When Airbnb Comes Through - Paris Apartment Views Don't Get Any Better Than This!

My first post of 2017! I hope you are all doing fabulous. It's been a little quiet on the blog due to being busy with work and travelling between London and Oxford. Hopefully, this will now settle down as I now have an apartment in Oxford, which makes life a little easier with travel while I finish my Formula 1 project. In my last post, I shared a yearly review of travel and adventures from 2016. The travel adventures continue even though I had to cancel a trip to Milan and Lugano, this year still killed off with a trip to Lisbon in January and then February saw a trip to Florence. More pictures of those trips to come soon.

Paris apartment views don't get any better than this, that's for sure. I thought I would share pictures of the beautiful apartment I rented in my last visit to Paris. Paris is well known for its beautiful balconies and this little beauty I rented didn’t disappoint. I booked it via Airbnb and shared a couple of reasons to use Airbnb when you travel. During this visit, I travelled with a couple of photographer friends and one of them took the portraits of me below. The views were perfect, such a shame that my fiancé with on this trip but it was a treat to have Laku Davies create magic on the lens! I absolutely love these shots. We have since been Lisbon together so I can’t wait to share her pictures with you.

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Where to Stay In Paris | Parisian Weekends with Views of Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe

Usually I complain about not visiting Paris as much as I should considering its only an hour and a half on the EuroStar. This year I have managed to rack up quite a few trips to the popular capital. One memorible trip from the visits was a weekend visit and staying on Champs Elysées, just before I left for Australia. Nothing bits an apartment with a view of the Eiffel Tower, but even better is having a hotel room with not only a view of the Eiffel Tower but a view Arc de Triomphe from outside two of your private balconies.

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Paris | The Colours of La Defense

The Colourful Le Moretti

La Defense in Paris is a major business district. I would liken it to London's Canary Wharf and because it's there are mainly offices there, tourists tend to not go there so much. Unless you are into architecture photography that is. Don't cross it off because you assumed there is nothing to see there. It offers great views into Paris. You can see the Eiffel tower from La Defense. You can also see right through Arc de Triomphe from La Defense. The architecture is beautiful here, not to mention that because it's a business hub, there are many places to eat and shop to cater to those working and spending a majority of their time in this location.

La Defense is also the site of the Grande Arche, one of Paris' modern and imposing landmarks. This was the place the Charles de Gaulle concentrated skyscrapers, rather than changing the character of the Parisienne buildings with large and modern commercial buildings. Many of Paris' tallest buildings can be found here.

If you are a lover of modern art then you will love the remarkable pieces of modern art in this part of Paris. The business district of La Defense as small as it is it boasts 40 statues, sculptures, and monuments in its 400 acres. One monument that sticks out  is the beautifully colourful tower called Cheminée Moretti or simply Le Moretti. This is a 32-meter high chimney composed of 672 colourful strands of fiberglass tubes. Running at a total length of 22km in 19 different colours. I haven't been in La Defense at night but apparently once the floodlights at the top a lit, it allows the colours of the chimney to be reflected on surrounding buildings.

Getting there: It's the last stop on  line one but can also be reached via line A of RER.

Where to stay in La Defense:

Pullman Hotel, Renaissance, Mercure, Novotel, and Movenpick. All located in La Defense. 

Places to eat in La Defense: There are plenty of places to eat not to mention that each of the hotels mentioned above will also have a restaurant and bars to entertain the many people who visit this district for work.

It's not too far from the city so if you are in Paris and looking for a new vantage point to see the city, definitely check it out.

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Brunch With A View Atop The Best Kept Secret In Paris

Who would dare say no to a quick brunch with 360° of Paris? No one! On my last trip to Paris before heading out to Australia my boyfriend and I decided on a weekend visit to Paris before I disappeared off to Australia for two weeks. Having skipped breakfast in the morning it wasn't long before we needed a caffeine break from exploring Paris' beautiful streets. What was to be a quick stop at Printemps turned out to be a long brunch as the views on Printemps Rooftop Terrace are just breathtaking. Right in the heart of Paris you can get a bite to eat, drink and have the best view in town and all 360° of it. 

From Printemps'  Le Deli-Cieux Rooftop Terrace Cafe you can see Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Opera de Garnier. If you haven't been to Au Printemps then it's high time you added it to your list. It's pretty big, taking up about 5 buildings with an endless list of designer levels set on 6 storeys of the building. From Women's Fashion to Men's and everything you can possibly need for your house, cat and dog all housed in this beautiful spot in the city. With a rambling stomach and major pangs for coffee, shopping was far from my mind. 

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Printemps Terrace | Best Kept Secret In Paris

Au Printemps is well known to every Parisian and to every fashionista visiting Paris, but what many don't know about is that is has a beautiful rooftop terrace with endless and uninterrupted views of Paris. Au Printemps is one of the biggest department stores in Paris, with everything one could possibly want. Au Printemps is pretty huge, taking up a few buildings in the neighbourhood, with floors of high-end fashion for women, men, kids as well as household items. It's only a question of whether one can afford it, but there is something for everyone. You can shop till you drop and when you are done you can head to the Printemps rooftop Terrace and drink in the views of Paris.

Most places offering such views come at a price while you can simply navigate your way around Au Printemps lifts and escalators and find yourself in this sweet spot in the heart of Paris. Views of Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Paris de Garnier, Sacre Coeur and many more of Parisian iconic structures can all be seen from the rooftop terrace. If you are hungry for a little more than just the view there is also a cafe here. With an impressive 360° view of Paris, you will be sad you hadn't known about this place all along but yet don't want to spread the news for fear of being overcrowded the next time you visit.

Au Printemps: 64, BOULEVARD HAUSSMANN, 75009 PARIS

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Palais-Royal

The beautiful Palais Royal, popular with many a fashionista. Many tourist don't actually make it to this side of the 1st Arrondissement, as they stick to only the Louvre which sits across the road from Palais Royal. Palais Royal and its beautiful gardens are worth a visit when you are exploring Paris as they are very quiet and offer the perfect spot to relax in such a busy and bustling metropolis. The gardens when in full bloom are just beautiful together with the fountains and manicured trees that create a scenic backdrop.

It's a shame this place doesn't get that much of a look in while everyone is taking selfies by the Louvre pyramids. Okay that may be a good thing in that it will remain ever more peaceful without the crowds and yet on the other hand I love showing people what they are missing out on if they choose not to visit. Designed by architect Jacques Lemercier in 1629, Palais-Royal was originally called Palais-Cardinal. It was actually constructed to serve as personal residence of Cardinal Richelieu,  a Roman Catholic cardinal who served as the chief minister to France's King Louis XIII. When the cardinal died, the property was transferred to the King and as a result of the new ownership it was renamed to Palais-Royal. It was soon to be residence to many a royal family that passed through the years.

So next time you are visiting the Louvre, be sure to add Palais Royal to your explorer's list, bonus is that its only a few meters away.

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Foundation Louis Vuitton

My blog is a mix of all things travel and with that I have a certain appreciation for architecture. If you are following me on Instagram, you will notice how architecture, whether its that of our skyline in London or whether it's that from my travels. I have been wanting to visit Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris for a while now, but each time I have been in Paris it was too far out from where I was staying or other places took priority on my visit. 

During my visit last month I was determined to visit and explore the building and its contents. It was a lot easier this time as I was staying on Champs Élysées. It was on the same metro line and only a few stops to get to Jardin d'Acclimatation for Foundation Louis Vuitton. The building itself is beautiful, albeit super cold with all the many openings. They are currently featuring a lot of Chinese artists. With a few from Guangzhou, one of the Chinese cities I visited a while back. It's great to see the freedom of expression some of them have displayed as there is a little bit of censorship in China and what some of the art is showcasing, most wouldn't necessarily be able to showcase in China without it being a bit of a scandal of sorts. I took a few pictures of some of my favourite below but you will just have to go and see the rest for yourself.

Getting There: Set within Jardin d'Acclimatation. Nearest metro stop is Les Sablons (about 10 minutes walk but very straight forward).

Entrance Fee:  14 Euros.

Tip: Book online if you can for immediate entry, otherwise the queue for tickets is about 10-15 minutes long most days. Make sure you take your time to walk around the whole building. There a plenty of beautiful parts not to miss out on; the cascading water fountain, the hall with mirrors, the strategic little gap with the Eiffel Tower view.

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20 Things You Must Do When You Visiting Paris

A city that draws in millions visitors from around the world in search of the picture perfect, romantic shot with your lover. Fashionistas exploring the most famous and fashionable quarter of the city, there is always something for everyone. Most people visit  the city over the weekend but there is all so much more to the city that a weekend is never enough that you have to return many times to the city of light. With so much to see and do in the city I thought I would compile a list of things to see and do in Paris to help you get started as well as not miss out on what the city has to offer.

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A Weekend In Paris

I was in Paris in November and was also due to visit for NYE but as I mentioned on the blog that I missed my flight to Paris from Cambodia I would be heading back soon. When that time as come! The last few trips to Paris have either been with friends or sisters. This time I will be playing tour guide to my boyfriend. With have both been to Paris but just not at the same time or with each other. If you haven't seen the posts, you can read about why you should rent an Airbnb apartment when visiting Paris or a Visual Diary of Sunrises in the city of light or see Paris In Black and White.

You can follow along via Instagram.

 

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5 Great Reasons To Use Airbnb When You Travel

When I travel, accommodation is an important part of planning my trip. That also involves consideration on the cost, location, amenities near by as well as what's included in that too. So looking at apartment rentals has become a natural aspect of booking my trips, whether flying solo or exploring with friends and lovers! I am kidding, there is only one man in my life. Originally I was going to just put 5 reasons to use Airbnb, but it now appears I have to add a 6th; because Beyonce is using Airbnb as well! You haven't heard? During her stay in the city when she did the Super Bow performance of her latest Single Formation, she rented out an Airbnb mansion. Granted this place was $10K a night, I am not saying that's what you should all be booking, well unless you can afford it. In which case I may just be asking you to invite me to tag along, but I digress. So why should you use Airbnb when you travel? Check out my 5 reasons on why you should use Airbnb below. Just so we get this out of the way, this is not a sponsored post nor am I getting paid by Airbnb to post this. If you do want to start hosting your apartment on Airbnb or if you want to book your first Airbnb stay you can get £14 off your first booking with my Airbnb link.

1. Value For Money - Most cases I have found you get much better value for money compared to hotels in the same location, offering same amenities in the area they are located in but are charging a premium solely based on location alone. You can usually find Airbnb to be much cheaper and you get to come and go as you please without dealing too much with hotel staff and guests. 

2. Late Check Out And No Fees - Usually you can check out much later without late fees or any qualms you will normally face in hotels. I have had late outs as late as 7pm and sometimes 8pm depending on whether I had a late return flight home.

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Paris Noir

Turtle Neck Dress - ASOS //  Watch - Vivienne Westwood // Earrings - Swarovksi Crystal

The second installment from my weekend in Paris with friends. I love the sense of mystery black and white adds to images so I thought for this installment on our little weekend in Paris, I would do in black and white. We visited  Musee dOrsay, walked in and around the Louvre, passing through parks and gardens, taking the views of Paris 52 floors up, above Montparness Tower and walking along the Seine. The weather was cold but we had plenty of sun shine during the day. I am glad to be going back at the end of the month as there are so many places I wanted to visit last time that I didnt get to visit. Like Sacre Coeur, St Germain, Champs Elysees  and La Defense. 

For my next visit I have chosen to stay near Champs Elysee so get a different view of the city and take in the sunrise and sunset shots from a different perspective in the city. Below are some of the shots from our photo walk around the Paris.

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A Weekend In Paris | Through A Photographer's Eyes

A weekend in Paris is something I always add to my travel list almost every new start to the year but for some reason, it always goes on the back burner. Considering, from my London flat to Paris would be under 3 hours. It takes longer to get to some parts of the UK! Las November my friends and I embarked on a weekend in Paris for a little quick self-guided photography tour. I have found this to force you to look at the city in a rather different perspective.  It was more about the capturing of the architecture and street life than it was about the experience of Paris life, well for that weekend anyway. From exploring different techniques of photography to learning from other photography friends on not only getting the best shot through experimentation of camera settings to the gadgets to buy when it comes to getting that ''money shot'' without heavy equipment. Think table tripods, remote control shutter release, camera filters and all that good stuff that makes your pictures pop!

We also managed to do a few sunrise and sunset photography shoots. We woke up to see the sunrise at Trocadero, explored the Louvre and its Pyramids after sunset, saw the aerial views of Paris from montparnasse Tower, Moulin Rouge just before midnight but not before stopping to refuel the body and top strategy on what to shoot the following day. Our explorations of Paris was also a week after the Paris terror attacks hence the Eiffel Tour shots below are in the colours of the French Flag. All the while we explored the city, not once did I feel unsafe. You could sense a little tension or the sudden reaction to any noise but city is resilient and has shown it self to be united. 

While I was in Paris I also rented a beautiful studio apartment with views over the river Seine overlooking the Eiffel Tower, so I will share more pictures and details on that as well as where to get the best views of Paris shortly. Stay tuned for that. 

Below are some pictures from the weekend with a few more to come. I am heading back to Paris at the end of this month but this time my boyfriend is coming with me. Make sure you follow along on my Instagram for the journey.

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A Weekend in Paris - Travelling with Sisters

My young sister and I always daydreamed about seeing the world. We sometimes joked about how mum managed to travel so much even with a family. I guess we were bitten by the travel bug even before we knew it. My young sister moved half way across the world at the age of 22 years of age to live and study in the US without any family near by for support. As much as we daydreamed about travelling, we hadn't actually traveled together until we saw our opportunity in the 4 day weekend when Prince William married Kate. My sisters had come to visit while I was living and studying in Portsmouth as well as the visits when I moved back to London but that's not the same as travelling abroad with sisters.

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