Paris has always struck a cord with the more romantic souls, so when my fifth wedding anniversary came up I figured it would the ideal place to go for a weekend away.
But there was something bothering me about the idea. Maybe it was the fact that it was our fifth wedding anniversary (that's like forever) or maybe it was the whole weekend away thing – but I was suddenly envisaging a silver-haired couple toasting their happy years with the Tour Eiffel parked picture-perfect in the background. Not so rock 'n' roll eh? I was happily proved wrong however. With a bit of research beforehand I discovered a Paris that could combine my lust for romance with a touch of glamour and one that didn't make me feel way over one hundred years old either.
Where to stay
The hotel we decided on was The Murano Resort, which is a fairly new concept hotel that will impress the hippest of hotel fans. Just a short walk from the Eurostar Gare De Nord and set in the fashionable but laid-back district of Marais, it boasts 52 rooms and suites, a spa, two luxury suites with swimming pools and stylish bar and restaurant headed up by former Sketch chef Pierre Auge. The hotel bar/restaurant is open to Paris's uber-cool from media, art, film and music circles. While we were there a fashion shoot was taking place in the lobby, and with DJs playing in the wee hours it was French paparazzi heaven.
The great thing about being a guest is that of course you have instant access to the evening events (no easy task from what I can gather). When you've had your fill of partying, or indeed eating at the restaurant, its back to a boudoir that you'll never want to leave. From the fluffy thick carpets to the ultra bouncy comfy beds, it's all about luxury. The white walls make a perfect backdrop for the amazing lighting system that you change from pink, green, blue and so on, according to your mood. Even getting in to your room requires Bond-style thumbprint technology – no keys.
What's the damage?
Single and double rooms are from €350 - 650 a night; suites are from €750 a night.
Sightseeing
If you can drag yourself out of your room (it's hard, trust me – especially on your anniversary) one perfect way to take in all the sights of Paris (without the stress of navigating the transport system) is to buy a one-day bus pass for the open top buses. It costs around €15 and you can get off and on again at your leisure. We got out at Notre Dame and Montmartre and took the uphill path to the Sacre Coeur for some deeply impressive views across Paris. The bus takes you under the Tour Eiffel, past the amazing buildings, museums and galleries that make French architecture so outstanding. Plug your on-board headphones in to treat yourself to the story of Paris's bloody past!
With the tourist bit over you can hit the glamorous lights on the Champ Elysées or any number of the famous eateries in Paris. We stuck to the Marais area as it was a part of Paris we'd never been to before, and it stole our hearts. Cobbled (clean!) side streets and discrete harbour squares throbbing with French restaurants and bars - fab! Eating goes on into the night (so English style binge-drinking will not go down well here). Wine, steaks, oysters, moules et frites, foie gras, salad, all the traditional French delights are in abundance. The pink pound (or Euro) is strong in this part of town and this shows in its carefully preserved streets and buildings, and general feeling of decorum. It's really a million miles away from the Paris I had known before.
If you're looking for a romantic, relaxed weekend break where you can enjoy the sights of Paris, some truly French gastronomy and a really hip hotel experience, this is a real gem.
Travel
Up to 16 Eurostar services travel to Paris daily. You arrive in the heart of Paris from the centre of London in two hours and 35 minutes. Fares start from £59 return. For further information or to book, visit www.eurostar.com or call 08705 186186.
