Romantique’s Top 6 things to do in Paris

The best thing about living in London? Being able to hop on a train and two hours later, be alighting in Paris, city of romance!

I’ve been to Paris three times and on my third trip, returned to my favourite spots. My tips, in no particular order:

1.     Take in the view from the Top of Montparnasse tower

The tower of Montparnasse is an ugly eyesore but being the tallest building in France,  it provides the most spectacular 360 degree view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower (above).

2.     Take a boat cruise with the Bateux Mouche

Imagine a hot, stuffy summers day in Paris, you are unwinding on an open deck boat on the Seine, enjoying the cooling breeze whilst marevelling at the breathaking views of Paris’ most iconic sights. For me, it’s the cruisiest way of sightseeing.

 

3.     Have brunch & tea at Le Loir dans la Théière in Le Marais

Paris is all about café’s and tea rooms, of which we visited many. The tea room Le Loir dans la Théière, tucked away in the historic quarter of Le Marais on Rue des Rosiers, is the most chilled, homely of them all. Most importantly, the food is out of this world. For 21 Euros, you can eat a fully flexed brunch, gorging like God in France. On two mornings, we indulged in homemade jams (banana, mango, gooseberry), mini croissants, warm rye bread, fresh grapefruit juice and ouefs benedicte. The deserts are just as spectacular: Tarts loaded with yummy seasonal fruit and huge zesty lemon meringoues for the sweet tooths like me.

 

4.     Have a Falafel at L’As du Fallafel in Le Marais

Las du Falafel, situated in the “Pletzl” Jewish quarter of Le Marais, is hailed as the best falafel in Europe, and is easily spotted by its endless queue. I recommend ducking into one of the quieter alleys off Rue des Rosiers, to chomp into this delicious snack made of hummus, eggplant and chickpea fritters.

 

5. Stroll along the Alexandre III bridge

Leading to the Grand Palais, this exuberant bridge with its golden cherubs, nymphs, winged horses and iconic Art Noveaux lamps, is a popular location for fashion shoots. The bridge is named after Tsar Alexandre III whose son Nicholas laid the foundation. The bridge was a present from Russia to cement the Franco-Russian alliance. Tsar Nicholas was the last emperor  of Russia, his life ended tragically when he was murdered, alongside his wife and children, in 1918.

6. Shop at Les Néréides N2 flagship store 

What better souvenir can you take away from Paris than a Parisian themed pair of earrings or necklace? The whimsical French custome jewellery designer perfectly encapsulates the romantic and dreamy notion of Paris. The flagship store on 5, Rue du Bourg l’Abbé is an open plan office/retail space, and acts as the creative and retail nerve centre for this wonderful artesian brand.