Posts by author Theadora Brack
Danielle and Pierre and their table of conversation starters. Photos by Theadora Brack
Rise and shine because it’s high time to trek it on down to the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves in Paris. Like my dad always says, we’ve got places to go and people to see! Delightful dealers This week I’ll introduce you to a few of my favorite dealers at the flea » Read more
Visiting Venus at the Louvre. Photo: MDWolinksi
Like king crooner Morrissey, whenever I’m having a challenging day, “I throw my arms around Paris,” and hotfoot it over the Pont du Carrousel to the Louvre where the stone and steel not only accept my love but transport me to dizzying new heights. Here I find peace and tranquility while hobnobbing it with all » Read more
There's nothing quite like a French pharmacy. Photos by Theadora Brack
There are certain hazy shades of winter in Paris that can wreck a Cheapo’s complexion! So where do I go for a lil’ beauty SOS during the colder months? Like the locals, I usually head to my trusted neighborhood pharmacist, and she’s never let my well-hydrated visage (face) or mains (hands) down! Shine on, Cheapos! » Read more
The view from the "80" bus between shops. All photos by Theadora Brack
Make no tips, hands or buts about it, “Les soldes d’hiver 2011” (big winter sales) are in full and vibrant swing here in Paris! They began on January 12, 2011 and last through Tuesday, February 15, 2011. So this week I’ve decided to don my faux fur tour guide hat, and create a special excursion » Read more
Well, bonjour, Eiffel Tower. Photo by Theodora Brack.
With long looks and fiery chitchat, let’s kick off the chilly New Year in Paree with a smoldering nod to the late, great Eric Rohmer (1920-2010) and his movie Les Rendezvous de Paris! Cheapos, it is cold outside, but our love of Paris, vin chaud and French Cinema will keep us warm. Here are a » Read more
Embrace your local caviste. Photos by Theadora Brack
For the full-bodied love of the sparkling good life in Paris, don’t limit your vin blanc et vin rouge cravings and desires to the grocery store chains—it’s a misconception that specialty shops are always more expensive. In fact, they are more than happy to match any budget. So step away from that door and embrace » Read more
Meringue dreams on rue de Rennes. Photos by Theadora Brack
By Theadora Brack in Paris— Oh, the weather in Paris has been frightful, but the city is still delightful. So crank up Tino Rossi’s classic “Petit Papa Nöel” on the gramophone, or pull on your boots and bravely hot step it outside. For your wandering pleasure, I’ve created a personal list of my favorite holiday » Read more
The author after a day of museum shopping. Photos by Theadora Brack
Theadora’s the name and shopping’s my game. For your high browsing pleasure, I’ve put together a list of my favorite museum shops in Paris. Not in France? Fret not. This week I’m leaving no Francophile or Shopaholic behind! In SELLabration of “Cyber Monday,” most of the shops listed below have online boutiques and offer international » Read more
Say "Cheese!" The author's favorite fromages. Photos by Theadora Brack
By Theadora Brack in Paris— Big wheels do keep on turning in Paris! Like skirts, cheese is seasonal, and in France the variety is never-ending. So this week I’m taking it to les rues, and asking my favorite local Big Cheeses for recommendations and helpful tips, too. Here’s a shopping list to use as a » Read more
Rue de la Paix in Paris, France
Gather ’round my fashion Cheapoupées because this stroll c’est pour vous! Let’s sashay to one of my favorite streets in Paris, the rue de la Paix. Formerly known as rue Napoléon, it was given a new name during the Bourbon Restoration (led by Louis XVIII) of 1814. Connecting the Opéra Garnier to Place Vendôme, this centuries-old » Read more
The counter at Gérard Mulot. Photos by Theodora Brack.
DEAR Theadora: Next month I plan to visit Paris with my family. Do you have any pâtisserie recommendations? Or do you not nibble and tell? Your fan, Earl, New York, New York DEAR Earl: As a lover of sweets, I don’t just nibble and tell, Sweet-tooth, I nibble and yell! So this week, let’s chat » Read more
Marie's farm
Whenever I need a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Paris, I usually daytrip it to Le Domaine de Marie-Antoinette. Nestled behind the Château du Versailles is a palace called “Le Petit Trianon,” meshed with a dreamy little hamlet created for the Queen. It’s the perfect spot for a little introspection and super cool » Read more
Approaching the Arc de Triomphe. Photos: Theodora Brack
Cheapos, let’s talk monuments. While the bird’s-eye view on top of one is certainly spectacular and all, often it’s the mere sight of the monument from afar that takes my breath away. For instance, my favorite spots in Paris for gazing up at the Arc de Triomphe are located on two popular promenading stretches: Avenue » Read more
Outdoor dining at Le Coquelicot in Paris. Photos by Theadora Brack
When it comes to love and chow in Paris, I’m as loyal they come, but I ain’t easy. Before it’ll catch my heart, any eatery had better possess a certain ambience, flattering lighting, an affordable menu, gastronomical consistency, and friendly service. If they recognize my devotion with a smile, a little wave or a complimentary » Read more
The merry-go-round at the Place des Abbesses. Photos by Theodora Brack.
Growing up, my dad’s battle cry was, “Tour it, explore it and adore it!” Entire weekends were spent discovering Washington D.C. (with kazoos in hand). Because I helped plan the days we spent there, the museum-lined National Mall became both our second backyard and my very first frontier. So in celebration of freedom of choice » Read more
Outside the Sephora on the Champs-Elysées. Photos by Theodora Brack.
One of my favorite spots in Paris to get beautified in a pinch is the Sephora on the Champs-Elysées. Outfitted with a dramatic ramp, a red carpet and black and white columns, it’s one of the largest Sephoras in the world. A cheapo dream-come-true, the shop is stocked with more than 250 discounted brands of » Read more
It’s summertime and the shopping will be easy in Paris when the city-wide “Soldes d’été” (the big summer sales) kick off on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. So let’s whet the appetite with a little preparatory window-shopping at Le Bon Marché! Le Bon Marché was not only the very first department store in Paris (in fact, » Read more
Le Bateau-Lavoir in Montmartre. All photos by Theadora Brack
Apparently a postcard just wouldn’t do. Last week (May 20, 2010) in Paris, a thief swathed in black picked a padlock, smashed a window and stole five masterpieces from the Musée d’Art Moderne. Taken were “Dove with Green Peas” by Picasso (1911), “La Pastorale” by Matisse (1906), “Olive Tree Near l’Estaque” by Georges Braque (1906), » Read more
The tip of the Île de la Cité. Photos by Theadora Brack
Spring has finally sprung in Paris, so with arms tangled and hair highly mussed, let’s stroll like real Parisians to my favorite centuries-old romantic hot spot, le Square du Vert-Galant at the tip of the Île de la Cité. Created by passionate King Henri IV, its spectacular view of la Seine and currents crashing into its » Read more
As a full body-and-soul, foot-stomping nod to Django Reinhardt’s centennial birthday celebration, we’re giving away a super cool “Panier a Bouteilles” (Bottle Bag) in ruby red, created by Frédéric Périgot of Paris! Just in time for summertime shindigs in the sun or picnics by moonglow, it’ll hold tight nine bottles of your favorite beverages. (By the » Read more
A view of the Opera Garnier from the roof. Photos by Theodora Brack.
Everyone in Paris has a favorite nook of paradise. So where do I go for a little escapism? Clipping from the fabulous Petula Clark, I make my way downtown to the Galeries Lafayette Coupole’s rooftop, where the lights are much brighter and the view at the top is always free! Related: 25 Free things to » Read more
The Maillol bronze at the Jardin des Tuileries. Photos by Theodora Brack.
Next month marks my birthday, along with those of two former French queens, so why not celebrate April in Paris with a little regalicious pomp and circumstance at either Catherine de Médici’s Jardin des Tuileries or Marie de Médici’s Jardin du Luxembourg? Suivez-moi, Cheapos! Jardin des Tuileries Métro: Tuileries, Concorde, Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre, Pyramides » Read more
An exit sign at a Metro station. Photos by Theodora Brack.
Hit the ground running in Paris! Don’t let a little language barrier trip you up, not when there is so much signage to lend a guiding hand and make your transition as smooth and exciting as a Johnny Weir solid gold triple axel! 1. “Sortie” Exit signs are clearly marked by the word, “Sortie,” which » Read more
A couple at the Jardin des Tuileries. Photos by Theodora Brack.
With my pointy arrow, I feverishly pen this post from Paris. February marks my one-year anniversary with EuroCheapo! In honor of this sparkling occasion, I pop open the flashbacks along with a few brand-spanking-new insider nuggets! Read on, Cheapo! A for Abbesses By now it’s no secret that “Amélie” was filmed here, but did you » Read more
Ladurée macarons. Photos by Theodora Brack.
Grocery store chains may be your best bets for cutting costs while living in Paris, and they’re perfectly fine and dandy for long-term stays, but what if you’re visiting for just a week or two? Well then, I say, live it like it’s your last! Visiting one of the finest food capitals of the world, » Read more
