The most romantic spots in Paris

By Go City Expert

Head to Paris with your loved one for a weekend to remember

Nicknamed the City of Love, Paris is the ultimate place to head to if you're looking for a romantic getaway with your partner - and it won't take long for you to realise why. Home of the French kiss, this amorous city is full of picturesque places that are perfect for a smooch, slow dance and intimate picnic; while the architecture, food and culture are also sure to get you in the mood for love, too. Our personal favourite hot-spots in Paris for a stolen kisses and affections are... Love-lock bridges It’s not a secret that strolling along the banks of a river goes hand in hand (pardon the pun) with lingering gazes and romantic gestures; and with the Seine being one of the most picturesque in Europe, central Paris is a great place to get loved up. Snaking its way through the city's most iconic landmarks, the river Seine is arched by several bridges, with the Pont des Arts & Pont de l’Archeveche being among the most romantic. Both have become more famous now as the love-lock bridges of Paris, where couples can symbolise their amour éternel by locking padlocks to the bridge. Superstition has it that you should throw the key into the Seine and it will bind you together forever. Catch the sun as it sets for a spectacular view and undeniable romantic experience! Montmartre If you want to sweep your partner off their feet then the climb to the top of the Montmartre hill. You’re guaranteed breath-taking views across the city and you’ll see why the area was so popular with the artistic community of Paris during the 18th and 19th centuries. Did you know it was the local haunt of Picasso and Dali? Stop off at the Sacré Coeur Basilica, while the famous Wall of I Love Yous can be found in a small public garden just behind the Place des Abbesses. Written onto the wall are thousands of love messages left by visitors from across the world, so whether you want to say 'je t'aime', 'te quiero' or simply 'I love you', why not add to it and fix your love on the wall permanently... The food of love French cuisine has long been associated with romance, with Paris being known for its highly refined palette. Dining out in the French capital is the perfect way to set the tone for a passionate city break and you'll find plenty of aphrodisiacs on the menu. If you’re a fan of shellfish, you should opt for oysters – a well-known turn-on – which can be sampled at many of Paris's most luxurious restaurants. Wash it down with some French champagne, too, to top it all off! Fizzy equals flirty...

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Best things to do for kids in Paris

Explore Paris’ top museums and attractions for children Taking kids on holiday is both a blessing and a burden sometimes – let’s be honest. But there’s nothing better than being able to show them the sites of some of the most extiting and enriching cities, like Paris, to help form them as they grow up. With plenty to see and do in Paris, its sometimes hard to find the best things to do for kids. You know they don’t want to be dragged around some of the largest art galleries in the city, so it’s best to arrive in Paris prepared with an itinerary of child-friendly museums and attractions. Fortunately, visitors to the French capital won't have to worry too much about finding something to keep their kids entertained. We’ve listed some of our favourite family orientated museums and experiences for both the kids and their parents – and ultimately to help you all make the most of your holiday... Musé e de l'Air et de L'Espace The Museum of Air and Space is the perfect place to head to if you want to fire your kids' imaginations, with all sorts of fascinating and exciting inventions. From your ‘everyday’ aeroplanes, like the Boeing 747, to the iconic Concorde - even a few spacecraft - the museum is home to more than 350 flying contraptions, so you’ll be sure to find something something that your little ones will find entertaining. Located at Paris-Le Bourget airport, the museum even has an area that's specifically for kids between the ages of 6 and 12, where all manner of activities are on offer. These range from sitting in the cockpit of a plane, to learning all about the way that space stations work. Great for inspiring the inner astronaut! La Cité des Enfants Located inside the world-famous Cité des Sciences, the Science Museum - which is one of the best facilities for scientific exploration on the planet - this designated kids area is full of interactive exhibits which are designed to help kids learn about the way the world works, without even realising it. All sorts of fantastic toys and games can be found here, helping visitors to enhance their understanding of science on a practical level. If you've got children over the age of 12, you may want to check out some of the museum's other exhibits that offer a range of fascinating discoveries waiting to be made at this mind-blowing attraction. Centre Pompidou This wacky museum is famous for its quirky façade as much as what’s on the inside. A sore spot for some Parisians, most love Centre Pompidou with its multicolour scaffolding effect. An eye catching monument and museum, it’s hard for your kids not to be awed by the sheer scale of the construction, not to mention the entertainment provided on the street by various entertainers from jugglers to buskers. Within the builder, however, there’s plenty to explore. There’s a fantastic range of exhibitions and attractions that are perfect for adults and children alike. The Children's Gallery is the best place to start your discovery of this world-famous art gallery en famille, with all manner of engaging workshops and interactive activities for little ones to take part in. Grevin Wax Museum Ever wanted to meet your sporting hero; have a picture with your idol; or even meet the President of the United States? Well, at Grevin Wax Museum you can do all of the above. Except these people are wax figures – but you don’t have to let on! The kids will love the realistic imitations of these famous faces and there are plenty of photo opportunities. Enjoy a tour of the museum and learn about the process of making one of these wax works, all the way from the moulding to the make-up. It’s one of Paris’ most popular attractions – both for kids and adults alike! With the Paris Pass you can visit all of the above attractions for free! Enjoy the wax figures of Grevin Museum, or explore the crazy world of space – your kids will love Paris by the end of it, and you’ll be happier parents, too. Find out more, here...
Go City Expert
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What's on: Summer at the Louvre

Events and exhibitions at the Louvre As the world's most famous and prestigious art gallery, the Louvre is a no-brainer and a definite must-see in Paris. Whether you’re a culture vulture, or merely just want to catch a glimpse of the famous Mona Lisa, the Louvre Museum is an iconic monument, landmark and museum. Did you know that Napoleon renamed the Louvre to Musée Napoleon during his reign? And who knew the building was originally the building built as a fortress in 1190? There’s so much history behind this classic French building that is there to be explored, not to mention among its 35,000 works of art! The Louvre is a great gallery to visit, and nestled within the Tuileries Gardens it’s the perfect place for a picnic, too. With a fantastic programme of exhibitions and events held throughout the year, this summer is set to be no different – but perhaps even better. Let’s take a look at what’s on this summer at the Louvre, so you can start planning ahead: The Treasury of the Abbey of Saint Maurice d’Agaune, 14th March - 16th June, 2014 As a substitute for the Abbey, the Louvre has been granted permission to exhibit major pieces from the treasury housed in the Swiss Canton of Valais which will be celebrating its 1,500 years of existence in September. In this exhibition you can admire major pieces of art and artefacts of this religious community that have stood the test of time over a century and a half; the oldest community of its kind in the West. Birth of a Museum Louvre Abu Dhabi, 2nd May - 28th July, 2014 Louvre Abu Dhabi is premiering the best of its new collection in Paris, the first time it’s ever even come to France. 150 of the finest pieces of art will be curated and displayed in Paris, in the exhibition Birth of a Museum, including an Iranian gold bracelet that’s 3,000 years old, an Italian brooch from the 5th century, as well as Jordaen works of art, pieces from Manet, Twombly and Picasso. Louvre Abu Dhabi isn’t actually opening until December 2015 where it will be a revolutionary museum at ‘the crossroads of civilizations’. So head to the Louvre to get a sneak-peak and watch this space. Claude Lévêque - the Biggest Tent in the World, 2nd April - 2nd January, 2015 Housed in the space under the iconic glass pyramid to provide visitors to the exhibition with a ‘powerful visual and sensory shock’. Guest artist in residence, Lévêque, wanted to slice the air underneath the pyramid with his favourite medium: neon. Expect a very contemporary take on art and prepare for the unconventional. The Biggest Tent in the World is a runner up to an intervention extending into autumn 2015 where he’ll take on the underground moat of the medieval part of the Louvre. With plenty to see and do at the Louvre this summer, there’s really no excuse not to visit. From ancient Christian communities to a sneak peak of one of the world’s most exiting museums opening next year, there’s plenty for everyone. With a Paris Pass you can skip the lines and flash your Paris Museum pass for free entry! That’s a saving of €12 per adult. Find out more, here...
Go City Expert
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10 Tips on How to Overcome Jet Lag

Traveling is for the brave. Conquering the airport maze alone is gold medal-worthy sometimes. Of course, then there’s the long haul flight and another airport to navigate through. Once you’ve finally crossed the exit line and reached your destination, that's when exhaustion sets in. Time zone hopping can be disorienting and jet lag doesn't help matters. In this article, we’ll list tips on how to overcome jet lag, and help you make the most out of your fabulous vacation, or business trip! Avoid caffeine as much as possible Now, let’s all calm down here, we are not suggesting that coffee lovers avoid their magic morning potion! That might promote all-out anarchy. By all rights, you will most likely need a cup of joe to fortify yourself for the trip to the airport while also preventing insanity. However, we recommend that you don't drink caffeine while at the airport or onboard your flight. OK, maybe in the morning, right before you land. Naturally, caffeine might keep you wired on the plane, and you need your beauty sleep after all! Commit to your new time zone in advance Congratulations! You’ve made it through the airport labyrinth, security checks, and the long wait. Now you’re seated on the plane and ready to set sail on a grand adventure. As soon as you sit down while watching others awkwardly file through and find their seats, set your watch and phone to the local time of your destination. Why? You are preparing yourself psychologically and getting in the zone. (Sorry, couldn’t resist that one). For the next few hours, you will be hurtling through the sky in a metal machine at high speeds, which in itself is a marvel. Except for the passing of the drink and food trolley, the time has no meaning anymore. You are in the no man’s land of in-between, might as well enjoy the ride and think about where you're headed. Try to get some Zzzs on the plane and be cosy It may not be easy, but do try to get some shut-eye on the plane, especially if it’s a night flight. Neck pillows can help a lot with this because, as we all know, sleeping on an airplane is torturous. Of course, this might be easier said than done. Oftentimes airlines will provide eye masks. Just in case, you might want to bring your own. Earplugs are also a godsend, especially if there are tiny travellers aboard. Or if your neighbours feel like chatting. The horror. Since the cabins are cold, also dress in layers and bring a cuddly scarf or small blanket. Now that you're as comfy as you can be, swaddled, and both light and sound have been blocked out, hopefully, dreamland will arrive swiftly. Resist the urge to nap at the other end How to overcome jet lag? Resist napping at all costs because you will have an even harder time adjusting to the new time zone. We know, you’ve crossed oceans and hurdles and eaten terrible airplane food, surely a little nap won’t do any harm? Don’t let the siren song of sleep tempt you! Do yourself a favour and hold off for as long as you can. You can do it! Take a shower Ever notice how that airplane smell of recycled air gets into your clothes and hair? Ewww. After checking into your hotel or Air BnB, do yourself a solid and take a shower directly. Not only is it wonderful to wash off the travel grime, starting the day in a new country feeling fresh is the way to go. A shower is one of the best ways to wake up and re-energize! So hit the reset button, and start your day over again. Change your clothes and get on out there. Move Keep it moving! That’s right, the only weapon against fighting the urge to get some much-needed sleep is putting one foot in front of the other and getting outside. The fresh air will do you a world of good. Also, the sunlight will help your body get in tune with the new surroundings. If you're wondering how to overcome jet lag, this is possibly the most important tip. Once you're out there, the destination city will stimulate your senses, and possibly distract you from the fact that you are totally exhausted. I’m not suggesting you run a marathon, or that you hit the Louvre as soon as you arrive from overseas, not at all. Just gently reminding you that a rolling stone gathers no moss, or some kind of proverb like that. Wake up the next day at a normal time You’re not in Kansas anymore, unless you’re traveling to Kansas that is. Try to stay awake for as long as you can in your new time zone. Though it’s not a big deal if you pass out after dinner time. But do set your alarm to wake up at a normal hour in the morning and stick to it! Not going to lie, the first morning may be kind of rough. Although being active is important, be gentle with yourself on your trip scheduling the first full day. Having one outing planned can be quite nice, but marching like a drill sergeant will wear you out even more. What is melatonin? People rave about this stuff while traveling, and the hype is real. Melatonin is the natural hormone found in our bodies that regulates sleep patterns. In pill form, it is used to help sort out irregular sleep schedules, insomnia, shift work, and jet lag. Otherwise known as: this stuff will knock you out. The online reviews are favourable. And having personally tried melatonin, it does work! Having said that, please speak with a healthcare professional before taking supplements or medication of any kind. Keep hydrated This goes without saying. Drinking lots of water at the airport, on the airplane and when you arrive is possibly the best thing you can do for yourself. The downside? Yes, there will be many trips to the bathroom. The upside, you won’t feel like a freeze-dried former version of yourself. Hydrating is always a good idea, and your voyage has put your body through a lot. So do yourself a favour and make h2o your friend. Cheers to your good health! Eat small and healthy meals We’re not talking about the loathsome airplane food here. Buying healthy snacks to take on the plane is a good call. Also, eating smaller and vitamin-rich food is key on the day that you arrive. Conversely, eating a heavy meal loaded with carbs might make you sleepy. Thus you will be more inclined to head back to your hotel early. Noooooo! We want to avoid that as much as humanly possible! Load up on veggies and fruits. Heck, throw a smoothie in there if you’re feeling ambitious. Also, if you’re travelling to France, we do recommend cheese at all times... because, France. In conclusion In closing, whether you need to stay alert for business meetings or want to maximise your dream vacation time, why not follow these tips on how to overcome jet lag like a champ? As an aside, and for the love of all that is sacred, please bring hand sanitizer with you while traveling. You certainly don’t want to be battling both a cold and jet lag at the same time, nobody has time for that. We’ve been there and it is morose. Are you planning a trip to France? If so, why not check out all that The Paris Pass has to offer?
Erin Hagen

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