Paris truly is the romantic capital of the world. Steeped in history and culture, extraordinary architecture and monuments, and boasting some of the most exclusive stores in the world, Peta Lee discovers that the French capital is a traveller’s paradise.
Dubbed the City of Light and Capital of Fashion, Paris is home to some of the world’s finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics. Hardly surprisingly, it’s also the world’s most popular tourist destination with 15 million tourists every year.
While many on a budget might find the city centre a tad beyond their price range, if you can afford it, treat yourself to at least a night at a swank hotel. I recently spent three nights at the opulent The Westin Paris-Vendome, and … what a pleasure.
The view from my room encompassed the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the narrow streets below teeming and bristling with traffic. In fact, never again will I complain about Durban traffic: Paris’s rush hour was appalling.
But the beauty of this city is that you can walk anywhere and everywhere, quite safely, or use the incredibly efficient buses and trains. There’re also motor bike taxis (which get you there faster than a traditional taxi) topless buses for city tours, and even pedal-powered bicycle type things that the rider pedals like hell while two of you sit on a little bench behind him. Novel!
The Westin is not for the cash-strapped: expect to cough up at least €850 a night. However, service is beyond compare and the dining out of this world. There’s also a pleasant lounge/bar where you can choose from a pub menu for less pricey meals.
Far better, though, to wander around the corner (you’re a stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysees) and pick up a takeaway roll or piece of fruit and a drink from a convenience stand. Or sit down at one of the many pavement cafes lining this famous street for tea.
Stroll to the end of the Champs-Elysees, to the Arc de Triomphe, passing the famous Gap store, the exclusive Louis Vuitton, car showrooms, and a multitude of top-end jewellery shops. Head off towards the staggeringly tall Eiffel Tower, and marvel at this feat of engineering.
But there’s so much more to see: the famed Sacre Coeur basilica in Montmarte, the Louvre, the Place de la Concord, the Galeries Lafayette, the Jardins du Luxembourg, the Versailles Palace, for example.
Oh, and much as I hate to mention it, there’s also Euro Disneyworld just outside Paris . . .but somehow it’s a jarring presence in this gloriously stylish and very classy city.