Sunday 22 January 2012

TRAVEL // Paris, je t'aime

Paris is a love affair that will last a lifetime. I could never get bored of hopping on the Eurostar and then about 2 hours later, stepping off the train hearing that all familiar bah-bah-bah-bah sound announcing arrivals / departures at Gare du Nord. 


At silly o’clock in the morning, I boarded the Eurostar equipped with a French inspired breakfast and a very apt book


Arrived at the hotel in Paris expecting a bog standard room (which in Paris is usually tiny and like living in a broom cupboard) but was pleasantly surprised by an unexpected upgrade to an Executive room.


All excitable, I skipped down the (very pretty) corridors in search of the room.

Nothing could have prepared me for this. I was speechless.

Every last detail was beautiful.


Ever since losing my single bed at home and gaining a double, I can only sleep in doubles now – they’re just so comfy!


Bathroom was a little weird though. There was a blind so anyone in the bedroom could look in at you showering ~kinky~ … and oddly enough, the blind couldn’t be controlled by the person showering – full control went to whoever was in the room.


Thierry Mugler shower goodies!


The Executive key card also gave you exclusive access to the roof. Coming out of the lift, I could already see the Eiffel Tower


There were amazing views of Paris


Notre Dame - only a stones throw away!


Then time for a well deserved 3 course lunch. Warm goats cheese salad to start.


Followed by red wine (cheaper than soft drinks - no joke!) and one of the best beef bourguignons I’ve ever had in my entire life


With mousse au chocolat to finish


Feeling very full, it was then time to start finding some Christmas markets


One was even pumping out real ice / snow!


And you could hire shoes to go walking on it!


One stall was selling the cutest jewellery


I loved the patterns on their bracelets


Then moved on to the Champs-Elysees


Which had massive woks of food


And very pretty lights that I may have to track down and buy next year!


Back in the room, Thierry Mugler pampered me and I made full use of the freebies


The next morning, ventured on to admire Notre Dame’s architecture


Then went in search of a third Christmas market


Here, the cognac and liquors stall caught my eye. After some cheeking tastings, I bought two bottles of liquor - one biscuit and the other chocolate flavoured 


Feeling quite tipsy and in need of sobering up, had a lovely Corsican inspired hot sandwich with chicken and lots of peppers


The speciality Christmas decorations stores in Paris were amazing


I could have spent hours there


Time was running out, so I visited the Louvre


Alas, then it was time to head back to the Eurostar and check in. So that was my trip to Paris in a nutshell. I can’t wait to go back... à bientôt Paris!