I’ll always have Paris
May 7 2010 By Ben Goldby
Despite Gallic mockery of his language skills Ben Goldby still finds plenty of ooh-la-la in the French capital.
I must confess to fancying my French skills.
A few evening classes and I arrived in Paris full of confidence – but that turned out to be a big mistake.
Arriving at dinner on our first night, I launched into a linguistic tour de force, asking the waitress for a table for two close to the window and a bottle of house red. Humourlessly, and with all the Gallic charm of Asterix, she responded in English: “Yes Sirrrr, Please seat over ‘ere.”
My arrogant tail between my legs, I limited my Franglais to “oui”, “non” and “encore de vin” from there on out.
The language may be impenetrable, but the majesty and magic of Paris more than makes up for it.
After a comfortable ride in from St Pancras on the Eurostar, we arrived at the Gare Du Nord, and were thrown into an hour-long taxi queue.
Surly French taxi drivers and interminable waits can leave a traveller cranky, but the stress of the transfer melted away as soon as we entered the Jardins De La Villa.
A beautiful new boutique hotel situated just yards from the Palais De Congres, the welcoming atmosphere and fashionable decor ooze class.
Themed around classic Parisian “couture” fashion, and featuring a giant shoe sofa in the main lobby, the hotel achieves a perfect balance between art and comfort. The staff are attentive and polite, and the rooms are brand spanking new, featuring a hi-tech TV/computer combo and some fantastic interior design touches.
Our breakfast was as stylishly presented as the room, with delicious pastries and continental breads accompanied by the obligatory bacon and eggs, setting us up for a full day of sight-seeing.
