What you need to know
Paris is located in France and is an approximately 2 hour train ride away from London with the Eurostar train service whilst a flight is around an hour and a half. You can catch flights in and out of other European countries into Paris at reasonable rates through www.ryanair.com or compare prices on airlines through www.skyscanner.net when perusing for flights.
When my husband and I visited France, we flew from Madrid into Paris and departed using the Eurostar service from Paris to London - I loved the Eurostar and would definitely urge everyone to try it out for the wonderful experience. When using the Eurostar it is important to note that the procedure is exactly as if you are boarding a flight, as you are crossing countries you are required to go through security, passport control, customs and the whole shebang - I cannot stress enough to arrive at the station EARLY as if you are going to the airport to board a flight - we almost missed our train due to a misjudgement of the amount of time it would take to get on board.
South Africans require a Schengen Visa to enter France. The cost of this visa is R814 ~ we applied for and obtained our visas through VFS Global in Durban, they provided a great service for a small fee and we found the visas to be very easily obtainable.
Transport in Paris is no hassle as there are train stations located almost everywhere and the routes are fairly easy to understand. It is important to take note that all instructions on the trains are in French and some impromptu announcements are not translated into English - if you are uncertain, ask a local. True to the myth, the French are not the friendliest of people; find the most approachable-looking person near you and just ask! I may or may not have ended up on a train that started moving backwards in the complete opposite direction; after being too shy to ask anyone what the announcement that I did not understand a word of meant.
Attractions and Things To Do
The Eiffel Tower
I had extremely high expectations of the Eiffel Tower, and had set my mind that I was definitely going to be disappointed. I approached the Eiffel Tower for the very first time at night. I walked towards it, and at my first glimpse, I literally gasped. The entire structure was alight and twinkling from top to bottom. No picture could ever do it justice - it is breath-taking and I was most definitely NOT disappointed in any way!!
Disneyland Paris
I am a kid at heart and I am CRAZY about Disneyland. From the shows to the thrilling rides to the magical carnival, Disneyland is an absolute must-see when visiting Paris. Be sure not to miss the parade (there are a number of parades throughout a day) as well as the Action Show! Another must-have is Ben & Jerrys ice-cream sold inside the park. Whether you are a kid at heart or have kids coming along with you - a day at Disney will be a day well spent.
Louvre
The Louvre is a must-see, if not only for the culture-rich and amazing art pieces that lie within it, for the gorgeous outward structure.
Champs Elysees
Perhaps the most glorious street in all of Paris, the Champs Elysees runs for 1.9 km and within it lies the famous Arc de Triomphe, cafes and luxury stores. Visit during the day for your shopping fix and during the night for an amazing atmosphere, late night bites and a romantic stroll.
Where To Stay, What To Eat and Where To Shop
Our first hotel stay in Paris was at the Hilton Paris. The hotel itself was beautiful and the rooms spacious, but the breakfast had a limited range to choose from; although I could not complain too much, seeing as I had all the nutella and croissants I could imagine right in front of me! It is great to stay somewhere near the Champs Elysees as most attractions are within close proximity. I recommend also staying a night or two at the Disneyland resort, or one of the resorts nearby (most provide free shuttles to Disneyland) as the park is a distance away from central Paris, which could prove to be a tiring journey back.
Paris has some of the finest patisseries in the world, so it's a great idea to try out their delicacies. From croissants to pastries in high end bakeries to the most amazing crepes you will ever eat - found on roadside carts near the Eiffel Tower, to the amazing (and sometime strangely flavoured) Laduree macarons, the Parisian sweet treats are not to be passed by.
Shopping in Paris is some of the finest in the world, with high end brands at almost every turn. Champs Elysees is the obvious choice for shopping, however, in addition to this, I also loved the stores at Marna-La-Vallee, which is a town located near Disneyland. From high-end stores to mid-range, they have it all and the range is gorgeous!
Visit Paris with your other half ~ it is as magical and romantic as you have heard it to be, maybe even more so!
Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali
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