A Parisian Love Affair

Tags

architecture, Bastille, city break, culture, discover, explore, food, France, L'Arc, La Seine, Louvre, Luxembourg gardens, markets, Paris, Parisian, Pont Marie, Saint-Michel, shopping, travel, youth

I’ve recently just returned from a small weekend break in Paris, and I found my self realising how many different facets Paris has to offer.

I have only been to Paris for a few times, and never for a particularly long stay however, each time I have visited the culturally rich city I have seen a different and interesting side to it.

It is a city of many facets and it is interesting to try to explore these as much as possible during your visit there. For instance, on my first ever visit I was staying in the Latin quarter of Saint-Michel whereby narrow streets are filled with culinary delights and shops brimming with antiquities. The feeling in that part of Paris is one of ‘easy living’ as it were, one that knows its roots and is keen to keep it that way.  It’s also beautifully complemented by the Luxembourg gardens which allow you to feel completely at peace compared to the tourist hub that is the Jardin des Tuileries situated next to the Louvre.  This part of town also inhabits the Université Paris Descartes, so knowledgeable students pass you by with a nonchalant air about them and an air of amazing self-confidence in their young academic selves.

I’ve also stayed close by to the Arc de Triomphe, an area that allows itself to be a perfect place to stroll into town with minimal ease and allow yourself to be immersed in the tourist culture that prevails in that part of the city.  For a friend’s birthday I have also been lucky enough to dine at the Hôtel Ritz Paris situated in the Place Vendôme.  An area that is populated by expensive designer shops and patisseries that are beyond mouth-watering.  In this part of town you experience what it is to be a Parisian with money, a place were models litter the pavements and dashing Parisian men in suits stride by you in a world of their own.  This area also is home to some of the more elite clubs in the city.  I’ve visited L’Arc with my friend Rosie and all I can say is, make sure your credit card is topped up if you wish to buy a drink there! C’est la vie! Nice if you can afford it.

My most recent trip allowed me to visit a part of Paris that I had not previously delved into and this is the area around Bastille and Pont Marie.  This part of Paris feels very down to earth and youthful.  With close proximity to La Seine and shopping areas that are crammed with decadent vintage shops and street-side restaurants this really is a vibrant place to be.  I highly recommend delving into the back streets between Saint-Paul and Hôtel de Ville, as there are some great places to explore there and slightly off the typical tourist track.

But of course, how can I forget the wonderful culture on display up and around Sacré-Cœur of Montmarte. This place is truly unique, and although littered with people jumping on tourists as an easy way to get money, the art markets are a brilliant place to stroll around and fully absorb the inherent Parisian atmosphere. Not to mention the amazing views from Sacré-Cœur (that’s if you can manage all those steps!).

I can’t wait to go back to Paris and to see what I can discover next, as although it isn’t one of my favourite cities, it is one that I have learnt to appreciate and love for the way that it is.