City of Love
Here are the top 10 things to do in Paris, writes Loong Wai Ting
PARIS is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is also a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. From parks and gardens to cafes and bakeries and concert halls to museums, take your time to explore the hidden gems in the city and savour the experience. If you get your timing right, you can visit some of the most popular museums and monuments in Paris for free!
1. DINE LIKE A PARISIEN
French cuisine inspires the world. And one of the best ways to immerse yourself in French culture is through food. There is more to French cuisine than baguette, macaron and escargot. Have a bowl of hot French onion soup for lunch or dinner. The simple and yet filling soup is best savoured on a cold day or rainy night. The soup is usually made from meat stock and onions, and served with croutons and cheese atop a large piece of bread.
2. SHOPPING AT LA VALEE VILLAGE Located 40 minutes from Paris city centre, the La Vallee Village is one of the best places to shop for luxury brands. With an all-year round 33 per cent off the recommended retail price, the premium outlet is placed third (just after Disneyland Paris and the Damaine de Versailles) in the latest classification of the most visited cultural and tourist sites around Paris. There’s a shuttle bus that runs from central Paris (Place des Pyramides) to the Village, which departs twice daily. Go to www. lavalleevillage.com/en/home/
3. SCALE THE EIFFEL TOWER
The Eiffel Tower was originally erected as a temporary exhibit for a world fair in 1889. Named after one of the engineers, Gustave Eiffel, who helped design and build the tower, it remains the tallest man-made structure in the world until the Chrysler Building in New York surpassed it in 1930. The tower has three levels, with restaurants on the first and second levels. Head to the observation deck on the top level’s upper platform for a sweeping view of Paris city. At night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles like a Christmas tree (every hour, on the hour).
4. DINNER CRUISE AT RIVER SEINE
At night, cruise down River Seine over a glass of champagne and a hearty meal, and see Paris from a different perspective. With its all-glass boat, you can enjoy the stunning view of Paris at night as it cruises along