What’s not to love about Paris? From the moment you arrive it’s exactly as you had always imagined...tiny bejewelled canines being carried around in handbags, beautiful tree lined streets dotted with tables and chairs for you to sit and watch the world go by. Stunning buildings of a bygone era, and of course, the smell of French pastries (so much butter but oh so good!) as you wander past the cafes.
Travel Associates Personal Travel Advisor, Claudette Grand-Court, takes us on the journey as she spends 24 hours in the City of Light.
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First Stop: Notre Dame
As you get your bearings head towards Notre Dame Cathedral where you can either climb to the top near the bell tower or venture underneath to look at the ancient ruins and original banks of the River Seine. Not many people know about this little gem so it’s certainly worth a look.
Upon leaving Notre Dame you’ll walk past an array of vendors along the banks of the river selling anything and everything. If you like art and/or antiques, this is the place to find yourself a treasure to take home.
Art and Chocolat Chaud
Once you’ve been over to the Louvre to see the Last Supper and Mona Lisa (hint they are actually opposite each other in the same room) be sure to pop over to my favourite Tea House in Paris, Angelinas. This place, located at 226 Rue de Rivoli 75001, is quite simply a Parisian treasure. Hands down the best chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) I’ve had along with the most amazingly decadent sweet treats you will ever have the pleasure of tasting. The best part is they sell things in oh so quaint little tin boxes so that you can take a piece of Paris home with you.
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A Parisian Picnic
Next up, I highly recommend you take the time to go for a stroll and walk off the goodies before another round of eating (this is Paris after all). Market streets are numerous in Paris, where you can pick up a baguette at the bakery, delicious French cheese at the cheese shop, and perhaps a punnet of strawberries from the green grocer of local supermarket (I had the best strawberries of my life in Paris!) Don’t forget a bottle of rose (you’ll need a corkscrew for most wines in France!), some glasses, and walk yourself down to the Place de la Concorde, Garden des Tuileries or along the banks of the Seine, where you’ll find plenty of places to sit, eat, drink and watch the world go by.
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High Fashion on the Champs Elysees
Life’s all about balance, so now it’s time to once again walk off the goodies, but this time, you’ll love the destination even more. Place de la Concorde is located at the bottom of the famous Champs Elysees. This beautiful street is where you’ll find a plethora of fashion houses, luxury vehicle and jewellery showrooms. At the other end of the street is the Arc de Triomph – if you have time, take the stairs to the top, for the view over the city is well worth the climb. Also, it’s not nearly as tall as the Eiffel Tower!
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Stay in Style
Right near the Arc de Triomph, on Avenue Kleber, you’ll find magnificent Peninsula Hotel. No matter which room you stay in you won’t be disappointed. No stay at the Peninsula Paris is complete without a drink at La Terrasse Kleber. If you aren’t sure what to drink why not have a chat to the in-house sommelier who will no doubt find you the perfect wine for your mood or maybe the mixologist can create a special cocktail just for you.
Dinner at the utterly sublime L’Oiseau Blanc Rooftop Restaurant is a must too. A table overlooking the Eiffel Tower at sunset isn’t easily beat!
A Night to Remember
After dinner, continue your evening with the late show at the Moulin Rouge. Although an iconic Parisian experience, a fun fact to know is that the majority of the dancers are actually Australian! Once the show is over, your chauffeur from The Peninsula will collect you and take you back to your Parisian home for a night cap before turning in.
Claudette loves creating unique travel experiences for her clients at Ashmore & James Travel Associates. She can take care of everything from chauffeur transfers to a sunset dinner at L’Oiseau Blanc Rooftop Restaurant. Get in touch with Claudette here.
