Here are some other services, most of them run by good friends, that can help to make your travels even more enjoyable.

Paris Notes Newsletter
This subscription-only newsletter remains the best way to stay connected and learn about Paris, its history, culture and food - you'll feel like an insider even before you arrive.

Time Out online
Thoroughly researched and entertainingly written, the Time Out guides will give you the confidence to tackle any major city. The Paris Eating and Drinking guide is the most comprehensive and frequently updated English-language restaurant guide to Paris.

Promenades Gourmandes
My good friend Paule Caillat takes small groups on market tours, followed by a hands-on cooking class in her home in the heart of Paris. Paule is a warm and entertaining person who goes to great lengths to explain how her scrumptious French recipes can be reproduced at home.

Paris Muse
No matter how many times you've been to Paris, a trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to a museum. At Paris Muse, art historian Ellen McBreen offers interactive tours for small groups, giving fresh insight into what can be an overwhelming experience.

Wine tastings with O Chateau
If you feel intimidated by French wines (and who doesn't?), take a crash course during your next visit to Paris with the very personable Olivier Magny in a beautiful Parisian location. "Wine? No pressure, just pleasure!" is his motto, and you are sure to come away with more confidence. Classes are held in English.

I Love Paris Apartments
Why stay in a hotel when you can have your own chic Paris apartment, decorated with antiques and equipped with all the modern comforts? American and long-time Paris resident Porter Scott decorates and manages these beautiful apartments.

The Villa Book
For a fantasy, no-holds-barred holiday, book your accommodation with The Villa Book. They specialize in luxury hotels with villas for rent, but also have stylish apartments for rent in Paris and on the Côte d'Azur.

Nice Pebbles and Riviera Pebbles
My good friends Matt and Gayle manage many apartments on the French Riviera, all with great locations and comfortable furnishings. You can count on them to make you feel at home during your stay in Nice or along the coast. Several apartments are available in the Old Town, near where Les Petits Farcis cooking classes take place. Their websites also contain a wealth of useful information about the area. For apartments in Nice visit Nice Pebbles; for apartments on the Riviera see Riviera Pebbles.

Divina Cucina
Judy Witts Francini is truly a Diva of Tuscan cooking! In the spirit of Les Petits Farcis and Promenades Gourmandes, she offers market tours, hands-on cooking classes and gourmet tours in Florence and Chianti.

Marlena Spieler
Marlena Spieler is a London-based food writer and occasional Paris resident with her very own style. As a natural extension of her enthusiasm for food, she has recently started offering food tours for groups.

Chicline
An extensive new website with hundreds of ideas and resources to help plan your next visit to Paris.