Paris: The Incomparable City of Light

Paris. There are few places in the world that conjure up as many images of breath-taking architecture, world-renowned art, fashion, gastronomy and culture.  Known as the city of light and love, everything about Paris, from its grand buildings to its passionate language, personifies a romantic charm and an elegant, unrivalled beauty.

The cultural and visual wealth of this city is unmatched, virtually around every corner is an iconic monument; Paris is a picturesque 19th-century cityscape, crisscrossed by wide boulevards, large parks and the river Seine.

The French capital is divided into some twenty arrondisements, the first of which contains the Ile de la Cite and the iconic Louvre museum (pictured). The districts then spiral from the first in a clockwise direction, giving Paris its name ‘L’escargot’ or ‘the snail’.

When To Go:

With a climate similar to that of London, Paris is a pleasure to visit at any time of the year, and offers a new experience with each season.

Summer in Paris brings comfortable temperatures between 20-30 degrees Celsius and the winter months typically see temperatures between -5C and 10C, with occasional snow but nothing a good Parisian scarf can’t remedy.

What To Do:

In summer, Paris blooms into a heavenly, warm maze of endless lush parks and green boulevards, ripe for blissful picnics, peaceful walks and world class shopping. It’s easy to lose a day perusing the independent art galleries of Le Marais (pictured) and taking in the energy of the vibrant grand boulevards.

See the recently constructed Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris’ second largest park, the Bois de Boulogne. Set in an imposing yet delicate structure, the art gallery, holding the extensive collection of French billionaire and founder of LVMH, Bernard Arnault, is a sight to behold and provides a different spin on the traditional museum outing.

Paris’ innumerable palaces also offer a great escape into the nation’s decadent past. Beyond the beauty of the Louvre is the magnificent Chateau of Versailles, the original residence of Marie Antoinette where you can almost hear her utter those immortal words, ‘Qu’ils mangent de la brioche’ (let them eat cake, of course).

Back in the city centre, the Grand Palais (pictured) frequently holds art exhibitions and special events at this stunning venue. See everything from homages of the great fashion designers to elegant soirees for the Parisian elite in the endless halls of this glorious edifice.

In winter though, Paris transforms. Impressive Christmas decorations go up around the city and the French capital retreats indoors, moving the culture to the magical halls of the city’s buildings.

Scattered amongst Paris’ countless monuments are world famous museums and galleries. For a splash of modern art and contemporary design, the Pompidou Centre is the place to go. For those of a more classical and impressionist inclination, the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay are the better choice. The world famous Louvre, formerly a behemoth of a palace built by Louis XIV, is home to some of the world’s most famous artwork, including the Mona Lisa.

Once the culture intake has been maximised, the city is a veritable Valhalla for shopping. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent are but a few of the names whose origins grace the streets of Paris, it really earns its place as the home of couture. From Avenue Montaigne, boulevard Saint-Germain and the numerous luxury shopping centres, you and your wallet better come prepared.

And when the day is done, Paris plays host to some of the world’s finest dining; it truly is paradise for foodies. Paris is home to more than seventy restaurants sporting single-Michelin star status and no fewer than ten able to boast the extremely rare accolade of three stars, including ‘Alain Ducasse au Plaza Anthenee’, ‘Le Meurice’ and ‘Pierre Gagnaire’ officially ranking them among the best the globe has to offer.

Where To Stay:

If asked to describe Paris in three words it might be grand, traditional and romantic. These three places to stay perfectly embody these Parisian ideals:

Grand; Nearing the completion of a complete renovation, The Ritz is one of the most famous hotels in Paris. Stunning inside and out, it is globally renowned for its incomparable savoir-fair in the care it takes for each and every guest, treating them as though they were its only residents.

Traditional; Located in the Heart of the ‘Triangle d’Or’, the Four Seasons Hotel George V is another example of a hotel whose being is inextricably woven into the fabric of Paris’ long-standing culture. Its decadence and attention to detail make it a go-to destination for the most discerning of visitors.

Romantic; A stone’s throw from Trocadero, the Shangri-La (pictured) is positioned in the most fashionable part of Paris, the 16^th arrondisement. With spectacular views of the Eiffel tower and the Seine, ornate grand staircases and the incredible Michelin starred restaurant, L’Abeille, this hotel sets itself apart by its sheer elegance and romantic charm.

Before You Go:

The Parisian people are notoriously stoic and often viewed as judgmental towards ‘outsiders’. This overly exaggerated cliché is easily avoided and quite often simply wrong. When shown respect and a genuine interest in their ways and culture, Parisians can be the nicest, most welcoming people you’ll meet.

The centre of Paris is surprisingly small, so take the opportunity to walk between locales as this is the best way to discover those gems that are off the beaten track which make Paris one of the most memorable capital cities in the world.

Louvre Museum, Le Marais, and Le Grand Palais photos courtesy of © Paris Tourist Office – Photographer : Daniel Thierry. Shangri-La Hotel Paris image courtesy of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.