I was recently invited to experience Eurostar on a day trip to Paris and was reminded how easy it is to travel right into the heart of Paris in just over 2 hours. It was an early start though so, to really appreciate your trip, would recommend you stay at least a couple of nights. I met my fellow travellers outside the Business Premier check-in and we were escorted through to the lounge. Check-in was quick and easy and a few minutes later we were enjoying coffee and croissants in the lounge! On board we were offered breakfast with tea or coffee and orange juice – but, depending on the time of day you travel, you could enjoy a three course dinner. Food is locally and sustainably sourced and is designed with Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc, who has collaborated on the menus.
We arrived in Paris refreshed and ready to explore, so armed with my open top bus ticket and map set off to discover the city. Travelling around Paris is very easy either using the Metro or the hop-on, hop-off buses – a bus pass costs around 32 Euros – with over 50 stops and 4 different tour routes you can explore the areas of Montparnasse, Montmatre, Bastille or do the Paris Grand Tour. This was a day trip so I didn’t have a great deal of time, but I managed to get to the Eiffel tower passing by Musee du Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee d’Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe crossing the Seine a few times before finally arriving. (Note to self: must come back again with my husband)!
Unfortunately I didn’t have enough time to visit the Pont des Arts which is buckling under the weight of thousands of padlocks which have been attached to the bridge as expressions of love. Vendors sell the locks which are inscribed with the lovers names and the key thrown into the river, a modern day equivalent to carving your name on a tree!
We were due to meet back at Gare du Nord at 4:15pm, but I had enough time to enjoy a lovely bowl of Bouillabaisse at Terminus Nord, a café opposite the station, before catching the train back to St Pancras. Check out our website for hotels in Paris, from small boutique style to luxury hotels there is something to suite all budgets. Many of the hotel packages include transport with Eurostar, the fastest and easiest way to lose yourself in the most romantic city in the world! Whether your love is of art, architecture, fashion, food or music remember “whoever does not visit Paris regularily will never really be elegent.” – Honore de Balzac. For more information call us on 01932 866565 or email
