Saint Denis Basilica and Cathedral is famous for being the Kings of France Necropolis.

You will find in Saint Denis Basilica the remains and grave of all the French Kings dynasties.

Before to be the actual Cathedral and Basilica, and before to be the French Kings Necropolis, Saint Denis was a royal abbey.

Saint Denis abbey was built on a Gallo-Roman cemetery where Saint Denis was buried. 
Saint Denis is known for being the first Bishop of Paris around the year 250.
During that time, Saint Denis was an important place for pilgrims.
Saint Denis abbey became one of the most powerful Abbeys of the Middle Age.

In the 13th century, Saint Louis, also known as Louis IX, rebuilt the abbey to give the actual shape of Saint Denis Basilica.  

Then Saint Denis Basilica and Cathedral became the royal necropolis.

Inside Saint Denis Basilica you will be able to see:

• The Necropolis of the Kings of France, where are the remains of all French Kings Families (Merovingian, Carolingian, Capetian, Valois, Bourbons)
  It represents 42 Kings, 32 Queens, 63 Princes and Princess and 10 great men of the real, buried here in Saint Denis.
  Among them you have Clovis, Dagobert, François 1^st, Catherine de Médicis, Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.
• The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Denis with its stained glasses
• The Crypt where you can see the foundations of Saint Denis Abbey

Have a look on pictures below to see what you have in Saint Denis Basilica and Cathedral:

How to get to Saint Denis Cathedral and Basilica: 1 rue de la Légion d'honneur, 93200 Saint Denis

• M13 Basilique de Saint Denis
  Tramway: T5 Basilique de Saint Denis
  Bus: 153-239-253
  Vélib' (City Bike): There are no vélib' city bike in Saint Denis yet!
  Noctilien (Night Bus): N44 Basilique de Saint Denis
  
  
• Book a room in Saint Denis

• Maps:

• More information about Saint Denis Basilica and Cathedral, opening days and hours on saint-denis.monuments-nationaux.fr

At a step from Marne la Vallée University, you will find Champs sur Marne Castle and Park.

Château de Champs sur Marne was built in 1703 as the country residence of the financial Minister of Louis XIV to escape the constraints of power and royal administration.

Champs sur Marne Castle architecture is characteristic from the 17 century countryside residences and private hotel of the bourgeoisie.

You can easily notice that Château de Champs sur Marne looks like the Elysées Palace, which was built as the same period; and which is use now as the French President Office and residence.

The main interesting part of Château de Champs sur Marne is the quality of the furniture's that you have inside the castle.

Champs sur Marne Castle also have a really nice park.

People with high political function used to go to Château de Champs sur Marne to relax and have a break by hunting in the park.
And if you found Champs sur Marne Park quite big nowadays, notice that it was 7 times bigger in 1700's.

The main view from the middle of Champs sur Marne Castle is shaped as a French Garden Landscape, stylized with geometrical shape, fountains and vegetable napkins.
The aside garden part from the castle grew more freely.

If you study at Marne la Vallée University, we recommend you to get there after classes and have a resting walk in the park during sunny days ;)

A sample of Château de Champs sur Marne:

How to get to Château de Champs sur Marne: 31, rue de Paris 77420 Champs sur Marne

• RER A Noisiel, then take the bus 220 towards Bry sur Marne for 8mn' and get off at Mairie de Champs bus stops.
  Bus: 220
  Noctilien (Night Bus): N34 Mairie de Champs sur Marne
  
  
• Book a room in Champs sur Marne

• Maps:

• More information about Champs sur Marne Castle, opening days and hours on Château de Champs sur Marne website.

Discover Vaux le Vicomte, the Castle who inspired the construction of The Palace of Versailles ordered by Louis XIV!

Vaux le Vicomte Castle was ordered by Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV's Superintendent of Finance.

Vaux le Vicomte has been made by the most famous three artists in the French history castles construction:

• The French Garden Landscaper André le Nôtre
• The Architect Louis le Vau
• The painter-decorateur Charles Le Brun

Vaux le Vicomte is the first place where the French Garden Landscape was used in the history. After Vaux le Vicomte, the "French Garden Landscape" style inspired the whole of Europe for more than a century!

Vaux le Vicomte Castle becomes famous during the 17^th of August 1661 party, organized by Nicolas Fouquet. Louis XIV superintendent of finance invited, to that party, the King with his Court.
During that 17^th of August 1661 night sumptuous meal was delivered to the guests.
After the meal, the guests were invited to see a theater piece at night with candlelit in Vaux le Vicomte Garden.
At the end of the show had been set off incredible Fireworks, just in front of Vaux le Vicomte Castle. 

The Castle and the show were so impressive that it gives the impression to the king Louis XIV to live like a crap. Louis XIV got jealous and saw his superintendent of finance invitation as a way to humiliate his honor.

Let's mention that in 1661, Versailles Castle wasn't built as the way you know it today!
It was only a small hunting lodge!

Louis XIV arrested in superintendent of finance to put him in Vincennes jail.

Then he took Versailles Castle's inspiration looking at Vaux le Vicomte Castle.

In Vaux le Vicomte you will be able to see:

• The Castle
• The French Garden Landscape from the Dôme
• The French Garden Landscape and Park
• The Carriage Museum that will make you revive the art of master coachbuilders

As Vaux le Vicomte Castle and Garden is quite big we advise you to go there for 1 full day in a sunny time ;)

We also invite you to peak a sneak at Vaux le Vicomte website because the castle team plan lots of events yearly!
For instance you might be able to see some water show in the castle park without any additional fee from the usual entrance price according to Vaux le Vicomte schedule.
You can even live this 1661 night and party in a safe position (don't worry nobody's gonna send you in jail) by visiting Vaux le Vicomte during the Candlelit evening show!

A sample of Château de Vaux le Vicomte:

How to get to Vaux le Vicomte Castle: Château de Vaux le Vicomte, 77950 Maincy

• Transilien (Urban Train): line R from Paris Gare de Lyon to Melun.
  Get off at Melun train station.
  At Melun train station take the "ChâteauBus" shuttle - (operating only during weekend and bank holidays for the beginning of April to the end of October approximately).
  Check how to come to Vaux le Vicomte Caslte on Vaux le Vicomte website first!
  
  
• Book a room in Melun

• Maps:

• More information about Vaux le Vicomte Castle, opening days and hours on www.vaux-le-vicomte.com

La Défense is the Business district of Paris.

La Défense is located on the Western side of Paris, on the axe of Champs Elysées Avenue.

You will find in La Défense new buildings and headquarter of famous business companies.

The emblem of La Défense business district is the modern Triumph Arch called "La Grande Arche".
La Grande Arche is located on the 3 Triumphs Arch axe: La Défense Grande Arche, l'Arc de Triomphe, Le Courousel du Louvre.
La Grande Arche is the most modern of those 3 triumphs arches and was built between 1985 and 1989.

But the general area of La Défense was born in the 60'.

Before La Défense buildings, Commercial activity was located, in the historic center of Paris, in the 2^nd district of Paris between the Bourse and the Opera.
That's why you have in Paris the "Palais de la Bourse" which mean "stock exchange" in French.

The business district of La Défense founds its name from the victorious soldiers who fought for protecting Paris from the enemy during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
To commemorate those brave soldiers, you will see in La Défense district a statue called "La Défense de Paris". 

In La Défense Business district you will see:

• La Grande Arche de la Défense
• The view over Paris with the Arc de Triomphe
• The statue of "La Défense de Paris"
• Contemporary and Modern Art items

A preview of La Défense Business District:

How to get to La Défense Business District: Parvis de la Défense, 92800 Puteaux

• M1-RER A La Défense Grande Arche
  Tramway: T2 La Défense Grande Arche
  Transilien (Urban Train): La Défense Grande Arche Train Station line L and U
  Bus: 73-141-144-159-160-161-174-178-246-258-262-272-275-360-378-541
  Vélib' (City Bike): 22005 Pont de Neuilly
  Noctilien (Night Bus): N24-N53 La Défense RER
  
  
• Book a room in La Défense

• Maps:

The International Suit Up Day is an initiative directed by the raving fan of Barney Stingston in the series How I Met Your Mother.

I know you are already awesome everyday and your life is ... wait for it .... LEGEND.... DARYYY!!!

But all the Barney Stingston and How I Met Your Mother fans around the world decided to pick up one special day to SUIT UP even better than the other days and make your life even more LEGEND...DARY!!!

The International Suit Up Day 2015 will take place on Tuesday 13^th of October 2015.

If you never suited up, go for it; it's your time to be awesome and SUIT UP!

Get together with your friends, SUIT UP and have fun by doing at least one of the International Suit Up Day activities:

• Wear a suit to University, Work or School
• Buy a suit
• Party in a suit
• Drink in a suit
• Have a drink in a pub call MacLarens
• Meet someone in a suit
• Make love in a suit
• Sleep in a suit
• Watch How I Met Your Mother in a Suit! 

Let your imagination be free and have fun in a suit ;)

Cheers,

Your Erasmus of Paris SUIT Buddies ;)

French cuisine is good but expensive ...

It's time to drop the clichés!
We are ready to show you that French cuisine can be also cheap!

Especially when you pay half of the price for a menu ;)
By the way this does not mean that you will get half of a menu, you will have the full menu for this discounted price ;)

Tous au Restaurant week is made for you to discover gastronomical restaurants for half of their usual price!

Tous au Restaurant is the paradise for food lovers who want to try and discover new flavors like French cuisine.
You will be able to access to discounted menu with:

• 1st course
• Main course
• Dessert

How does Tous au Restaurant works? 

During 7 days from Monday .. of September to Sunday .. of September 2015 you will be able to buy one menu and have one menu for free! 

To enjoy Tous au Restaurant offer and have one menu for free for every menu that you take you should book your table in advance on www.tousaurestaurant.com !

On www.tousaurestaurant.com you will also find the list of Restaurants you can eat ;)

Bon apetit,

Your Erasmus of Paris Fellows

As you might already know, France is famous for being the country of bicycle.
Yeah, I know that sounds a little bit cliché....

... but every year we have that famous long cycle race across the country, which runs for 3 weeks, called "Tour de France".

As the Tour de France race is famous for being one of the biggest bike events over the world; I'm sure you already heard about this race on the daily news!

Tour de France is a bike race which runs every year, during 3 weeks, in July, around the French countryside.

Sunday 26^th of July 2015 will be the arrival date of the Tour de France bike race in Paris Champs Elysées.

The final line of Tour de France will be set in Champs Elysées avenue.
Before riders crossed the final line, in Champs Elysées avenue, they will be biking between 6 to 8 turns in Paris between Arc de Triomphe - Place de l'Etoile and Louvre Museum.
Riders will go through Tuileries' garden, Concorde square and Champs Elysées avenue. 

Riders' arrival and podium will be set up around 17:00 on Champs Elysées avenue.

This will be the moment to applause the 4 types of winners during Tour de France:

• The Yellow Jersey - Maillot Jaune in French is won by the leader of the general individual time classification.
  The Yellow Jersey is won by the rider that has made the race in the shortest time!
• The White Jersey - Maillot Blanc in French is won by the best young rider ages 25 years old or less in the general individual time classification.
  The White Jersey is like a "Yellow Jersey for young rider".
• The Red Polka Dot Jersey - Maillot à Poids Rouge is won by the best climber when riders are biking in the mountains.
• The Green Jersey - Maillot Vert is won by the best sprinter of the Tour. 

To enjoy fully the Tour de France, we suggest you to be in Champs Elysées, Place de la Concorde or Jardin des Tuileries around 12:00.

As Tour de France arrival is a famous international event the final line in Champs Elysées will get crowded fast during the afternoon.
Streets will be closed as well as public transportation nearest stations.

Have a good time,

Your Erasmus of Paris buddies

How to get to Tour de France in Paris: Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris

• M1-8-12 Concorde, M1-13 Champs Elysées Clemenceau,  M1-9 Franklin Roosevelt, M1 Tuileries, M1-7 Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre
  Bus: take the tube because some streets will be close for the Tour de France
  Velib' (City Bike): 1020 Rivoli Cambon – 1018 Alger – 1020 Cambon – 1014 Echelle 8001 – Avenue Dutuit - 8031 Franklin D.Roosevelt Metro Station
  Noctilien (Night Bus): N11-N24 Concorde Cours la Reine and Champs Elysées Clemenceau, N01-N02 Palais de la Découverte - N11-N24

• Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/cVRiU

• Tour de France Paris 2015 on Sunday 26^th of July.
  Free event. More information on letour.fr

Hey fellows, 

If you are in Paris for the 14^th of July you should go to at least one of the Bastille’s day celebration!
It could be the Military Parade on Champs Elysées avenue during morning time or in the Fireworks in the Eifel Tower at night ;) 

The Military Parade in Paris happens only once a year for Bastille Day celebrations.  

Bastille Day represents the commemoration of the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789.
The 14^th of July is the French National Day.  

Military Parade will take place from 9:00 to 12:00 on the 14^th of July! 

Troops on foot, motorcycles, cavalry and French Air Force will march from Place de l’Etoile – Arc de Triomphe, going thought Champs Elysées avenue to finish at Place de la Concorde over military song.  

During the Military Parade you will be able to see:  

• The Infantry with troops on foot, on motorcycles, the cavalry, republican guards, motorized troops and tanks
• French Air Force flying over your head and Paris streets
• State rescue services to protect citizens like the Police force and the Fire Service 

Every year during the Military Parade, France invite the army of another country!
Check the Military Parade schedule to know which country is invited to the Parade this year ;)  

Usually, the schedule for the Parade is set up like this:  

• 9:00 Beginning of the Military Parade  with troops on foot and motorcycles
• 9:30 Republican Guards and the Cavalry
• 10:00 Arrival of the President
• 10:45 French Air Force flying over Champs Elysées avenue
• 11:15 Motorized troops and tanks
• 12:00 End of the Military Parade, Champs Elysées avenue will be kept for pedestrians until 18:00. 

Please, refer to the Bastille Day web page for more precise schedule and information.  

Erasmus of Paris Team advice to go to the Military Parade on Champs Elysées avenue:

We suggest you to be in Place de la Concorde early on the morning because Metro stations and access to the streets will be progressively closed from 8:00 to 9:30!
As we have already been in the Military Parade the previous year, we recommend you to be in Place de la Concorde between 7:30 and 8:00, otherwise you might get screw up.  

The best place to admire the Military Parade is located in Place de la Concorde or on the entrance of Champs Elysées avenue when you get there from Concorde Square (especially if you find a place on the pair – impairs side of Champs Elysées avenue, also known as the river side of Champs Elysées avenue).  

Check the map we uploaded for you, we have placed the best spots to see the Military Parade on it!  

Info: After 9:00 it’s almost impossible to reach Place de la Concorde, all streets and Metro stations will be closed, even pedestrians and bicycles are not allowed to go.  

Champs Elysées avenue will get crowded and trust us, going there is not the best option for you to see the Military Parade.  

To be able to see the Parade in good conditions remember to get up early on for the 14^th of July ;) 

Check out more of other Bastille Day event on www………..

A sample of the 14^th of July Military Parade in Paris:

How to get to 14th of July Military Parade: Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris

• M1-8-12 Concorde
  Bus: 24-42-52-72-73-84-94
  Vélib' (City Bike): 1020 Rivoli Cambon
  Noctilien (Night Bus): N11-N24 Concorde Cours la Reine, N01-N02 Assemblé Nationale  

• Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/LhvVE

• Free access

• Other Bastille Day event on www………..

Come to Versailles and feel like Louis XIV itself by watching the fireworks in front of Versailles castle!

Public fireworks in Versailles happen, once a year, for Bastille Day celebrations.

We do also have private fireworks in Versailles garden all year long, we advise you to check our article about Versailles Castle for more information.

Are you ready for some good news?!!

First of all the fireworks for Bastille Day in Versailles Castle is set off for free.
Second of all, you will be able to enjoy two fireworks in two nights because Versailles firework is set off the day before Eiffel Tower Bastille Day Fireworks in Paris!

Bastille's Day fireworks in Versailles will be set off in front of Versailles Castle on the 13^th of July at 23:00.
Versailles fireworks duration is about 30mn'.  

To make sure that you will see the fireworks in good conditions, e.g. without being trapped in the crowd, we suggest you to be in Place d'Armes around 21:00 - 21:30 ;)

How to get to Versailles fireworks: Château de Versailles, Place d'Armes 78000 Versailles

• RER C Versailles Rive Gauche
  Bus: C-D-F-H-L-Z
  Vélib' (City Bike): there is no city bike in Versailles yet!
  Noctilien (Night Bus): N145 Versailles Rive Gauche

• Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TD1oS

• Bastille Day Versailles Fireworks will be set off on Monday 13^th of July 2015 at 23:00
  More information about Versailles fireworks on Versailles city hall website. You can peak a sneak also on Versailles city hall website for more information about other Bastille Day celebration in Versailles.

Ps: Don't miss Bastille's Day Eiffel Tower fireworks in Paris the 14^th of July and enjoy Bastille Day celebrations all day long in Paris!

How awesome is it to have a stage to listen free concert in the middle of Place de la République in Paris?!!

Imagine you are listening music in Paris open sky while dancing, having pogo dance with your friends, staring at the sunset on Republic's statue and watching cool bands at the same time...

This dream can be yours if you take part of the Festival Soirs d'Ete in Place de la République  ;)

Festival Soirs d'Ete its 6 days of free music concert from Sunday 5^th of July to Friday 10^th of July 2015.

Festival Soirs d'Ete is a Rock orientated music festival, but you will be able to listen several kind of music on the festival like:

• Rock - Pop Rock
• Punk
• Ska - Reggae
• Electro
• Jazz - Soul
• Hip Hop - Rap

All around Place de la République you will find restaurants to eat after, before or during the festival.

And because it's summer in Paris, Soirs d'Ete Festival's staff are aware that warm weather can get you thirsty so they prepared everything for you to drink directly on Soirs d'Ete Festival ;)

Save the date on your diary and remember that Soirs d'Ete concerts start at 19:00 and finished around 22:30!
 
A Sample of Festival Soirs d'Ete:

How to get to Soirs d'Ete Free Rock Festival: Place de la République, 75003 Paris

• M3-5-8-9-11 République
  Bus: 20-56-65-75
  Vélib' (City Bike): 3004-11046 République
  Noctilien (Night Bus): N01-N02-N23-N141 République

• Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/RUwBH

• Festival Soirs d'été Free Rock Music Festival in Place de la République: from Sunday 5^th of July to Friday 10^th of July 2015. Full line-up and concert schedule on www.soirsdete.fr