Paris: the good, bad and ugly sides to visiting the City of Light
The French capital has much to offer by way of romance – and rudeness – but is it always a good idea?
The good
Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn knew what she was talking about when she said, “Paris is always a good idea” while American writer Henry Miller was more specific with the seasons: “When spring comes to Paris, the humblest mortal alive must feel that he dwells in paradise.”
Known universally as the City of Love, it’s a rare “World’s Most Romantic Destination” poll that doesn’t have Paris sitting seductively at the summit. And Miller was right; now is the time to go. Winter weather is waning; parks and gardens are exploding with colour, streets are springing back to life and pavement cafe proprietors are positioning their chairs and tables to maximise people-watching possibilities. And if you enjoy coffee shop hopping and munching on the crumbliest of croissants, you’ve definitely come to the right town.
The City of Light is best explored at a leisurely pace. Old Paris hands recommend taking in one signature sight each day, then packing away the map and improvising. It’s only after becoming completely lost that you stumble on a modestly priced neighbourhood bistro, a market piled high with seasonal produce or an art gallery that merits a lingering visit.
That’s not to say the world-renowned sightseeing attractions should be neglected, however. Buy tickets in advance for the Eiffel Tower; line up outside the Louvre at opening time or stop by on a Wednesday or Friday evening, when you can inspect the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and other unmissable works of art until 9.45pm.