2021 Archives - Fat Tire Tours

New in 2021: The Grand Palais Éphémère

FTT tours — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 10:22:00 +0000

New in 2021: The Grand Palais Éphémère

By Amélie Bernard. Amélie is our 2021 Paris intern. She is French and passionate about the tourism industry.

What’s that thing across from the Eiffel Tower?

Have you seen the amazing new structure in front of the Eiffel Tower? It’s called the Grand Palais Éphémère. It’s a temporary building of 10,000m2 intended to welcome the Grand Palais’ events during its renovation.

The Grand Palais Éphémère as seen from the street, across from the military school.

Wait, the Grand Palais is closed?

Indeed, the Grand Palais has been closed since March, 2021 for a major overhaul. The new Grand Palais will allow the original to be brought up to modern technical standards. The original Grand Palais will also create better accessibility options for people with reduced mobility as well as a better optimization of space and light. This project is organized by RMN-Grand Palais with Universcience – Palais de la Découverte. The first part of the buildout will be completed after the 2024 Olympic Games, when the Grand Palais Éphémère is set to be dismantled. The second part will wrap up in the spring of 2025.

Which means that the Grand Palais Éphémère will hold events such as the FIAC, Paris Photo, Chanel’s fashion shows and Saut Hermès. There will also be concerts, shows and exhibitions with a capacity to welcome more than 8000 people.

The original Grand Palais, located on Paris’ right bank.

Who’s behind the new Grand Palais, and how will it be used?

The Grand Palais Éphémère was built by GL Events Venues for the Réunion des musées nationaux – Grand Palais et Paris 2024. It was designed by the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte & Associés and is located on the Champ de Mars. It was built to be environmentally friendly, meaning that once it’s dismantled, the materials used will be recycled to create new buildings.

The Grand Palais Éphémère will also play a role during the 2024 Olympics games. This will be the arena for wrestling and judo events as well as wheelchair rugby and judo Paralympic games. Until then, the variety of shows, exhibitions, salons, and festivals at the Grand Palais offers a bit of something for everyone.

The construction of the Grand Palais Éphémère.

Anything else interesting about the Grand Palais Éphémère?

As with all temporary structures, such as Christo & Jean-Claude’s wrapping of the Arc de Triomphe this fall, there is a unique opportunity to see and visit the Grand Palais before it’s no longer around. Moreover, it is ideally located; there are so many things to see and do in this area, such as visit the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a Seine River Cruise, or dine in one of the many French restaurants along Rue Saint Dominique.

How do I get there?

The Grand Palais Éphémère is located at Place Joffre, 75007 Paris. To access it, you can take metro lines 6, 8, & 10 and get off at École Militaire (line 8) or La Motte Picquet Grenelle (lines 6, 8, or 10). You can also take the bus, lines 28, 80, 82, 86, 92, or check-out a Velib’ and park at stations: n 7111 or 7018. For those coming by car, you can park at Joffre École Militaire, Grenelle, or Champs de Mars underground parking garages.

Below is the full program for the remainder of 2021:

August 31st-Septembre 5th: Tour Auto Optic 2000, 2021 Edition

230 cars that participated in the Tour de France between 1951 and 1973 will be on display. All vehicles are still in operation.

Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Price: €10
Free for kids under 12 years of age

September 9th to 12th: ART Paris 2021 23rd Edition

A gathering of 140 galleries of modern and contemporary art, this salon promises to deliver on quality. Thanks to a 39% new participant rate, the 2021 edition is as exciting as ever. More than 20 countries will be represented, mostly from Europe.

Hours: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm to 9:00pm
VIP: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Price: Thursday, Friday: €25; Student price: €14
Saturday, Sunday: €30; Student price: €16
Pass 2 days: €35; Student price: €20
Free for kids under 10 years of age

September 16th to 19th: Taste of Paris

This classic Paris event unites more than 50 Michelin-starred chefs and highlights their 16 restaurants and pastry shops along with their signature dishes.

Hours: Day session: 11:30am to 4:30pm
Evening session: 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Price: online in advance: €22/session; VIP: €70
at the door: €25/session ; VIP: €80
10 – 18 years old: €15
Free for kids under 10 years of age

September 24th to 26th: Salon International du livre rare et des experts en objets d’arts. Rare Books and Art Experts International Fair

More than 170 exhibitors and over 100,000 documents will be on display thanks to the collaboration of the best in the business of ancient bookstores and written heritage. Prints, bindings, engravings, handwritten drawings, and more will be available to browse and purchase. Experts and independent sellers will also be available for further information about each pice.

The guest of honor at this event is La Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image.

Hours: 11:00am to 8:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am to 6:00pm
Price: €10

October 21st to 24th: FIAC International Contemporary Art Fair

This salon was founded in 1974 to unite modern and contemporary art galleries and to create a platform for all media. During this 47th Edition, you will be able to discover 160 worldwide exhibitors. For those who can’t make it in person, the new FIAC Online Viewing Rooms grant access to over 50 galleries.

November 11th to 14th: Paris Photos 24th Edition

175 prestigious galleries, editors, and photographers from all around the world will unite to celebrate this 24th edition. It’s a unique opportunity to discover historical and contemporary works.

Hours: 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Price: During the week: €30
Weekend: €32
Afterwork: €25
Reduced prices: €15
Online catalogue: free

Interested in learning more about unique Parisian monuments? Join us for a tour in Paris, and allow our local guides to fill you in on all the details!

The post New in 2021: The Grand Palais Éphémère appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

An American Traveling to Paris during Covid

FTT tours — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 20:51:26 +0000

An American Traveling to Paris during Covid

By Sadra Sumner

What’s it like for an American traveling to Paris during Covid? It’s not easy.

I have been fortunate since March 2020. From the moment Covid shut down my life as I knew it, little surprises and unfathomable situations have made it all palatable. With no tourists and closed shops in Paris, the city took on a livelihood that was euphoric and ephemeral. Bistros spilled out into parking spaces along the street, stores set up outdoor racks for socially-distanced shopping, and Parisians once again ruled their city. There wasn’t a tourist to be found in the early days last summer. Paris seemed a mythical secret where the locals enjoyed the relative freedom that came with warm weather and a decent bill of health.

But when cases spiked, everything changed. And I hopped on a plane back to the states.

I grew up in a rural neighborhood over an hour away from any significant town. My parents, brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews all live in the same house where I grew up. Adding a seventh body to the mix conjured questions of hot water usage and milk preferences. It also allowed me the opportunity to live with my family again – something I hadn’t done in 18 years.

My decision to return to Paris came shortly after the French President’s announcement of a tiered opening, where Americans traveling to Paris would be allowed. May 19th marked the date when terraces would once again be open, and the curfew would be pushed to 9pm. From then until June 9th when borders were set to reopen to foreigners, I knew the city would be buzzing with pent up energy. And I wanted in on the action.

Goodbye Newark, hello Paris!

Necessary Paperwork at the Airport for Americans traveling to Paris

Booking my ticket was easy and possibly the least money I’ve ever spent. A one-way ticket from Newark-Paris was about $200. My luggage – hefty from 5 months of online shopping in America – was nearly as much as my ticket. Flight aggregators like google flights and kayak have been hurting for business for 1.5 years, so now is the best time for affordable tickets.

I’ve flown out of the Newark airport many times, so I was prepared to arrive 2.5-3 hours early and go through the routine. Checking in online was not surprising in that I couldn’t do it; Covid protocol for France required that I be verified in the airport. The only issue there was that the poor, understaffed airport personnel were tasked with verifying every traveler to myriad destinations.

I lined up in a normal-looking luggage drop-off line only to realize 10 minutes in that not one person had advanced. The self-service kiosks were useless. Each passenger had multiple qualifications to show – PCR tests, end-destination paperwork, visas, vaccines, etc. The airline staff (I flew United) were doing their best to keep the angry mob at bay, but I’m sure you can imagine the tension.

I sleuthed the most competent staffer and worked my way towards her. Just ahead of me, a couple on their way to Turkey had nearly gotten their boarding pass only to be sidetracked by a piece of paperwork that they had submitted to the airline in advance (or so they said) but did not have on hand. As they frantically searched their phones for a copy of it, I shoved my paperwork in front of the staffer and said, ‘I’m good to go.’ It felt like I was stealing a coveted VIP pass. But desperate times, am I right?

My plane snacks enjoying their own seat.

The woman switched her attention to me. ‘How are you going to France; it’s closed to Americans?’ I showed her my working visa. The next step was the paperwork required by France – a piece of paper confirming that I have not had Covid-like symptoms in the past 72 hours. She looked at it and looked at me confused, ‘Is this it?’ I looked at her, then looked at the 7 destinations on the screen behind her, and then realized that she was responsible for ensuring that each passenger had the necessary paperwork for 7 different places. And that was just in the 20 minutes I had been there.

I assured her that yes, this piece of paper in her hand which was 100% in French was all the French government required for paperwork for Americans traveling to Paris. Just one last step – my PCR test. I showed her the official copy of my results. Sample collected at 6:05pm 3 days prior. Then I looked to the check-in screen, which said that results had to be taken no earlier than 6:45pm 3 days prior. The sweat started to form on my brow as I breathed deeply and started thinking of white lies. If only I could go back to my care-free almost-miss-the-flight travel days of my youth rather than current me which is so intent on having everything ready that it’s prepared 40 minutes to early! I started to panic in silence.

Luckily, the couple bound for Turkey blundered again. A man named Sebastien entered the area pulling the attention of my helper away and causing my screen to go blank. Once she returned her attention to me and left Sebastian to deal with the couple, she just clicked ‘confirm’ without any further questions. Boarding pass in hand, I was bound for the gate!

The Flight from Newark to Paris

Security only took about 4 minutes. I then settled in at my gate and was boarding within 20 minutes. The flight was equally carefree; I counted 10 other heads in my section of the plane. Fully spread out among my three seats I was! And there was no fighting for overhead bin space; just the kind of relaxed flight I love. The flight attendant even came by to ask me if I wanted extra wine, which of course I couldn’t refuse.

This did not translate to 21 minutes.

Customs in Paris

We landed in Paris, Charles de Gaulle at 7:30am. I looked at my phone as I was walking through the exit door – 9:00am. Never have I ever waited in customs/security for so long. The international arrival section, much like Newark, was buzzing with travelers from all over and staff that were expected to verify their entry documents. I’m a huge proponent of the passe sanitaire or EU health passport as I believe it will provide clear requirements for entry. Between now and then, it’s pure mayhem.

As I waited in line, I picked up and filled out three additional forms; none of which were then required at customs. I felt cheapened by my hunched-over scribbling as I drug my bag along, picking up all the airport germs, only to have no follow-up. Sort of like when you turn 21 in America and for the first time, you hope to be carded. ‘Take my forms!’ I was screaming internally.

Along the wall was written ‘Paris vous aime‘ which means ‘Paris loves you’. For Americans traveling to Paris for the fist time, this is charming. But every time the switch back turned me to that direction it felt like a sarcastic joke. The screens above also showed an estimated wait time of <20 min. I wondered if that was the highest they ever displayed? Did they receive negative feedback for displaying <50 minutes?

Spoiler alert – no one asked for my PCR test in France. I should mention that I’m fully vaccinated and have been for more than 2 weeks. There were signs encouraging those arriving to self-quarantine for 10 days, but no real impetus to do so. I suppose the French authorities could knock on my door to see if I’m respecting said quarantine, but the likelihood of that is lower than stepping in dog doo-doo on a Parisian sidewalk. My vaccination card was useless.

All of these papers and only my passport got the love.

Again, I do believe that this will change once the EU health pass is decided and fully functional; Americans traveling to Paris will become easier over time. It was as if I were traveling to the 7 1/2 floor of John Malkovich’s mind; possible, but not accessible or comprehensible to your average joe.

When I arrived at the luggage carrousel, I saw my bags, neatly stacked next to each other, keeping 3 other bags company. I’m not sure how everyone (all 20 flyers) from my flight beat me there, but I also wasn’t in the mood to get angry over that. As per French tradition, the last kahuna’s of ‘do you have something to declare’ were enjoying their coffee break and didn’t even flinch as I walked through the exit gate.

Improvements with the EU Health Pass

All in all, it wasn’t my worst trans-Atlantic flight. Compared to screaming babies, hangovers, seat-pushers, and arm-rest hoggers, the process as a whole was quite pleasant. The experience for non-visa holders will need to improve by June 9th; the stated date that Americans traveling to Paris will be permitted. And like all things French, I firmly believe that they’ll get around to making the experience hospital for Americans and international travelers from all Covid-safe destinations this summer. Just after one more espresso.

If you are making your way to France this summer, be sure to check out our outdoor bike, Segway, and walking tours in Paris!

The post An American Traveling to Paris during Covid appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

2021 Travel Trends – what you need to know

FTT tours — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:39:34 +0000

2021 Travel Trends – what you need to know

By Sadra Sumner

2020 taught us valuable life lessons. Plans don’t always work out, flexibility in life is key, and the health, safety, and security of our loved ones is vital to our happiness. As we carry those thoughts into a new year, our own tempered expectations of 2021 travel trends can be daunting. Will this be the year of full recovery, or will we still be limited for the foreseeable future? We’re looking to the five biggest travel trends in 2021 to help predict when the mundane might involve a plane so that we can keep experiencing the world in the safest way possible.

1. Domestic travel is king in 2021

It’s no surprise that border closures have encouraged thrill seekers to look around them. A recent 2021 travel trends study by Expedia & ARC showed that local demand grew significantly in 2020, especially those with outdoor options. With more people exploring what’s in their own backyard, we see this trend continuing to boost local experiences and an appreciation for insider knowledge when international travel fully resumes.

2. Work from home – wherever that may be

For many of us, our 2020 daily commute was transformed into a stroll to the kitchen table. Without the need to be close to the office, many found solace in being as far away as possible, reinforcing the ability for many to work from remote locations. We anticipate many more nomadic workers as companies adjust to virtual teams. Do you live to work, work to live, or a bit of both?

Senlis, France and its inviting green environs.

3. Flexibility in travel from A-Z

Phocuswire coined the term ‘flexible as default’ in late 2020. Of all the 2021 travel trends, flexibility will most certainly be the new norm for hotels, airlines, and in-destination activities. Creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests will be the goal of every company that has a chance to win back business once tourism springs to life. Many companies have adjusted their cancellation policies to make vacation planning a less-stressful activity. Fat Tire Tours has adopted a no-questions-asked, full money-back guarantee within 24-hours on most tours, making it easier than ever to get your reservation started.

4. Sustainable Travel

Lonely Planet took a different approach to their 2021 Best in Travel awards, foregoing naming specific destinations to visit in the year ahead. Instead, they decided to focus on those positively impacting tourism through three criteria: sustainability, diversity, and community. Some of the positive effects of covid stretch beyond Wales residents being greeted by goats in their planters; those who would normally jetset to a few different countries every summer are starting to consider the environmental impacts that their carbon emissions are causing. Sustainable Travel seeks to protect and conserve while still allowing for the opportunity to visit beautiful parts of the world. Guests are looking for companies whose values align with preserving local heritage. They also want to experience new places in a sustainable way that allows others to continue to enjoy it after them. And they want to learn about these magnificent corners of the world from all points of view. Ethical companies who act in good faith and a genuine desire to help others experience their home will be those who come back strong.

Cherry Blossoms in Parc de Sceaux, France

5. Online or bust – the biggest trend

Some tourist attractions have never needed to rely on the internet to survive. Consider the Blarney Stone or South of the Border; these are often stops along the way to a bigger hotspot. But with government imposed restrictions and limited operating hours, we’re going to our phones more than ever to verify that these places will be open. That’s not just a 2021 travel trend; it’s likely the beginning of a new age of reserving activities. Amadeus, a leading travel technology company, recently published a study claiming that 4 out of 5 travelers confirmed that technology would boost their assurance in travel over the next year. This translates to more last-minute mobile bookings and the obligation of smaller companies to get online or close up shop.

Conclusion

All roads are still leading to Rome, but they may just be closed for maintenance right now. We’re confident that travel will bounce back soon, and in the meantime, we’re working hard to make your future tour with us extra special.

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