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Paris: The City of Lights
If there is a city, whose fabric seems weaved with the special desire to cater to tourists, it is Paris. One of the world's most frequented metropolises, the French capital exudes Old-World elegance and contemporary allure, which, once melded together, create a city of ceaseless wonder. This ceaseless appeal reaches its zenith in the summertime, when the city empties of its residents, many of whom flock to Southern France for their vacation escapades. In come hordes of tourists, who fill the Parisian landmarks, cafes, restaurants and festival venues with the chatter of tongues from all corners of the globe.
If you are planning a Paris summer exploit of your own, be sure to caper through our guide to the City of Lights' must-visit locales.
Strutting into a fashion-forward city like Paris requires a trendy luggage. The SWISSGEAR 7272 collection possesses the right quantity of Parisian sass and the unmatched quality of a proven brand. Available in two sizes – 19" and 28", the cases boast a PC hardshell exterior, whose chiseled design not only shields valuable possessions but also evokes the architectural splendor of Paris. The split interior, the spacious packing compartments, the trendy hues (including an enticing olive green) and the USB capabilities of the 7272 collection place it in a class of its own.
On the beach in Paris
In many ways, Paris is a remarkable destination with its own quirky habits. But, perhaps, no other astounding project compares to Paris Plages, or Paris Beaches – a concept that may appear bizarre for a city that does not have a sea. Paris, however, has the Seine, which snakes through downtown. For over a decade, the roads, parallel to the river, close for traffic in July and August and receive a blanket of sand. The scheme initially aimed to offer a respite of sorts – although swimming in the river is forbidden – for the few Parisians who find themselves stuck in the city in the peak of summer. Since its inception, however, Paris Plages, which boasts two separate beaches, has attracted ever swelling crowds and added amenities such as secure bathing at La Villette canal basin and a ferry, zipping between the banks, lined with parasols, palm trees, deck chairs and ice cream kiosks. This year's beach reverie is to stretch from July 7 – September 2. You might not travel to Paris in search of a water resort, but you better not miss its own version of the French Riviera – dedicate at least one lazy afternoon to it.
A triangle of Paris' most iconic monuments
A European capital with centuries of tumultuous political and cultural evolution, Paris bustles with gigantean relics of bygone times that capture the fascination of millions of visitors. The most easily recognizable is, of course, the Eiffel Tower, which looms over 300 meters (or nearly 1,000 feet) above the city. Constructed for the 1889's Exposition Universalle, the tower has become an undeniable symbol of Paris. Accessible by stairs or elevators, the Eiffel Tower houses a bunch of shops on the first floor and the famed Jules Verne restaurant on the second level. The top, which could easily peak through the clouds on a gloomy day, reveal mesmerizing panoramic vistas of the city.
From the Eiffel Tower, head toward the Cathedral of Notre Dame, whose gargoyles captivated novelist Victor Hugo. Completed in the 15th century, this monument to Christianity bears silent marks of the country's past. The Cathedral weathered the French Revolution, which inflicted damage to its Gothic hulk that was eventually restored in the 19th century. Having survived over 850 years, the stained glass, rose windows, towers and steeple are among Notre Dame's most revered features.
Another famed site is the Sacre Coeur Basilica, which rests some 20 minutes away from both the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral to form the last ray in a triangle of Paris' most visited monuments. A relative newcomer to the city's cultural landscape, the Basilica was completed in 1914 and consecrated 5 years later. It's white mass stands tall atop of Butte Montmarte and boasts France's largest ceiling mosaic. Both the crypt and the dome warrant a stop – the former for its religious connotations and the latter for the amazing views it affords.
Paris
From monuments to museums
The Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Sacre Coeur Basilica might form Paris' finest triumvirate, but they are not the sole hallmarks of a city sprawling on 41 square miles and going back millennia. One of these historic landmarks is the Arc de Triomphe, the largest arch in the world, which came into its might in the early 19th century to commemorate Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz. The brainchild of some of France's most celebrated architects and sculptors, including Chalgrin and Lemaire, the arch, whose base accommodates the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, overlooks the coveted Champs-Elysees avenue.
Close by is the Grand Palais, which has enjoyed a historic-monument status since 2000. A commanding structure of glass, stone and steel, the Grand Palais is home to a slew of exhibitions and festivals throughout the year. Slated for a major reconstruction, which will shut the activities for three years starting in 2020, the Neo Classical monolith is housing an Artists and Robots exhibition until July 9th, a display of Frantisek Kupka's abstract art creations until the end of July and a year-long exploration of Venice in the Time of Vivaldi and Tiepolo.
Talking about art, the Louvre presents one of the world's best repositories of humanity's creative spirit. No visit to Paris should conclude without a stride down the Louvre's halls, which boast works from the Middle Ages to the Spring of Nations period in the Western World as well as artifacts from bygone and oriental civilizations such as ancient Egypt and Greece and the Roman Empire. Among its 35,000 artworks, the former royal palace also features renowned treasures such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and The Raft of the Medusa. But the Louvre is an artwork in itself – one that has withstood the whims of destructive times and adopted various design preferences in its incessant expansions.
Packed to Explore
For ventures into Paris' many village-like quarters away from its tourists-packed center (more about them in a bit), SWISSGEAR 5337 Hybrid backpack is an ideal companion, able to hold a day-worth of essentials. Featuring a unique aesthetic that reminds of both a daily ruck and a small carry-on, the pack boasts a slew of useful details – from a breathable back panel to a rugged outer shell to a daisy chain webbing to a number of straps for balanced carry. Unfolding flat like a luggage case, the pack presents ease and functionality all around.
When it comes to an everyday pack to take around Paris' many hallmarks, look no further than the SWISSGEAR 3598. The front panel accommodates small accessories; an organizer pouch protects travel documents and credit cards; and the main compartment has a tablet sleeve. With an intuitive design and a padded mesh airflow-enhanced back, the 3598 is a light pack that would caper from dawn to dusk on the Parisian streets. For those erring on the safe side by schlepping a load of possessions on their daily outings, SWISSGEAR 5981 has their back. While it can accommodate a bulk of necessities (perhaps a towel or two for those Paris Beaches), its body retains a sleek silhouette. Complete with sleeves for a tablet and a laptop as well as a raft of pockets, the pack provides both security and practicality to its owner.
The artistry of Paris itself
Paris might be home to an astounding collection of art, but the city's eclectic tapestry beckons visitors out of galleries and into the ambience of a charming European hub, which for centuries has served as the throbbing heart of commercial, cultural and political ventures. Because Paris did not spring up at once and its history has traversed various eons, its quarters vaunt unique traits. The district of Montmartre, in the northern section of Paris, possesses a distinct bohemian vibe that sips through its narrow, cobblestone streets, lined with stores and delis. The jewel in the neighborhood is, of course, the Sacre Coeur Basilica, but the Louise Michel garden that sprawls in its foot is an attraction in its own right. Anchored by some 222 steps that lead to the Basilica, the garden teems with lush vegetation on undulating knolls – an idyllic setting for a mid-day break.
On the opposite side of the city, on its southern edges, lie several bucolic communities that reveal a serene and quiet aspect of Parisian life. Popular with lovebird tourists, the picturesque Butte-aux-Cailles and the Mouffetard districts constitute a maze of historic streets and old houses that evoke the aesthetic of bygone villages, complete with pristine gardens and inviting cafes. Here, the hustle of central Paris ebbs to a welcome halt. But this is not to say that the heart of Paris does not have a romantic veneer of its own. The Bourse district harbors the coveted Parisian arcades, glass-covered passageways lined with boutiques, while the nearby Saint-Germain des Pres still maintains the lure that once pulled on artists and intellectuals in the ranks of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Pablo Picasso, who were sworn patrons of the many cafes and eateries doting the area.
On the Parisian cuisine trail
When it comes to the city's cuisine, it is as eclectic – a fusion of old-fashioned recipes and modern flavors – as Paris itself. Heeding the tangs of Paris could shape the entire premise of a visit. But with numbered days in one of Europe's most revered gastronomic hotspots, there are several experiences that are a must. Supper on a boat is one of them. A scrum of restaurants prepare worldly dishes on the Seine, either moored at quayside or chugging on the water. Marina de Paris offers both lunch and dinner cruises, tailored to disparate budget ranges and complete with scenic views of Paris' landmarks that are utterly priceless.
When it comes to quintessential French dishes, no joint beats the traditional brasseries that dot the city. Those intimate eateries, embellished with glamorous decors, stand out with traditional courses like pot au feu and coq au vin. Some of the very best brasseries flank the streets of the Montparnasse area and the Place Clinchy, whose authentic vibe only elevates the food. Nonetheless, there are restaurants, whose fare is so delectable, the ambiance – albeit haute – fades to a simple backdrop. The Michelin-starred restaurants of Paris abound with true gustatory delights, whipped by some of the world's most renowned chefs. From Le Pre Catelan to Epicure to Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee, those exceptional restaurants create meals impossible to forget.
While a Michelin star cues to a rare gastronomic treat, the many hip pubs and bars reveal a whole other culinary side of Paris – unassuming, relaxed and chic. Many of the city's hip pubs spill drinks and fix bites reminiscent of the fare to be found in their British counterparts. Sir Winston is among Paris' oldest pubs and is a decidedly English joint with its impressive collection of 50 whiskies, leather accents and cigar lounge. Beer enthusiasts flock to Le Falstaff, whose 120 kinds of brew wash down a list of side dishes, including fried mussels. Despite the international flairs of Paris' bar and pub scene, a prominent section of it caters to a coveted French beverage – wine. Some of the best vinos are to be found at Vintage & Cie, whose cellar contains sought-after vintages such as Château Mouton Rothschild 1890, Château Margaux 1900, and Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 1961. Frequently holding tasting events and special affairs, the pub also doubles as a gallery, where Paris' love for wine and art blend together.
No matter what attracted you to Paris – whether it is the city's grand monuments, or quirky summer events or tasty cuisine and spirits, the French capital will not let you go home disappointed. In fact, it may make returning home a hard prospect. Who would resist falling in love with the City of Lights, after all?
