Category: <span>Paris</span>

Paris

Père Lachaise Cemetery – Paris – Jim Morrison

Visiting Paris’s largest cemeteries on a romantic Parisian break may seem slightly morbid to most people, but as a Doors fan in my younger years, I jumped at the chance to pay my respects to the legend himself Jim Morrison.

14352551 10154089976574671 275642045213293592 O

14222313 10154089966939671 2674065400325874219 N

Pere Lachaise was established in 1804 and covers a massive 44 hectares. Alongside it’s spectacularly Gothic crypts, Haussmanian burial chambers and ancient mausoleums also lies the resting place of Oscar Wilde, Chopin and the eccentric and incredible, Edith Piaf. The cemetery itself is still up and running today.

12719214 10154089969154671 6320837893359705793 O

I have to admit I was concerned about how respectful it really is to be taking photos in a cemetery, but as this is one of the most visited cemeteries in the world I had no concerns as the place was quiet literally flooded with tourists.

14457483 10154098239344671 5482509454995573818 N

There are multiple entrances but we got off the underground at Pere Lachaise and then it was just across the road. There are multiple entrances with maps of the main historical points of interest.

14355801 10154098239634671 2317499518103817919 N

The cemetery is literally like a maze and it took us a long, confusing walk before we found Jim Morrisons grave. Unfortunately, due to past vandalism and fans removing the iconic bust on top of his grave, it is now completely surrounded by metal railings.

14369949 10154098261314671 5467601527748546882 N

The grave itself is nestled behind others and it was nice to see so many other people there with flowers still paying their respects nearly 45 years after his death. A rather poignant piece was a copy of his red and white beads draped across the top.

14370225 10154089966544671 765537456070622523 N

I found the whole experience serenely beautiful, and would definitely recommend it. The architecture is incredible and in all honesty, I felt it was strangely comforting that this place is not forgotten about with the bustle of tourists and locals bringing life to the place.

14390797 10154098240389671 35152007573464905 N

14364881 10154098239224671 5105346975643374039 N

I left feeling a lot more comfortable than when I first arrived and passed by another pair of Jim Morrison fans in their 40s carrying white roses on my way out. It seems Jim STILL has a hypnotic hold on people after all these years : )

 

 

Paris

The Most Beautiful Cafe in Paris – Au Vieux

It has to be known as the most beautiful cafe in Paris, with multiple photos cropping up on Instagram and Pinterest. But it wasn’t until my Eurostar trip to Paris last weekend that I realised this floral, picture postcard cafe was only a 15 minute walk away, just nestled behind Notre Dame!

14390977 10154092940934671 2200284469809861455 N

Obviously jumping at the chance to see it in person, we booked a quick lunch to test out the local cuisine, and it didn’t disappoint.

14322672 10154092943659671 1358124119273515729 N

14433148 10154092944889671 4000350996343497736 N

The restaurant/cafe was built in 1512 and used to be home to the head priest of Notre Dame. You can still see church relics on the wall, oddly nestled next to images of Parisian topless showgirls!

14445967 10154092942739671 814181990845573754 N

The printed menu reminded me slightly of some of the other nearby cafes which are complete tourist traps with extortionate prices for mediocre food, but this was nothing of the sort. It was in fact one of the best meals I have had in Paris! We picked the smoked Salmon which was perfectly cooked in a cream and butter sauce, delicious! 14444737 10154092961094671 6424598391923391916 O

14364793 10154092943149671 1835929297991368035 N

Even though the cafe is well hidden down a lane just of the one of the main Islands boulevards, I’d suggest booking early for the best photo opportunities.

14435217 10154092960714671 24446278528156562 O

14354890 10154092944149671 147629299936692352 N

You can contact the restaurant and book on this number, and don’t worry if your French is under par like mine, they speak English : )

Contact – +33 1 40 51 78 52 – 24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris, France

 

paris kong laduree Paris

Paris Bucket List My top 5! – Kong, Laduree

Although the Eiffel Tower is the heart of Paris, Ive been lucky enough to visit a few times and discovered new experiences so here is my top 5 bucketlist for Paris!

Arc Du Triomphe

arc du triomphe at night paris
Arc Du Triomphe

Built roughly in 1810,the Arc is situated at the centre of Place Charles De Gaulle.
The monument was built in honour of those who fought in particular, in the Napoleonic wars. Its well worth the 284 step climb to take in the spectacular bustle of the Parisian streets below and of course… the Eiffel Tower. Entry is roughly 10 Euros.

Kong Restaurant ( Sex & the city )

Kong Restaurant - Paris
Kong – Paris

Sitting at the same table as Carrie Bradshaw? Yes please!
Im a huge Sex and the city fan and seeing as I will not be making the New York tour anytime soon, this was the next best thing! Kong is situated on the 5th floor of the Haussmann building, this designer restaurant has lingering views of the Siene, and is a fusion of Japanese and Parisian culinary delights. The sweet king crab and avocado salad was delicious. As you can already tell, not for one on a budget so more of a special treat, birthday in my case!

Pont Des Arts Bridge

Pont des Arts
Pont des Arts love lock bridge

Tying a love lock and throwing the key into the river Siene in the hope of a true and lasting love has captured the imaginations of millions of visitors to Paris. It is the city of love after all…
As of June this year, the council are planning to remove the locks from the Pont Des Arts Bridge after concerns that the railings have started to collapse due to the weight of them all! 1 million padlocks weighing 45 tonnes to be precise! Not to worry, I give it a week before they start cropping up again.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame our fair lady paris
Notre Dame – Paris

Our Lady of Paris‘ is on Ile de la Cite surrounded by street artists, cheese and wine caverns and your typical tourist shops selling small Eiffel towers. Beautiful views of the adjoining bridges but better known for Notre Dame. Intricate gothic architecture had me rooted to the spot for at least a rare 5 minutes and this was just the arch over the doorway! Definitely recommend a wander around the island and to avoid the chain restaurants to hint down a small bistro instead.

Laduree

Laduree - Paris Macaroons
Laduree – Paris Macaroons

Built in 1871 thanks to the Laduree family,this was a new way at the time for women to go out socially and acquaint with men in an approved elegant setting.
I have never been a what you could call a fan of macaroons until I dined here.
The hot chocolate was exquisite and I could still taste its rich flavour hours later!