Paris: the city of love
paris, eiffel tower, hotel de crillon, honeymoon
eiffel tower view from hotel crillon paris
The city of love, as the capital of France is known, is beautifully compact so easy for you to explore on foot day and night.
The fact that it’s also called the city of lights and the capital of fashion and food should indicate what a wonderful honeymoon experience you can expect from this trés charming city.
See the sights
paris, eiffel tower, picnic, honeymoon
picnic beside eiffel tower in paris
A trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower, the monument that has symbolised Paris since 1889, is wonderfully romantic and offers the best views of the city. Other must-visits include the Musée du Louvre, one of the world’s best museums, which houses everything from Egyptian mummies to the Mona Lisa. Like many cities, Paris is best explored on foot, so join Parisien couples in love and take a walk along the edge of the River Seine. Take a trip to La Marais quarter, where you’ll love the gorgeous mansions, boutique shops and cafes. Jardins du Luxembourg, a park where tourists, students, dog walkers and chess and boules players congregate, is a fascinating place to while away an afternoon over a picnic of red wine, bread and cheese. Also check out the arty restaurants and boutiques around Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur (the location for much of the film Amelie) and art galleries such as the Palais de Tokyo.
Food of love...
paris, restaurant, honeymoon, couple
couple in restaurant
Paris is a gourmet’s dream; at every turn there’s a cosy café, bustling bistro or grand restaurant serving up the finest French cuisine. For a romantic atmosphere as well as fine food, book a table at Café de Flore, the place to experience Parisian café society and the legendary hangout of Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Alain Ducasse at Hotel Plaza Athenée is unbeatable (though be warned it’s seriously pricey) as is the dazzling Cristal Room Baccarat, where the salon rose is a fairy-tale setting of satin walls and black crystal chandeliers.
A place to stay in Paris
place de la concorde, paris, honeymoon
place de la concorde paris
Hotel de Crillon is the place to go for a truly palatial experience; think marble halls, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, tapestries and historic salons overlooking the Egyptian obelisk in Place de la Concorde. Jean-Francois Piège, a protégé of Alain Ducasse, has taken over Les Ambassadeurs restaurant and the visitors\' book features everyone from Madonna to Yasser Arafat. From £635 per room per night.
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Try also Hotel Le Bristol on Rue de Fauborg for a traditional (upmarket) Parisien honeymoon or first night, complete with three-Michelin star restaurant, top class spa and waiters in tails.
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Or opt for oriental luxe at the mouth-drippingly gorgeous Shangri-La Paris.
Top tips for your Paris trip
Galeries Lafayette, Paris, honeymoon, shopping
Galeries Lafayette Paris
Take a day trip to Versailles to see the famous Palais built in 1623 by Louis XIII.
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Shopaholics should head for Galeries Lafayette.
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Getting there... Travel by Eurostar which operates up to 18 daily services from London St Pancras International to Paris with return fares in standard class from £69. With the option of flexible fares, Standard Premier offers the freedom to work, think, or simply unwind. You will be presented with calm, spacious surroundings with on-board staff offering a light meal and a selection of magazines. Standard Premier fares start from £189 return. Fastest London-Paris journey time is 2hr 15 minutes. Tickets are available from eurostar.com or 08432 186 186.
