Paris - the many splendoured city

Wanderlust but not sure where to start planning your next trip? The Youth Observer’s Wanderlust segment will take you to cities and exotic destinations around the world and help you plan the trip of your life. This week’s segment of Wanderlust will take you to the city dubbed as the most romantic in the world and it features on every traveller’s destination checklist - The beautiful city of Paris!

Someone once said, “Paris is always a good idea!” and it definitely is. For centuries travellers have been flocking to the French capital drawn by its magnificent historical sites, food, art, cafes, gardens, museums and of course the gentle river Seine. It is hard if not impossible not to fall in love with Paris. But of course, it can be intimidating. Paris is extensive and holds a lifetime of experiences. Nevertheless, it is easy to get lost among its wide boulevards, spend hours at the Louvre or exploring the Musée d’Orsay, or even ducking in and out of Paris’s countless historical churches. Paris, as Ernest Hemingway recalled in his memoirs, is the city of many ‘splendours’. Now let’s take a trip to Paris!

• Sri Lankan passport holders can visit https://france-visas.gouv.fr and obtain the necessary visa applications online. You must print the application form and your receipt of application. You must take these documents, together with all supporting documents, when submitting your file to the consular service.
• Necessary documents - A valid passport / 2 recent ID pictures in ISO/IECI format (pdf) / supporting documents in either English or French.
• A short visit visa will cost 80 Euros (Rs. 16, 000). It is advisable to apply for the visa as early as possible as it will take up to 15 days to process. You can apply for up to three months before your planned visit.
•  You will have to then obtain an appointment from the VFS global centre which now handles visas for France. Visit https://www.vfsglobal.com for more information.

A number of major carriers operate flights to Paris including Oman Air, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. A ticket can cost from anywhere between Rs. 119, 000 to Rs.138, 000. No budget airlines on this major route!

Best hotels in Paris

Paris is home to some luxurious and magnificent hotels. These are listed as the best in travel sites across the internet.

#1 - La Reserve Paris

#2 - The Peninsula Paris

#3 - Le Bristol Paris

#4 - Le Meurice

#5 - Hotel Lutetia

Cheaper options - But of course if you are a solo traveller on a budget Air BnB or discounted deals on booking.com can go a long way. But even the cheaper option in Paris can be relatively expensive. A good Air BnB option can cost between 60 USD to 100 USD per night.

Things to do

Paris is a haven for travellers and one is spoilt for choice. Art, history, gastronomic delights, Fashion - Paris has got it all. It is never an easy task to just pick a few places and its tougher to do so in a wondrous city such as Paris. Here are Wanderlust’s arduously chosen top five things to do and see in the city.

Musée du Louvre

Perhaps the best art museum in Europe, a visit to the Louvre is a must. The long lines might be cumbersome but once you get in the experience is worth it. The museum first opened its doors in 1793 and features a grand total of 35,000 works of art. The Louvre features everything from Egyptian mummy tombs to ancient Grecian sculptures. There are also thousands of paintings including Davinci’s Mona lLisa to peruse as well. A ticket costs 15 euros.

Once meant to be a temporary structure, the Eiffel tower is now a hallmark of Paris. Visitors can walk up to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower or take the elevator all the way up to the top, where they’ll be treated to vast panoramic views of the city. You can avoid lines by booking tickets prior to the visit online through https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr. Prices vary depending on how high you wish to go and how you choose to get there (elevator or stairs). The elevator to the top costs 17 euros Access to the stairs and the elevator to the second floor is cheaper.

The Moulin Rouge is nothing short of spectacular. The legendary cabaret club opened in 1889, wowing crowds with dazzling dancers, champagne and outrageous elements like a gigantic model elephant in the garden. With its rich history and extravagant performances, Moulin Rouge has become an important staple in the ‘City of Lights’. Tickets for the experience can be purchased online http://www.moulinrouge.fr/ and can cost between 87 to 420 euros depending on the experience you choose.

Paris catacombs

The catacombs of Paris are downright chilling. They stretch for miles all over the city, but visitors are only allowed to access a mile’s worth for 45 minutes at the Denfert-Rochereau metro station. Trying to access the catacombs at any other entrance throughout the city is illegal. You’ll want to wear sturdy footwear as the paths inside are full of gravel, uneven and even slippery in some sections.

Versailles Palace

The Palace of Dreams of King Louis XIV the grandeur of the chateau is incomparable. For 18 euros visitors can explore parts of the 2,300-room palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Chapel and the King’s private apartments. Ticket holders can also explore the gardens.