See the different side to the city of romance
In two weeks time it will tick round to Valentine’s Day, and if you’ve still no more idea what to do for your special someone then how about a break in Paris? Tomas Mowlam looks at the options.
Sure it might be bit of a cliché but Paris really is a city of romance and it’s not all sentimentality and soft focus camera shots. There are plenty of things you can do to soak up the passion and the history of this fine old city.
The first is to hit the streets wander from your hotel, down to the Seine and along the river. Feel the crisp wind, and stop in a small cafe and embrace that cliché head on with coffee and croissants.
For all you cynics, remember it’ll be the cheapest thing you’ll do all weekend.
Take a tour round the Louvre stop at the Mona Lisa, and wonder what all the fuss is about a picture so small, then head out into the Tuileres gardens. The 280,000 metre square gardens, between the Place de la Concorde and rue de Rivoli, were designed by André le Nôtre in 1664, and have been place for couples to wander ever since.
Thousands upon thousands of people will visit Notre Dame for a dose of religious splendour, but for me the more impressive, though far smaller, church is Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Built in the 6th Century, it was pillaged by Vikings, rebuilt in the 9th century and it’s one of the oldest churches in Paris. There’s something really special about the atmosphere here.
Saint Germain the parish is also home to something to put a little spice into your trip; some of the best North African restaurants in the capital.
Flavours straight from Morocco and Algeria combine at L’Atlas, 12 Boulevard and Chez Hamidi, 4 Rue Boutebrie are two of the friendliest restaurants, serving the best in all things couscous and lamb based.
It’s cheaper and infinitely more delicious than any posh haute cuisine.
It’s hardly unknown, but the Eiffel Tower is always worth a visit, but try going up at night and watching the lights of the capital shine in the chill night air.
Paris is a buzzing metropolis of a city, so why stick to the same old sites? Instead, grab your partner and head off for an unforgettable weekend.
Image Credit: stevenvanwel
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