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TIPS
Paris Activities and Attractions
for Couples and Honeymooners
Paris is one of the most
romantic cities in the world. Find out the best spots to snuggle and smooch
with your sweetheart
Everyone knows about the
Eiffel Tower, but there are two other ways to get high with your honey.
The Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame both provide stunning views of the city.
There are few better places to put your arms around your lover than atop
these two attractions. Some would even argue you get a better view, because
the Eiffel Tower is so tall the city is too small from that height. And
at Notre Dame, you get the bonus of being close to the gothic gargoyles.
Paris is filled with beautiful gardens, and all make an unbelievably romantic
setting. Luxembourg Gardens, in particular, is a great spot for couples,
and is adjacent to the breathtaking Luxembourg Castle Do some very French
kissing! You've seen the scene in almost every romance set in Paris:
a couple embraces for a deep kiss on a bridge overlooking the Seine River.
There's a reason filmmakers use this image. It's wonderfully romantic.
Take your honey to the nearest bridge, walk to the center and get smooching.
Wine
and dine! There are few things better to savor in Paris than a wonderful
meal, accompanied by a delectable bottle of wine. You can also pop in anywhere
to find this. Wander along the Champs Elysees until a sidewalk cafe captures
your attention. Walk arm in arm! Venture to the Ile Saint Louis
(near Notre Dame) for a great neighborhood for walking. The tiny island
within the Seine has cute boutique shops, nice restaurants and nightclubs
filled with locals. Be sure to try Berthillon, a delicious ice cream that
can only be found in this small neighborhood.
Language: French is the
official language.
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is not required
for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK
nationals: British nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not
required for a stay of up to three months for travellers holding a passport
endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen. In all
other cases, a visa is required. EU nationals intending to live and work
in France do not require a work permit or visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must hold a valid passport for entry to France. A visa is not
required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay
of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South
Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport and a Schengen visa
for travel to France.
Entry requirements for Irish
nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required
for a stay of up to three months. EU nationals intending to live and work
in France do not require a work permit or visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealand
nationals: New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is
required for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note:
Visitors are advised to hold a return or onward ticket and proof of financial
means. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following
countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and
Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows
the holder, in principal, to travel freely within the borders of all.
Embassy or Consulate in
US: French Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944 6000
Embassy or Consulate in
UK: French Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7073 1000
Embassy or Consulate in
Canada: French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795
Embassy or Consulate in
Australia: French Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6216 0100
Embassy or Consulate in
South Africa: French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425 1600
US Embassy or Consulate:
US Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4312 2222
UK Embassy or Consulate:
British Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4451 3100
Canadian Embassy or Consulate:
Canadian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4443 2900
Australian Embassy or Consulate:
Australian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4059 3300
South African Embassy or
Consulate: South African Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 5359 2323
Health: French hospitals
and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other
EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and
medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise
doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but
charge for it. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France
confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled
and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close
contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all
poultry and egg dishes well cooked.
Tipping: Most restaurants
and hotels automatically add a 15% service charge so a tip is not necessary,
although another 2-3% is customary if the service has been good. If service
is not included then 15% is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10-15% of the
fare and hairdressers 10%. Hotel staff generally receive €1.50 a day
and tips of €1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and
museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also tipped.
Safety: Following the
London and Madrid bombings, security has been heightened particularly in
the transport sector. A group called the AZF claim to have a number of
explosives on railway tracks timed to detonate at future dates, and although
the authorities have asked the public to be vigilant, they have issued
no further warnings against using public transport. Unattended luggage
left in public places will be removed or destroyed by security staff. While
generally safe, visitors to France are advised to take precautions against
petty theft and to ensure their personal safety. Thieves and pickpockets
operate on the metro and around airports. Theft from cars is prevalent,
particularly in the south, around Marseilles, and in Corsica. A Corsican
nationalist group FLNC have been responsible for a series of bomb attacks
on public buildings and holiday homes in Corsica and visitors should take
care, particularly in Ajaccio the capital, and other town centres. Several
recent cases of burglary have been reported while visitors were asleep
in their caravans or motorhomes and motorists are asked to avoid parking
in isolated or darkened areas of camping sites or parking lots. Tourists
are advised to conceal bags and purses even when driving, and to never
leave valuables unattended in the car. Bag snatching is also common, particularly
on public transport and in shopping centres, and visitors should also be
vigilant of luggage while loading bags into and out of hire cars at airports.
Clashes between youths and police occurred in October/November 2005, with
renewed violence in 2006, which included attacks on public transport and
caused numerous injuries to civilians. Visitors should be cautious if travelling
to Paris around the time of the anniversary of these riots, as further
violence is possible.
Paris Romantic Hotels
Hotel du Jeu de Paume
This is a great four-star
hotel in a perfect location, almost dead center in the city. The architecture
is unique, as this was once a royal tennis court. It is situated in the
heart of the quaint Ile Saint Louis neighborhood, perfect for strolling
hand-in-hand, leisurely dinners and kissing while overlooking the Seine
River. The interior features timbered beams, and the glass elevator provides
splendid views on the open indoor courtyard.
Chateau de Montvillargenne
This is one of the more
lovely and unique chateau hotels in the Paris area, and is located 20 miles
from the city and a mile from the Chantilly rail station. The stunning
castle built in 1900 is the epitome of romance, featuring a whirlpool tub
in every finely appointed non-smoking room. There is an indoor pool, a
sauna and three golf courses within five minutes of the chateau.
L'Hotel
This quaint, boutique style
hotel is intimate and inviting for any couple looking for a little Parisian
romance. This hip hotel, formerly seeing guests like Oscar Wilde and other
authors, is situated in the youthful and artistic Left Bank St. Germain
de Pres neighborhood. Couples can spend hours sitting at nearby cafes,
gazing into one another's lovestruck eyes. The themed rooms are stunning
and luxurious. The thermal baths right inside the hotel are simply made
for honeymooners!
Hotel de Banville
In the quieter 17th arrondissement
of Paris, this lovely and charming small hotel makes a fine city getaway
for romance. Each room features its own unique decor and style. Some rooms
feature balconies with views of the Eiffel Tower. The turndown service,
robes and slippers make a stay feel indulgent.
Hotel Claridge Bellman
Experience true French joie
de vivre and excuisite style at this lovely 42-room small hotel near the
Champs Elysees. It's the little touches here that will make any couple
feel doted upon: the Claridge Honesty Bar, where you can serve yourself
and leave a note stating what you took. Guests also have the option to
choose which period-decorated room they want. The decor will make you believe
you stepped into Paris of yesteryear.
Duquesne Eiffel Hotel
The Eiffel Tower is probably
one of the world's major symbols of romance. Stay a short and pleasant
walk (through the lovely Champs des Mars) from the Eiffel Tower at this
intimate fine hotel located in a renovated 18th century townhouse. Be sure
to request a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Paris Restaurants
L'Ardoise
This tiny bistro is simply
decorated with a plain white facade and a rustic interior and is always
buzzing with locals. Chef Pierre Jay trained at La Tour d'Argent and his
blackboard menu describes the classic French dishes, such as calf's liver
cooked in sherry vinegar and scallops cooked in basil oil. The puddings
are equally enticing and the bill is outrageously inexpensive for the quality
of the food - €31 for the three-course set menu. Booking essential.
Closed on Mondays.
Address: 28 rue du Mont
Thabor (Beaubourg/Les Halles); Tel: (0)1 4296 2818; Price: Between €17
and €23
L'Astrance
When L'Astrance opened in
2000, it was hailed as the most important gastronomic event for months
and it has recently been awarded a Michelin star. But despite the continued
critical acclaim guests do not experience either the pomposity or the crushing
prices that can be found in other restaurants of a similar standard. Pascal
Barbot uses only the freshest, in-season ingredients and the result is
creative, sophisticated and mouth-wateringly delicious. Book weeks in advance.
Closed Monday, lunch on Tuesday and for the month of August.
Address: 4 Rue Beethoven
(Trocadéro/Eiffel Tower); Tel: (01) 4050 8440
La Tour d'Argent
La Tour d'Argent is a national
institution that serves up not only mouth-watering (and expensive) dishes,
but also wonderful views over the Seine and Notre-Dam. A restaurant has
stood on this site since 1582 and although no longer rated as 'the best'
in Paris, dining here is still an unsurpassed event. A good section of
the menu is devoted to duck, and diners who order the house speciality
- caneton (pressed duckling) - are issued with a certificate; the practice
started in 1890 and they are now at well over a million. Book well in advance
and insist on a table with a view. Closed Monday, and lunch on Tuesdays.
Address: 15-17 quai de la
Tournelle (Latin Quarter); Tel: (01) 4354 2331; Price: €59 (lunch
menu); €215 (evening menu)
Guy Savoy
Nineteen years after being
awarded two Michelin Stars, Guy Savoy's luxury restaurant won its third.
This virtuoso chef's creations are audacious and inventive; the artichoke
and truffle soup and grilled mullet on a bed of dandelion leaves reveal
the enormity of his talent, and his mille-feuille is a contemporary classic.
Half-portions allow patrons to graze through the menu and the wine list
reveals a treasure trove of exceptional vintages. Jean-Michel Wilmotte
recently redecorated the restaurant and, although formal, the atmosphere
is jolly. Book well in advance. Dinner Monday to Saturday and lunch Tuesday
to Friday. Closed Sundays.
Address: 18 rue de Troyon
(Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile); Tel: (01) 43 80 40 61; E-mail: reserv@guysavoy.com
Buddha Bar
The kitschy and exotic Buddha
Bar remains a hit with trendy Parisians and foreigners in the know. A massive
gilt Buddha dominates the spacious interior of the restaurant, which offers
an imaginative variety of Japanese-Californian cuisine. The cocktail bar
upstairs is a popular haunt with drinkers and world-renowned DJs are as
much of a draw as are the dishes, which although good and well presented
are perhaps a little pricey for what they are. Book in advance for dinner,
otherwise enjoy the complementary prawn crackers at the bar.
Address: 8 Rue Boissy d'Anglais
(Champs-Élysées); Tel: (01) 5305 9000; E-mail: buddha.bar@buddha-bar.fr
Goumard
Founded in 1872, the restaurant
Goumard has all the charm of a century-old establishment with original
oak woodwork, an engraved 1930s glass facade by Labouret and chandeliers
and other lighting designed by Lalique. One of the finest seafood restaurants
in Paris, the food at Goumard is influenced by Mediterranean and Asian
cuisines. Chef Stephane Arsicaud coats his dishes with subtle and delicate
sauces – the emphasis is on enhancing the natural flavours of the catch.
Impressive dishes include rockfish bouillabaisse, line-caught bass grilled
with oyster juice, and sautéed scallops with curry.
Address: 9 Rue Duphot (Madeleine);
Tel: (01) 4260 3607
Le Grand Véfour
Housed within the arcades
of the Palais-Royal, Le Grand Véfour has been entertaining diners
since the reign of Louis XV and has welcomed everyone from Napoleon to
Danton - almost every table bears a plaque commemorating a famous patron.
Chef Guy Martin's menu is influenced by the cuisine of his native Savoie
and his blend of sophisticated and rustic dishes draws foodies and celebrities
from all over the world. Favourites include the filet of sole meunière,
fennel with citrus fruit essences and tarama jus, and the wild duck cooked
in laurel leaves with fig jus. Desserts include the now signature artichoke
crème brûlée. Those who can't stretch to the expansive
and expensive à la carte menu can try the lunchtime set menu for
€75. Booking is essential. Closed Friday night and weekends; annual
closing from10-17 April, August and 24-31 December.
Address: 17 Rue de Beaujolais
(Louvre/Tuileries); Tel: (01) 4296 5627; E-mail: vefour@relaischateaux.com;
Price: €250 for fixed price dinner menu, €75 for fixed price
lunch menu; main courses between €70 and €100
L’Alcazar
Sir Terence Conran’s foray
to Paris has been a massive success and l’Alcazar attracts fashionable
Parisians looking to dine on seafood or Modern British fare before heading
out on the town. The huge ground floor restaurant is of course designed
more for style than comfort and patrons can see the chefs in action in
the open-plan kitchens. The upstairs lounge bar is a great spot to enjoy
a quick snack and a glass of wine while listening to remixes by some of
the best DJs in Paris. L’Az bar has regular theme nights with celebrity
artists and jazz musicians.
Address: 62 Rue Mazarine
(Odéon); Tel: (01) 5310 1999; E-mail: contact@alcazar.fr; Price:
About €30
Le Jules Verne
The prestigious Jules Verne
Restaurant is located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and has an
atmosphere that is reminiscent of an airship moored high above Paris. The
head chef, Alain Reix, has brought the restaurant an excellent reputation;
the Michelin Guide recently awarded it a star. Book weeks in advance. The
restaurant’s more casual annexe, Altitude 95, is located on the first floor
– 95 metres above sea level. Its large bay windows look out over the Seine
and the Trocadéro to one side and the inside of the Tower to the
other.
Address: Eiffel Tower, second
floor (the restaurant has its own private elevator access at the south
pillar); Tel: (01) 4555 6144
Le Bouillon Racine
A popular restaurant, le
Bouillon Racine features a sophisticated Belgium menu and an enormous selection
of Belgium beer. The food here is hearty and filling even without the help
of several thirst-quenching ales. The reasonably-priced menu changes monthly
and includes popular dishes like the casserole of mussels, shrimp and baby
clams, suckling pig roasted with the bitter Orval beer, and rack of lamb
roasted in a pale biere blonde. The décor is festive and the service
impersonal but efficient. Reservations essential. Open for lunch and dinner.
Address: 3 Rue Racine (St-Germain-des-Prés);
Tel: (01) 4432 1560; E-mail: bouillon.racine@wanadoo.fr
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