Things You Can Do in Paris minus the Crowds
Paris – sophisticated, artistic and romantic. These are some of the words you think of whenever this city is mentioned. For centuries, the capital of France is considered as a Mecca of art, culture, fashion, gastronomy, history and architecture. Eiffel Tower Though Paris is known more for its magnificent Eiffel Tower or the great Louvre Museum, there are many other interesting places to visit or things to do within the city, minus the crowds and sky-high fees. Living like a Parisian When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Paris, live like a Parisian and stay in one of the quaint hotels that you can find in this glamorous city. Opened in 1971, Hotel de Nesle offer 20 rooms each decorated in a different theme by the owners itself. Walls painted with beautiful frescos and famous Parisian icons or designed with various pictures and posters, every room is unique. It costs between 85 and 100 euros a night and is located on a calm backstreet in the heart of the 6th area. Hotel de Nesle is within the walking distance from all the major attractions such as Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre, the Palais Royal and Seine River. If you have some money to splurge on your accommodation, why don’t you try staying at Hotel del’Abbaye located on Paris’ Left Bank at Saint Germain? Originally built as a convent during early 18th century, Hotel del’Abbaye is one of the district’s most charming boutique hotels, furnished with floral-printed chairs, bedcovers and drapes, each room has been tastefully decorated and equipped with all modern conveniences. Hotel del’Abbaye enjoys a privileged location; just a few minutes’ walk at the Jardin du Luxembourg, Palais du Luxembourg and the popular Boulevard Saint Germain where cinemas, restaurants, and various type of shops lining the streets. Eating with the Famous The oldest operating cafe in the world, Café Procope was founded by Sicilian Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli in 1686. Known for its coffee, beer and sorbet, this cafe has welcomed many famous people such as Voltaire, Balzac, Hugo and Benjamin Franklin. Steeped with history, Café Procope was also used as a meeting place of the intellectual establishment; it’s very table where young Napoleon Bonaparte discussed and decided the affairs of state.
Learn the Reel World Having one of the largest archives of films, movie documents and film-related objects in the world, Cinémathèque Française is a paradise for any film buff. Containing 18,000 posters, 10,500 costume and set drawings, 17,500 press reviews, 450,000 photos of shootings of more than 20,000 films and 6,000 directors, 18,700 books about movies, 467 periodic collections, 2,600 videos and 1,350 DVD’s, Cinémathèque Française aims to educate and inspire a new generation of cinophiles. Located in the district of Bercy, the museum holds daily screenings of films from around the world. Meet Liberty’s Sister In the medieval abbey church of St-Martin-des-Champs, you will meet a miniature Statue of Liberty. Considered as the older sister of the American Liberty, this original plaster was created by Auguste Bartholdi in 1878 and used as a scale model to make the famous statue in New York. Aside from this statue, there are also two other replicas that you can find in Luxembourg Gardens and on the Ile des Cygnes.
Be Romanced at the City of Love Paris wouldn’t be called the city of love for nothing. With its serene beauty and fondness for romance, you can’t deny that Paris is one of the best places to bring your partner. One of the most romantic spots you can visit is at Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Formerly known as the Pont de Passy, this bridge was built in 1905 to connect the 15th and 16th arrondissements via the Île des Cygnes. With the Eiffel Tower as back drop it has been used numerous times in movies scenes which needed a romantic view of the most famous icon of Paris. The bridge is in close proximity of some interesting places such as Champs Elysees, the Trocadero Gardens, Champs de Mars, the Orsay Museum and the Arch de Triumph. To fully savor the romantic ambience Paris offer, stay on a luxury villa or an owners direct in France.