Guest Author - Sarah Reid
It’s fair to say that when thinking of romantic cities, for most people, Paris automatically springs to mind. Anyone planning a romantic break to Paris will be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit and things to see and do.
Places to Stay in Paris
For a truly indulgent experience, Paris offers an abundance of high-end hotels, costing in excess of €250 per night. For pure extravagance, the the Hôtel de Crillon situated on the Place de la Concorde, and the Hôtel Ritz and Hôtel Vendôme on the Place Vendôme are hard to beat.
Of course, there’s no need to break the bank to enjoy a stay in Paris. There are rooms available in Paris which offer remarkable views and great value for money at under €80 per night. Regyn’s Monmartre is a lovely, clean and tidy hotel with 22 bedrooms. The top floor rooms boast views of the Eiffel Tower, so be sure to request one of these when booking. Similarly, some of the bedrooms at the aptly-named Hôtel Esmerelda look out over Notre-Dame Cathedral. Slightly smaller, with only 19 rooms, this hotel also charges less than €80 per night.
Eating Out in Paris
French cuisine is world-renowned for it’s sophistication and finesse. When classic French dishes are coupled with some of the finest wines in the world, a romantic evening is almost guaranteed.
Again, as with places to stay, the price for a meal in France can vary wildly depending on the restaurant chosen.
A three-course meal with wine can be had for €45 in the very reasonably priced Le Boeuf sur le Toit. Serving classic French cuisine, this brasserie will give diners a real taste of France without a designer price tag.
At the opposite end of the scale are the city’s Michelin starred restaurants which include Le Relais du Parc and L’Ambrosie. A three-course meal with wine will set diners back in excess of €100, but the exquisite food, wine and settings make these dining experiences to remember. When planning a visit to Paris, it is worth remembering that a reservation for L’Ambrosie is required a month in advance.
Information about Paris
While a great hotel and fabulous food and drink are a huge part of enjoying a romantic break, Paris also offers visitors much in the way of sightseeing and shopping.
A trip to Paris would be incomplete without even just a little time spent shopping. From designer fashion houses, such as Chanel and Dior, lining the Avenue Montaigne, to department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette, there’s shopping to suit all tastes in Paris.
Paris’ most famous monument, The Eiffel Tower, is always worth a visit while in Paris. Of course, those with absolutely no head for heights can always take advantage of the fantastic backdrop for holiday photos to show friends and family upon their return.
There are museums and galleries galore in the city. While away the hours amidst the spectacular art works and artifacts in the Louvre or the modern art housed in the Centre Georges Pompidou.
The city is also home to a great number of parks some of which, the Tuileries Garden and the Luxembourg Garden, date back as far as the 16th and 17th centuries. Where better to stroll hand in hand with a loved one than one of these stunning gardens.
While Northern France enjoys few extremes in temperature, it is advisable to wrap up warm during the chilly winter months and during the cool spring and autumn; perhaps the perfect excuse to splash out on a designer pashmina. During summer months, the temperatures reach the high 70s, but be prepared to run hand-in-hand for shelter as light rain showers are a common occurrence!
A vacation or short break in Paris can be a wonderful experience, but be sure to bring plenty of Euros to enjoy all that the city has to offer!
