The City of Lights, Love, and Timeless Charm
Paris, often referred to as the "City of Lights," is a place that needs no introduction. Its mere mention evokes images of iconic landmarks, romantic boulevards, and a rich tapestry of art, culture, and history. Paris is not just a destination; it's an experience. In this Paris Olympics month, let's dive into what makes this city so enchanting and timeless.
Fashion And Shopping: A Shopper's Paradise
Paris is synonymous with fashion and shopping. The Champs-Élysées, home to haute couture boutiques, is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts. Stroll through Le Marais for trendy finds, explore vintage markets, or visit Galeries Lafayette for luxury shopping.
Café Culture: Sip And Savour Parisian Life
Parisians have mastered the art of leisurely café culture. Sit at a sidewalk café, sipping espresso or wine, watching the world go by. Try the flaky croissants, delicate macarons, or the classic escargot at a traditional bistro. Parisian dining is a sensory experience, and each meal is a celebration of flavours.
Seine River: The Lifeblood Of Paris
The Seine River weaves through Paris, dividing the city into two halves. A Seine River cruise offers a unique perspective of Paris's landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Musée d'Orsay. In the evening, the city's bridges and buildings light up, creating a romantic ambiance.
Eiffel Tower: A Symbol Of Love And Architecture
The Eiffel Tower, Paris's most iconic landmark, stands tall as a symbol of love and architectural marvel. Whether you admire it from the Trocadéro Gardens or ascend to its lofty heights for breath-taking views of the city, the Eiffel Tower never fails to leave an indelible impression. Couples flock here for romantic moments, and visitors are awestruck by its intricate iron lattice design.
Louvre Museum: A Treasure Trove Of Art
The Louvre, the world's largest art museum, houses an astonishing collection of art spanning centuries and continents. From Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic "Mona Lisa" to the mesmerizing "Venus de Milo," the Louvre is a cultural pilgrimage site. It's not just about art; it's a journey through human history.
Gardens And Green Spaces: Oases Of Tranquillity
Paris takes pride in its well-maintained gardens and parks. The Jardin des Tuileries, Luxembourg Gardens, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offer lush greenery and peaceful retreats within the bustling city. They are perfect spots for picnics, people-watching, or simply unwinding.
Montmartre: The Bohemian Haven
Montmartre, with its cobblestone streets and artistic legacy, is a glimpse into the bohemian soul of Paris. Visit the Place du Tertre, where street artists create masterpieces before your eyes. The magnificent Sacré-Coeur Basilica atop Montmartre offers panoramic views and a sense of serenity.
Versailles: A Royal Extravaganza
A short train ride from Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a dazzling display of opulence. The Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Trianon, and the sprawling gardens exemplify the extravagance of the French monarchy. It's a journey back in time to the age of kings and queens.
Paris is a city that captures hearts and inspires dreams. It's a place where art, history, and romance converge. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, Paris continues to unveil its magic, one enchanting moment at a time. This city is not just a destination, it's an everlasting love affair. Vive Paris!
Our Top Parisian Hotel Picks:
Le Bristol
Le Bristol Paris is an icon of French elegance and art de vivre boasting 190 completely renovated rooms and suites in the heart of Paris.
Shangri-La
In the former home of Prince Roland Bonaparte, overlooking the Eiffel Tower and River Seine in the 16th arrondissement, ultimate Parisian elegance lives on at Shangri-La Paris.
Kimpton
Kimpton St Honoré Paris is located minutes away from the renowned Opera Garnier, Faubourg St Honoré, and the Tuileries Gardens. The hotel celebrates its 1917 Art Nouveau façade heritage from the former Samaritaine de Luxe, a registered Historic Monument.
The Grand Powers
Majestically installed in the heart of the Parisian Golden Triangle since 1920, celebrates its history. This 5-star residence virtuously embodies a perfect balance between heritage and innovation. Sublimation of the old, exaltation of heritage, celebration of modernity and discreet elegance are the foundations of the Grand Powers experience.
Madame Reve
Just a stone’s throw from the Louvre Museum, Hôtel Madame Rêve is part of the revival of the luxury hotel industry. This unique 5-star hotel, in the iconic the Grande Poste de Paris building, boasts 82 rooms and suites with panoramic views over all of Paris, the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme
Place Vendôme's contemporary palace-hotel, is an intimate Parisian residence where art elegantly blends with French classicism.
SO/Paris
A hotel to know. Rooted in the world of fashion and art, the newly opened SO/Paris is an iconic headquarters for Parisians and travellers looking to join the front row.
Our Pick Of Cafes:
La Maidon Rose
This cafe/ restaurant, whose name means Pink House. Located in the Montmartre neighbourhood, La Maison Rose is of the cutest out there.
Traditional French style cafe dishes like Croque Monsieur sandwiches can be found on the menu.
“Merci” Used Book Cafe
Located in Paris’ hip Marais district, Cafe Merci is a firm favourite. There are over 10,000 books which means you’ll spend many hours browsing through them, trying the coffee and sampling many of their delicacies on offer, from bagels, to egg dishes and variety of cakes. Cosy environment with a great vibe.
Café Marlette
Originally an organic bake mix company is now a loved cafe in Paris. Organic cakes, pancakes and muffins are available. “Le Prince,” a breakfast sandwich that can be prepared to go is also on offer.
Café Des Chats
Couple of locations in the city. Each location is home to approximately 12 rescue cats. They have all be chosen based on their good behaviour and social adaptability. Guests can sip at their coffee or eat many of the delicious dishes whilst petting the cats.
Our Pick Of Unusual Experiences:
Ballroom dancing at the waterfront at the Jardin Tino Rossi
During the summer along the left bank of Port St Bernard comes alive with people strolling, picnicking and ballroom dancing. Every evening, starting June 1 through the end of August, dancers gather along the river bank.
Unusual museums
The Museum of Comparative Anatomy and Paleontology provides an amazing look into a the world of 19th-century science. Others include the Musée de Quai Branly, Musé de Moyen Age and Musée des Arts et Métiers.
Hunting for Roman ruins in Paris
This stunning city is still dotted with numerous ancient Roman past: a coliseum, baths, and various remains of walls, pillars and carved stones lie strewn about the city. While the Roman Baths at Cluny are probably the most impressive architectural remnant from the Roman past, the Archaeological Crypt near Notre Dame reveals the center of the old Roman city of Lutetia.
Stroll along the Promenade Plantée and Viaduc des Arts
A long, narrow stretch of trees and flowers flourish on what once was an elevated railway track. The promenade, also referred to by locals as La Coulée Verte, stretches from Bastille through the area around Gare de Lyon and Bercy, all the way to the west entrance of the Bois de Vincennes.
French 19th-century covered passages
Explore the remnants of the post-revolution rise of the middle-class in France and experience the charming bustle of these streets (perfect for rainy days) , these precursors of today’s department stores and malls have mostly disappeared. Less than 30 still exist today. They stretch from Passage Vivienne, behind the Palais Royal, continuing northbound, where they end at rue Cadet, a charming, bustling little street. Passage hopping is perfect for a rainy day in Paris.
Fine wine at the Canal St Martin
Many Paris first-timers (and a lot of long-timers) have yet to experience the Canal St Martin, but it is a popular treat with in-the-know Parisians, artists and the Bobo-Chic crowd. Use a Canal St Martin walking tour to find the most charming areas.
Paris street art
The best spot for a graffiti-viewing urban safari is the Canal St Martin, one of the most exciting and up-and-coming areas in town.
Parisian art and culture events
One highlight is to catch a typical Parisian event. these include and not limited to, Nuit Blanche, held every autumn, is the one night a year when galleries, museums, and other art and cultural institutions are open all night, free of charge. In June should not miss the Fête de la Musique, when the streets will be filled with dancers into the early morning hours.
