I have wanted to go back to Paris since last year, when we've spent 1.5 days there during our honeymoon. Somehow, I felt that I had left a piece of my heart in this magical city, so it's only fair to go and get it back! :):):)
We have had a very tough year financially, so I thought we won't be able to afford such a trip this year. You can imagine how shocked,surprised and delighted I was to get an e-mail from Condorde Hotels HQ - to say that I had won a two nights stay at the luxurious five star Hotel de Crillon in Paris, including breakfast, a bottle of champagne and dinner on one of the evenings included. Wooow! It was an amazing feeling and I couldn't wait to go-go-go-go to Paris!
Well, this week it all happened, in such a way that I couldn't have dreamt for a better trip. :) We started our jouney on Wednesday, and travelled with Eurostar to Paris. It was a very comfortable journey, and I was truely amazed how quickly it got us into the center of the city; a really conveninent and sress free route from London to Europe.
At around 2pm we arrived to the hotel, some three hours after leaving London. Being a little earlier than planned we had to wait an hour for our room, as check in starts at 3pm, but it was well worth it! The suite was spectacular, with a view to the Eiffel tower, a spacious living area, lovely bedroom and massive luxury bathroom! I was truly amazed, especially with a fruit bowl on the table and a nice gift from the hotel of a scented candle.
As we wanted to make the most of our time in Paris, we quickly got changed, and went out to discover the Montmarte district of "old" City. This is a great artistic area, with sweet little restaurant, shops and historic sites. Also, the beautiful cathedral of Sacre de Coeur which is a real must see! :) We had a long wander through the atmospheric streets and then had supper in a very touristy spot, though we were pleasantly pleased with the quality of the food. :)
The next day we thought that we would take in some more tourist spots and a little culture! First visiting the famous Musee D'Orsay impressionist museum before going on to the Eiffel tower. The plan was - we go to the top of the tower to enjoy the fantastic view of Paris. I was confident and brave...until we got into the lifts...I suffer from vertigo, so had the most horrifying few minutes of my life...
We have had a very tough year financially, so I thought we won't be able to afford such a trip this year. You can imagine how shocked,surprised and delighted I was to get an e-mail from Condorde Hotels HQ - to say that I had won a two nights stay at the luxurious five star Hotel de Crillon in Paris, including breakfast, a bottle of champagne and dinner on one of the evenings included. Wooow! It was an amazing feeling and I couldn't wait to go-go-go-go to Paris!
Well, this week it all happened, in such a way that I couldn't have dreamt for a better trip. :) We started our jouney on Wednesday, and travelled with Eurostar to Paris. It was a very comfortable journey, and I was truely amazed how quickly it got us into the center of the city; a really conveninent and sress free route from London to Europe.
At around 2pm we arrived to the hotel, some three hours after leaving London. Being a little earlier than planned we had to wait an hour for our room, as check in starts at 3pm, but it was well worth it! The suite was spectacular, with a view to the Eiffel tower, a spacious living area, lovely bedroom and massive luxury bathroom! I was truly amazed, especially with a fruit bowl on the table and a nice gift from the hotel of a scented candle.
As we wanted to make the most of our time in Paris, we quickly got changed, and went out to discover the Montmarte district of "old" City. This is a great artistic area, with sweet little restaurant, shops and historic sites. Also, the beautiful cathedral of Sacre de Coeur which is a real must see! :) We had a long wander through the atmospheric streets and then had supper in a very touristy spot, though we were pleasantly pleased with the quality of the food. :)
The next day we thought that we would take in some more tourist spots and a little culture! First visiting the famous Musee D'Orsay impressionist museum before going on to the Eiffel tower. The plan was - we go to the top of the tower to enjoy the fantastic view of Paris. I was confident and brave...until we got into the lifts...I suffer from vertigo, so had the most horrifying few minutes of my life...
But I think looking back at the photos, it was worth to go to the very top, even if it was really scary..!
Later that day, champagne before dinner - a serious French affair! The French really know how to serve champagne too! I was amazed when the waiter arrived with a tray of pettit fours, neat thin glasses with fresh strawberries in them and the wonderful taste of the expensive pink fizz. Magnifique! :)
Then off for supper at the famous l'Obe restaurant inside the Hotel Crillon as part of our prize! As a foodie, I was really looking forward to it, and did my best to dress up suitably for the occasion! Well, the chef didn't disappoint!!!!
As a starter, we had carrot & orange cream soup, sprinkled with pistachio! It was followed with a light white fish starter, acompanied with the most wonderful white wine I have ever tasted :) I really wish I had written down the name of the wine; but doubt it's available in the UK! As a main course, we had roasted lamb chops (pink in the middle, yum) accompanied by a fruity red claret (again - a top wine). For dessert we picked a lovely double chocolate cake and freshly made, light and so beautifully fluffy mille fuille - absolutely worth the 1000 calories it undoubtably contained! Coffee and chocolates rounded off the meal, leaving us feeling really pleasantly full.
As a starter, we had carrot & orange cream soup, sprinkled with pistachio! It was followed with a light white fish starter, acompanied with the most wonderful white wine I have ever tasted :) I really wish I had written down the name of the wine; but doubt it's available in the UK! As a main course, we had roasted lamb chops (pink in the middle, yum) accompanied by a fruity red claret (again - a top wine). For dessert we picked a lovely double chocolate cake and freshly made, light and so beautifully fluffy mille fuille - absolutely worth the 1000 calories it undoubtably contained! Coffee and chocolates rounded off the meal, leaving us feeling really pleasantly full.
Before setting off for home on our last day, we took a pleasant stroll through the Trullerie gardens around Louvre, and enjoyed a sunny but breezy last few hours in Paris.
Ahhhh, such sweet memories! I am a really lucky person to have experienced such a fantastic journey!!! Now, I just need to find another way to go back to Paris again - soon! :)
This blog post is an entry in the Travelizer competition! :)
