News from Paris

Paris

Paris, France’s capital, the global center for chic, fashion, gastronomy, culture, shopping and, last but not least, romance!  I’ve been to Paris many times, and it always makes me happy to walk around the charming streets and soak in the atmosphere.

Sadly, last November, Paris suffered a setback. But fear not, it’s getting back to normal with new exciting venues and many renovations taking place in the French capital.

There’s something for everybody in Paris, the historical landmarks like the 19th-century Eiffel Tower; the 12th-century Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral; the national monument, Arc de Triomphe; the Avenue des Champs-Élysées; the bohemian Montmartre with Sacré-Cœur basilica on the hill top. Fantastic museums like the vast collection of the Louvre; the Musée d’Orsay, home of France’s national collection of the impressionist, post-impressionist and art nouveau movements; Centre Georges Pompidou, an elaborate building in the Beaubourg area and Musée Rodin to name a few.

Let’s not forget the various interesting and beautiful areas that are the Île de la Cité, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin and many others. The French capital is looking fabulous and ready for Spring/Summer and beyond. Some of the underground stations look particularly beautiful and funky, like the Arts et Métiers and Louvre-Rivoli.

What is new in Paris right now?

Forum des Halles

old and new architecture view – Forum des Halles

Forum des Halles

A newly renovated mall in the heart of Paris.

Like a large leaf waving above Paris, this massive roof of steel and glass covers the Forum des Halles. It was created by architects Patrick Berger and Jacques Anziutti, who drew inspiration from nature to design this amazing canopy.  The renovation has taken this 12th century building into the future. This innovative architecture houses 150 outlets including a cinema.

Lots of escalators, stairs  and a maze of corridors take you to a special shopping experience.  There are also some lovely eateries like the new and very trendy Champeaux by Alain Ducasse.
 

Forum des Halles

Forum des Halles

Forum des Halles
101 Rue Berger, 75001 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 44 76 96 56

Monnaie de Paris 

(Paris Mint)

 Monnaie de Paris is one of the oldest French institutions based in an incredible neoclassical building. It issues coins, produces medals and other similar items. Many ancient coins are hold in their collection. This stunning building is home of  Guy Savoy restaurant and an interesting exhibition space.

Monnaie de Paris
11, Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 40 46 56 66

AccorHotels Bercy Arena

VIP area

Mariah Carey show

This venue reopened last October (2015), after 18 months of work, and it’s now the fifth largest arena in the world, a modern and more open venue. It has a capacity of 17 000 to 20 300 people in its largest configuration. The new arena contributes to the international reputation of Paris and attracts renowned artists and wide audiences. With over 130 events planned each season, the AccorHotels Arena is firmly maintaining a stage for international tours and major sporting events.

AccorHotels Bercy Arena
8 Boulevard de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Commissioned in 2006 and opened to the public in 2014, the Fondation
Louis Vuitton is a space to discover contemporary art, new collections,
temporary exhibitions, and multidisciplinary events.

The
building itself is a work of art with geometric lines and curves
reflecting the shapes of the garden. Walking around is an experience as
the inside and outside interact constantly, shifting the outlook of the
venue. They also have an app with updated information, videos, and more.

I could spend hours walking around this building and gardens. This place is a feast to the eyes! 

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Fondation Louis Vuitton – at the top

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Fondation Louis Vuitton – gardens

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Fondation Louis Vuitton
8, Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi Bois de Boulogne – 75116 – Paris
Phone : +33 1 40 69 96 00
Mail: [email protected]

Les Caves Du Louvre

Situated in the heart of Paris, this is a gem of a place to learn about wine. It has eight different rooms in which you can be inspired by the grape. My favourite was the terroirs room, where, ‘dedicated to the sense of touch; you will get to learn about the importance of the soil in wine.’ It is an interactive and educational experience that includes wine tasting.

Les Caves Du Louvre 
52 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001 Paris, France
Phone:+33 9 86 17 28 91

Getting to Paris from London by train

Eurostar is the easiest and most convenient way to travel. It is city centre to city centre travel, fast check-in 30 minutes before departure, and an extra baggage allowance compared to planes. Space and tranquillity on board allows you to work or unwind.

Eurostar operates up to 21 daily services from London St. Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord with one-way fares starting from £29.* The fastest London-Paris journey time is 2hr 15 minutes. Tickets are available from eurostar.com or 03448 224 777.

Standard Premier carriage is quiet and spacious, with a light meal and drinks served at your seat. Standard Premier fares from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord start from £97.50 one-way.*

Eurostar Standard Premier meal.

Disclosure: I was a guest of AtoutFrance and Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau on this trip. All views are my own.