A Romantic Weekend In Paris
Paris is synonymous with romance, spelt with a Capital R; there is a sense of amorous expectation that can win over even the most hard hearted of chaps (especially after a couple of glasses of French wine). It is near impossible to wander round the streets of Paris, happen upon the Eiffel Tower and continue to bicker with your loved one about whether they remembered to unload the dishwasher before you left for your mini-break!
So if you are looking to put a little spark back into your relationship, or just fancy a break from the day to day stuff of life, Paris is the city for you. You too, can swoon and swan about just like those 1950s screen sirens on the bank on the River Seine, hold hands while looking at the Mona Lisa and stare longingly at your nearest and dearest across a candle lit table in the artistic Monmatre district, all over the course of a weekend. With so many reasonably priced flights, hotels and events, start planning your weekend away now. Here are a few hints and tips that might help you on your way:
Paris Practicalities
While spontaneity may be they key to many romantic endeavours, arriving in Paris and trying to ‘spontaneously’ book a hotel is most likely to result in you staying in a dodgy B&B in the red light district. Paris offers many different types of accommodation to suit a variety of budgets. Monmatre, an area famous for its painters, offers a variety of unique and relatively cheap B&Bs and hotels. Perfect for those on a budget who want to stay close to the lively cultural areas of Paris. The west of Paris, Paris Ouest, is home to some of Paris’ most famous landmarks including the Louvre, the Champs Élysées and the Place de la Concorde and also plays host to a number of high-end hotels. Although pricey, these hotels offer amazing views of the city and add a touch of class to your trip. Waking up to a view of the Louvre from one window and the Eiffel Tower from the other, makes you feel like a film star.
Think Parisian
Don’t over do the tourist thing! Avoid the desire to rush round every tourist hot spot over the course of a weekend and leave Paris feeling like you need another break. Pick a few key places, visit them for a few hours and then stop, sit in a cafe, order a glass of wine, and take in the beauty of the buildings. Watching the Parisians going about their daily life is always a great way to spend a few hours. People watching is just as much fun as visiting the large monuments and recommended sites of interest.
Don’t Forget The Shopping
If you’re out to get your loved one something from Paris as a keepsake, why not get a little return on your purchases? Using rewards credit cards is a great way to get added benefits from your spending; rewards cards from American Express such as the Gold card entitle you to double points on anything purchased abroad, so you may even end up with enough points for a second romantic trip to Paris or beyond!