Words: Annie May Byrne-Noonan
If other major destinations, such as London and New York, could be compared to wives or partners, Paris is best described as a lover. A capital that seduces you on sight – with a combination of its stunning architecture, ambience, and women – Paris holds a special place in the hearts of gentlemen fortunate enough to have explored its streets.
We are here to help you cut through all the cheesy tourist jargon, and make sure that you experience Paris the way a true gentleman should – by sampling the best food, drink, and nightlife the city of love has to offer. So, to experience the city that charmed the likes of Hemingway and Picasso, allow us to take you off the tourist trail and explore the streets that have inspired artists and lovers alike.
No trip to Paris would be complete without a little indulgence. With all that walking and general aesthetic beauty, you’ll be in need of a pit stop. And, with French cuisine offering some of the best desserts, puddings and treats on the planet, it would be a crime if you didn’t partake in a sweet treat.
For this, both well-heeled tourists and locals alike know there is only one place to go. Angelina’s, a suitably grand tea-room located in the 1st arrondissement, is widely celebrated for its savoury and sweet treats, including beautiful eclairs, perfect omelettes, and a pretty intense melted hot chocolate.
One of the best things about Paris is that, no matter your budget, you’ll always find some great restaurants. The French – and especially Parisians – take their food culture very seriously, and the amount of money in your pocket shouldn’t define your culinary experience. If you want to make things romantic, The 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, located within the city’s most famous landmark, offers surprisingly authentic high-end French dishes with unbeatable views.
For cheaper chowing, head to Le Train Bleu on the Gare de Lyon, and impress your date with your knowledge of its Georgian architecture, haute cuisine, and great cocktail selection. But the most exciting thing about the Parisian restaurant scene is the adventures you’ll inevitably have discovering inexpensive bistros tucked away off the beaten track.
The nocturnal scene in the city of lights certainly lives up to its name, and travellers who journey to the French capital will soon discover that its nightlife is just as diverse as its food scene.
From lively student bars and flamenco joints in the city’s Latin quarter – near the Sorbonne, to high-end members clubs such as the gold plated Silencio nightclub on the Rue Montmartre, you will not run out of places to wet your whistle and move your feet. With Parisians, the hard drinking, chain smoking, food loving charmers that they are, you’ll come across as many surprising places to party as to fill your stomach.
From the famous central Jardin des Tuileries with its idyllic promenades, to the lesser known Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – a sort of Parisian Hampstead Heath located in the 19th arrondissement – there is no shortage of romantic spots to stroll and appreciate the beauty of the city – no matter the weather.
France is a large and diverse country, and the beauty about visiting Paris is that you can easily move on to other parts of the country. Whether it is a train that goes directly from the capital to the chic and sunny resort of Cannes in the warmer months, or a quick trip to the Palace of Versailles that sits just outside the capital, you can extend your French adventure easily – and with great results.
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