Go Travel Paris

Archive for the ‘Paris Shopping’ Category

There’s an old saying that you’ve probably heard before- “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. This simply means that when traveling to a place that isn’t your home, you should do your best to experience the culture and ethnicities of the local residents. Would you visit Germany and dine every day at McDonald’s? Of course not! So why wouldn’t you want to stay at a true Parisian hotel while seeing the sites in Paris, France? The Royal Hotel Paris Champs-Elysees is the perfect “home away from home” for your stay in Paris, and here are just 5 of the many reason for doing so:
1.Four-Star Hotel- This popular rating system translates into a luxury hotel with many popular amenities for guests to enjoy. 174 spacious, yet comfortable rooms (of which 16 are elegantly decorated townhouse-styled suites) are designed for both a business and leisure stay in Paris.
2.Gallery of Art within the Walls of the Royal Hotel Paris Champs-Elysees. An astonishing private collection of over 4,000 pictures adorns the hallways, bedrooms and suites of the hotel, including a Picasso and a Buffet!
3.Packages for Just about Everyone- Whether you’re in the Paris to shop, see the sites, or spend some time alone on your honeymoon, the Royal Hotel Paris Champs-Elysees has a package for you! Rates include superb hotel accommodations, plus breakfast, coupons, dinner, or tickets to a real French Cabaret! Offers are subject to availability and usually require advance reservations.
4.The avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous city streets in the world is just a short, 50 meter walk from the front door of the Royal Hotel Paris Champs-Elysees. Cinemas, cafes, and luxury specialty shops line this street, which is also called “La plus belle avenue du monde”, French for “The most beautiful avenue in the world.”
5.Location- The Royal Hotel Paris Champs-Elysees truly has an exceptional location in the city of Paris. At the westend of the avenue des Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomhelt stands as one of the primary tourist destinations of the city. For just 8 euros, you cn climb to the top of this triumphant arch, 165 feet into the Paris sky. If you’re up for a scenic walk through the city, enjoy the city as you walk to the Louvre. Of course, you may want to take a cab to this world renouned museum to save your energy to view some of the most famous pieces of art to ever grace the world. In the new Richelieu wing, antiques from the Orient, French sculptures and Islamic art collections are just a few of the treasures on display for visitors. Don’t forget to see the masterpieces during your visit, for who could leave the Louvre without seeing the Venus de Milo or Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

The second arrondissement is situated on the Right Bank of the Seine River. It is Paris’s smallest arrondissement, covering less than 0.4 square miles (slightly under a square kilometer). Its population is under twenty thousand, but this district provides over sixty thousand jobs, the highest job density in the city. This district is home to all of Paris’s remaining glazed commercial arcades; pedestrian passages open at both ends with a glass and iron roof. This Parisian invention, actually an adaptation of Oriental bazaars and souks, forms a miniature city free from the noise of horse-drawn carriages, speeding taxis, and inclement weather. When these arcades were built mostly in the 1820s and 1830s sidewalks were a rare commodity. Window-shopping developed into yet another Parisian art form In these arcades. They evolved (degenerated) into the suburban shopping center. Make sure to visit at least one arcade to get a taste of Paris in the good old days.

The Passage des Panoramas running off Boulevard Montmartre is of the earliest arcades, dating back to 1799. This was the first Parisian public area with gas lighting. On the other side of Boulevard Montmartre you’ll find the more upscale Passage Jouffroy, restored about twenty years ago, a lovely mall that includes two very special stores for young children.

The Opera-Comique (Comic Opera) is a world-famous opera company located in the Place Boieldieu, near the Paris Stock Exchange. In the year 1714 it was established to promote French opera in competition with the prevailing Italian opera of the day. In spite of its name, not all the productions were comic opera, especially during the Nineteenth Century. The current building was built in 1898, making it the oldest standing opera house in Paris. Two previous incarnations burnt in 1838 and 1887. Among its great composers were Berlioz and Bizet. The Opera-Comique was the site of the first production of Bizet’s Carmen in 1875 initially considered quite a failure. It was also the premiere of the only Debussy opera, Pelleas et Melisande in 1902.

The Avenue de l’Opera (also known as the Passage de l’Opera, or as Le Rue Peletier or Le Peletier) is a street named after the Theatre de l’Academie Royale de Musique, known more commonly as the Paris Opera, which burned down in 1873. In 1875 this theatre was replaced by the Palais Garnier, a theatre which is now known as the Paris Opera.

Built on the site of the city’s old ramparts, the Grands Boulevards extend in a long arc from the Eglise de la Madeleine (Church of the Madeleine) in the west to the Bastille in the east. They were once the hangout for Paris’s upper crust and jet setters (more precisely Boulevard strollers) and still are a distinctive, often lively part of the city. The actual street name changes from Boulevard Madeleine, to Boulevard des Capucines, to Boulevard des Italiens, to Boulevard Montmartre, to Boulevard Poissoniere, to Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, and finally to Boulevard St. Denis from west to east. As you proceed from west to east the boulevards tend to get poorer and perhaps more interesting. Of course with all the redevelopment the situation is constantly changing. Do you know of any other city where a given street, avenue, or boulevard has seven names?

Of course you don’t want to tour Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. In my article I Love French Wine and Food – A Red Beaujolais I reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Andouillette (Pork Tripe Sausage). For your second course savor Poulet de Bresse (Bresse Chicken). And as dessert indulge yourself with Ile Flottante (Floating Island Meringue). Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.

People have many stereotypes. Especially towards the other nations. Some of them are not merely stereotypes but the very truth, while the other are a complete falsehood.

Before going to Paris and meeting the Parisians I used to think the capital citizens are all dressed-up, as if they have just went down the catwalk. And I was surprised when I saw the Parisians with my own eyes. They turned out to be dressed like millions of Europeans – each in his or her way. I mean there are people who keep up with the latest fashion trends and wear only Gucci or Prada. But there are many of them who wear inexpensive brands and don’t care about the caprices of vogue.

So I got interested in the subject. I decided to ask people in the Paris streets what they are in and why.

The first mademoiselle I stopped was Linda. She is a designer and names Pierre Cardin her favourite fashion designer. She answered positively when I asked her if she wore her own clothes. She also buys them in different shops. For instance she likes Morgan and drops in at H&M. She said she doesn’t keep up with the latest trends and creates her own style.

Antuan was my next interviewer. He is an extremely interesting personality I should say. Very elegant and stylish in spite of his age (he’s about 70). He said he is cut out to be a man of fashion. He buys clothes in luxurious designer boutiques but doesn’t follow the fashion laws. He said he would never put on a thing at the season he bought it. No sooner than in a couple of years, he added.

A young couple I talked to turned out to be Scandinavians. They stand out against the background of the other people by an impressive appearance: the girl wears leggings and a shirt with a belt over it. The guys buy clothes at second-hand shops and never read fashion magazines.

Fabrice was the next. He is an expatriate Brazilian. The young man is a dancer and works for Jeune Ballet de Paris. He complained that it’s difficult to live in Paris if you wear clothes that are bright and out of style. But he got used to eccentric items and doesn’t care about the opinion of the society. He prefers to buy clothes at open-air bazaars choosing things he likes. He said he doesn’t keep to any style because he’s an actor and he is fond of transformations.

In northeastern regions of the city live expatriates from Arab and African countries people dress quite differently. They prefer to buy clothes in small stores run by their compatriots. The goods at such stores are of a simple cut, gleam with silver and gold and are decorated with different ethnic elements. Golden rings and big bracelets are all the fashion here. Girls wear jeans with strass and flaring tops, guys sport peaked caps and golden bangles, corpulent women prefer to wear African turbans.

I found out that overwhelming majority of the youngsters do the shopping at Etam and Zara. Those who like something more original drop in at H&M. Lots of them like vintage stores. Sometimes the prices there are so high that the youngsters can afford to pay a visit there only on special occasions. Lots of young people favour second-hand shops. All in all I can say that most Parisians combine things: they wear some brand items with interesting accessories, things brought from abroad trips or articles found in the Grandmother’s wardrobe.

One shouldn’t be afraid of experiments, they say. That is the key to the unique style.

Not only is it the capital of France, Paris has accumulated a laundry list throughout history of self-proclaimed and well-worn titles that place Parisians in a class of their own. Paris is a haven for love and romance, the disputed epicenter of cutting-edge fashion, a global culinary capital, the motherland of fine arts and let us not forget the self-given accolade of an elite culture. The streets of Paris, particularly on spring or summer evenings, are an enchanting mosaic of clanking wine glasses, aromatic espresso and impassioned chatter against a background of softly lit cobblestone. The sprawling metropolis requires careful exploration to properly digest its enticing blend of traditional classy charm and progressive hyper-modernism.
Top to Bottom: Paris at an Angle
An array of sights and attractions offer unique views of Paris from above and, yes, below. The Notre Dame, constructed in the 12th century, offers a spectacular panoramic view of Paris’ skyline from an intriguing, if not distracting, setting situated 387 steps up the north tower. The gargoyles perched around the roof of the cathedral range from haunting and ferocious to contemplative and watchful. In the Montmartre quarter, climb the hill culminating at the Basilique du Sacré Coeur and push through another 234 steps to the top of the cathedral’s dome. This southerly view of Paris is coveted by visitors, locals and artists alike.
While atop Montmartre Hill, stroll through the artists’ sidewalk displays until you come across the entrance to the underground Salvador Dali Museum. Descend the staircase and enter the twisted and fascinating surreal world of Dali’s rarer sketches, sculptures and paintings including a humorous caricature of Picasso, the artist’s contemporary rival. If musty, dark underground passages and 6 million skeletons don’t faze you, then cross the Seine and descend an unassuming spiral staircase into the Empire of the Dead, the Catacombs of Paris. Most visitors assume the Catacombs are a haunted spiritual shrine of sorts, but this underground burial place was simply Paris’ way of solving a problem of overflowing cemeteries in 1785. Strange patters out of skulls can be found in the arrangements of bones that line the passageways 7 feet high on either side.
A Little Level Ground
Once you’ve come up for air, a refreshing stroll through Champs Elysées may be needed. The beautiful gardens that stretch out from the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe are surrounded by one of the most popular shopping districts in Paris. Lalique Crystal and Louis Vuitton adorn the store windows between decadent chocolate and pastry shops. At night, venture into the Bastille quarter where swanky lounges and chic bars line the winding avenues. Enjoy a fresh made crepe from a street vendor or sit down in a romantic restaurant for garlicky escargot and tender Steak au Poivre paired with the best house wine you’ve ever had.
Although detractors may sniffle over the Parisian attitude, any display of gratitude and an attempt at French will earn overwhelming hospitality. Embrace Paris with a willing heart and the city of wine and cheese will swallow you whole.

Politics aside, it’s generally agreed upon that Paris is one of the most charming and culturally rich places to visit anywhere in the world. Its constant presence in literature and song, its popular fashions, and the fact that it serves as the backdrop to so many movies, works of art, and closely-held personal memories cannot be overshadowed by a few international disagreements and spats that go so far as to involve the nomenclature of fried potatoes. Paris grabs everyone’s attention at some point, so if it hasn’t drawn you in yet, expect to feel its pull soon enough.

With its arrondissements, quartiers, and rues, Paris makes the simple act of looking at a map feel like a romantic adventure. It’s true that getting around might be a challenge; but luckily becoming lost along a cobblestone street lined with cafes that serve the finest coffee and pastries you’ve ever had isn’t likely to irk you too much. In fact, go ahead and venture out with no particular itinerary in mind for the quickest way to immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of this delightful city. After this one-of-a-kind getting to know you session, you’ll be ready to see the famous sites in a more traditional way (saving room for more impromptu explorations in between, of course).

There is so much to take note of in Paris; hopefully you’ve stolen enough time away from work to properly fit everything in without having to rush around like a mad person. The museums alone could take years to allow every painting, sculpture, and trinket to be admired for all they are worth. From the Musee d’Orsay, where the impressionist masterpieces dwell, to the Louvre, where the Mona Lisa and a few other familiar faces will welcome you to the City of Light, you will achieve the odd sensation of replacing a dim representation of something with the brilliance of the real thing. This goose bump-inducing feeling is what separates pleasant vacations from marvelous ones.

Let the thrilling chills continue to rise up your spine as you seek out the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and all the other places you’ll know more intimately from now on. In addition to the attention-grabbing major players, there are also countless Parisian gems that may end up edging out the others as your favorite sights. Take the stairs of Montmartre for example, or the Palais Garnier. If these don’t sound familiar, it’s best to check them out on your own once you’ve unpacked your bags.

Even fashion neophytes know that Paris is a heaven for designers and purchasers of clothing, jewelry, handbags, and shoes. From haute couture to bargain racks, you’ll find what it is you’re looking for in the major shopping districts and sprinkled among the banks and patisseries, so be prepared to spend some time gazing into shop windows at all the awe-inspiring wares. Whether you bring home silly souvenirs, up-to-the-minute fineries, or more likely, a little of both, you’ll find Paris to be highly satisfactory when it comes to delivering the goods.

If you must, you can boil it down to neo-classical architecture, red wine, and a deeply entrenched cultural heritage, but Paris is so much more. It deserves to be explored with eyes wide open and every other sense acting on highest alert. You’ll taste amazing foods, hear the pleasing lilt of the French language, and smell the aromas of fresh baguettes, flower filled jardins, and the fruits of some of the finest vineyards in the world. Paris deserves some time and attention, so come with the willingness to learn and the energy to wander. You won’t be disappointed by your efforts to become acquainted with one of the world’s most intriguing regions, and you’ll likely return home feeling a bit more understanding and content with the knowledge that you’ve expanded your world view significantly.

To truly embrace this rendezvous with the city of romance, you’ll want to make your lodging experience just so. Paris is filled with hotels that range from modest hostels to luxurious suites, but don’t overlook the possibility of living like a local and reserving an elegant apartment or studio. Especially if you decide to stay for a while in order to truly get a feel for this European jewel, you’ll enjoy the experience of settling into a home-like residence outfitted with conveniences like a cute kitchen and special touches like a décor truly worthy of the adjective chic. Each property is different, so spend a little time picking out the one that best suits your needs, and more importantly, that holds the potential for the most divine enchantments.

No matter how you define the details, your trip to Paris is sure to be a treat. Study the guidebooks, recall the advice you’ve been given from Francophiles, and go online to select one of the many Paris Apartments that will likely speak to your adventurous soul. Everything seems to be coming together for a wondrous trip, so as they say, bon voyage.