City of Lights
When you think of Paris, history, architecture, art and romance are perhaps some of the first thoughts that come to mind. I travelled to France, this foreign and far away land with a different language, and a place where I knew no one. I wanted to cancel my trip up until the moment I walked out of the Charles De Gaulle airport. Then it was pure excitement for the adventure that lay ahead!
My Kenya Airways flights went well, all staff were friendly and helpful, and I was lucky enough to have good company along the way as well as a good selection of movies available on board. The boarding in Nairobi did take quite long, however, both Jomo Kenyatta International and Charles De Gaulle airports were clean, not too busy and reasonably easy to find your way around, with helpful staff to assist. Immigration procedures were quick and before long I was out, and much to my relief, despite the delay, my transfer was there waiting to take me to my hotel.
Belta Hotel Residence was clean and simple, strategically located along a canal with a vibrant atmosphere during the evenings, with several nearby restaurants and a well-kept garden down the road. I was warmly greeted upon my arrival and managed to check in early. He was very friendly and provided me with a map and gave me directions to Gare de L’Est metro station, a main method of travelling within Paris, rather than by taxi. The metro is more pleasant on the pocket, quick, convenient, easy to understand, and operates from about 0500hrs until about 0100hrs. Another option is walking, which allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The room was “small” and basic, but adequate for my needs, to sleep and get ready.
I booked accommodation and a 6 day Paris pass in advance. This pass gives access to a wide variety of museums, attractions and historical monuments, and special entry for certain ones, which means skipping long queues at times. The Eiffel Tower and a couple of other attractions were not included though. It also provides access to the metro and bus when travelling within the inner city. This was very handy!
Musee du Louvre, perhaps the most popular international museum, showcasing art and historical artefacts from France, as well as from countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Egypt and countless others, and of course, home to the famous Mona Lisa. It was disappointing though, as people were only allowed to view this masterpiece from a distance. I literally had to push my way to the front of an eager crowd all doing the same. The building itself is a palace, grand and enormous, and very busy! Be prepared to walk!
I also visited Musee D’Orsay and Musee De l’Orangerie, which viewed several of Monet’s beautiful Water Lily Pond pieces. They featured paintings, drawings and sculptures from the likes of Renoir, Picasso, Degas, Da Vinci, Manet, Van Gogh, Rodin, Courbet and Delacroix. It is an art-lovers paradise!
In the Sainte Chapelle’s upper room, you are surrounded with large stained glass windows, and a beautiful altar.
Notre-Dame Cathedral stands majestically, cloaked in gothic style and guarded by gargoyles and angels. It is a colossal cathedral, with many mini-chapels within it. It was an amazing feeling standing within this giant of a cathedral! The crypt offers more information into the history of Paris.
Sacre Coeur Basilica is situated on a hill, overlooking Paris, with an even more amazing view from the top of the dome. I found the crypt below as interesting as the basilica itself, tranquil and mystical, both revered in silence and prayer.
Montparnasse Tower 56th Floor offers a 360 degree view of Paris from a modern day building. There is a small restaurant, souvenir shop and interactive screens, and allows rooftop access.
Arc de Triomphe, a historical monument, architecturally pleasing, and offering another lovely view of Paris and the popular Champ-Elysees. Lovely in the evening when lit up.
The design within the main hall of the Conciergerie building is charming, with its pillars and arcs throughout this area.
Centre Pompidou is a modern building, with a completely different style to the regular Parisian buildings. It consists of a huge library, a children’s play area, theatres, a restaurant at the top, gaming sections and several galleries, one with a large collection of contemporary art.
Grevin’s Wax Museum mainly displayed famous French people who I did not know. Nevertheless, the actual figures were very realistic, and the props and atmosphere all round were entertaining.
The Opera Garnier appears as a regular building from the outside, but once you step inside, it is absolutely amazing! From the marble floors to the painted ceilings, the detailed décor, the pillars, the gold statues, the grand stairs and balconies, the enormous amphitheatre and the renowned Grand Foyer. This foyer, which leads out onto a balcony spanning its length of 154meters, is adorned with some of the finest and most extravagant ornaments, statues and glass chandeliers, and lined with mirrors. There is also a small collection of art and books.
The Palace of Versailles is situated southwest of Paris, not too far out, and truly feels like something out of a fairy-tale. As it comes into view, this magnificent palace stretches out before you, demanding your awe. The rooms are huge and lavishly decorated. One of the halls is lined with paintings depicting the various French battles undergone. The palace has a Hall of Mirrors, with stunning chandeliers down its length, as well as enormous mirrors, statues and paintings. The attention to detail is impressive. The palace gardens are incredible, remarkably huge, green and very well-kept, with numerous water features throughout, adding to the serenity. Unfortunately I did not have much time here due to bad weather, but from what I managed to see, I really wish I had.
Pont Alexandre lll is by far the most beautiful and ornate bridge I have ever seen. With large pillars on either side, mounted by gold statues and surrounded by cherubs and nymph sculptures, this bridge connects Champ-Elysees to the Invalides. Black lantern posts line the bridge, and in the evening, softly sets the bridge aglow, in a most enchanting and breath-taking sight.
The Eiffel Tower. Having missed going up the Eiffel Tower 3 nights in a row, I had to go during the morning on my last day there. It is an astounding structure, which almost holds the whole of Paris in its name. By night, this metal monster transforms into a beautiful tower of sparkling magic, which leaves you constantly looking back as you grudgingly walk away.
A few tips and general remarks:
Make sure you find out the season in which you will be visiting that destination. Also check the actual temperatures and rainfall. For me, “going into summer”, I thought reasonably warm, but wish I had packed more winter clothing.
If you are wanting to see all these amazing views of Paris, you have to be reasonably fit. Paris is full of stairs, everywhere! Including the metro. Plus walking is a great way to see Paris. So be prepared, and make sure you have comfortable shoes.
Decide what type of holiday you would like. Everything pre-booked, if you would like to be included in a tour group or make your own itinerary. Personally, I enjoyed the freedom of choosing what I wanted to do and when, and being able to take extra time in certain places.
Plan properly. Make sure you have at least a rough idea of want you would like to do each day, and try to do the main things first. Having a map prior to your travel will also help, as you can see the locations of each place and plan accordingly.
There are many different attractions which will provide spectacular views of Paris. So you can choose which ones you would like.
Although I managed to get around with English, it does help to know some key words and phrases in French. Most of the people I had asked for assistance were helpful. There are signs most places, so it is rather easy to find your way around.
Paris is a tourist city, and many attractions are busy. Make sure you have adequate time for each place. Although the feeling of being a tourist with many others can be nice, at times it can be frustrating when trying to appreciate art.
You hear people’s stories and see countless pictures, but nothing compares to the overwhelming feeling of personally experiencing it, standing within, beneath, on top and before these beautiful and spectacular structures, paintings and sculptures. Travel as much as possible while you can!
Magdalena Cardozo
