14/12/2010

Holidaying in Paris: Add to the Romance

If you are hoping to take your English teaching skills across to Europe, you could not go too far wrong by checking out all that Paris has to offer. Not only is it under three hours away from London by train, but you will be visiting a city which is compact enough to fit into a long weekend and one which has culture by the bucket load. You can even find cheap hotels which are a stone’s throw away from the city centre, allowing you to enjoy all that this city of romance has to offer.

Travelling to Paris from the UK is as simple as getting on a train. The Eurostar has regular services which stop slap bang in the centre of Paris. You could visit for just a day or two or stay for a longer period. If you are checking out Paris with a view to staying permanently, then the Eurostar is a great way to travel to and from the two countries.

Much like hotels in London, Paris hotels are varied in both price and quality. If you are travelling on a student budget then you can still find accommodation which will suit your limited means. If you have more money to spare or it is a special occasion, then romantic or luxury boutique hotels are easy to find.

For around £70 a night you could stay at the Hotel Beaumarchais in the heart of the city. It is close to the Picasso museum and has everything you would expect from a standard hotel room. The rooms are a good size and are painted in nice bold colours.

Even cheaper is Le Village; a 25-room hostel which boasts views of the Sacre Coeur from its Montmartre location. While you will be sharing a room, a kitchen and the bar area, the friendly atmosphere of the hostel is something to cherish.

If you have a little more to spend, then you might like to try the Murano Resort, which is described as an urban resort complete with a restaurant and DJ bar. The interior has been designed by Raymond Morel and features silvers, reds and a minimalist style. Think Phillipe Stark in terms of the furnishings and take the time to relax in the pool and spa area. This is perfect after a tiring day of sightseeing.

While the hotels in Paris might be satisfying enough for you, it is the heart of the city where the true Parisian experience can be had. Nearly everyone will be familiar with most of Paris’ tourist attractions; but seeing them with your own eyes is something else entirely.

The Eiffel Tower cannot be missed. While the crowds may put you off, a trip up the tower is worthwhile. Built in 1889 for the World Fair, the tower was almost torn down in the early part of last century, as it had served its purpose. However, it was only saved because it was being used for holding antennas for broadcasting. Now it boasts more than six million visitors a year, who either climb their way or take the lift to the top for the amazing views.

For something a little more modern, the Centre Pompidou is a sight to behold. The modern art housed within the centre is one thing, but the building itself is testament to the skills of the architect and designer. With the painted pipework showing the innards of the building on the outside, it is an artwork in its own right and can be enjoyed without even having to step foot inside.

A visit to Paris is never complete without a visit to the Louvre. While the queues may stretch round several corners, the wait is certainly worthwhile. To see those great works of art up close is something which everyone must experience and the Louvre does not disappoint. Even those who have little knowledge of art cannot fail to recognise the odd painting or drawing from its vast collection. Of course the Mona Lisa is its most famous resident and should not be left off the itinerary.

Even if you choose not to visit one of the many attractions, you can easily find yourself drawn in by the general atmosphere of Paris. With the Seine running down the city's middle and a number of ornate bridges crossing at regular intervals; the city is beautiful and interesting at any time of the year.

You can usually find a market or two where there are an abundance of cheap statues of the Eiffel Tower to take home, or you can buy a crepe and sit by the riverside taking in the views. Paris is a city renowned for its artists and is full of students and young people. Simply watching the world go by is worth the price of the ticket.

Of course, food in Paris is wonderful. The restaurants offer standard French cooking and the best wines and it is easy to find great deals for lunchtimes and evening meals. Street cafés permit outside eating and small intimate restaurants are scattered throughout the side streets. You will be spoiled for choice.

The Au Pied de Cochon is famous for its onion soup and its cheap full breakfasts, which are served throughout the week. Or, if you are brave you can try the pigs’ trotters! Prices range from €7 for a starter to €35 for two courses. For dessert, head to the Berthillon for its 70 flavours of ice cream. You can get four scoops for just over €5; enough to share.

Paris is a wonderful place to visit and could be a great place to work as well. The abundance of visitors from around the World makes it perfect for English students or teachers who want to experience a different culture; even if it is just for the weekend.