June 22nd, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: e-MagineArt.com
There is one common trend of all holidays to France and that is a trip to the “city of lights” Paris. Paris is the capital of France and is the number one tourist destination in the world. With more tourists visit Paris than any other city in the world you can be assured there are a ton of attractions to be seen and photographed.
When people think of Paris one object pops into everyone’s mind, and that is the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair and for many years it was the tallest man made structure in the world. Every year millions of tourists wait in long lines to catch a lift to the top of this magnificent structure. Once at the summit, the time you spent waiting in line becomes worth it, you are spoiled with view of Paris that is like none other in the city.
Of course we can’t talk about Paris without taking a quick moment to talk about the many extraordinary museums that the city is blessed with. The Musee Rodin, the Musee d’Orsay and of course the Musee du Louvre, all offer breathtaking pieces of art that would even leave non art loves speechless. For a complete list of the Paris museums and for useful tips visit Paris France.
If you are looking for something a little more exciting, try to be in Paris for the final day of the Le Tour de France. Le Tour de France is the most well known bicycle race in the world and it attracts huge crowds from around the world. For more exciting attractions and fun things to do visit Paris Attractions.
After a fun filled day of activities and attractions you will need a place to recharge your batteries and Paris has no shortage of five star accommodations. To find a hotel by district or to find a hotel near a landmark visit Paris Hotels.
June 11th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: Fiseha Hailemichael
A wine-lover’s paradise, Bordeaux is a grand city on the Garonne River which was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. With its good weather and proximity to the beaches and vineyards, Bordeaux draws visitors to its city year-round. Long reputed to be a bit stuffy and old-fashioned, Bordeaux has reinvented itself through a series of urban renewal projects as a vibrant and youthful metropolitan hub.
There are a variety of ways to visit the city: guided bus tours, bicycles for hire, a little tourist train or simply on foot. Sightseeing points of interest begin with the Grand Theatre, (place de la Comédie) constructed in 1773 and renovated to a pristine shine recently. A monument to Classical style with its Corinthian columns topped with statues of the 12 muses, this opera house is worth a tour to view its gilded interior.
Trade is what made Bordeaux a wealthy city, and there are plenty of high-end boutiques such as Hermes, Longchamps and Louis Vuitton in the city centre known as the Golden Triangle (cours de l’Intendance, the cours Georges Clemenceau, and the allées de Tourny ). Along with its world-class restaurants, among them the highly-esteemed Restaurant Jean-Marie Amat, Bordeaux rivals Paris in culinary and shopping venues. But people come to this region for the wine. 800 million bottles are produced annually in this region and there is a large choice of tours available which will take you out into the area’s chateaux and vineyards where you can sip the day away. Contact the Maison du Vin or the tourist office (12 cours du XXX Juillet) in Bordeaux to set up a tour. Over 20 specialized visits are available, from the simple tasting to a day-long visit to several vineyards and including a gastronomic meal.
There are many interesting museums in Bordeaux where you can learn about the rich history of the region. Vinorama is a good place to start with its audiovisual displays; the Bordeaux Wines Museum is another excellent resource for oenophiles. The Musée de l’Aquitaine explains the history of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region from its prehistoric times to today.
Head to the Place Gambetta for dining and shopping. Created in the 18th century, this elegant square is surrounded by homes in the style of Louis XV. This area marks the beginning of the centre’s pedestrian-only zone at the Porte Dijeau. Not only ideal for dining, the Place Gambetta is peaceful spot with two ponds, a pretty green space, benches and shady trees. A good place to stop and observe the splendid architecture here.
After a long day in the vineyards, why not try a spa treatment, one based on local products? Caudalie products, made with crushed grape seeds and wine extracts, are used at Les Sources de Caudalie (Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, Martillac); a spa and hotel just outside of Bordeaux. A luxurious way to take advantage of all the benefits the grape offers, without the calories!
Is Your Mum a Wine Lover?
Follow the link above for information about how to treat your mum to a wine tasting holiday that she will truly never forget.
Travel resources for Bordeaux
Berrychone Bed and Breakfast In France – Berrychone is located just 1 mile off the A20 autoroute, Exit 19, close to Argenton-sur-Creuse, we provide warm, comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.
Rent a chateau in France – Rent a manor house near Bordeaux.
June 11th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: Frankensteinnn
Chamonix and Annecy
The French Alps attract holidaymakers year-round with mountains that offer some of the best skiing in the world as well as exceptional hiking opportunities. The landscape of this region is spectacular in all seasons with its snow-capped mountaintops and its Alpine flowers.
Chamonix
Chamonix is renowned for its majestic mountains, notably the Mont Blanc, and year-round sports offerings. If you are holidaying in the summertime, you can hike, trek, climb, paraglide, mountain bike or just gaze at the sublime views of this area from the valley floor or from the mountain summits. Take the cogwheel railway or the cabled-gondola up to the Aiguille de Midi summit (12,000 feet) to see some stunning views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. If you take the gondola, you will fly over the impressive Les Pelerins glacier. The last part of the ascent is reached via a lift. For the more adventurous, you can ascend the entire mountain in a helicopter!
On the north face of Mont Blanc is La Mer de Glace, a 4.5 mile-wide alpine glacier made up of three smaller glaciers. A popular tourist attraction, La Mer de Glace is reached by taking the Montenvers cogwheel railway. This train will climb 1.5 miles to bring you to the impressive glacier. From the station, take a smaller cable car to visit la grotte de glace, an ice grotto recarved each year (due to the movement of the glacier) where visitors can walk through its many rooms, admire the ice sculptures and even sit on an ice-bench!
If you are holidaying in the wintertime, there is no better place than Chamonix, site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and again in 1992, which boasts five superb ski resorts., each offering something for every level of skier.
Annecy
Considered one of the most charming towns in the French Alps, Annecy sits like a jewel on the edge of its ten-mile pristine alpine lake. The pure and energizing air, the Italian-Swiss influence, the attention to the preservation of nature; it is no surprise that people have come to Annecy to “take the waters” for decades.
Take a boat ride around the scenic and clear lake, (boats leave from the Pont des Amours) or a coach tour around the town and its surrounding areas to get a sense of the landscape. Visitors enjoy going to the Musée Château d’Annecy (Place du Château) with its impressive 12th-century tower . Inside are displays of regional Alpine furnishings, paintings and religious icons as well as an exhibit covering the geology of the area’s alpine lakes. In the middle of the lake, but linked to the mainland by a bridge, sits the Palais de l’Ile (3 passage de I’lle). Visitors often mistake it for an island castle, but despite its name, it was actually a prison!
Down the road a bit, you will want to stop at the medieval town of Talloires, on the eastern side of the lake, where there is an interesting Abbey to tour.
Useful Sites
Ski Hire Chamonix
Ski Hire Chamonix – Discounted Ski Hire with snowbrainer.com in 450 Ski Resorts including Chamonix
For a change a scenery from the French Alps, why not travel to Canada to see/ski the majestic Canadian Rockies
June 11th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: funkyflamenca
When your feet need a break from exploring Paris’ museums, monuments and shops, it is nice to know that within this vast urban centre are some peaceful parks where you can sit and relax for as long as you like. Travellers with children will enjoy these open spaces where the little ones can work off a bit of that energy they stored up while following their parents all morning through the Musée d’Orsay. Even if you do not have children, you can spend a wonderful day in Paris by exploring some of the large parks which grace the city.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is located the 6th arrondissement near the Latin Quarter. This impressive park has many distinct areas, each dedicated to a different activity such as a children’s play area, a concert space, some refreshment areas and tennis courts. Stroll the grounds and you may see Parisian children sailing small wooden boats in the central basin, using long sticks to move them along. Further on you can catch older Parisians engaged in a game of pétanque (lawn bowling), or visit the beehives at the southwest end of the gardens. Not far from the hives is a children’s playground, where for a modest entrance fee (under 2 euros) your child can climb, spin, crawl and have fun with other children while you relax on one of the many benches. A snack bar and public toilets are conveniently located within this part and there is a carousel nearby.
Another restful spot is the Jardin des Tuileries. This is a great place to take a load off after you’ve trekked through the Louvre. Situated between the museum and the Place de la Concorde, it is home to manicured gardens, long flower-edged lanes, modern sculptures, a children’s play area, a carousel, reflecting pools and outdoor cafes. Grab a bench and have a peek at Parisian life unfolding all around you!
After you’ve gone up the Eiffel Tower, take some time to explore the garden at its base. The Champs de Mars runs between the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire in the 7th arrondissement. As you walk from the Eiffel Tower eastward, stop for coffee and a snack in an outdoor café and watch the well-heeled children of the seventh arrondissement play on the swings or race around in one of the pedal-cars. If you are lucky, you can catch a concert in the central gazebo. There are puppet shows in a small indoor theatre in the afternoons; you will hear the bell ringing to announce that the theatre is open. Even if your child doesn’t speak French, he may enjoy watching the puppets act out one of the classic children’s stories such as Puss in Boots.
A very large park on the western side of Paris is the Bois de Boulogne. Covering 850 acres—or twice the size of New York city’s central park–, this green space has something for everyone: boat rowing on the two lakes, bicycles for hire, tennis, running paths, several children’s playgrounds, snack bars and restaurants and even a racetrack. This is a fine park to take family during the daylight hours but should be avoided once night falls due to the presence of prostitutes.
June 11th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: glennji
The northeastern city of Strasbourg, classified as an UNESCO world heritage site, is linked to Paris by a 2h20mn high-speed train ride and well worth a visit. Along with being one of the capitals of the European Union, this city is a hybrid of German and French flavours which reflect the tug-of-war over ownership that France and Germany fought for years.
The first place visitors flock to is the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe. The cathedral’s showpiece is the astronomical clock built in the 14th century. The story goes that the creator of this masterpiece was a little “too” successful and the higher-ups had him blinded so he would never again build something so beautiful. Be sure to be at the cathedral at 12:30PM so you can see the clock’s mechanical figures’ “performance”. If you come to Strasbourg during the Christmas season, the annual Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, takes place in the square in front of the cathedral. If you are here during the summer holidays, there is usually an organ concert going on in the evening.
Another popular attraction is the charming La Petite France district in the Old Town, which once was the home of fishermen, tanners and millers. Here visitors can admire the split-timbered houses from the Middle Ages with their flower-filled window boxes. Be sure to notice the window-scheme on the top levels; the open-window structure allowed tanners to dry their hides in these spaces. La Petite France now features loads of great bakeries serving up the traditional warm gingerbread in this area; do stop to try one of these local treats.
Strasbourg is home to some world-class cuisine. La Maison Tanneur is one of its most famous restaurants. In this former tannery, you may enjoy some foie gras as you admire the beamed architecture of this amazing 16th-century building. Other Strasbourg specialities include charcuterie such as bratwurst, terrines, and sausages; choucroute and white wines; beer and large savoury pretzels.
There are walking tours of Strasbourg, but a great way to get an overview of the city is with a canal boat ride. There are several companies which offer these tours, leaving from La Petite France neighbourhood. The boats are protected from bad weather by a glass roof so they are in service year round, and there is a multi-lingual commentary. The trip lasts about an hour, takes you past the European Parliament and through the city centre. You will even pass through a lock!
A terrific way to get a sense of this region’s history is by visiting the Musée Alsacien (23 – 25, quai Saint-Nicolas). Originally a series of bourgeois homes, this museum houses an interesting collection of folklore artifacts which tell the story of everyday rural life in the Alsace region, dating back to the 7th century. Furniture, toys, crafts, clothing and religious icons are on display.
More on France!
WillGoTo: France- Travel guide for France and many useful links
June 11th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: burgermac
Brittany is a great region to explore, especially for those travelers who are intrigued by the King Arthur legends. The rugged coastline and strong regional identity give Brittany a unique atmosphere, both Celtic and French, distinct from the rest of the country.
For summer holidays, La Baule and its surrounding port towns are picturesque and well set up for holidaymakers. La Baule was a popular seaside resort in the 1920s and the architecture reflects this vibrant era. The sweet smell of pine is everywhere, and despite it being a favourite second-home area for wealthy Parisians, the atmosphere is low key and understated.
La Baule’s 8-kilometer stretch of sandy beach is a perfect place to soak up the sun and bathe in the waters. The oceanfront is developed with many high rises and other dwellings, and there are lots of choices for restaurants; some right on the beach. Dining at sunset is recommended so you can take advantage of the fantastic view.
A short trip from La Baule is La Guérande, a fortified 14th-century village whose ramparts remain intact. La Guérande is charming and visitors enjoy wandering its narrow cobblestoned streets and visiting the neighbouring salt flats. Be sure to pick up some of the world-famous “Fleur de Sel” salt in one of the many small shops along the main street. To learn about the salt flats and their production, visit the Terre de Sel cultural center (Route des Marais salants) just outside the village walls.
Quimper is a quintessential Breton city, where the fight to keep the Breton language alive is an ongoing campaign. In Quimper you will see traditional dress, la coiffe, the tall, starched lace headdresses worn for festivals, and hear Breton music in the cafés. Head to the Old Town, Vieux Quimper, where you will find loads of shops, creperies, and half-timbered buildings which are part of this town’s cultural heritage. Quimper is famous for its distinct yellow and blue porcelain, which you can view at the Musée de Faience (14, rue Jean-Baptiste Bousquet) and also purchase at many shops around town. The museum displays over 500 pieces of this unique art, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the many steps involved in its production.
St Malo
Up on the English channel sits the corsair city of St Malo. With its impressive ramparts and spectacular sea views, St Malo is a delightful place to holiday and attracts over 200,000 visitors per year. Within the city’s walls is a car-free zone with narrow winding streets and 18th-century elegant architecture, all easily discovered by foot or by taking the little train which circulates through the town and its surrounding area. Walk along its 1,750 meters of 12th century ramparts, still standing even after the World War II bombings which destroyed much of the interior city.
The tides in the St Malo bay are among the most impressive in Europe, and people will situated themselves at certain points on the ramparts to watch the sea crash into the seawall at the highest tide. It is strongly recommended that tourists consult a tidetable before setting out to explore the beach or rocky areas, and not to walk the parts of the ramparts which will be affected when the tide is high.
June 10th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: FaceMePLS
St Tropez, Cannes and Nice
Known for its luxury villas, yachts and movie stars, the French Riviera is indeed the playground of the rich. But there is plenty of room for everyone along this beautiful Mediterranean coastline and you do not need to be a millionaire to enjoy a holiday here.
St Tropez
This internationally renowned seaside resort is a stunning combination of chic people, ideal weather and Mediterranean architecture. Despite its reputation as home to the jet set, St Tropes manages to retain an air of authenticity, which is evident in its low-key farmer’s market held every Tuesday and Saturday mornings. You should plan your French Riviera holiday so you can go to this market and see some regional wares, from les Tropeziennes, or sandals, to les marinières, the blue and white striped cotton shirts that Brigitte Bardot made famous and which put this town on the movie star map.
Walk along the port and admire the little fishing shacks as well as the impressive yachts. Notice the pale pink and faded yellow paint of the older homes which stand alongside the cafés and restaurants. This is the heart of St Tropez and if you linger long enough, you risk spotting a celebrity!
Cannes
Cannes becomes the centre of the movie industry each May when it hosts the International Film Festival and stars fly (or boat) in from all over the world to walk the famous red carpet. But Cannes attracts visitors for other reasons. An important seaside resort, Cannes’ sandy beach is a lovely place to hire a deck chair and parasol and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. The Boulevard de la Croisette, with its palm trees and stately hotels, offers a perfect example of 19th century seaside architecture. Even if you are not staying there, you will want to walk into the glorious Hotel Carlton to admire its Belle Epoque style.
Nice
Nice is considered the capital of the French Riviera and is the largest resort city on the Mediterranean coastline. Nice enjoys a mild climate, sheltered by a series of hills which separate it from the inland countryside and make it a year-round place to holiday. Nice boasts excellent museums, beaches (although rocky, not sandy) and a lively day and nightlife.
La Promenade des Anglais is the graceful boulevard that lines the seafront and, as with La Croisette in Cannes, is an excellent spot for strolling and people watching. Be sure to stop in at the famous Hotel Negresco, which was The Place to take up residence for aristocrats in the early 20th century.
On a hill overlooking the Bay is the Marc Chagall Museum. The artist lived in Nice and was instrumental in the conception and design of this museum, which houses the largest collection of his works, including the 17 paintings of his “Biblical Message”. Be sure to visit on a sunny day; it will enhance the effect of the stained glass windows he created for the museum.
June 10th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: blowfishsoup
Lavender fields, olive groves, the sound of crickets chirping…these are all part of the Mediterranean landscape of Provence. The sweet air and rugged countryside have attracted writers, painters and of course holidaymakers to this region for decades. The slow pace, the splendid weather and the warm, open attitude of the people make Provence a favourite destination for travellers.
Avignon
Linked to Paris by a 3.5 hour high-speed train ride, Avignon as a world away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The major attraction here is the Palais des Papes which was the seat of the papal court when it was temporarily moved from Rome to Avignon in the 14th century. The Palais is a massive fully-ramparted structure which boasts ten towers, 15,000 square feet and is equal to the size of four cathedrals. The Palais is unfurnished, but a tour of the great halls gives you a good idea of what religious court life was like in bygone days.
A highly esteemed international theater and dance festival is held in the royal courtyard of the Palais each July: Le Festival d’Avignon. This famous festival draws thousands of fans from around the world. Watching a play or dance performance under the soft Provencal night surrounded by the spectacular Palais is an unforgettable experience.
There are a number of museums to see in Avignon for those who want to learn more about Provence’s roots and history. The Musée Lapidaire (27, rue de la République) is a good place to see regional artifacts dating back to pre-Roman times. Be sure to take a walk out onto the Pont St-Bénézet, the 12th-century bridge which French children sing about in their song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.”
Aix en Provence
A favourite university town for French and foreign students, undoubtedly due to its friendly population and superb climate, Aix en Provence is a charming place whose cours Mirabeau is an excellent people-watching spot with its lovely fountains and pretty cafés. Take a walk through the Vieille Ville, or Old Town, and admire the typical architecture featuring wrought iron, geranium-filled balconies. Aix en Provence’s native son, Paul Cézanne, loved to depict Aix and the surrounding region in his famous paintings; you can visit his studio at 9, avenue Paul Cézanne.
Arles
Considered the most charming of Provençale towns, Arles is a great place to explore this area’s Roman roots. Bullfighting is a popular attraction here and you can attend one in the antique Arena in the summertime. The arena, or amphitheater, is a true Roman relic, dating back to 27 AD and is the most visited site in Arles. Gladiators used to fight there, entertaining crowds of up to 20,000 people.
Van Gogh spent time in Arles, and some of his paintings feature the hospital where he was interned after cutting off his ear in 1889. No longer a hospital, this has become the Espace Van Gogh and you can visit this cultural center and learn about the artist’s life and work.
June 8th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: fred_v
Visiting the glorious châteaux of the Loire valley is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The children will love the fairytale aspect of the holiday, and the adults will be enchanted by this region’s rich history and breathtaking views. The Loire valley and all its treasures should be part of any traveler’s “must-see” plans.
A good place to use as a sightseeing base is Tours, where culture and history intersect to form a busy and beautiful urban center. Although it suffered extensive bombing damage in World War II, the city has been restored to offer wonderful museums, a magnificent flamboyant Gothic cathedral, great shopping and fine restaurants. Many visitors come to Tours uniquely to drink the highly-regarded Loire Valley wines. If wine-tasting is a passion, try the region’s Sauvignon Blanc, a local Vouvray or a Muscadet from the Atlantic coast.
The Tours tourism office is an excellent resource and the place to go to begin exploring this area. (Office de Tourism de Tours, 78-82 rue Bernard Palissy, open weekdays 8:30 – 19h00; Sundays 10-12h30 and 14h30-17h00). Here you can chose from a selection of guided visits of the city, its museums, or its gardens. You may also reserve a guided tour which takes you through the region’s châteaux, with choices ranging from day coach trips to more extensive tours which include 1-2 nights in a hotel.
Choosing which châteaux to see is a challenge; among the most popular are Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau and Chambord.
Azay-le-Rideau
A splendid example of Renaissance architecture, Azay-le-Rideau is one of the first stops after leaving Tours. Constructed in the 16th century, the detail work on this château gives it the reputation of being one of the most “feminine” in the Loire Valley. Be sure to have a close look at the staircase which is famous for its elaborate carved decorative work. If the weather is nice, there are lovely strolling paths along the grounds and along the Indre river. In the summer evenings, the château hosts a spectacular son et lumière, or light and music show. Azay-le-Rideau is open year-round.
Chenonceau
Also built during the Renaissance period, the château de Chenonceau reaches across the Cher river with an impressive 197-foot arched structure. The magnificent reflection makes for perfect photographs so have your camera ready. Chenonceau is the most-visited châteaux in France after Versailles, and it is no surprise why. With its royal architecture and sumptuously furnished interior, a visit to this special place will forever be remembered by young and old alike. Open year-round, with audioguided or guided tours available.
Chambord
Chambord is the largest of the châteaux of the Loire Valley, and its design is said to have been based on an idea of Leonardo da Vinci’s. Completed in 1685, Chambord is a monument to young King François the First’s two loves: hunting and architecture. The massive scale of this château is impressive: visitors can, if they have the energy, view all 90 rooms! Most people are happy with a picking up one of the multi-lingual brochures at the entrance to the château and then selecting what they’d like to see best. For those traveling with children, there are special visits led by a guide in character costume
If you enjoy taking a step back in time during your holidays then a travel through time in South America is a must.
June 8th, 2010 | Travel |
photo credit: b_barbet
Straddling the Spanish border in the southwestern region of France, the French Basque country draws holidaymakers year round. Renowned for its food, its golf courses, its surfing and its unique culture (neither French nor Spanish), there is plenty to discover in this beautiful area.
The chic resort town of Biarritz has been a favourite of celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to Frank Sinatra…as well as surfers. Thanks to its first-class waves, Biarritz’s surfing scene is considered to be the best in Europe. The Biarritz Surf Festival is held each July, attracting surfers from as far away as Hawaii as well as the local French stars of the sport. Even if you are not a fan of the long board, there is still loads to do and see in this beachside town. The Musée de la Mer is a terrific place to visit, especially if you are travelling with children who will enjoy the impressive aquarium situated in this art deco building. La pelote basque, or jai alai, is the national sport of the Basque region, and you can visit a chisteras –maker at 6, allée des Liserons. A chisteras is the extended willow basket with which jai alai players hurl the ball forward, worn like a glove. Attending a jai alai game at one of the many frontons sprinkled around the Basque country would be a highlight of any holiday in this region.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, you will want to sample one of the region’s delicacies: le gâteau beret basque. A creamy and dense chocolate cake, dome-shaped to resemble that iconic fashion accessory; once you taste this you will want to take some home!
Moving inland from Biarritz you will find the larger city of Bayonne. Famous for its jambon (ham) as well as being the place where the chocolate bar was invented in 1496, there is a wide variety of things to do (and eat) in this vibrant city. Visitors flock to the Grande Bayonne neighbourhood, the area surrounding the 13th century cathedral. The streets are off limits to cars and the many shops and restaurants make this a lovely strolling area. If you would like to see a typical Basque artefact, go to the Makilas manufactory at 37, rue Vieille-Boucherie. A makilas is a traditional Basque walking stick, carved out of the wood of a kumquat tree and, in earlier times, used as a weapon—unsheathe the stick and you will find a sword like arm inside! These are true works of art, each one carved with intricate Basque patterns and are considered collector’s items.
Further south, near the Spanish border, is the posh town of St Jean de Luz. Filled with Parisians’ holiday homes as well as the local population, the main street, Rue Gambetta, is packed in the summertime with well-dressed people enjoying the boutiques, restaurants and cafés that line this pedestrian zone. Admire the typical Basque architecture of the building façades with their dark green and oxblood red painted beams and shutters. Espadrilles, the rope-soled sandals which all locals wear, are made in St Jean de Luz. There are several boutiques on the Rue Gambetta where you can purchase a pair or two.