I saw a Facebook post from friends on Saturday… it read ‘Eloped – Paris’ and there they both were in a fabulous photo, with the stunning Eiffel Tower in the background, bouquet in the bride’s hand and grinning from ear to ear.
What a fabulous surprise!! And I can’t think of a better place to elope to.… Paris; the city of love and romance! It’s also home to some of the most amazing monuments, buildings, art, cuisine and entertainment you will ever experience. I’m fortunate to have been to Paris three times now, and each time I have found new revelations but also retraced my footsteps, because I don’t think you can ever tire of the spectacular sights Paris has to show you.
Naturally, the Eiffel Tower is definitely a sight not to be missed and one of the main highlights – take the lift up to the second level and you have the most magnificent views of the whole city. You can pick out L’Arc de Triomphe and see Le Sacre Coeur standing brilliantly on top of its hill. The whole city is laid out like a map before you.
Then purchase a one day ticket and jump onto the ‘Batobus’, glass domed boats that take in the tourist loop on the River Seine – the ticket is valid for a full day and will allow you to stop off and visit, or just cruise leisurely by if you prefer, Le Notre Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf, Le Palais St Germain, Le Louvre and numerous other sites/monuments you will have read about. The Louvre is definitely worth a visit; see the famous Mona Lisa painting, and experience a ‘Da Vinci Code Tour’.
Explore the renowned Champs Elysees – home to Louis Vuitton headquarters, fantastic shops and cafes. At the end of the Champs Elysees is the L’Arc De Triomphe which houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Le Sacre Coeur and the Latin Quarter are other great spots, and there are fantastic markets and shops to take in.
It is worth doing a River Seine Cruise at night, as well as during the day, as you see the city from a whole new perspective. And why not visit Le Moulin Rouge – a great experience that you have to see to believe.
The hotels and apartments are quaint and there are ones to suit all tastes and budgets. Personally, I would stay in the heart of the city or close to the Champs Elysees as there is so much to see and explore, the Eiffel Tower is a little way out from the main areas you will want to immerse yourself in.
The food is divine if you try the cafes and restaurants (good to avoid the ‘tourist restaurants’ as these are not so authentic). We indulged ourselves by trying snails, frogs legs and foie gras. The bread and pastries are amazing – always fresh and delicious. What can be better than starting the day off with a pain au chocolat (chocolate in bread) and a café au lait (coffee).
We travelled from London to Paris on the Eurostar, which was a great trip – 2 ½ hours from the heart of London to ‘Le Gare Du Nord’ station in the heart of Paris – so quick and easy, and definitely one of the easiest ways to access the Continent from the UK, and inexpensive too.
Paris is definitely one of my favourite cities – a city of dreams and a city of love, somewhere really unique and special. C’est magnifique!! And all the best Tim, fantastic news!