Paris - July 2009 & February 2010

In the past year I have been to Paris on two occasions.  I am not a big fan of city life, more inclined towards wide open spaces and tranquility.  However, I have to say that I love this city.  It has an eclectic mix of people and has awe inspiring beauty and character.

From the sparkly lights that adorn the Eiffel Tower on the hour after dark, to romantic walks along the Seine, the art nouveau design features of the Metro stations that are individually themed, the gothic splendour of Notre Dame and the absolutely beautiful architecture and epitaphs in both Montparnasse and Pere La Chaise cemetaries, both a little haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle.  The artisan cafe's and bars are delightful away from the tourist areas, and cheaper too.  The tourist areas that centre around the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are very expensive and sometimes the attractions away from this are better value for money.  One example of this is the Montparnasse Tower.

Overshadowing the Montparnasse cemetary, the view from the 56th floor observation deck and rooftop is incredible and you get to see the Eiffel Tower from there too.  The lift to the top feels almost motionless and takes seconds to get to the very top.

Notre Dame is well worth visiting and the tour inside is free to all visitors.  However, the Louvre was very busy and we seemed to be constantly queueing for one reason or another.  As I peered through the crowd at the Mona Lisa, I  was left with a slight feeling of disappointment at it's miniscule proportions!!

On our first visit we stayed at a very modern hotel within 10 minutes walk of the Eiffel Tower and very close to the river Seine and Champs Elysses, it was not cheap but the rooms are lovely and the staff are very friendly.  If it is a central location you are looking for this hotel is perfect ... http://www.residence-du-roy.com/

When we returned  in the Spring of 2010, we stayed in a lovely apartment in the Montparnasse district, it was quiet, absolutely superbly furnished and had everything you could wish for in a home-from-home stay.  If you are happy to stay a short metro journey away from the centre then this place is perfect ... http://www.my-paris-apartment.com/

We found two great pubs/bars that catered for those of us who love rock music.  The Black Dog who do a fantastic steak meal http://www.blackdog-bar.com/, however, the choice is limited for vegetarians.

Also Cantada II,  who have an amazing range of absinthe and whose clientelle are a very artisan crowd http://www.cantada.net/.

If you get chance to go to Paris do the touristy stuff, to say you have done it but definitely get away from the centre and explore the districts there are some lovely places to eat and drink and there is so much more to see.