One of the quotes I live by is ‘Paris is always a good idea’. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world, thanks to its culture, shopping, food and entertainment; actually there’s nothing I don’t like about Paris. Having recently visited the French capital for a quick day trip, I dropped in on a few must-sees that I’d like to share with you:
Galeries La Fayette
If you love to shop, as many of us do, this upmarket department store chain’s flagship shop is an absolute must should you need a quick break from indulging in Paris’s endless landmarks and charm. The store, located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement, is an experience all of its own – it even often hosts fashion shows for visitors.
If you love to shop, as many of us do, this upmarket department store chain’s flagship shop is an absolute must should you need a quick break from indulging in Paris’s endless landmarks and charm. The store, located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement, is an experience all of its own – it even often hosts fashion shows for visitors.
The Eiffel Tower
You simply can’t go to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower (it leaves more than an impression at night; believe me!). Named after its architect Gustave Eiffel and built in 1889, the tower’s panoramic view from its observation deck is undoubtedly the best vista of the city, while any of the tower’s restaurants proves great for a spot of lunch or dinner. Owing to my fear of heights, I found the trip to the top somewhat scary but for everyone else it was a very enjoyable ascent.
Moulin Rouge
An unmissable experience for anyone intrigued by Parisian life back in the ‘Belle Époque’, the Moulin Rouge is a legendary cabaret located in Montmartre. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to stay and enjoy the world famous show – which is performed at the venue every night – but I’ve heard very good things about it and will definitely return. Having been opened in 1885 by its co-founder Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, the original building burnt down in 1915 but not before it brought about a revolution in night-time entertainment with dances such as the iconic can-can bewitching guests as they delightedly clinked their glasses of absinthe.
Notre Dame
‘Our Lady of Paris’, as it translates into French, is the extraordinarily beautiful, frankly breathtaking Catholic cathedral to be found in the centre of Paris on the Île de la Cité, whose design is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture you’ll ever hope to see. The interior is arguably as spectacular as its exterior, not least its organ which comprises an astonishing 7,374 pipes, while it also contains 10 individually named, famous bells. Notre-Dame is, of course, known worldwide for its association with Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’.
Les Invalides
Les Invalides at Night in Paris. (It started to rain!)
Also referred to as L’Hotel national des Invalides, this landmark is actually a compound of several monuments and museums dedicated to the French Military, as well as an historic hospital and retirement home. Inaugurated in 1678, it was further developed down through the centuries and numbers among its buildings the Dôme des Invalides, the large church that’s the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte, containing, as it does, his tomb.
With only a single night to spend in Paris, I unfortunately couldn’t squeeze in everything I’d wanted to – including the world renowned visual art galleries that are the Louvre and the Musée d’ Orsay. All the more reason for me then, to return sooner than later to the ‘City of Light’ for another night-time or even day-time visit.
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