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Why Go to Paris? by Stanley Stewart

Featured Hotel in Paris

Relais Christine

"Quietly situated behind grand courtyard in heart of Saint Germain des Pres, this is a charming boutique hotel with an intimate atmosphere."
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It is the genius of Paris that it lives up to so many of its own clichés. Romantic, sophisticated, bohemian, glamorous, artistic, seductive, Paris is diverse and generous enough to satisfy them all. No city has been the subject of so many wistful ballads, or so many dreamy pinings. Half the world seems to think their lives would be immeasurably enriched if only they lived in a cramped studio five flights up with a view of the Eiffel Tower. And half the world is probably right. Paris may be famous for its wealth of art treasures but the greatest work of art is the city itself. Drop in and indulge in a masterpiece.

Paris distilled

  • The atmosphere. Walk the streets of the Marais, of Bastille, of the Latin Quarter, of dozen other quartiers and soak up the rich and wonderful frisson of the Parisian streets. The restaurants. London may now compete with Paris for good food but we have a long way to go to match the panache, the theatre of a French restaurant. In France, being a waiter is a profession, not a money spinner for gap year students. Do breakfast. The best meal of the day in Paris. Take the RER to Joinville on Sunday afternoon for lunch and an afternoon of riverside guinguette - dancing to musette, old French tunes, heavy on the accordion, at Chez Gegénè 162 bis quai de Polangis. Stroll along the cobbled quais of the Seine, from the Notre Dame to Eiffel Tower, as twilight descends through the trees and the reflections of the grandest collection of buildings ever assembled along a river stretch across the water. Eat every night in a different bistro. For something completely different try the China Club, a cross between a gentleman’s club and oriental opium den. Catch a set in one of the many smoke-filled jazz or blues clubs. Try Le Cave du Franc Pinot at 1 quai Bourbon, Le Sunset or Le Baiser Salé in rue des Lombards for moody atmosphere. Visit the Picasso Museum. He may have been a Spaniard but Picasso is an archtyepal Parisian, like the city, endlessly re-inventing himself. 

  • Watch out for

  • - Getting stranded after the Metro has closed. Late-night taxis can be very hard to find. Try ringing for one.
  • - Eating too much.
  • - Falling in love.

    Variation on

    Paris is the roller-blading capital of Europe. Take your own blades or hire a pair in Paris On Sundays the quais along the north bank of the river are closed to cars for the use of cyclists and roller-bladers. Or join the big Friday Night Skate when hundreds of enthusaists set off together at 10 pm from Place d’Italie for a 3 hour and 25 km tour of the city. Passes through trendy Bastille about midnight.

  • Recommended Places to Stay in Paris

  • Paris has an incredible array of accommodation options ranging from slick, modern design hotels to beautiful and romantic boutique hotels. Finding the right place to stay in the French capital is crucial, and to that end we've put together a list of our top picks:

    - Best value: BLC Design Hotel

    - Best for young families: Le Burgundy

    - Best fashion-forward: Murano Resort Paris

    - Best for aristocrats: Le Bristol

    - Best for romantic sojourns: Hotel Bellechasse
  • Browse all our incredible luxury hotels in Paris. Or, see our full listings of luxury hotels in France.
    • See all travel writing by Stanley Stewart.