PARIS FOR BEGINNERS: CRASH COURSE IN SIGHTSEEING
The true charm of Paris lies in its streets. Getting lost on a random corner, sipping delicious wine and eating the best food you’ve ever had at an unheard sidewalk café, picnicking with a croissant and wine, strolling by the Seine, taking in the sights as you lose yourself to conversation, walking into a dessert parlour and picking the most decadent thing they have, and many other things, all of which make for a true Parisian experience. But that doesn’t mean the ‘attractions’ are a touristy trap. Taking in the art and place is a must-do too. You can't go to Paris and not do the Eiffel or the Louvre. There’s a lot more to do in Paris, and we haven’t even covered 1/5th of it. That’s what return trips are for. We’ve done the usual suspects, and we’d readily do some of these all over again. So, as Cole Porter said, “Let’s do it, let’s fall in love”.
MISE EN SEINE
Imagine a jazz soundtrack playing in the background, maybe a glass of champagne in one hand, and the love of your life by your side as you lazily sail across the Seine. Now for this to happen, there are two things you need to keep in mind.
Weekend Wayfarer Tip: Take an evening cruise where you’ll the see the city light up, including the Eiffel. Chances are that it’ll be filled with at least 200 people, all scrambling for a seat on the upper deck. We suggest avoid sitting and go stand at the front. That’s where you can shut the background noise and enjoy the Seine the way it’s supposed to.
As your boat sails under the bridges, along the banks, you get a peek into Parisian architecture and its way of life. You’ll see a group of friends with wine and food lost in laughter, a group of girls immersed in conversation, and an odd couple stealing a kiss or two. You'll also cross paths with boats full of noisy people on-board, waving at you, and people on your boat howling and waving back, making just as much noise. But these are minor irritants in an otherwise lovely experience. As the day gives way to evening, you can see the city illuminating, and almost shimmering, right before your eyes. And like the shining star it is, on your way back, you will also see the magnificent Eiffel dazzle in all its glory. And if you’re lucky, like we were, you can see it sparkle too. That moment will stay with you forever. That is indeed love at first sight. Standing under the Eiffel might be romantic, but sailing past it as it twinkles is absolutely magical.
EIFFEL IN LOVE
You’ve seen a million pictures of it. You’ve seen it in movies. On postcards. You may have received one as a keychain or even a souvenir from your well-travelled friends. But none of that comes remotely close when you see it up close and personal. It’s colossal. An engineering marvel. And yet, it’s the prettiest thing in the sky. There are some monuments that are grand, take the Leaning Tower of Pisa for instance, but no other monument can do what the Eiffel does – evoke emotion. There’s amazement, there’s awe, and yet there’s a smile plastered on your face. It may be 320 meters high, and light as a feather, and whatever else the genius is, but the emotion it brings out in you, that’s the real marvel. Now, all this is just at the base of it.
From here you can go to two observatory decks – the second level and the top level. One elevator ride will take you to level 2, and the other to the top. So, what’s the difference between the two? Well, as expected you get a bird's-eye view from the top floor and strong chilly winds too. It’s a wonderful view, where you actually feel you’re on top of the world. The second level gives a superb view as well, but it doesn’t have the same 'top of the world' feeling. Is it worth the extra buck? Hell yeah, it is! While the world is busy clicking photographs, steal a kiss at the top. It may be a cliché, but hey, wouldn’t you want to kiss atop the most beautiful wonder of the world, in the most romantic city there is? We did. And so should you.
Weekend Wayfarer Tip: Finish the top level first and then descend to the second. It’s less crowded on the top and more romantic too.
LA ‘MAZE’ DU LOUVRE
It’s supposedly the best museum in the world, with the choicest pieces of art carefully put together, organized by style, era, and artist. In short, it’s easy to get lost in this maze. To be honest, you can’t just walk into the Louvre and expect to get thrilled. You need a guide. Now that may be a person or a map. By doing so, you’ll actually understand the significance of said art piece. We were particularly disheartened and were kicking ourselves because we could not spend more time at this palatial museum. We aren’t especially art aficionados, but let's just say we’re fascinated by art, in whatever small capacity that may be. In the limited time we had, we saw the masterpiece of Hellenistic art - Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Greek muse of tragedy – Muse Melpomene, the French architect genius - Pierre Lescot’s Ceiling Spandrel staring at us from above and of course, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (and hundred other cameras). Is the Mona Lisa that great or is it a disappointment? If you know the story of Mona Lisa, it’s a delight. To see the illusion of her eyes following you, or to guess for the hundredth time if she’s smiling or if there's something more, it was all worth the wait. We finally got our chance with her (after fighting our way through hundreds of cameras), and we did exactly what the others did. Photograph her. Sometimes I wonder if she’s tired of posing and is her smile wearing off.
Weekend Wayfarer Tip: Cover the Denon wing first, that’s the most visited one. It houses the Mona Lisa as well. Get a guided tour from a historian or student of history and literature to get the best out of Louvre.
WHERE THE KING DIDN’T BATHE AND SLEPT ON A CHAIR
The Château de Versailles or Palace of Versailles redefines the meaning of indulgence, kingly and even palace. With over 2000 acres, it’s almost like a mini city. While the palace showcases the opulent life, the breathtaking art, the gold lined upholstery, the majestic hall of mirrors, what actually stays with you are the stories that defined the way of life. Interestingly enough, the King never slept on a bed, as lying down was a symbol of death, so he slept on chairs. Imagine that. It was rumoured that King LOUIS IV only took 3 showers in his life, now of course that’s not proven, but bathing was considered to be a once a year ritual as the filth was supposedly safeguarding you from the diseases, and water penetrating skin was considered dangerous. Fascinating, right? While you may have heard of Napoleon’s complex, King LOUIS IV was only 5'4 in height, but wore a 12-inch wig and 6-inch red heels to look imposing. There are enough portraits of him in the palace that showcase the wig and heels. So much so, that no one was allowed to wear red heels. In every room, there’s a little story that’s more fascinating than its paintings. Versailles is where you walk into the imperious past of France and walk out knowing them a little better. More than the place, you come with a bigger understanding of the French.
Weekend Wayfarer Tip: Try going on a weekday to avoid crowds. Many try to visit Versailles on Tuesdays – when the Louvre is shut, but you’re not the only one with that idea, so bear that in mind.
DISNEYLAND: NOSTALGIA BEGINS AT 5 pm
Disneyland is divided into two parks, the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studio Park. We chose to spend a few hours in the former. Now there’s enough for the curious and adventure seeker, from Pirates to Pinocchio to Mickey to Buzz to Woody. There are rides, photo-ops, the famous Disney Palace, larger-than-life recreations of places, and in every way, it’s Disney’s land. Great for kids and yet good enough for adults. But every day, depending on the weather, there’s a new parade that runs through the MainStreet U.S.A – basically the central road that connects the park. This is where all your childhood memories come alive. ‘Stars On Parade’ is where your favourite characters parade across the park waving, dancing, blowing kisses. Disney has handpicked your favourite memories and put them together, just for you. It’s pure joy.
Weekend Wayfarer Tip: Time your journey appropriately as it's far from the city. We suggest evenings, as they’re more pleasant and you’ll get to see 'Stars On Parade' too.
HIGH STREET IN PARIS IS PRONOUNCED AS CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES
The flagship store of Louis Vuitton. The flagship store of the oldest perfumery in France –Guerlain. Tiffany & Co. too sparkle here. And flagship stores of many prominent brands like Hugo Boss, Abercrombie & Fitch, Massimo Dutti, also sit on this avenue. Now add trendy chic cafes, ice-cream parlours, the famous Ladurée, a cabaret show called Lido, cinemas and the Arc De Triomphe standing tall at the end of the road. No wonder Avenues De Champs-Élysées is touted as one of the most popular avenues of the world. If your pockets are willing, you’ll be able to shop for everything you can imagine. But if you’re not here to shop till you drop, fear not, there’s a lot more happening here. To start with, the place has a great vibe and a vibrant energy. We had café waiters inviting us to sample their food, street performers break-dancing, and then there's the world famous Ladurée. Before we knew it, the perfume-filled air was drawing us in its scent. There’s an opinion that states that the best avenue of the world has lost its charm to American joints, but secretively, there’s still love at its heart. An hour or two at this Avenue won’t do you any harm. Your wallet may complain though.
Weekend Wayfarer Tip: Have a quick meal at George V Café, and sample their duck, you’ll thank us later. Check out our review of the same
LIDO: WHERE THE PARISIENNES BARE IT ALL
Picture this: A great production. Round tables. A glass of champagne. And lovely Parisienne women dancing their tops off. Sounds fantastic, right? Truth be told, it was a bit of a drab. It’s a fancy show with immaculate set pieces and a narrative of a girl and how she becomes Parisienne over the course of the show. And yet it lacks soul. But then again, it wasn’t meant to be operatic in nature. It was more a showcase of the high fashion and romance that make the city what it is. What it lacks in soul, it more than makes up for it in showmanship. It’s extravagant, outlandish, and in every sense of the word, out there. In a way, it’s just like the champagne; you raise the glass and celebrate. Don’t expect to get intoxicated.
Paris has a ton more to do. There are many other attractions you can visit, and a hell of a lot you can do. There’s the nightlife at Montmartre, Musée D’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, spending evenings at Luxembourg Gardens, walking the streets of Marais, having scrumptious dinner at St. Germain, trying out the various desserts Paris is known for and much, much more. But as we said, that’s what return trips are for. Paris is infectious. It’s not love at first sight, it’s something that grows on you. It’s not the things you do that make you fall in love with the city, it is the city itself. The more time you spend with her, the deeper you fall in love. And it’s the most glorious fall you’ll ever have.