La Ville-Lumière

Paris, "The City of lights" is the capital of France and fashion capital of the world. Paris is the home of the croissants, baguettes, champagne and Coco Chanel. There is no end to the breath-taking sites, every corner, every stepping stone and every building is awe-inspiring. I have been lucky enough to travel there on several occasions, and I have been fortunate enough to spend a whole summer living in this city.


Personally, I think Paris and New York have an uncanny similarity. There are few cities in the world that can put you under a spell like these two places. Paris and New York, while so different have this transatlantic love affair going on. Why? Is it because in both places we can eat the most amazing food? Is it because we have so much art at our fingertips that it doesn't seize to mesmerize? Is it because everyone is so fashionable? The cities are peers in that way. However with many similarities come many differences. I would never be caught dead in Paris speed walking with a Starbucks in my hand, and I would never be able to enjoy the rain in New York City (did you ever see Midnight in Paris? -- Paris is at its most beautiful when it rains).  Nonetheless both cities have managed to enchant me.


While I took 6 years of French, I have to admit my French is VERY rusty. However, spend a few days in the city... and you will have no trouble picking up the basics. Paris grows on you, and before you know it you will think that you yourself are a Parisian. Sipping on coffee at Café du Marché, eating macaroons at Ladurée or sipping on a glass of Pinot Noir at Hotel Amour....


Paris has something for everyone:
The Artist: The Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Pompidou, Montmartre, Rodin Museum, Musee de Cluny
The Historian: Versailles, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coéur, Panthéon, Sainte Chapelle
The Romantic: Jardin du Luxembourg, Champs Elysées, Jardin des Tuileries, Pont Neuf
The Musician: Opera de Paris Garnier
The Shopper: Galleries Lafayette, Saint-Germain neighborhood, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Coco Chanel
The Partier: Le Baron, Queen (best on Mondays), Cab, Showcase, Bagatelle(best in summer), VIP, Ciruq du Bonheur
... too name a few.


My suggestion: Buy a bottle of wine, some cheese and go sit in a park with good company :). 

                                       "We'll always have Paris" Rick to Ilsa in Casablanca