travel
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TUSCANY ON TAP IN SPA TOWN
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REEF SPARKLES IN THE SOUTH
with a
kiss
STORY KERRY HEANEY | PHOTOS THINKSTOCK
IT MAY BE A TOURIST CLICHÉ, BUT STEALING A KISS FROM YOUR PARTNER AT THE EIFFEL TOWER IS STILL PART OF THE ROMANCE OF A VISIT TO THE CITY OF LOVE.
THE CROWDS ARE legendary, the lifts jampacked and the platform congested, but I still wouldn’t pass the opportunity to see Paris stretched out from this world landmark and romantic icon. So why didn’t I remember to smack a kiss on my beloved as planned when I stood on the windy walkway gazing over the City of Love? It was a momentary romantic lapse that will guarantee a return visit to this city that captures the heart like no other. A typical Paris tourist hit list will include the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre-Coeur, Arc de Triomphe and a stroll along the Champs Elysees, even if it’s only for window shopping. However, to get to know the real Paris you need to walk the streets, buy bread at a boulangerie, picnic by the Seine, and seek out the smaller museums such Musee Rodin and the Musee de l’Orangerie, where you’ll see Monet’s famous water lily murals.
GET TO KNOW THE REAL PARIS
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CAIRNS FESTIVAL SHOWCASES ARTS 38
Cut to the chase and discover the Paris most people only uncover on return visits: • The centre of Paris is only a couple of kilometres wide, so rather than hop in a taxi, walk the streets and enjoy a shopping spree
THE ROAD AHEAD AUG/SEP 2015
along the way. For longer distances the Metro is the way to go. • Choose a hotel that is close to the city centre rather than a cheaper alternative on the outskirts of town. Yes, it will cost you more, but you’ll save on travel time and be in the thick of it with a much-improved Paris experience. If you’re staying more than a couple of days, an apartment will usually prove more cost-effective and more spacious than Paris’ legendary little hotel rooms. • The Eiffel Tower is an ordeal, but if your heart is set on reaching the top, join a skipthe-line tour that gives you fast track access to this tourist hot spot. Many companies offer this option. • Hunt out the best macarons – the worldfamous Laduree is hard to beat, and I prefer the Saint-Germain-Des-Pres (21 rue Bonaparte) address, especially if staying on the Left Bank. Their selection of cakes is delectable and their gift store has excellent mementoes. (laduree.com/en_int/) Purchase cheese from a fromagerie and don’t forget the croissants – they really are unlike anything you’ll have had before. • A few French words and phrases, greeting shop owners with a simple bonjour, and