Paris; the city of love, freshly baked pastries, petit bistros and all things fashionable. I do love the city and find the wonders of french cuisine simply irresistible.
Often the question is posed by business travellers; I am in a city for two days what should I do?
The question is certainly a good one, especially in major cities where there is so much to do and such little time. I have compiled a brief post on what I would do if I were to life the Parisian life for a couple of days based on my recent travels to the great city. The list is not too long, so I am sure you squeeze it all in a couple of days.
Ritz Paris
No visit to Paris is complete without an afternoon at the Ritz Hotel. The hotel has been closed since 2012 as it underwent an extensive $450 million renovation. It looks better than ever and epitomises luxury at its finest.
There are few places of refuge from the modern world that offer charm, history and the right style of ambiance to disengage one from the worries of society than the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz in Paris. It’s where the Bloody Mary was invented and they have the famous Ritz Sidecar Cocktail which will set you back €1,500.
The Ritz is also home to L’Espadon, which would have to be one of my favourite restaurants. I first dined there at the age of 21 and I have never forgotten that experience – it was one of my first introductions to true fine dining and it certainly planted the seed that became Life of a Travel Czar. I always aim to have lunch here – its such a lovely venue.
Le Bristol Paris
Le Bristol Paris is a beautiful luxury hotel in the heart of the city’s arts and fashion district. Its a grand hotel indeed full of luxe marble, chandeliers, white coated staff, Louis XVI decor, plush rugs, showcases of fine jewellry and expansive flower arrangements.
On a spare afternoon in the city head to the Bar du Bristol and sit in the luxe club like decor full of antiques, sofas and gorgeous paintings and sip on a Chablis, nibble on some canapes or a Parisian apertif. The worries of the day will soon be a distant memory.
Eiffel Tower
No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. The fine views and the amazing panoramic view across Paris leaves one breathless. Although there a lot of tourists, its not a tourist trap; one should definitely make the trek to the tower when in Paris.
L’Oiseau Blanc Bar
If rooftops are your thing… and I don’t blame you, I could think of nothing better than sitting on a rooftop terrace with views of the Paris skyline sipping on a lovely cocktail. Coincidentally, that is exactly what I did – the L’Oiseau Blanc Bar in the Peninsula Paris offers just that and there was no better way to spend a sunny afternoon in Paris than at that bar.
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
The night view from the Arc de Triomphe is certainly something. You do have trek up a fair flight of stairs to get there, but its worth the effort. The night views of the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower (especially with its light display as shown below) is a sight to be had. Paris is certainly is one amazing and beautiful city.
