Paris, France
France
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| Image 1: Eiffel Tower, Paris |
Paris, France
The summer of 2014 was initially planned to be a summer spent in Canada - to visit my brother but somehow we ended up in Europe. It all started with a delay in getting our Canadian visa approved in time to book our flights to Canada, so my mum ended up cancelling the whole trip and made changes to visit Europe instead.
Our first stop - Paris. Paris was definitely one of the top cities to visit in my list as a child. Growing up, I'd always thought of how amazing it would feel to wake up in a city as beautiful as Paris and when I got there, my imaginations did not fail to be proven in reality. Paris is just as astonishing as how I'd picture it, if not better.
Paris was still a little chilly during the summer. Temperatures would go as low as 16 degrees (yes, my tolerance to the cold isn't exactly great - I come from a tropical country!) However, some might say that it was the perfect weather to be visiting "The City of Lights" as its neither too hot nor cold.
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| Image 2: Palais de Justice, Paris
Day 1 in Paris mostly consisted of us exploring central Paris as we were pretty tired from our 12-hour flight. Palais de Justice occupies 4 hectares of land and is spread out to over different floors making up almost 200,000 meter square (24 kilometres of corridors, 7,000 doors and more than 3,150 windows). Talk about getting lost in here! Could you imagine if this was actually your home?
Well, Palais de Justice was indeed the home to royalty and a long time residence of the King. The King had all the legislative and executive power as well as judiciary authority. The Palais de Justice is what remains of the Royal Palace. Situated between the Gothic royal Sainte-Chapelle chapel and the former Conciergerie prison, the Palais de Justice is infamous for its role as a public execution during the French Revolution.
For more information on Saint-Chapelle, visit the site below:
http://www.sainte-chapelle.fr/en/ (Entry Fee per adult is priced at RM46)
For more information on Conciergerie Paris, visit the site below:
http://www.paris-conciergerie.fr/en/ (Entry Fee per adult is priced at RM41)
Note: A combined ticket for Saint-Chapelle and Conciergerie Paris would be RM69
Next, the Notre-Dame de Paris - also called Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre-Dame is a cathedral church in Paris which is identified as the most "Gothic" cathedrals of the Middle Ages and is distinguished for its antiquity, size and architectural interest. Constructed between 12th and 14th centuries, Notre Dame has centuries of history built into its stones.
The gothic dark-like cathedral reflects its scars from the French Revolution and its long connection to the monarchy - a connection which almost resulted to its demolishment in the 12th century. Today, thousands of visitors and tourists from all across the globe enters its doors to photograph its intricate rose windows and flying buttresses.
For more information on Notre-Dame de Paris visit the site below:
https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/ (Admission to Notre Dame is Free, but visitors need tickets to enter the tower and the crypt)
For tour packages to Notre-Dame de Paris, visit the site below:
http://www.notre-dame-tickets.com
There's truly something special about Paris as you wonder around its streets. It's friendly people, beautifully designed buildings and classy cafes - Paris is one of those cities that you could never really get bored with as it offers you a new discovery at every little corner you wind up in. So much to learn and explore by just taking a stroll.
Now, if you're not so keen to walk around and get tired while doing so, another alternative for your to explore Paris' sightseeing scene is to hop onto the river cruise. Seine Cruise is one of the most popular river cruises that tourists take to see Paris. The short river cruise will allow you to see many highlights of the city - such as The Louvre, The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Museé d'Orsay.
For more information on Seine River Cruise, visit the site below:
http://www.seine-river-cruises.com
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| Image 9: Trocadero Square, Paris |
Ultimately, Trocadero Square offers some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and is a must visit for photographers, especially if you're seeking to capture the perfect shot of the iconic tower. Most picturesque photos you find from the internet, books, magazines and postcards are mostly taken from this square. Be it during the sunrise or sunset, your photos are bound to be spectacular from this point!
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| Image 10: Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square |
As you make your way closer towards the Eiffel, you would notice that the structure of the Eiffel Tower looks magnificent in almost any angle you choose to see it. The Eiffel Tower also stands very tall amongst its low and green surroundings - making it that much more magnificent as you can truly appreciate its beauty and art. Its no wonder why the Eiffel is one of the most visited landmarks in the world!
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| Image 11: Eiffel Tower, Paris |
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| Image 12: Eiffel Tower Building Structure |
Being the hot spot of Paris and a tourist trap, it's important to bare in mind that the areas surrounding the Eiffel Tower is also a known spot to be a trap set by scammers and syndicates. Being a foreigner, its common to get bombarded by some of the locals selling key chains or asking non-certified donations at an unreasonable amount. Hence, be wary with these types of scams to avoid any unnecessary drama or discomfort during your trip.
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| Image 13: Inside Eiffel Tower, Paris |
For more information on Eiffel Tower, visit the site below:
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en (Tickets for access to the top are priced at RM115 per adult)
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Image 14: View from the second floor
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After half a morning spent at the Eiffel itself, it was time for lunch as we were all really hungry. We decided to head to Galleries Lafayette Department Store to have our lunch. Located near Opera Garner, Galleries Lafayette, the vast and remarkable complex is known to be an essential stop for fashion enthusiasts. If you're looking for the latest high fashion collection or the trendiest-looking cosmetics, then Galleries Lafayette is the place for you!
Besides that, Galleries Lafayette is also the home to Paris' gourmet food markets - Lafayette Gourmet. A must to try for all you foodies to get some insight for some of Frances' signature dishes. Modelled after a Middle Eastern Bazaar, the store is an ideal place to stock up on scrumptious French items and mini souvenirs.
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| Image 17: Galleries Lafayette Department Store, Paris |
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| Image 18: Galleries Lafayette Dome |
https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/
After a fulfilling lunch, we were back on track to explore more of what Paris had in-store. Our next stop - Paris Garnier , 1,979 seat opera house which was built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera. Located just a few minutes walk away from Galleries Lafayette, Paris Garner is one of the crowning attractions of the Opera-Haussmann neighbourhood.
Paries Garnier, or simple Paris Opera is an architectural treasure and an essential spot for the city's ballet and classical music scene. Hence, if you're a fan of the Parisian Opera such as Mozart's The Magic Flute or La Traviata, then you may want to consider a stop to the Paris Opera.
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Image 20: Inside Paris Garnier
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https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier (Entry fee per adult is priced at RM56)
After a short but satisfying visit to the Paris Garnier, we then made our way to our next stop which was the Centre Pompidou. Centre Pompidou is a futuristic building and is one of the most visited museums in France.
Situated at the 4th arrondissement at the heart of the French capital, Centre Pompidou has been the source of many criticisms - some called it an eyesore, others praised its high-tech architecture which uses massive steel struts and colourful pipe lines. All in all, it really up to each individual on how he or she chooses to interpret the art of Centre Pompidou.
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Image 22: Centre Pompidou, Paris
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Centre Pompidou is also home to the National Museum of Modern Art and is internationally renowned for its 20th and 21st century art collections. The works of iconic artists are displayed over two sections; the modern period, from 1905 to 1960 (Picasso, Matisse, Dubuffet) and the contemporary period, from 1960 to the present day (Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Niki de Saint Phalle).
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| Image 24: Centre Pompidou Art Pieces |
For more information on Centre Pompidou, visit the site below:
https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en (Museum and exhibition tickets are priced at RM64 per adult)
Now to Day 3 in Paris which also happens to be our last full day in Paris (as we were making our way to our next stop in Europe) - the long awaited Paris Disneyland.
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| Image 25: Disneyland Paris |
Located in Marne-la-Vallée, Disneyland Paris is an entertainment resort comprising of two theme parks, resort hotels, a shopping and dining complex and a golf course all in one place. Disneyland Park is the original theme park which opened its doors on the 12th of April, 1992. Whereas, Walt Disney Studio Park is its second theme park which opened its doors in 2002 - 10 years later.
Disneyland Park is similar to all the other Disneyland Park located across the world with its standard rides and overall theme. Typically catered more towards kids and young adolescents, Disneyland Park is the place to bring your kids or younger siblings out for a fun time. Even as adults, the park offers a variety of full-themed areas that can be a good opportunity for a photo op or just to enjoy the overall light and fun mood of it all.
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| Image 26: Hollywood Tower of Terror |
The most thrilling ride that Disneyland Park Paris has to offer is the Hollywood Tower of Terror. Similarly designed as the other Tower of Terrors in other Disneyland Parks, Hollywood Tower of Terror is a ride perfect for all you adrenaline junkies (like myself) and definitely one you would want to go on multiple times because its that good!
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| Image 27: Walt Disney Studios Paris |
Walt Disney Studios Paris would attract a more older crowd, though still very Disney focuses more on the magical scenes of Disney film and television. From legendary moments at Toon Studio to crazy effects of the Backlot, Walt Disney Studios consists of 5 production zones which would bound to get your inner-child pumped out!
The one unique attraction in Walt Disney Studios Paris has its very own addition of "Ratatouille: The Adventure." This award winning ride celebrates the culture and architecture of France and features new animation sequences that were created by Pixar especially to bring the characters from Ratatouille to life on this attraction.
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| Image 28: Ratatouille The Adventure |
One of the best parts about Disneyland (no matter which Disneyland you happen to be at) which most of you would definitely agree on are their Light Shows which happens just before the park closes - and Paris Disneyland is no different. The Disney Illuminations at Disneyland Paris night-time spectacular lasts approximately 20 minutes.
The Disneyland Illumination began in 2017 replacing Disney Dreams and is said to run most-likely until April 2022, as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary. The state of the art projection on the castle showcases amazing techniques which incorporates the usage of water fountains and musical effects - fully immersing you to a spectacular show and the best part of it all is that its totally FREE.
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| Image 29: Disneyland Paris Castle at night |
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| Image 30: Disneyland Paris Illumination Show |
What a spectacular way to end the night! Disneyland Paris is nothing short but magical, a place solely for all things fun in life. It was also the perfect way to end our trip in Paris leaving us with the best memories to keep as we move onto our next stop. Paris, Je t'aime, 'til next time!
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