From architectural icons to art treasures, from flea markets to fabulous gardens, from Disney to Notre Dame, the City of Lights is one helluva hip and happening holiday destination.

By EVELYN MAK
Photography: MAISON DE LA FRANCE, SHUTTERSTOCK, STOCK.XCHNG

It is understandable why many among the world’s most stylish set prefer to spend their days in Paris. Coco Chanel launched her little black dress, tweed suits and the Chanel No 5 perfume here, while Pablo Picasso produced numerous semi-abstract paintings in the city, and novelist Ernest Hemingway chronicled his experiences in the deeply personal A Moveable Feast. Hollywood couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt bought a home in the city and contemplated settling in the city, while fellow celebrity Johnny Depp can be spotted every morning going to the bakery for his baguettes.

An influential global hub in fashion, entertainment, art, science and finance, Paris has attracted visitors from way back during the 11th century, when it thronged with traders, students and missionaries. Fast forward to the 21st century, and the mesmerising metropolis continues to welcome 45 million visitors every year. Here, top hotspots for the itinerary.

Eiffel Tower

In conjunction with its 120th birthday celebrations in April, the Eiffel Tower is getting a spanking new coat in its trademark brown. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower, which comprises over 18,000 iron pieces, was put together in workshops separately before being brought to its present location and joined together using two-and-a-half million rivets. Ironically, it was nearly demolished after 20 years – some deemed it an eyesore – but was saved due to its meteorological and astronomical observation function.

For a bird’s eye view of the city, take the stairs (or elevator) up to the first- or second-floor platforms, at 57m and 115m respectively. The highest viewing platform on the tower is 180m high, with representations of Gustave Eiffel’s office, and 360-degree panoramic indicators that help identify the city’s landmarks. In the evenings, the Eiffel Tower comes alight with 335 spotlights and 20,000 golden lights on the façade, along with two beacons with illumination stretching up to 80 km. The best time to visit? An hour before sunset, when the five-minute lights show begins.

Arc de Triomphe

Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victory in the Napoleonic Wars, the arc is the largest of its kind in the world at 50m high and 45m wide. Beneath the Arc lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose coffin was interred in the Arc’s chapel in 1921, to commemorate the dead and unidentified soldiers of the two World Wars.

Chateau de Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, also known as Chateau de Versailles, was the official residence of French kings from 1682 to 1790. Originally a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, it was extended by the Sun King, Louis XIV, and became one of the biggest palaces in the world then.

Begin your visit at this UNESCO World Heritage Site at Queen Marie-Antoinette’s estate. Stroll through the Grand Trianon, which consists of extensive gardens and a marble palace. In the main chateau, take a guided tour that will take you around The Grand Apartment, the king’s private chambers, and the Hall of Mirrors, flanked by its Salon of War and Salon of Peace.

Notre Dame de Paris

This Romanesque church is considered the religious centre of the city; the Celts considered it sacred grounds in the past, while the Romans worshipped Jupiter here. Completed in 1345, the Notre Dame de Paris remains a place of worship where Roman Catholic services continue to be held. Visitors can also go on a free one-hour guided tour for insights to its architecture, sculpture, paintings, stained glass and history. The cathedral’s Treasury also displays numerous liturgical objects from the 17th and 18th century.

Louvre

Arguably the most visited museum in the world, this former fortress, which also served as a palace for François I, was turned into a public museum during the French Revolution. At present, the Louvre displays 35,000 objects of art across a staggering 60,000-sqm-exhibition space. There are several thematic self-guided tours to allow guests to get the most out of their time here. These include the popular ‘Masterpieces of the Louvre’ itinerary, which brings you to famous pieces like Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci), Venus de Milo (Praxiteles), The Wedding Feast at Cana (Paolo Caliari), and Slave (Michelangelo). The Louvre is also surrounded by the lovely greenery of the Tuileries and Carrousel gardens. The Tuileries Gardens are the largest and oldest public park in Paris.

River Seine

The second longest river in France, the River Seine was once the life of Paris, when sailors arrived by water to trade in the city. There are numerous bridges that cross the river, the oldest being Pont-Neuf, whose first stone was laid in 1578 by King Henri III, and the newest being Pont Charles de Gaulle built in 1996. Strolling along the banks of the River Seine holding the hand of your partner is one of the most romantic things one can do in Paris – it’s probably why you will spot many couples doing the same. Another way to explore the river is with a river cruise; its scenic route takes ou past Paris’s architectural marvels like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum and Notre Dame de Paris.

Disneyland Resort Paris

Located in the Paris suburb of Marne la Valle, there are two theme parks, an entertainment district and seven hotels in the resort. Begin with Disneyland Park, with five magical lands each packed with rides like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. At the Walt Disney Studios Park, visitors can find out more about movie-making. Stay at one of Disney’s
seven hotels, such as Disneyland Hotel, Hotel New York, and Hotel Santa Fe, which offer top-class accommodation, delicious meals, and daily breakfast with favourite Disney characters. Guests also enjoy privileges like free shuttle rides to Disney Parks and the Disney Village, as well as FastPass and VIP FastPass for rides.

St-Germain

On the left bank of the Seine lies St-Germain, the intellectual hub of the city. The Boulevard St-Germain is lined with bistros, bookshops, galleries, publishing fi rms, and coffeehouses. Head to Les Deux Magots, which began as a drapery in the 1800s but became a café in 1914. Luminaries who frequented the café included Saint Exupery, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway. The Les Deux Magots has also been giving out the Deux Magots Literary Prize to promising French writers since 1933. Spend an afternoon people-watching under its terraces while sipping a coffee and munching on a baguette. 6 place Saint-Germain-des-Prés; Tel: +33 1 4548 5525.

For the full story, check out escape! Apr/May 09.