Purple Hearts… Paris for Lovers
The city of lovers, the city of light, the city home of the Mona Lisa. Here’s the Purple Travel guide to Paris for Lovers: the ultimate guide on where to stay, what to see and how best to enjoy the French capital. Paris is a city filled with sights and sounds of hundreds of years dedicated to the arts and music, haute cuisine and haute couture and you’d be hard pressed in living there for many years to see it all.
Copyright by Moyan Brenn
For the big stuff, the Louvre, The Eiffel Tower, the Catacombs, Notre Dame and the Pantheon (among many others) we suggest the Paris Museum Pass. A pre paid ticket that gets you into over 70 museums across the city. It’s also worth remembering, most museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday, so check before you go.
With so many sights it can get a little overwhelming, if you want to stay a little more off the beaten track, then here is our top five ‘other’ things to do in Paris.
Jazz in Paris It’s a bit like hip hop in New York, Jazz fills the air. Although it started in the US, Europe and Paris in particular welcomed it with open arms and today, the city still has some of the best Jazz clubs anywhere in the world. New Morning, 7-9 rue de Petites Ecuries, 10e, Cafe Laurent is a low-key option, but that makes it even better, you can find it on Found on 33 rue Dauphine, 6e. With regular jam sessions, Autour de Midi, 11 rue Lepic 18e, is a local favourite. Of course it’s hard to argue with jazz as a Paris for lovers essential.
Like art and cake? The Halle Saint Pierre has both. It’s just a few minutes from the Sacre Coeur, this is a gallery come bookshop come café, filled with art from all over the world and plenty of the coolest people in the city.
Paris street acts Paris is like a huge open air concert hall, filled with musicians, magicians and mimes. For something a little different a walking tour is a fun and free way of discovering the city. Buskers have to pass an audition to perform on the metro, while a stroll around Notre Dame, outside the Pompidou Centre or on the Pont Saint-Louis will have your sides splitting and your jaw on the floor. And it’s free.
Love film? Paris is a cinema goer’s paradise. Not only has the city been a playground for filmmakers for years. From Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire in Funny Face to Michael Haneke’s Cache, almost every district in the city has something to offer and a walking tour is a great way of discovering it. While for the complete cinephiles, the Forum des Images is an excellent starting, or finishing point, with various festivals on throughout the year. They’ve installed cosy booths where you (and a friend) can enjoy your individual film. Paris is even home to A David Lynch nightclub. Think Mulholland Drive’s Club Silencio!
You should read… Our Purple 10 holidays for film fans.
Go shopping If it’s fake fur you’re after, some garish jumpsuit, or some vintage designer threads, you might just get lucky in the city of Light. There are tonnes of cute, strange smelling shops dotted around the city, from Goldymama, 14 Rue de Surmelin, 20e to Guerrisol, 19 Avenue de Clichy, 17e, but we really like the look of Le Marche Retro a monthly market on Aimloft 2 Cite Griset, 11th, where you can pick up old vinyl records, vintage designer dress or get your hair done retro style.
You should read… The Posh girl’s guide to Paris.
Copyright by Moyan Brenn
Day trips from Paris
About an hour outside Paris you’ll find the cemetery where Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo are buried. The scenic countryside is filled with images reminiscent of the artist. There is even an absinthe museum where you can sample the genuine stuff.
Provins is only about an hour and half by train from Paris and is filled with fun for children (of all ages.) There is a tower, secret passages and if you’re lucky you’ll catch sight of jousting knights or soldiers on horseback. Disneyland Paris This hardly needs an introduction, the European home of Mickey and Minnie Mouse and friends. It’s not just for kids, an increasingly popular holiday idea for couples who are seen strolling hand in hand throughout the Magic Kingdom. Meet your favourite Disney characters; take a trip on Space Mountain Mission 2 or cosy up for the fireworks show.
Copyright by Moyan Brenn
Where to stay in Paris
2* Hotel Ajiel 237 Rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris In a great location, right in the heart of Paris, the Hotel Ajiel is close to the metro and offers comfortable accommodation.
3* Beaugrenelle Tour Eiffel 19 rue Viala 15, Porte de Versaille 75015 Paris. Right on the Left Bank, the Beaugrenelle is just a ten minute walk from the Eiffell Tower. The metro is just a couple of minutes away and has great access to the Arc de Triomphe.
4* Victoires Opera, 56 rue de Montorgueil 02, Louvre – Bourse 75002 Paris: On one of the most vibrant streets in Paris, this great hotel is perfect for couples who want great access to the city and a relaxed and chic atmosphere.
5* Villa & Hotel Majestic Spa, 30 Rue la Perouse 16, Trocadero, 75016 Paris. This is some serious luxury and if you’re going on a romantic holiday to the city of light, why not splash out on a great location and on site spa.
Top tip: The Seven Hotel Paris is practically made for lovers. From its James Bond themed room to a Marie Antoinette Suite, this 4* goes out of its way to impress. Find it at 20 Rue Berthollet 75005, Paris.
Click here… to read our other Insider’s Guides.
All images used under creative commons from Aigle_Dore.
