Paris: Like a local
This month we caught up with the team at Pentahotel Paris, CDG Airport. If you want to venture into this most famous city of love and light, or if you just want to explore the surrounds, we have you covered with some great tips. Paris's seductive charms are legendary (art, culture, fashion, food, romance – did we miss anything?) so whether it’s a holiday, business or just a layover, the city is guaranteed to take your breath away.
1. Where to go to get away from the crowds.
The Chantilly forest.
2. A must for music lovers.
The Olympia! A concert venue in the heart of Paris, where stars like Edith Piaff and Serge Gainsbourg launched their careers. The theatre has a long and fascinating history and today hosts a wide variety of local and international artists.
3. Any indie shops you recommend?
Ofr. is a cool indie bookstore with a focus on art, fashion, design, photography and architecture. It also has a small gallery in the back, which also holds events, exhibitions and private sales. If you're into fashion, Kiliwatch Paris is an industrial-chic shop selling quality vintage clothing, plus new, contemporary streetwear and accessories. The brands are a mix of famous designers and emerging labels.
4. Unmissable galleries or museums for any self-respecting art buff?
We have a few recommendations here (this is Paris after all). And we can’t talk about museums in Paris without starting with the Louvre... A central landmark of the city, it is also the world's largest art museum. For lovers of modern and contemporary art (and cool architecture) the Pompidou Centre is a must. If your art tastes are intercontinental, the Quai Branly Museum houses works from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Finally, the Museum of Arts and Crafts is one of the oldest technical and industrial museums in the world and is located within the surviving buildings of a medieval monastery.
5. Place you would take your grandma?
A river cruise on the Seine.
6. What’s unique to your city?
France is internationally recognised for its rich gastronomic tradition. We have the largest number of starred restaurants in Europe. If you’re not feeling so fancy, just grab a seat in a café (also great for people watching!).
7. What’s worth checking out in the region around the city?
The theme parks! We all know of Disneyland but have you heard of Parc Astérix? It is well known in France for its large variety of roller coasters.
