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Published: February 10th 2015
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Paris des beauty!! Excuse me, I hope it isn’t a sin to travel alone on a business trip to a place like Paris!!?? Well, the hues and cries – “Are you travelling alone to such a romantic place?? Sigh!!” “Paris is the place to be with your love on a honeymoon” blah blah… doesn’t really make any sense to me any longer.
Paris could still be the most romantic city and the most sought-after honeymoon destination for its cliches - kissing on the Eiffel tower, dinner cruise on the Seine, and a pre-wedding photo shoot at the Ponte des Arts, besides its myriad candle light dinners, musical retreats, roof-top presto-bars and stylish boutiques and spas. But this city has it all for all kind of travel freaks.
Are you an artist, engrossed in historic sculptures and primitive arts, or someone who can appreciate theatrical satire and drama? Then you’re sure to be lost in the richness and grandeur of Louvre, the world’s largest museum. My head went swirling and my eyes couldn’t get enough of the glassy paintings and intricate carvings that adorned the roofs and walls; and here I must admit, I couldn’t help feeling over-rated about the portrait of Mona
View from the top of Notre DameLisa, given the imagination and workmanship of other maestros (nothing against Leonardo da vinci, I swear ;-)).
Interested in the medieval or Before Christ period?? Paris is sure to lure you with its historic cathedrals, like the Notre Dame, the epitome of Catholicism, defying the French-style Gothic architecture. Though I had to drag myself through a steep, spiraling staircase of 387 steps to make it to the top of Notre Dame, the viewpoint was absolutely brilliant and totally worth the effort. Though Notre Dame is more commonly recommended for first-timers in Paris, I personally enjoyed the paraphernalia at Montmartre, a white-domed Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur. Situated on a slight elevation, this place so seemed like a nightclub area, with people thronging in huge numbers, stalls serving French wine and traditional street food, shops selling souvenirs, and impromptu musical performances, around the church. Popularly known as the artists’ colony, as many of the world’s renowned artists had studios, or worked in and around, I’m sure you must have caught a glimpse of Montmartre in the movie sets of ‘An American in Paris’, ‘Amelie’, ‘La Mome’, and many more.
And, foooddiiesssss (hi-fi), be rest-assured that you have landed in the
Monmarte - Hanging in the clouds“cloud nine zone”, as the French don’t wine and dine to stay alive as much as they live to wine and dine. While the traditional picnic of tasting French cheese and wine along the banks of Seine is a must-do, one cannot afford to overlook the rustic pleasures of having roasted chestnuts from a street vendor in winter. The nutella crepes and waffles, (especially the ones sold near the Eiffel Tower were yummy), and the King size pack of crispy potato fries with samurai sauce, could easily pass off for a filling meal. While the French confectionery, especially the scrumptious pastries, croissants, tartes, eclairs and chocolate mousse, deserve a special mention, don’t forget to treat yourself with the richness of French ice-creams (so creamy and milky available in innumerable flavors), or sip a glass of hot red wine as you stroll across the busy streets of Paris. As my taste buds cried and urged me to take a take a break from two loongg days of non-Indian cuisine, I quickly rushed to the streets of Gare du Nord and bought myself idli-sambar and buttermilk from Saravana Bhavan! :-)
Acknowledged as the Fashion capital, Paris is the traditional home to
Scene at the Seine :)some of the world’s leading luxury brands when it comes to clothes, accessories, cosmetics and perfumes. So, if you’re someone who’s insanely conscious of what you wear and how you look, then be sure to lose yourself in Champs-Elysees, the world-famous avenue for upscale shopping, provided you’re patient enough to skim through the innumerable retail outlets of Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Lascote, Adidas, Benetton, Nike, Zara, H&M, Cartlier, the Disney Store, and many more. Nevertheless, just to sit back, relax and watch the passers-by, and sexy cars speed up the road, was a worthwhile time-pass! As much as you can dwell and thrive in fashion, you can equally pamper yourself in the most self-indulgent way at the sensual spas or spend on sexy lingerie.
Well, even if you’re an aimless wanderer who chooses to explore the city on foot at your own pace, you’re sure to be captivated by the charming cobblestone streets, scent of fresh bakes, open air markets, and antique boutiques and shops. So, enough of stereotyping Paris please!!! :-)
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Playagal
Sal Foran Robusky
One City
Hi Aiswariya I enjoyed your blog on Paris...I was there a few years back without my spouse and felt the same thing, "Imagine being in the city of love without a partner"! I went with a friend who was in conferences, so I was on my own quite a bit. I like how you captured the city, the cobblestone streets, the smell of food, and open air markets & the well-dressed people. I think we had a very similar take on the city and our comments about movies such as Amelie etc! Keep up the blogs and your joy of travel. Fellow blogger, Playagal.