The end of May 2012 marks the 151st anniversary of the slaughter of 147 Communards killed by occupying Prussians in Paris. Thirza Vallois, noted historian and author, takes us to Père-Lachaise, the most famous cemetery in the world where the Communards today rest with many other notable persons, including Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison.

Pierre Fresne and wife Daniella own a small vineyard near historic Reims and Champagne brands Taittinger and Pommery. So how do they compete with such giants? By offering enticing cooking lessons of dishes perfectly paired with tastings of Champagne Fresne Ducret cuvées, a delightful experience recommended by BonjourParis writer Isabelle Kellogg.

Picnics and Paris go together like baguettes and beurre. Grab picnic fixings at your favorite boulangerie or take-away place, and follow our lead to these scenic spots made for relaxing. Dali Wiederhoft shares her short-short list of five favorite Paris picnic spots: Palais Royal, the Seine quais, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and Belleville.

The 17th arrondissement may not be familiar to tourists, but Parisians who live there can give you many reasons to love their neighborhood. Kathy Burke is one of those Parisiennes and here she shares her feelings of mien for her neighborhood and a few tips for visiting les Batignolles in the Paris 17th.

The grand, modern L'Opéra Bastille (Bastille Opera) concert hall has dominated Place de la Bastille since it was dedicated in 1989 on the 200th anniversary of the start of the French Revolution. Here's a guide to visiting Opera Bastille for a tour, ballet or opera performance and landmarks to see in the historic Bastille area.

Many people don’t want to look like tourists. There are even tee shirts exclaiming they’re not—which seems to defeat their purpose. This week I discovered what fun it is to be one, especially when the weather cooperates. Karen Fawcett on her panoramic view of Paris from the top of a tour bus.

Enghien-les-Bains is a lakeside village located 8 miles from Paris with thermal-springs spa, resort and casino. It's an easy daytrip or overnight getaway from Paris by rail or car. Kathy Burke reveals the casino's history and the evolution of French gambling. P.S. Don't forget your passport; it's required for admission to the casino.

Take a stroll back to the 1920s and 1930s, when Montparnasse was the haunt of artists. Nearby the studios of the Villa d’Alésia recall the Paris of Picasso, Matisse and Léger. Today’s artists still find inspiration here. Philippa Campsie explores a secret part of Paris undiscovered by most.

The 17th-century Val-de-Grâce is a quiet, light-filled getaway from Paris crowds, built to honor the birth of King Louis XIV. Few tourists find its golden buildings and spacious garden, yet it is only a few blocks from the Jardin du Luxembourg. Philippa Campsie takes us to its chapel under the dome.