We had 5 days in Paris and got to see and do so much. After arriving into Gare du Nord Rail Station on a cold & snowy morning in January with a wife, 3 children, 5 large cases & 2 scooters I have never been so glad to see our waiting guide & car transfer, the station was jammed packed with the morning collection of commuters and travellers from all corners of Europe & Africa, we were whisked outside and soon arriving at the Victoria Palace Hotel – our first home in Paris. Located in Montparnasse this is a small charming hotel, decorated in a true French flavour with a collection of eclectic furniture and works of art, rooms are a good size and most have the traditional red velvet wallpaper. Set in a semi residential area close to all the boutique shopping, small quaint restaurants & cafes the hotel is very typically Paris.
After our two nights at the Victoria Palace we move over to the ultra-modern, Design Hotel.. the Bel Ami. Located is a small cute laneway in St Germain. A few paces from Bvd St Germain is this gem of a hotel, clean lines, bright colours, happy friendly staff, this is a cutting edge hotel in a perfect setting. We got to sample some fantastic French restaurants, traditional cafes with perfect coffee & cakes, stylish boutiques and glamorous shops. So off we set to explore a different part of this famous city. The Eiffel tower was first on our list but as it was the coldest January in 35 years and snowing the lift to the top was closed so after a few photos it was on the metro to the Arc De Triumph, up 75 stairs to the top to get a bird’s eye view of all of Paris …. And on a clear day this was spectacular … more photos then we’re on the bus this time to Opera area.. Another coffee & cake and a detour to Galleries La Fayette – one of Europe’s largest and most famous department stores.
Next day we had a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Musee de Cluny with our private guide Elizabeth – a French Historian based at the Sorbonne. Elizabeth took us to parts of the Museum that are closed to the public, to see works of art in closed rooms, and gave us the full history of one of Paris’ most famous museums. After this it was more exploring time and trying out our limited French and the chance to use more busses, trains and walks along the boulevards.
Euro Disney was another must for the kids – they had been overloaded with culture and history so a theme park was part of the deal. We had pre-paid our Entry & Train Tickets so in the heavy snow with parkas and gloves, hats & scarfs we set off to the outer suburbs to Euro Disney. With the same plan as Disneyland you have all the favourite rides, parades , photo stops and shows ( only in French) and even in the snow things operate , have to say this was the coldest day we’ve ever had …but like all the other Disneyland’s it’s so much fun and you really do feel like a kid again .. Just for one day.
There is so much to do in Paris for everyone.. Art lovers, historians, food & wine lovers and even the kids ….
Let me arrange your unique Paris Experience with your own Private Guide and have a behind the scenes experience , then wander around on your own and soak it all in . Paris is an amazing city and to can be done really well on a budget.
For help in getting to Paris and the best Parisian experience, call me.
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