Apartment Avril enjoys a prestigious location, just a few minutes’ walk from the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars. The Eiffel Tower is a global cultural icon and one of the most recognisable structures in the world, offering the most magnificent views of the whole city. There are restaurants on the first and second level where you can enjoy a meal with views to remember, in addition to the observation platform at the top. It’s worth noting that there are around 300 steps between levels, although the top level is normally only accessible via a lift. In the surrounding areas you can spend your time strolling through lavish gardens and enjoying plants of all varieties, before marvelling at the water cannons, fountains and arches that offer an aquatic spectacle not to be missed. Oliver recommends visiting at night, when it’s all lit up to emphasise the basin and surrounding areas - it’s just magical!
The Champs de Mars is another iconic location; a park that extends over 24 hectares and which is named after the Roman god of war. Bordered by the Eiffel Tower, this beautiful open green space is the perfect spot for lazy picnics and is often the setting for sporting and major national events. History lovers will enjoy staying close to the Quai Branly Museum, which features the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. The museum houses over a million objects, photographs and documents in both permanent and temporary thematic exhibits. For something really unique Oliver recommends visiting the Paris Sewer Museum, an exhibition space located five hundred metres underground (don’t worry, it doesn’t smell!) Here you can discover the history of sewers, from their initial development to their modern structure through a series of models and machines, as well as learning details of sewer workers and water treatment methods. An interesting side note is that this fascinating place inspired the book, The Phantom of the Opera - who knows what it could inspire in you!
If shopping is top of your list while you’re in Paris, you’ll be in heaven here - whether it’s vintage finds or top designer brands that floats your boat! You’ll find all manner of charming boutiques bursting with hidden gems, as well as the largest luxury consignment store in Paris, which offers clothing and accessories from Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Gucci and Marc Jacobs, all at a fraction of the original price.
The Region
Fall in love with la ville lumière during your time in Paris, one of the most famous capital cities in the world.
Everyone has different reasons for visiting this beautiful city. Perhaps you hope to visit some of Paris’ fine museums and art galleries, climb the Eiffel Tower or shop to your hearts content along the iconic boulevards. You may prefer to simply wander around the city parks, enjoy leisurely lunches on the left bank before strolling across Pont Neuf to admire the grandeur of the Louvre.
Discover the many charming neighbourhoods of Paris following the footsteps of famous writers, artists and philosophers. Start off on the right bank in Le Marais, the Jewish quarter, with its boutiques, old bakeries and kiosks selling delicious falafel (expect a queue!) – take a guided walking tour to learn all about this neighbourhood’s heritage. On the other side of the river, soak up the student ambience of the Latin Quarter, home to La Sorbonne, and sip coffee on a café terrace on Boulevard Saint-Germain for a truly iconic Parisian experience.
Meanwhile, a walk around Jardin du Luxembourg is a must, especially for families who will adore the little boats by the fountain, donkey rides, carrousel and a popular new playground (with an entry fee). Pack a picnic and sit on a bench beneath the shady trees as you people watch Parisians and tourists alike making the most of this atmospheric park.
Keen shoppers will appreciate the likes of Galeries Lafayette as well as the luxury stores of the Champs-Elysées. If you are visiting Le Centre Pompidou, you could also walk up to the vast Forum des Halles for recognisable brands in central Paris. Not forgetting the many markets from the twice-weekly Bastille Market selling delicious food to the sprawling weekend flea market at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen that dates back to the late 19th century.
Embrace the romantic ambience of Paris when you walk by the river on La Rive Droite with beautiful views as you pass Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. It’s especially lovely as evening nears with vibrant bars by the riverside whilst children will love the play areas and climbing walls as you stroll. Look out for the Eiffel Tower in the far distance which sparkles so magically on the hour from dusk.
