Walk Like an Egyptian
By Adrian Leeds

Excerpted from Parler Paris Nouvellettre®
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/

Our plane connection in Cairo had a seven-hour layover with a flight at an ungodly 4 a.m. to Aswan, so rather than twiddle our thumbs in the airport all night, we located a private driver ("Armet") who gave us a speedy tour of his beautiful city by night lit by the many mosques both ancient and new and waited patiently while we had our first authentic Egyptian dinner at "Café Riche." Café Riche is well-known center-city restaurant once famous as an intellectual hotspot that one journalist reported has a "story like the water of the Nile, flowing down the river continuously, constantly, slowly." The food was good, the service very pleasant and as one often sees in this part of the world, the owner sat at a desk in the front window counting his money and balancing his books at the end of the day.

(Café Riche. 17, Talaat Harb Street, just off Talaat Harb Square, Downtown, Cairo. Telephone: +202 3929793)

The sun was coming up, but the full moon was still bright as our plane landed in Aswan Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. An escort met us there to lead us by hand to the "felucca" (boat) that crosses the Nile to and from the tall and luxuriously contemporary Movenpick Hotel where we connected with 11 other friends, gathered together in Egypt to help celebrate the birthday of photographer Michael Honegger. It was a surprise for Michael...both WHERE he was being taken and WITH WHOM he was going. We are 10 women and three men -- friends and relatives from the U.S. and France. His partner, playwrite Tim Smith, has orchestrated the trip for all of us down to the tee...

Read the entire article at http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis.

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Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign

http://www.napoleonguide.com

The French attempt to exert influence over Egypt was due to economics, a political need to weaken Britain and the personal needs of General Napoleon Bonaparte, who saw the shadow of unemployment - and a loss of influence - looming as his armies in Italy were nearing the end of their successful struggles against Austria.

Having seen the benefits of Britain's profitable colonies, France's Directory listened to Bonaparte's idea to invade Egypt, expel the ruling Mamelukes and establish a modern style of government friendly towards French ways...

Read the entire article at http://www.napoleonguide.com/campaign_egypt.htm.

 

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Property has Become a Resolutely Globalized Market - Part I
By Mary Fort - Head of International Business Development, Banque Patrimoine & Immobilier

As for financial investments, property has become a resolutely globalized market. By encouraging the mobility of people, the multiplication and acceleration of means of communication have reduced distances like never before, creating proximity where, beforehand, there was only exoticism. The dream of a second home far away from where you live, of a “dream home” acquisition or an investment abroad, has never been as accessible. Furthermore, the mobility of capital, the harmonization of regulations and the emergence of specialized international players provide unprecedented liquidity to this asset class, perceived this time in a rationale of investment that earns residual income. This profound tendency is structural and will continue regardless of the evolution of the economic environment.

Just like a financial asset, property must therefore respond to resolutely opportunistic, reactive management and above all, must be accompanied by a suitable global package fulfilling numerous complex parameters: price, of course, but also interest rate, foreign exchange rate, regulation, taxation and… emotion. It is with this in mind that this newsletter has been designed as an information tool aiming to encourage an area of discussion, to provide keys for practical understanding on some of the major stakes of the international property market. In light of the enduring appeal of property in some of the world’s most desirable locations which includes France, we hope the international newsletter will meet your expectations and provide you with food for thought. Enjoy reading it.

Refinancing of property holdings: An underused lever to raise liquid assets The strength of the euro on the foreign exchange market makes the refinancing of property holdings particularly attractive in the euro zone in order to finance projects in countries such as the United Kingdom or in the dollar zone, whilst keeping cash contributions to a minimum. Proof that the market for equity release is now mature can be found in two examples: the repayment of a mortgage on a main London home and a rental investment in Miami.

The current environment is full of opportunities. Far from stripping the property market of its substance, this new context gives renewed interest, in fact, to a practice that is still widely underused (particularly in France): the refinancing of property holdings. Definition: a mortgage taken out on a property which has capital value in order to make use of the capital tied up in it. The advantage: retention of property while obtaining additional income or the possibility of investing anywhere in the world whilst keeping a cash contribution to a minimum. It is also an opportunity to restructure and reorganize existing property holdings in a rationale of optimization or estate planning..

This rationale is particularly attractive for properties located in France. There are two reasons for this. First of all the French property market has declined less in two years than other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States or Spain. Furthermore, the euro has strengthened against the national currency of numerous owners, with the pound Sterling and the dollar at the top of the list. For all these reasons, the refinancing of a property located in France may facilitate the financing at a lower cost and with lower risk for projects such as: works/ refurbishing, new acquisition, buy to let investment, indeed any other life project. Proof is found in two examples.

Editors Note: Look for part II in next week's issue of French property Insider.

For more information now, contact John Rule at mortgages@adrianleeds.com or Mary Fort at mary.fort@bpi-online.net.

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Watch Adrian Leeds and French Property Consultation on
House Hunters International - NEW DATES

***"Vacation Home in Paris" - Episode HHINT-1A05***

AIR TIMES:
November 23, 2009, 12:00 PM ET/PT
House Hunters International Episode HHINT-402

 

***"Settling Down in Paris" - Episode HHINT-1A05

AIR TIMES:
December 4, 2009 7:00 PM ET/PT
December 14, 2009 12:00 AM ET/PT

House Hunters International Episode HHINT-402

To learn more, visit http://www.AdrianLeeds.com or email Adrian Leeds, at adrian@adrianleeds.com.

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At 2, Place du Caire, you can access this passage, the longest in Paris. It is not the only road in the quarter which reminds one of Egypt. In the immediate neighborhood, you can also find the roads of Aboukir and Alexandrie as a testament to the Napoleonic campaigns in Egypt in 1798. The most interesting aspect of the passage is the façade on the building at number 2 with its representation of the goddess Hathor by three giant heads. Some hieroglyphs can be seen on upper floors. Specializing in the lithography business and shop display mannequins, Passage du Caire is today only of real interest for customers of the clothing wholesalers there. The Egyptian exoticism is hardly visible as the passage has become so dirty.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/

The building named "Fair of Cairo" built in 1798 in place of the convent of the "Filles de la Charité." The name comes from the campaign in Egypt of Napoleon.

Lyrics to the Song "Place du Caire"

Nous avions rendez-vous sans pourtant nous connaître,
J'ai croisé dans Paris une fée du désert,
Ses cheveux délacés lui faisaient un fuseau,
C'était comme un mirage, une source, un point d'eau.

( Refrain )
Place du Caire,
C'est un coin d'orient, un lieu plein de mystères,
Place du Caire,
À quelques pas des champs, les portes du désert,
Place du Caire,
Où la rue d'Aboukir se jette dans la mer,
Place du Caire,
Il y reste l'odeur de ton café dans l'air

Elle a les yeux dorés, le regard envoûtant,
Le charme mélangé, de la femme, de l'enfant
Et quand elle m'a souri, je suis resté surpris,
Étonné de pouvoir encore tant m'émouvoir.

( Refrain )

Je n'ai rien demandé ; elle ne m'a rien dit
Nous n'avons pas osé les mille-et-une nuits
Et je reste à rêver que le hasard un jour,
Voudra me redonner mon rêve, mon amour.

( Refrain )

Place du Caire
Je suis venu rôder, espérant la surprendre
Place du Caire
Je n'ai pas retrouvé la sauvage et la tendre.

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Salon Nouveau Départ This Weekend

The first salon in France concerning divorce, separation and widowhood takes place this coming November 7-8 at the Espace Champeret . On this occasion, the Chambre de Notaires de Paris will have a stand where Notaires will be on hand to provide consultations.

Espace Champeret
1 avenue de la Porte de Champeret
75017 Paris
M° Louise Michel)
Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 8, 11 a.m to 6 p.m.

To review the program in detail, visit http://www.nouveaudepart.fr.

To acquire free invitations, visit the Centre d'Information de la Chambre des Notaires de Paris at 1, boulevard de Sébastopol, Paris 1st.

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Residential property prices in France increased by 0.1% in September and are now 2.8% higher than they were six months ago, according to the latest figures.

Analysts believe that the real estate recovery is now underway as the figures from the FNAIM show that although prices fell overall by1% in the third quarter they rose in September and for the last six months they are now up by 2.8%.

Overall during the last 12 months prices in the French market have fallen a total of 7.8% and there is much optimism that the upward movement in September will be the start of a trend that sees the country’s real estate market recovers in 2010.

A healthy lending environment is also expected to aid the property recovery. Unlike the UK, a history of prudent lending in France where lenders do not allow borrowers’ total outgoings on finance payments to exceed one third of their total gross monthly income, has meant mortgage finance is still readily available.

While mortgage finance in the UK remains extremely difficult to secure, especially at higher LTVs, the French banks continue to lend to borrowers with smaller deposits, even up to 100% LTV...

Read the entire article at http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/articles/attractive-financing-fuels-french-real-estate-recovery-53947.aspx.

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Fractional Property Offerings from French Property Fractional

www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional

If you are interested in traditional fractional ownership properties currently offered by our Fractional Ownership partners, see below:

Paris: LE PALACE DES VOSGES	Paris: LE NOTRE DAME
Paris: CHEZ LA TOUR	Paris: La Résidence Luxembourg
Paris: LE PETIT TRESOR	Languedoc-Roussillon: MAISON BLEUE
Paris: PARIS RESIDENCE CLUB	Languedoc-Roussillon: NOTRE MAISON DANS TOULOUGES

To see our latest Fractional offerings go to http://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional/fractional_offerings.html

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Eurostar Connections is Bringing Buyers Back to France

http://www.property.timesonline.co.uk

Homes that are easy to reach by high-speed train services are quickly rising in value...

For those averse to airport check-in desks, long security checks, and stodgy airline food, the Eurostar has long offered an easier way to reach the cafés and croissants of Paris. But with a number of link-ups to high-speed services in France, Belgium, and Germany, train travel to the wider continent is becoming increasingly popular and connection to the “Eurostar grid” is becoming more important.

Martin Sadler, an international sales manager at the property advisory firm Assetz, said that a lot of potential buyers that had been looking farther afield are now considering properties over the Channel.

“We are noticing more inquiries coming back to France,” Sadler said. “Eurostar’s connection to the TGV has opened up areas of the south-west of France, which previously had been hard to get to.”...

Read the entire article at http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/buying_and_selling/article6885324.ece.

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MoneyCorp Institues New Payment Services Regulations

On November 1, 2009 the new Payment Services Regulations (PSRs) came into effect.

The PSRs require that non-bank payment service providers, such as Moneycorp, be either registered with or authorised by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

From November 1, 2009, such businesses will be known as Payment Institutions (PIs). Moneycorp has applied to become an authorised PI.

The PSR establish certain rules governing how authorised PIs provide payment services where both the payer and the payee are located within the European Economic Area (EEA). These rules are designed, in part, to ensure customer protection.

Authorized PIs will be required to safeguard client funds they hold in relation to an electronic payment.

They will also have to meet stringent criteria set by the FSA in terms of corporate governance, solvency and risk identification and management.
What does it mean for you?

In reality, the impact on you will be very limited as we have consistently operated under extremely tight self-imposed policies and procedures with regard to customer funds and services. Our systems and processes also undergo regular inspections by independent ISO auditors, as part of our ISO 9000 certification.

Unfortunately, the PSR do mean that we can no longer instruct overseas banks in the EEA to charge any beneficiary bank fees to us, the payer when we send payments in an EEA currency. Therefore, while we will continue to guarantee that the full amount will be transferred by us, we cannot guarantee that the beneficiary bank will not then make a subsequent charge. We recommend that you contact your beneficiary bank for clarification on such charges.

More information can be found at http://www.moneycorp.com/affiliates/microsite/index.cfm?agentid=10168408.

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Take the Risk Out of Currency Conversion

If you’re buying a holiday home or investment property overseas, when you trade your currency is crucial. The euro exchange rate is constantly fluctuating, so trading at the right time will mean your money goes a lot further. Adrian Leeds Group LLC and Moneycorp are working together to ensure you make the most of your Dollar or Sterling when buying a property in France.

For the latest exchange rate use our currency converter at http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan/moneycorpconvertor and learn more about moneycorp here:
http://www.moneycorp.com/affiliates/microsite/index.cfm?agentid=10168408.

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One-Hour Consultation with Adrian Leeds Free!

 

If you are a guest staying in any one of our luxurious Parler Paris Apartments, and would like to consider having your own "pied-à-terre" for your pleasure and profit, contact Adrian Leeds for a FREE one-hour consultation while you're enjoying the apartment in the City of Light. Visit http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments for more information or email me at adrian@adrianleeds.com.

 

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PARLER PARIS APARTMENTS

Parler Paris Apartments Welcome to your home in Paris. Home is how you will feel in a private apartment in Paris that has the "seal of approval" from Parler Paris Apartments and me, Adrian Leeds. Parler Paris Apartments offers high quality accommodations to make your stay in the City of Light as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

We at Parler Paris know each and every apartment owner or manager personally, and stand behind thequality of those we represent. We understand your needs and desires, all the small details that make a rental apartment a warm and welcoming home ­ and a much better alternative to an impersonal hotel!Parler Paris Apartments is administered and serviced by the same great team as Parler Paris, French Property Insider and French Property Consultation. You can trust that Parler Paris Apartments and all those with whom it is associated will do heir best for your 100% guaranteed satisfaction.

SPOTLIGHT APARTMENT(S): Ask About the Last Minute Fall Special: 10% to 15% Discount off Advertised Rental Rates Through December 20!...

Le Château Saint-Germain

Rue de Bourbon le Château
6th Arrondissement
Three-Bedroom, Three-Bath, sleeps up to 6

Le Château Saint-Germain is an elegant and luxurious three-bedroom/three-ensuite-bath apartment located in the very heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of Paris in a quiet corner with a view on the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and steps from the liveliest part of the quartier. Visitors to Paris who are lucky enough to make themselves at home here will be talking about their delightful stay for years to come and return as often as they can. Located on the second floor (European, third floor American) of a 17th-century Hôtel Particulier (townhouse), the spacious rooms of the apartment circle around a central courtyard affording windows on all sides of the apartment with views of three tiny streets and the lovely serene courtyard.

www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/saint-germain.html.

Reserve now! Visit www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments or email:apartments@adrianleeds.com.

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VINCI Wins Contract to Build the Highest Tower in the Principality of Monaco

http://www.vinci.com/vinci.nsf/en/press-releases/pages/20091022-1558.htm

The consortium comprising VINCI Construction France and Solétanche SAM, the local subsidiary of Solétanche Bachy (VINCI Construction) who will build the foundations in particular, has signed the contract with Marzocco, a Monegasque property developer, to build the principality’s highest tower.

Designed by architect Alexandre Giraldi, the Odéon Tower will be 170 metres high. It will have 48 floors of housing and offices, with 10 levels below ground.

The works, which are scheduled to take 56 months, are worth €370 million (including tax).

 

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HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Picking Properties aux Places

Each week French Property Insider features a range of properties which we believe are on the market at the time of writing. These properties are featured in order to give readers a sample of what is currently available and a working example of prices being asked in various regions of France and districts of Paris.

This week we focus on opportunities around Place du Caire and Place de la Concord.

	*** Paris, 2nd: studio, approx. 15m² Studio in a beautiful building with newly renovated common areas but without elevator. This apartment is ideally located between the Montorgueil, the Marais and Grand Boulevards districts. It is also sunny due to its Southern exposure with rooftop views of Paris and the Pompidou Center. The apartment is calm as it faces an interior courtyard. The plan is well laid out, with no loss of space. There is a separate kitchen, bathroom with lavatory. Perfect as an pied a terre. Asking Price: € 135 0500 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	*** Paris, 2nd: One-bedroom, approx. 37m² Magnificent two-room apartment measuring 37m² located in a 17th century building in perfect condition. The apartment has exposed beams and stone and is completely renovated and full of charm. There is a spacious living room with open, fully equipped kitchen. The bedroom faces a quiet courtyard and has an ensuite bathroom. Asking Price: € 294 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	*** Paris, 8th: Three-bedroom, approx. 140m² Near St-Philippe-du-Roule, on the third floor of a late 18th century building. This charming three-bedroom apartment offers a large entrance hall, large living room, dining room, bathroom, shower room, toilets. Hardwood floors throughout, fireplace. Tastefully decorated throughout with medallion accented light fixtures. Asking Price: € 975 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	*** Paris, 8th: Four-bedroom, approx. 229m² Steps away from the Champs Elysées, yet calm, is this six room family style apartment. Triple reception, hardwood floors, moulding, and large mirrors. Superb location for all amenities: Luxury shops, fine dining, bilingual school, and the Park Monceau. Possibility to purchase the service room ("chambre de bonne") at an additional cost. Two caves of 20M² and 10M² are included in the sales price. Parking only 200M away. Metro station "Etoile". Needs renovating. Façade is being refurbished. Elevator to code. Asking Price: € 2 200 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee

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The Next Notaires' Property Auction

Notaires de Paris
Place du Châtelet
12 avenue Victoria
Paris 1st

 

Additional information on Les Ventes aux Enchères des Notaires can be found on the Web site at www.encheres-Paris.com.

To read Schuyler Hoffman's article about the property auctions in Paris, click on:
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/articles/auctions1.html.

>

	The following properties will be auctioned off November 10, 2009:
	2009-21-04 2 Rooms 44m² 5/7 rue de la Comète 75007 - PARIS 7eme Starting Bid: 252 000,00 € Sold For: 50 400,00 €
	2009-21-05 2 Rooms 59m² 78 Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg 75007 - PARIS 7eme Starting Bid: 540 000,00 € Deposit: 108 000,00 €

Editor's Note: If you look at the properties on the Notaire's site (www.encheres-paris.com), when you click on the information for a particular property there is also a link to Google Maps to show you exactly where the property is located.

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Luxury Property Show Announced
Compiled by Schuyler Hoffman

* Luxury Real Estate Trade Fair Loves Paris in the Autumn *

Not everyone can afford a private island or a fancy penthouse on New York’s Upper East Side. Still, for those who can, an invitation to the Luxury Real Estate Trade Fair will be just the thing to make the autumn seem brighter. And where better to promote high-end property than Paris, the world capital of chic? This elegant ambience will be further enhanced by the venue, Paris’s famous Musée du Louvre.

On the 27th, 28th and 29th of November 2009 Prestige-Paris will celebrate its third birthday with the assistance of France Convention, a specialist in niche and luxury trade fairs. This year’s gathering will be required both to meet the visitors’ very demanding expectations and outdo last year’s exceptionally successful event.

The recent recession has failed to affect the luxury sector as much as the rest of the economy, in fact the latest figures have revealed that the Parisian real estate market has improved. It seems that the most beautiful and luxurious homes never fail to find a buyer, a thought that will encourage participants in this most prestigious property exhibition.

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SEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?

When you make a purchase as important as a piece of real estate in a foreign country, you ant to know that you can trust the people you are dealing with. Adrian Leeds has developed a network of professionals that meet only the highest of standards. With the expertise and experience of Adrian and her team, you can depend on getting the best advice and support to feel completely confident that you are making an informed investment decision.

Let us help you secure a mortgage in France at a competitive interest rate. Visit www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan for more information or contact Loan@AdrianLeeds.com

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HELPFUL CONVERSIONS FOR REAL ESTATE

1 square meter = 10.7639104 square feet

1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres

For more conversions, refer to: www.onlineconversion.com/

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Parler Paris Après Midi: Next Meeting An Exception

 

www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apresmidi.html

The second Tuesday of every month, Parler Paris and French Property Insider readers gather at La Pierre du Marais for a drink and a "schmooze" --It's an opportunity to meet and chat with other like-minded people and a great way to make friends! Costs nothing except your drinks. Don't miss the next gathering Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 from 3 to 5 p.m. and every second Tuesday of the month (except August).

 

 

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Managing Your French Property Insider Subscription is Easy!

We receive many emails from French Property Insider Subscribers who want to change their email address, or update personal information. But did you know that you can make these changes yourself?

It's easy...

1. Go to adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider

2. Click on "Manage Subscription." You'll find it under the "Subscribers Only" section in the sidebar.

3. Enter your username and password.

4. On the Welcome Page, go to "Manage Your Account" and click on "Change Password/Edit Profile"

5. Once you've made the changes, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Save Profile."

Simple!

Of course, we're always happy to help, so if you do need assistance, send an email to fpi@adrianleeds.com.

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THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

To access password protected pages: click on any of the links on the left panel of the home page of FrenchPropertyInsider.com under "Subscriber's Only," then type in your personal username and password.

Past issues of FPI are available on the Web site. You will find the
"Past Issues" link on the left under "Subscribers Only" or by going to
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/membersTo receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members

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We wanted better guides, So we wrote them!

Insider Paris Guides are written for people who love the City of Light. You'll get a Paris insider perspective on Restaurants... Making a Life... Black Culture... Expat Writers...and the newest guide, Practical Paris!

French Property Insider subscribers receive a discount of 10% off any uide and up to 25% off the entire purchase (if two or more guides are purchased at the same time). Here's how it works:

1. Click on special Web link we give you just for FPI subscribers.

2. Then order one or more guide(s) and use the promotion
code "ED762." This promotion code gives you 10% off your total
order.

3. If you order two or more guides, then an additional 15% will be
taken off automatically. There is no promotion code needed.

Here is the special "coupon" Web link just for you:
www.insiderparisguides.com/offer

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SUBSCRIBE TO PARLER PARIS

If you're not a regular reader of the Parler Paris daily e-letter, and would like to be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it's free!): www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis

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Copyright 2011, Adrian Leeds®
Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, www.adrianleeds.com