We were fortunate enough to work in Paris for a few months in late 1998 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The architecture and layout of the city with wide open boulevards reminded us of St Petersburg, which is hardly surprising as French was used in Russian high society during the time of its founding and Peter the Great wanted a window on the west.
Apart from the obvious attractions of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Tour Eiffel and Montmartre, you should visit the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Hotel, Place Vendome. The brother of a good friend of ours is the barman there, and he makes the greatest drinks in the world. In fact, Forbes rates him ‘The World’s Greatest Bartender’.
As well as visiting art galleries and enjoying the architecure, we spent a lot of time just chilling out in cafes eating moules et frites and trying out as much wine as possible...and the nicest place to do that has to be around Notre Dame.
If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.
Ernest Hemingway
Moules, frites and fine wine...