"We'll always have Paris." Casablanca
Yesterday I was at lunch with a girlfriend, when she asked me how I would plan a romantic weekend in Paris. I didn't know how to answer. I mean how could I, in a few moments, in a short conversasion, fit into a weekend all the romance to be found in the 'City of Love'?
As I considered her question I became intrigued - could I squeeze-in an experience tres romantique for two in Paris - in a too short weekend? The answer? Mai oui!
Because it takes a full day to get there and back, a weekend in Paris has to be more than a Saturday and a Sunday. Thus, my Paris 'weekend' spans 5 days, from Thursday thru Monday (with Thursday and Monday designated as travel days - so they don't count ;-)
But before you go, check out my Going to Paris? series (the right hand column of this blog) - start with: what to pack before you go. Also:
*Make sure that you pack a good general guide book (Fodor's Paris and Rick Steve's Paris are my picks)
*Pudlo Paris - for the most comprehensive restaurant, bistrot, cafe and salon de the reviews
*and a good street map, my pick: the Michelein "Editions du Voyage, Paris Atlas par Arrondissements" (@ $5 used, Amazon)
And be sure to invest in a good camera (Nikon's CoolPix S6200 has me drooling!) - you want to capture every fantastic moment.
Hotel le Tourville - lovers Parisien getaway
There are literally thousands of hotels in Paris, and it's very difficult to find a room that's made for lover's at a reasonable price. But you're on a lover's weekend, splurge and go for the high-octane romance factor. Hotel Le Tourville is my absolute favorite romantic hotel.
Gorgeous rooms, wonderful personal service, and it's in the heart of the 7th arrondissement - which is, in my opinion, the best er of them all! The 7th is close to everywhere you want to go, everything you want to see. And there are at least a dozen wonderful restaurants, cafes, and boutiques within walking distance. It will be your perfect base from which to explore the city.
Be sure to request Room #100
Paris is huge - literally and figuratively. And you only have 3 full days and nights to explore all of her romance. You're not familiar with the city and time, afterall, is of the essence. Understandably, most couples in your position would sign-up with a tour company - and there are several excellent ones.
But here's the thing - do you want your romantic getaway to be 3 days and nights stuffed into a bus with 50 other people? Do you want to trudge through Le Louvre or Musee d'Orsay with 25 other people? Yeah, I thought not. Of course, you know that I have the perfect alternative - and her name is Mimi Bleu.
Mimi Bleu is a Paris based Diva-powerhouse, whose raison d'etre is romance double squared. Mimi conducts personalized tours of Paris. And she always has the most unique ideas: places to go, things to see. Tell her what you want to do and see and she'll create an itinerary just for you. Best yet, she'll take you on personal tours: museums, shopping, etc. - just you, your honey and Mimi.
You've got your tickets and passports, booked room #100, Mimi's ready and waiting for you, and your bag and carry-on(s) are all ready to go.
A retenir (to remember):
Hotel Le Tourville
16, avenue de Tourville
tel. 01-47-05-62-62
site: Hotel Le Tourville
@mail: hotel@tourville.com
Paris Travel Group - an intimate travel company
@mail: belleinspiration@gmail.com
Desormais a Paris!
Next: Day One - Friday
Vivre! Rire! Aimer!
Temple
Dear Temple,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous post about a romantic Parisian adventure. Merci for including me and PTG too. Off to read Part 2!
à bientôt,
Mimi