Paris is one of my favorite cities. I always look forward to traveling to Paris and our last trip was very enjoyable as we flew into the city from Copenhagen with NO set agenda! We simply wanted to wander the city, and enjoy the food, the lights, the people, and the culture.
For a change of pace we stayed in the central section of Paris just off the Avenue du Général Leclerc in the 14th arrondissement. This was a change for us as we’ve previously stayed many, many times in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 9th arrondissement. We found the 14th arrondissement to be a quite diverse and filled with small cafés, shops, and restaurants. Not far from our hotel was the entrance to the Catacombs of Paris – Certainly a “new” part of town for us.
Our days were spent wandering the backstreets of Paris and exploring new locales. We did go to the Eiffel Tower (again) – How could we not? But for a change of pace we decided to walk up the Tower rather than take the elevators. For the unknowing, its 392 steps just to the first level! It wasn’t as fast as the elevators but we had some great views… and a lot of fun. (I can say that now!).
Once I returned we put together a slideshow. My wife Jeff (yes, that’s really her name) is predominantly featured.
Watching the video you’ll note many “food shots.” My friends will tell you that yes, we tend to travel on our stomachs. I always try to select one or two “must-visit” restaurants. My wife always has one or two shops so we seem to have balanced trips. We don’t see as many sites but tend to find ourselves off the beaten path. This trip was no different as we wandered the backstreets of Paris.
Our biggest surprise this trip was in the Musée du Louvre. Yes, we have probably been in the Louvre perhaps eight or nine times… but we’ve never ventured over to the Apartments of Napoleon III. And what a find! As stunning a palace as you’ll find in Europe – and in immaculate condition. I implore you to wander away from the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo and go see the Apartments of Napoleon III.
And at night, Paris springs to life. It certainly is the “City of Light.” Pictures at the end of the slideshow can’t display just how beautiful Paris is in the evening. Living in Rome, we enjoyed walking through the city streets, dimly lit, creating intriguing shadows. Rome is impressive at night… but Paris IS Paris and it’s our favorite night-time city. We spent one night just walking, walking, and walking – we couldn’t get enough of the nighttime beauty of Paris.
Virtuoso Properties in Paris
As you would expect there are incredible hotels in Paris. Some of the most impressive are are also Virtuoso hotels. They include:Esprit Saint Germain, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere, Hotel Le Bristol, Hotel Plaza Athenee – Dorchester Collection, InterContinental Paris Le Grand, La Reserve Paris, Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, Mandarin Oriental, Paris, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, Ritz Paris, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, The Lancaster Paris, and the Trianon Palace Versailles – A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
I’ve been fortunate to stay in a few of these and have to admit I’ve visited the bars in a few others. Parisian hotels carry a regal quality unique to the city. For the ultimate Parisian experience, choose a Virtuoso hotel.
copyright (c) 2012 by Ron Phillips Travel LLC – luxury travel and consultancy. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, Contact Ron Phillips Travel
