Travel talk: Five things we love about Paris

Because Paris is always a good idea...
Ah Paris, the City of Light and of love. There's no shortage of reasons to visit the French capital but here's our top five...

Paris is one of the most famous cities in the entire world, thanks to its elegant mix of culture, fashion and history drawn together in one stylish — and picture-worthy — bundle. No matter what season you visit in (although summer is our favourite…), the city is always alive with activity. Here are five of our favourite reasons to visit the French capital…

1. The experiences

Wandering around the streets of Paris is an experience in and of itself. The city is home to a seemingly never-ending warren of avenues brimming with boutiques, cafes and more to lose yourself in for a day. One particular store we love to visit when in town is the Ex Nihilo boutique on Rue Saint Honoré where you can build your own fragrance from start to finish. A can’t-miss experience for scent connoisseurs, the store is home to an exclusive piece of machinery that builds the perfume right in front of your eyes. Plus, there’s all of the tourist attractions to see which never get old. 

2. The culture

Along with fashion and the Eiffel Tower, Paris is renowned for its cultural offerings. Perhaps the most famous is the Louvre Paris which is a must-visit each time you are in town (not least to participate in the daily Beyoncé and Jay-Z tour), whilst the Musée Orsay and Centre Pompidou also present visitors with a spectacular line-up of art. It’s also worth taking a walk through the Latin Quarter with its incredible Gothic architecture and buzzy ambience. 

3. The food

Cheese, bread, fine meats, cakes, slices — there’s no food the French do that is not mouthwateringly delicious. Keep it casual and grab a sandwich to go from one of the city’s many boulangeries or make a reservation at one of the top restaurants in the capital for a night you won’t soon forget. With plenty of excellent eateries to choose from, we suggest you opt away from any close to tourist hotspots for a more memorable culinary experience. If you’re keen to spot a celebrity, Hôtel Costes is a pretty safe bet, too.

4. The shopping

A no-brainer but a must-mention as the shopping in Paris is world-class. Whether you peruse the floors of Galeries Lafayette or wander the famed streets like the Champs-Élysées, Rue Cambon or Rue Saint Honoré, you’re guaranteed to find one (or 15) things to buy. Plus, foreigners can claim back the VAT on certain purchases made in the capital giving you an extra incentive to buy those shoes you’ve been eyeing off. 

5. The hotels 

In a city with some of the world’s top offerings, it would make sense that the best hotels have a presence in the capital. The Peninsula, the Four Seasons George IV, Plaza Athénée and the Mandarin Oriental attract discerning travellers, VIPs and celebrities alike throughout the year with their five-star service and luxury amenities. Be sure to pry yourself out of the fabulous four walls at some point though, because as listed above there’s plenty to see and do when you’re in town. 

Emirates flies from Dubai to Paris daily with special fares available for flights between January 10 and November 30, 2019 now available until January 22, 2019. For more information or to book your ticket, visit Emirates.com

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