Paris: the city of love. Without question the most obvious honeymoon destination, Paris is the place to visit if you desire delicious food cooked by world-class chefs, wine and champagne provided by a nation seriously meticulous towards its beverages, luxury accommodation that has earned the approval of high born aristocrats, and a beautiful architectural cityscape boasting a history dating back to the 12th century. Without wanting to be overly comprehensive, we have assembled some suggestions to help plan your perfect honeymoon escape.
Getting Around
La Gare du Nord is in the middle of everything, which is one of the reasons why the Eurostar is such an attractive way to travel. Not to mention the train carriages’ ample leg-room and comfortable seating. If you prefer the plane however, Charles de Gaulle airport is a half-hour taxi ride into the city centre. Taxis are readily available in town, but the metro is so convenient you might find yourself never needing to hail one. Despite all that, walking will forever remain the best way to see Paris.
Where to eat
Where do I start? Well, there are few more romantic ways to spend an evening than to share a raclette in a rustic alpine-inspired restaurant in the Latin Quarter. In terms of luxury restaurants, there are simply too many to list, but the pick of the bunch includes La Jules Verne, a smart establishment 400ft up the Eiffel Tower; Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, a Michelin 3-star restaurant with an elegant dining room adorned with crystal chandlers, antique mirrors, and marble inspired by the palace at Versailles; and Pierre Gagnaire, another Michelin 3-star kitchen, this one’s experimental menu perhaps better suiting the adventurous.
Where to stay
Few can match the Mandarin Oriental’s voraciousness for fashion and glamour. Rooms are plush, coupled with enormous marbled bathrooms, and the beautiful spa provides space to relax if the pulse runs too fast. If you’re looking for a sophisticated boutique hotel that’s a bit more peaceful in the evenings, then Hyatt Regency Paris-Madeline is a good choice. The Presidential Suite features an awesome 360-degree vista of Paris, and supplies one of the city’s best views. But then there’s the Dorchester Collection’s proudest associate, Hôtel Plaza Athénée which, now over 100 years old, is as classic as it is popular. The hotel contains five restaurants and, though about to expand, 146 gorgeous rooms and 43 luxury suites.
What to see
L’Arc de Triumphe, Notre Dame, Moulin Rouge, Louvre, Montparnasse, Jardin du Luxembourg, Versailles (see TRULY’s all inclusive 5-Star bundle), and Sainte-Chapelle, to name a few. From the top of the steps of the Sacré-Cœur, you’re able to see Paris, seemingly infinite, stretching out in front of you in all its splendour. With Montmartre’s quaint nooks and cobbled streets just around the corner, this area is home to one of the most romantic walks Paris has to offer. And of course how could we forget – The Eiffel Tower. La Tour Eiffel is perhaps in its best glory when witnessed during a night-time promenade. In fact, a big part of Paris’ beauty derives from the sights, sounds, and smells during the late evenings. Much of which is easily experienced by following the Seine through town and at your leisure picking the streets and alleys that suit your fancy. For the not-so-obvious, consider the charming neighbourhood and banks of Canal St. Martin.
What to do
For intellectual couples, little says ‘Je t’aime’ more than taking your other to the Shakespeare and Company. This charming little bookshop on the south bank of the Seine was the gathering place of James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and Ezra Pound. Off the beaten track, Cinémathèque Française is perfect for film buffs, as it holds one of the largest archives of films, movie documents and film-related objects in the world. Then there’s Pont des Arts, or ‘lover’s bridge’. Following tradition, lovers must kiss, make a wish, and hang a padlock on the railings to ‘immortalise’ their affection (though honeymooners might prefer the more traditional method). Of course there’s the famed Champs-Élysées – a long avenue of luxury and legendary fashion brands punctuated nearby with the odd macaroon shop exploding with colour. If you’re feeling thirsty, Dilettantes La Maison du Champagne is a good place to sample and learn about their extensive range of artisan champagnes. Also, during the summer months, Parc de la Villette is home to an open-air cinema.
TRULY’s concierge would be delighted to help you book your honeymoon escape. Our Paris getaways, perfect for any romantic occasion, include a luxury airship tour of Versailles and a 5-Star break with Michelin star dining, with the added option of a French pastry and dessert class.