Paris is perfect for partners and romance, as well as designer labels, food and wine. With the Seine running through the city like a main artery of industry and leisure, it is worth a boat tour in itself. In Paris there are endless iconic sights to see, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. Although a trip to Paris isn’t complete without a promenade down the Champs-Elysees for big name shopping.
Paris is a city of culture with countless art masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa. There are museums including the quirky Pompidou Centre or the enchantingly intimate Rodin Museum.
Things to do
It is possible to see Paris via boat, bus or best foot forward. You could drive round, but the hap-hazard driving and parking, may be less than relaxing during your break. The River Seine has some great river trips giving you a new perspective of the city.
It you have a head for heights, why not take a trip up to the top of the Eiffel Tower where you can see the Parisian skyline and beyond. At night, the Eiffel tower has hourly illumination displays which are truly mesmerising. Paris is a world of broad tree lined boulevards, elaborate churches and matchless art collections, as well as a real draw for fashion. Croissants and coffee fragrances linger outside the little cosmopolitan cafes which are found down most streets.
Shopping
The shops have to be top notch to keep the Parisians looking as elegant as they do in their understated designer suits and Hermes scarves tied with such élan. The home of couture giants Chanel and Yves St Laurent, Paris is chic and fashionable completely. Fashionistas scour the endless maze of boutiques to find the best available in the competitive catwalk world. Many designer stores can be found near the Arc de Triomphe. Jewellery, lingerie, liquor…you can find it all in Paris.
For the artistic connoisseur, there is a range of famous art to be seen, and works of art to be purchased for your collection. Or if you prefer great department stores, then there’s Bon Marche, Galeries Lafayettes, Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BHV) that are part of the history of Paris.
Nightlife
For an evening out, you can take your pick from art-house cinema to classical concerts, cutting edge theatre to can-can and cabaret. Many places transform from a relaxed cafe-brasserie by day to pulsing DJ bar by night. The De la Ville Cafe is a great grungy chic and the Rex Club across the boulevard. Whilst these cafes come clubs are good, true nightclubbing only gets going after midnight and continues until 6am. Some clubs pride themselves on being exclusive, with bouncers on the door, determined to keep those who don’t have the right look or wallet, but generally nightclubs remain democratic free for alls.
Eating out
Whether it’s Bistro or Brasserie, fish or French – Paris prides itself in its cuisine. Lively bistros line the Latin Quarter and there’s a mini-maze of restaurants hide behind the stunning Sacre-Coeur in Montmatre. There are patisseries dotted around the city offering beautiful pastries and croissants, which accompany that morning coffee wonderfully. The cosmopolitan cafes are welcoming all day and are a welcome stop off during a busy day sightseeing or shopping!
If you want to jump off the beaten track, visit villages like Le Marais and you’ll come across hidden squares and little cafes serving up the best pastries you’ve ever tasted. Although French food is a must, there are many international cuisines available for the tasting. One thing you can rely on is that the service will be spot on, as will the accompanying range of wines!