Issue 157

European City Guide: Paris

08th October 2007

I daresay we've all had the idle dydream of taking our beloved away on a romantic getaway to Paris for a weekend. Well, over the summer I indulged that dream. I fell head over heels in love and decided to whisk her away for a weekend in Paris.

We managed to find accommodation at Hotel Nouveau, which was apparently "a stone's throw away from the Eiffel Tower", though this translated as a good twenty-minute walk, for four nights and a return flight from Bristol with AirFrance for £168, all through lastminute.com.

The airport doesn't quite capture the same eclectic elegance that we romantically associate with the French but provided entertainment nonetheless. A troupe of musicians and beggars strolled between the carriages clapping, singing and playing a piano accordion. Asking for money seemed to be an afterthought to their performance.

We resolved to try and do as many stereotypical French things we could on our weekend - we ate frogs legs, snails, bought a French stick and bought berets! The evening is when Paris really comes into its full vibrant life. Taking a trip along the Seine, we saw the city fall into night and light up. Although not a great admirer of architecture, it's hard not to be stunned by the breathtaking structures of angels and lions roaring silently over Paris. An excursion along the Seine is a mere 50 euros and well worth every cent.

Sunday night pushed us over budget by £300 as, for 250 euros each, we managed to cheat the queue's at the Eiffel tower, have a three course meal with a bottle of champagne each, and go to the Moulin Rouge. For all lovers of Baz Luhrmann's big screen adaptation, you will not be disappointed. This show never misses a beat - a freewheeling extravaganza as dazzling and memorable as the outfits the lithe performers wear. Quite simply unforgettable. It was a beautiful way to bring to a close our time in Paris, a city truly made for lovers.

Andrew Miles