Living the high life in Paris
Vertigo sufferers look away now. The Paris From Above package is not for you. If, however, you relish having your breath taken away by stunning views of some of the world’s most famous landmarks, sign on the dotted line.
The 950 room, 34 floor Hotel Concorde La Fayette is a landmark building itself, with its own breathtaking views of the city – not least from Le Bar Panoramique on the 34th floor. It’s the obvious base for a weekend break which focuses on seeing Paris ‘d’en haut’.
As well as a voucher for a cocktail in the top floor bar (Arc de Troimphe and Eiffel Tower in plain view) and a superior room on one of the upper floors (from where you’re pretty much guaranteed a view of at least one famous Parisian landmark), Paris From Above also includes tickets to both the Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse Tower.
Both have their own qualities. The Eiffel Tower, of course, needs little introduction; opened on March 31 1889, it clocks in at 324m, has 1665 steps (there are elevators, happily) and weighs 10,100 tons. Admission is €8 to the second floor and €13 to the top floor (which was closed for repair work when we visited). A relatively new addition to the spectacle comes after dark when, on the hour, the tower sparkles for five minutes with dozens of flashing lights. It’s well worth seeing.
Tour Montparnasse might not have the aesthetic appeal of Gustav Eiffel’s masterpiece – in fact the 56 floor, 210m skyscraper is a fairly ugly black sore thumb sticking out of the picturesque skyline – but it’s often joked that it has the best views in Paris, as it’s the only place from which you can’t see the tower itself. It also has the fastest lift in Europe – 38 seconds from floor to rooftop.
Both towers, along with many of Paris’s attractions and ‘must-dos’, are the kind of things you see on those ‘Things to do before you die’ lists:
Visit Montmatre and enjoy the views from Sacré-Couer; watch the artists in the Place du Tertre, eat French Onion soup in Le Consulat restaurant on Rue Norvins and have a beer in Cafe Aux Deux Moulins (on Rue Lepic – made famous by the film Amélie).
Take a walk around the fabulous collection of paintings at Musée d’Orsay – less daunting than the Louvre, this former railway station now houses an enviable collection of work by the likes of Van Gogh, Degas and Renoir. Perfect if the weather is inclement.
See the Arc de Triomphe; another unmistakable landmark, the climb to the roof is a good workout but it’s worth the effort for the fabulous view down the Champs Elysées.
Save up and buy a ticket to the world famous Moulin Rouge; yes it will set you back €102 (about £90) just to see the show (a dinner package is €150), but it will be an unforgettable night. The 120-year-old cabaret venue – made famous by the Cancan, Toulouse Lautrec and the Baz Luhrmann film – is a feast for the eyes, with the 90 minute spectacle packed with dancing girls (and guys), extravagant costumes and sets, dwarf ponies and a water tank full of snakes. It has to be seen to be believed.
Go to the cathedral of the recently renovated Notre Dame; we can’t promise Esmerelda and Quasimodo, but entry to the church itself is free, with a small charge (but long queue) if you want to go up the towers.
Getting around is easy; buy a carnet (booklet) of 10 Métro tickets for around €11 and make the most of the great train network; it’s frequent, simple and good fun. Alternatively, walk; as with any other great city like New York or London. It’s often the best way to see the sights and, with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower conveniently sticking up, navigating your way round the streets by foot is pretty manageable. Besides, what better way to justify having that moules et frites and glass of wine at the end of it all?
* Travel Fact File
Jon travelled to Paris from Birmingham New Street via Euston and St Pancras with Virgin Trains and Eurostar. Connecting fares from Birmingham to Paris, Brussels and Disneyland Resort® Paris start from £91 standard return and to Lille start from £86 standard return with Eurostar and Virgin Trains.
The Paris from Above package at Concorde La Fayette starts from €228 (approx £201) per night per room and includes a superior room on the upper floors (from 25th to 33rd) with a stunning view over the city, tickets to the Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse Tower, and an exceptional cocktail experience in the Panoramic Bar at Hotel Concorde La Fayette, located on the 34th floor. Guests also receive a dedicated welcome kit upon arrival.
Reservations can be made on the toll free number: 0 800 028 9880 or through www.concorde-hotels.com/lafayette
Recommended reading: Paris: by Metro (Going Underground) by Mike Gerrard.
This great guide book shows you which Metro lines to catch for which attractions – or, alternatively, which sites you can visit on the particular route you’re travelling along. Easy to use and ideal for a weekend break’s sightseeing.
