If you live in London and have two days off work, or few days of your holiday as a visitor, catch EuroStar train at St Pancras station and in two hours, from a heart of London you are in a heart of Paris. I'm not sure why it took me so long to do this, only because it's hard to find someone free at the same time. Then, I was thinking why wouldn't I go on my own and that's what I did. This is short guide how to take most of Paris in two days, literally. I am not talking about bus tours or visiting Eiffel Tower, Louvre... You can find that bit in any tourist guide :) This is Paris trough the eyes of bit old fashion, vintage lover and of course two days were not enough...
On Friday night I have booked the cheapest hotel I could find.The reviews were not ideal but I was thinking let's give it a try. Hotel des Olympiades (www.hoteldesolympiades.com) - lovely old 1920's building located 15 minutes by metro from the Gard du Nord Station, M4 line, stop Simplon, (the hotel is 3 minutes walking distance from the metro station). Small reception, tiny lobby and a lift to the 4th floor. A specious room with high ceilings, huge windows on two sides with heavy yellowish curtains, lovely retro dining table with two chairs, old vintage style cupboard and a bed was all the furniture that was in there. I just loved it. Shame I don't have any picture of that room... except:
 |
...Still, pictured in the room :)
|
 |
...Staircase & Wall Paper...
 |
...The view from the room over the street and Simplon Metro Station.
Highlights:
|
 |
Saturday AM - The most famous flea market in Paris is the one at Porte de
Clignancourt...
|
|
 |
...officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but known to
everyone as Les Puces (The Fleas)...
|
 |
...It covers seven hectares and is the
largest antique market in the world...
|
 |
...15 minutes walking distance from the hotel.
|
Saturday PM - one of the most beautiful spots of Paris, the Seine River quays. And on a summer afternoon it is one of the most charming strolls that you can get in Paris.
Sunday AM - The cemetery - Père Lachaise. It's a beautiful, peaceful place, and really nice to stroll around. It's pretty easy to get there, there's a metro-stop nearby (line
3, stop called 'Père Lachaise, easy to remember). However, it took me around four hours to find Edit Piaf :)
 |
Grave of Theodore Gericault
|
 |
Madam Piaf & Family Grave
|
Sunday, PM - time to catch the train and leave this lovely place. Week-end getaway clears your mind, brings the energy back, opens your horizons. After I came back, someone told me ''but Paris is a city of love, you can't go there on your own''. Yes you can, you take love with you wherever you go, its all in your head.
p.s. All of the photos are taken by phone or simple Nikon camera, God bless Timer :)
