on weekends alternating with the journalist Patrick Poivre d'Arvor.In 1997, she was named editor-in-chief of information in TF1.She is regarded as one of the most beautiful over 50 years women in.She is currently at the Petit Theatre Montparnasse from February 12, 2008 for a reading of "Journal d?Helen," here is the story...
More About: Television , French , The French

What is the longest street in Paris?
2008-02-13 11:21:00
-La plus longue rue de Paris : Vaugirard.A cheval sur les VIe et XVe arrondissements, c?est la plus longue rue de Paris, avec 4 300 m. Vaugirard serait établie sur une ancienne voie romaine. Elle abrite une bonne partie de la ligne 12 du métro.Elle fait partie des emplacements à acheter dans le jeu de Monopoly mais elle ne vaut pas grand chose.-La plus étroite rue de Paris : Rue du Chat-Qui-Pèche.On l'aurait baptisée ainsi à cause d'un chat dégourdi qui, au XVème siècle, venait régulièrement y déguster des poissons qu'il chopait dans la Seine. En 1832, une grille en fermait les deux extrémités.-L'avenue la plus large de Paris : Avenue Foch.Sa largeur de 120 mètres. Elle tire son nom de Ferdinand Foch, maréchal de France. Elle a été ouverte en 1854, mais porte ce nom depuis 1960.-La rue la plus courte de Paris : Rue des Degrés.Avec seulement 5,75 m de long, il s'agit en fait d'un simple escalier d'une quinzaine de marches et de 3,30 m de large. Aucune habitation n'ouvre dessu...
More About: Funny , Heritage , Street , Longest

A dragon in Paris
2008-02-11 11:37:00
In 1999, the City of Paris has commissioned a work to the Franco-Chinese artist Chen Zhen to accompany the urban development project "Seine Rive Gauche". The artist, inspired by many cultures, has been committed to a certain Parisian tradition of the major achievements related to the presence of the Seine (Saint-Michel Fontaine, Pont Alexandre III...).After the artist's death, which occurred in 2000, the completion of the work is then pursued by the artist Xu Min, an associate of Chen Zhen.Referring to the energy of the water drawn into the Seine River to feed the city, the artist has designed a stylized dragon of wide-gauge, semi-transparent mid-opaque, in which water circulates at high pressure.Emerging from the wall of access to the plant underground water production beneath the square, the body rises before disappearing at three locations from the ground, the absence of head suggesting that the dragon can arise in any time to surprise the walker?Via paris.fr
More About: Heritage , Dragon

Paris smells good and seems clean
2008-02-08 10:26:00
Eleven railway stations are currently testing a device to broadcast perfume in their undergrounds and their corridors.These perfumes are aimed at strengthening the feeling of cleanliness, and especially to create a different and unique atmosphere.The eleven stations are: Musée d'Orsay, Invalides, Chaville, Rive Gauche, La Verrière, Plaisir Grignon, Rambouillet, Saint-Cyr, Saint Quentin en Yvelines, Trappes, Versailles-Chantiers and Defense.Some people will pass by to ask you your opinion on this device.Via Anous.fr
More About: Funny , Transport , Clean , Paris , Good

Jason Statham in Paris
2008-02-06 12:19:00
Dear ladies, I am pleased to announce Jason Statham is going to Paris and is going to settle here for a whole month!The 3rd opus of Transporter will take place in the French capitale. The actor doesn't want to go back and forth unnecessarily.Don't worry, French people are going to take care of him very well since he will be able to train with the Parisian Chinese community at the gym!
More About: Gossip , Jason Statham

Asterix, je t'aime moi non plus
2008-02-04 12:24:00
If you live in France or if you are just interested in French movies, you know that a new Asterix has came out on theatre the past week.It's called Asterix aux Jeux Olympiques (Asterix at the Olympic Games) and it features Gerard Depardieu for the 3rd time as Obelix, Clovis Cornillac is the new Asterix and a lot of famous people appear, such as Michael Schumacher, Benoit Poelvoorde, Alain Delon, Adriana Karembeu, Zinédine Zidane, Amélie Mauresmo, Tony Parker ect.The movie is the most expensive one in the French movie industry, ever. And it seems that it is not as good as expected.Kids are happy but their parents are disappointed.So I wanted to know what you guys think? Please vote. polls - Take Our Poll
More About: Movie

Nocturnal swimming pools in Paris
2008-02-01 13:59:00
Do you like swimming? Do you especially like swimming in the dark? Well, your dream will come true!Amongst all the swimming-pools in Paris , about 20 of them stay opened until midnight.Picture yourself at the Josphine Baker Pool, for example, the one in the 13th arrondissement. That's the one where you can enjoy a midnight bath in the Seine! Yes, the wimming-pool is on the Seine River, what else could you ask for, hu?You will find a late open one in almost every arrondissement.Here is the list of swimming-pools opened until midnight.Thanks to gonzo for the picture.
More About: Swimming , Sport , Pools , Nocturnal

Chandeleur Day: eat crepes!
2008-01-30 11:59:00
Celebrated annually on February 2nd, Chandeleur is the day when we eat crepes in France!It is said that the Pope Gelasius I, gave crepes to pilgrims who arrived in Rome.It is also said that pancakes by their round shape and golden color, reminiscent of the solar disc, refer to the return of spring after the dark and cold winter.There is still today a symbolic linked to the manufacture of crepes. It is thus recommended to flip the crepes with the right hand, and having a coin in the left hand in order to enjoy prosperity throughout the year. It is also said that the first crepe is to be sent up to a cupboard and that the next harvest will be abundant.The Chandeleur is celebrated in France, in Mexico you eat tamales and in the US and Canada it is "The groundhog day."From Wikipedia
More About: Crepes

Extraordinary Hotel in Paris: The Five Hotel
2008-01-28 10:44:00
The hotel is this week is very unique and definitely worth the look. If you are looking for somewhere special where to stay in Paris , the Five Hotel can be the one you were waiting for!The Hotel The Five is situated in a quiet little street in the Quartier Latin district of Paris, France. You will find the Paris city hotel just a short walk from the Panthéon, the Tour Montparnasse and the Sorbonne.Those seeking an extraordinary hotel in Paris can?t go wrong with the design hotel The Five. Those who prefer just plain and conventional hotel accommodation are better off staying away from it. The trendy Paris hotel in the Quartier Latin district is just the right thing for an exciting short vacation or city break in Paris.To book the Five Hotel in Paris
More About: Extraordinary

Top 10 French favorite blogs
2008-01-24 15:28:00
Are you interested in knowing what French people read on the net? What are their favorite blogs? Well, I hope you do because here is the top 10 of the French favorite blogs:1. Techcrunch FranceYou surely the original version of this very popular tech blog. Well, in the French version Ouriel takes care of the content.2. Presse-citronAnother tech blog created by Eric Dupin. It's about star-ups, web trends...3. Fred CavazzaYes another tech blog by .... Fred Cavazza (ok that one was easy) talks about web 2.0, emarketing...4. KelblogGuess wha? This blog is a .....Yeah!! Tech blog again (Seems that French really like it, hu?). Pierre and Cathy feed this blog. He created the company kelkoo and then sold it to yahoo. She worked for different French radios.5. Mashable FranceThen again, you may know the Mashable US, which is about social networking in general and is written by Aziz Haddad.6. Loic Le MeurHe calls himself a serial entrepreneur. He was one of the co-founders of Six Apart (blogg...
More About: Blogs , Favorite

Sleepless in Paris, featuring you!
2008-01-23 12:26:00
A new Paris city guide has been released and should delight those of you who can not help going out at night!It is called "Nuits Blanches à Paris" (Sleepless in Paris) and suggests bars to go to have a last drink when all the other places are already closed, where to eat at 4 in the morning (and no mention of kebabs), the tango or waltz for lovers of dance?But also all the places that make the heart beat of the French capital during the night.In short, a guide not to be missed!
More About: Book , Featuring

Amazing Eiffel Tower photoshoped
2008-01-21 11:58:00
While surfing on the Internet I found these awesome photoshoped pictures of the Eiffel Tower .I love them! Which one is your favorite?More photos HERE.
More About: Funny , Cool , Amazing

You know you?ve been living in France too long if?
2008-01-18 10:37:00
scoopeo_url='http://ruyi-book-travel.blog spot.com/2008/01/you-know-youve-been-livi ng-in-france.html'- You know G20 is not a music band but a supermarket- You know when 2 people seem to be arguing in the street, they are just having a normal conversation- You call people by their first name only if you know him/her very well- The feeling of the just-made-warm-bread in your hand doesn?t make you want to scream ?I love being in France !?- The average expresso coffee served in café doesn?t make your heart beats fast anymore, for an entire day- Talking with your hand is the only way to express what you really mean- Teasing people is the only way to be funny. What? You don?t think it?s funny?!- You think 5 annual holiday weeks are well-deserved! And why don?t they make it 6 weeks hu?!- You measure things in meters, kilograms and litres- You don?t understand why you would have to wait for the light to turn green before crossing the street.- It?s ok to give...
More About: Living , Long , French People