French “Black Saturday” worst in history

by Scott Carmichael on

Black Saturday is the name given to the the Saturday in France that marks the busiest summer traffic day of the year. Despite history, millions of French drivers pick the last Saturday in July to start their vacation, and head south.

In addition to departing vacationers, the weekend is also the switchover for the French, when half the country returns home, while the other half head out on their own vacation.

This year was the worst ever – the French roads were clogged with just under 550 miles of traffic jams. This means that all major highways from the north of France to the south were one big traffic jam. This isn’t your average traffic jam either – there is no slow moving traffic here, just a complete standstill for hours at a time.

The main access roads into (and through) Paris were filled with 80 miles of traffic jams, and the wait for many of the major European tunnels was over 7 hours.

Combine this with weather in the 90’s, and you’ve got yourself one pretty ugly situation. It comes as no surprise that most drivers simply turn off their vehicle and step out of the car to socialize with others in an attempt to make the best of the bad situation.

Gadling Take FIVE (Week of June 18 – June 24)

by Jamie Rhein on

Heavens! The last weekend in July?! How can that be? Hopefully, those of you in the summer season are finding time to get out there, see the world–even if the world is not much further than the block next door and the weather is cooperating.

Here are five posts about new things in the travel scene.

  • Sean’s post on how e-mailing is getting easier in some parts of Africa due to a new fiber optic cable is good news for travelers and business people–and education.
  • In keeping up with the trend for more environmentally friendly, safe travel, Antarctic tourism is following suit. Kraig’s post tells how.
  • People are smiling more in Paris, according to Scott. It’s not that they have more to be happy about, it’s that they’ve been told to. Find out why.
  • As a Luddite, of sorts–so was Kurt Vonnegut, by the way, I’m befuddled by augmented reality. Jeremy has a handle on it though, so read his version. It’s a wild way to see the world is all I can say.
  • If you’re looking for Sears Tower in Chicago, you won’t find it anymore. You’ll find Willis Tower. As Katie points out Willis Tower is really the Sears Tower. There’s been a name change. It’s true; money can buy you a very very tall building.

Paris most overrated city in the world – Parisians told to start smiling more

by Scott Carmichael on

The poor French just can’t get a break – back in May, their capital was voted “most overrated in the world” by TripAdvisor, and most recently first they were voted “worst tourists in the world“.

Tourism in Paris is down a whopping 17%, and the French Tourism Bureau thinks it might have something to do with the lack of smiling Parisians.

The folks behind the campaign are asking people to put on their happy faces so tourists don’t feel the city is full of rude and obnoxious residents.

To help things along, they have even hired “smile ambassadors” who will be working around the more popular attractions in the city, and will hopefully help brighten up the atmosphere.

To me, the lack of smiles in Paris isn’t as annoying as the attitude from their cab drivers. I suggest Paris starts paying attention to those people instead of telling residents to “smile”.

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Paris brings the beach to the people

by Katie Hammel on

The last time I checked, Paris had more cobbled streets than sandy shores, so I was a bit surprised to find out about the Paris Plage project, a man-made beach created every summer (for the last seven) right in the heart of the city.

The project costs about 1.5 million euros each year and uses nearly 2,000 tons of sand to transform busy roadways into sandy beaches along the Seine River. The project came about when the mayor decided that everyone should be able to take a summer beach vacation, even if they can’t leave the city. The project was so popular, it has grown from year to year and now encompasses three locations and attracts nearly 4 million visitors. The Louvre/Pont de Sully beach features a climbing wall, swimming pool, and outdoor concert space. The Port de la Gare beach offers free wi-fi and art classes. And the Bassin de la Villette beach features free water sports like sailing and kayaking.

Beaches are open from 8 a.m. – midnight from late July to late August.

Make your mark on the new romance suite at Hotel Bel-Ami

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Hotel Bel-Ami just finished its new “Romance” junior suite and wants you to take it for a spin. So, take your wife or girlfriend (there are double-occupancy restrictions, so you can’t take both of them) to Paris by the end of August, and you’ll get the room and a welcome glass of champagne for only $675 a night. And, the hotel is kicking in a 20 percent discount on treatments at the hotel’s spa.

I guess there is a “right” way to do Paris!

The fourth floor suite is far enough up to give you a view over the rooftops in St Germain des Pres, so you can enjoy the city from above and from the street. But, you probably won’t be looking out the window much …