A leap over to Paris

Bonjour Paris! As we all know, when we hear Paris, we instantly think, high end fashion brands, the Eiffel tower and chic Parisians strutting their style down Champs-Élysées, but Paris has much more to offer. From food to fashion, art to music, mid-nineteenth century architecture to random graffiti tiling located around Paris, lights up this beautiful city.

Lets begin with the MUSTS:
Central Paris is divided into districts where it is very important that you research about places to go before you arrive. With Paris being a HUGE city, the most appropriate way to get around is by the underground. I do say the MOST APPROPRIATE, but I must add that it isn't the best running system that I have experienced and not the most comfortable. My only advice is, don't forget to bring your iPod, it will be your only distraction that keeps you away from the smell of urine down every subway tunnel leading to the platform, but despite the pungent smell, it is the most efficient way to get around.

Shopping in Paris is the same as eating Peking duck in Beijing. Despite the high end brands, Paris is enriched with small boutiques, local urban brands and au courant concept stores. The first stop is the Marais district which is located in district 3 and 4. Here you will find all the small french boutiques located around Rue Charlot and Vielle Du Temple where you will not be disappointed with any of the stores, but like every girl, I have my top picks. Le Bouclard on 15 Rue Charlot is a small urban wear boutique where underground local urban brands in combination with Raf Simons are enhanced on the wooden hangers scattered around the shop. To top it off, you will also be pleasantly greeted by a personal shar pei as a doorman. On the same street at 68 Rue Charlot, prominent Parisian urban brand Surface To Air display there creative printed shirts along with sophisticated tailored coats and jeans. Their unique style and innovative approach to their collection is seen through both the aesthetics of the store and in their gorgeous garments.

After shopping in small boutiques it is now time to grasp and experience the essence of a high-end concept store, Colette, 213 Rue Saint-Honoré. At Colette, fashion mixes with music, food, books, magazines and art. With Colette being one the most famous concept stores in the world, when you walk through the doors you now know what everyone raves on about. With a minimalist shop design, the interior and collective items inside speak for itself. Limited edition music, garments, books you name it, designed and made especially for Colette gives that extra spark to this special store. Its mixture of high-end urban wear, BBC, Neighborhood and PAM and high-end fashion house brands such as Balenciaga and Lanvin contribute to the outstanding formation of this store, not to mention the gorgeous childrens corner located on the top floor.

After the shopping expedition, a good way to relax without the shopping bags is by heading to the contemporary museum Palais de Tokyo, 13 Avenue du Président Wilson. Its 19th century architecture is seen from the outside, but don't let the old building deceive you. When entering the building, your eyes will instantly be attracted to the raw material used to create all the products and installations around the museum. With Paris enriched with famous museums and galleries, you will not be disappointed by any of the galleries or museums.

Something that you might not be used to hearing are the 'quite' places of Paris. As we all know, being in a vibrant and upbeat city, where on earth do you go for just the simple 'stroll in the park.' The answer to that is, Jardin de Luxemburg located in the 6th district. When Parisians want some time-out or go for a simple jog to test out their Nike+Ipod sneakers, Jardin de Luxemburg is fully equip in size and provides you with the calm atmosphere you are longing for. When taking the stroll around, take notice of the chairs located at every resting point in the park, they are all the same green garden chair that looks as if it belongs on the patio instead of a park.

An Unforgettable culinary experience:
When experiencing the taste of France confit de canard (duck confit) is one taste that you wish could stay in your mouth for the rest of the day. Le Pavé, 7 Rue Lombards is a restaurant located in the 3rd district that specializes in duck confit. The sauteed potatoes and mushroom only compliment the crispy duck leg that is served on your plate.

Another hit on the list is Le 404, 69 Rue Gravilliers in district 3. Here you will experience the vibrant flavours and rustic feel of North Africa, Morocco in particular. With everything on the menu worth choosing, the tangines and the lamb skewer with cous cous with your side of sweet yet minty Moroccan tea are definite combination's that are enticing to the eye. After a very gratifying dinner, a pleasant drink in an ambient bar is an enjoyable way to end your day. Head down to district 1 to 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny where you will find Le Fumior, a cozy bar which feels as if you are relaxing in a 19th century library. With killer margarita's and a side batch of olives and cashew nuts as a welcoming dish, this upscale yet intimate bar will accommodate you with the pleasant and tranquil end to the evening.

Last minute tips for Paris:
As for Paris, there aren't any don'ts or must not's in Paris, just make sure you do your research on places, opening times and if there are any public holidays during your stay in Paris. There is nothing worse then traveling all the way to Paris to find out that everything is closed for the weekend or for the public holiday, heads up, Europe has quite a few public holidays. Just remember that if you happen to be taking a train and landing in Gard du Nord, don't trust anyone that is trying to sell you metro tickets or any form of tickets. You will realise that there are all different lines and connections that pass through the metro's where you might buy the wrong ticket for the wrong train. It might take some time, but it is better that you wait in line at the information desk where you can ask specifically which ticket will best suit your stay, your in France for goodness sakes, no one speaks English, or if they can, they just don't prefer to speak english, it's better to be safe than sorry.

For all you blackberry and iPhone users that are in need of free wireless and for those who can't go without checking your email for even a day, head down to district 3 close to the George Pompidou museum where nearly every cafe has a wireless sticker outside the window. You will find your business man or your student tapping away on their iPhone, or on their laptop like me.

We have all seen the picture perfect postcard of the Eiffle tower or the Lourve and in some sense, Paris is exactly as what you expect, but behind all that, it is evident that Paris is trying to unveil its urban and underground scene to show us that it's not only all about the high-end fashion (although you don't see me complaining) but the art, food, architecture, music, bars, people, language etc that lightens up the picture postcard that we have all seen.

On an end note, you will never run out of things to do in Paris, instead you will run out of time and money before you have seen everything. As they say in french Avoir un bon voyage et bonne chance (Good bye, have a safe trip and good luck!)

Signing out