A fascinating city, Paris has enchanted many travellers and received an incredible number of love declarations. One of these came in 1953, when the American composer and songwriter Cole Porter wrote the popular song I love Paris. Recently, the French singer Vanessa Paradis released a new version of the song, which indirectly raises the question : why is Paris still so amazing today ?
A Vibrant City
I had the chance to grow up in Paris and I can say that what has always struck me about my city is its very complex beauty. It is both irregular and multiple, as it includes the elegance of the old French aristocracy, the many flavours and vibrant colours of the African district in the north of the city and the Asian charm of Little Tokyo, the Japanese corner situated next to the Garnier Opera. The typical architecture of Haussmann buildings give Paris a unifying theme, as well as the numerous coffee shops painted in shades of red. Walks in Paris are never disappointing, and the metro exit of every station reveals a charm of its own.
Arts & Leisure
From an artistic point of view, Paris is a main destination for European culture, a must-do city for art lovers. You can decide whether to visit museums (such as Le Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, Rodin Museum), exhibitions (Grand and Petit Palais, Pompidou Centre, Fondation Louis Vuitton, monuments (the famous Eiffel tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Versailles estate, guided tours (amongst the most charming, the Paris by Night in a Citroen 2CV époque car), galleries, theatres and I will finish this non-exhaustive list by recalling the magic of the Disney Parks. According to Condé Nast’s Traveler, Paris is the world’s Best City for arts and culture.
A Fashionable City
Paris is equally regarded as the fashion capital of the world, and France is considered as a leading country when it comes to the fashion design industry. To name but a few, there is Chanel, Pierre Cardin, Chloe, Dior, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès, Lanvin, Rochas, Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent. If you are interested in style and glamour, take a walk on Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne or even plan to attend the biannual Paris Fashion Week.
French cuisine and Parisian tastes
When in Paris, you have to try traditional French Parisian food and gastronomy: don’t forget to have some macaron sweets, a baguette, good red wine and a helping of blue cheese. These products, as well as dishes like the beef stew Pot au Feu or the steak Entrecôte Marchand de Vin, will definitely make your visit to Paris more authentic.
With glass of champagne in your hand, you will feel like humming to Cole Porter’s song, and you will see why Paris is such an amazing destination today….
I love Paris in the springtime.
I love Paris in the fall.
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles,
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles.
I love Paris every moment,
Every moment of the year…