MARIA PANDALAI
PERSONAL TRAVEL MANAGER | TOWNSVILLE
TRAVEL MANAGERS AUSTRALIA
Paris – the city of love. Paris radiates romance and class in an understated way. It captures you and leaves you feeling breathless. Which is why, among other things, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. With its influential history, passionate culture, amazing food and diverse art, you’ll almost have to pinch yourself when you step foot on the streets of this splendid city.
The Pont Alexandre III is a deck arch bridge that spans the Seine in Paris. It connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. The bridge is widely regarded as the most ornate, extravagant bridge in the city. It is classified as a French Monument historique. Production Perig / Shutterstock.com
How to get there
One of the most streamlined routes from Townsville to Paris is via Brisbane and Dubai or Abu Dhabi, vice versa, totalling 27 to 30 hours including ground time. There are also options via various Asian cities, which is ideal for those wanting to break the journey. If you’re already in Europe, there are many flights into and out of Paris and the rail system within Europe is excellent. For example, a two hour train journey from London, will have you arriving into Paris in no time.
When to go
The best time to visit Paris is either in Spring, from April to June or Autumn, from September to November. July and August are high season being summer, however, with that comes the crowds. The warmest month is July and coolest months are December and January. May generally has most of the rainfall, with the flip side of February being the driest month.
Where to stay
Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements, or districts, each with its own character and abundance of hotels. My top five favourite places to stay are; Victoria Palace – an appealing hotel close to Saint Germain. The rooms are tasteful with a grandness about them and the Junior Suites are impressive. Sofitel Paris Le Faubuorg, is an elegant hotel with a private garden, trendy bar and brasserie offering all the pastries you would expect – a great hotel choice for luxury seekers. Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel, as the name suggests, is 200 metres from the Eiffel Tower – ideal for those who like basic living, but with an amazing location. The Citadines Les Halles is perfect for a long stay with apartment style accommodation, equipped with a kitchen. Le A – a small boutique hotel with only 26 rooms with remarkable art, is a home away from home. It’s located in a quiet area close to the Champs Elysees. Be sure to check out the bar featuring a 19th century glass roof.
What to do
What is there not to do in Paris? There is sightseeing galore in this charming city. My five top favourites are; The Eiffel Tower – Paris’s icon and one of the most recognised monuments in the world. Take an elevator to the top for a breathtaking view of Paris or have a meal at the restaurant located within. Moulin Rouge which hosts cabaret shows is sure to entertain. Marked by the red windmill on its roof and dating back to 1889, Moulin Rouge draws travellers worldwide. A cruise down the River Seine is a peaceful experience. See sights such as Notre Dame along the way and awe in the beauty that is Paris. For museum lovers, you can’t go past The Louvre, the largest museum in the world. You could easily spend a day exploring the many exhibitions and art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Champs Elysees is a famous 1.9km avenue, lined with stylish facades and leafy trees and what is described as “the world’s most beautiful avenue”. This grand avenue is renowned for its lovely restaurants, exciting entertainment, marvellous museums and boutique stores. At the top of Champs Elysees, visit the Arc de Triomphe, a national symbol to France.
Eating out
It’s no surprise that the French love their food. And a food walking tour is an excellent means to sample the local dishes, whilst taking in the atmosphere of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the escargot, i.e. snails, a delicacy in Paris. Cooked in garlic, butter and herbs, it’s a good way to start a meal. You haven’t had crepes until you’ve sampled the ones in Paris. Made with savoury or sweet fillings, these crepes are perfect for either a snack, dessert or lunch. Crème brulee would have be one of the finest desserts around. From the moment you crack the top layer of hard caramel, to the moment you take your first taste of the decadent custard, will etch in your memory forever. Whilst in Paris, you can’t not savour the French wine derived from the different regions of France such as Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. The perfect accompaniment to your delicious French dishes. Salute!
