There’s a lot to love about the French capital: temples of high art, sophisticated music haunts,
cool quartiers, and lofty landmarks that span the centuries. But beyond the Louvre’s
masterpieces, Notre Dame’s gargoyles, and the towering lights of the Eiffel Tower lies another
tiny gem that never fails to draw crowds of Parisians and tourists: the perfect macaron.
proffers an astonishing array of
tempting pastimes. Culture vultures
can swoop on highbrow opera and
orchestral performances, or more
bohemian attractions such as art-house cinema and
circuses. Myriad museums satisfy cravings for any and
all types of painting, photography, installations, and
sculpture, while city parks and gardens – such as the
17th-century Jardin du Luxembourg – provide the
tranquillity in which to reflect on it.
Visitors can soak up the ambience of centuries
past through the city’s astonishing architecture,
from the 12th-century Gothic masterpiece of Notre
Dame to the Renaissance buildings of the Marais or
the high-tech Pompidou Center. The shopping is just
as extraordinary; Paris is arguably the fashion capital
of the world, and an afternoon’s shopping can easily
encompass both the haute couture of rue du Faubourg
Saint-Honoré and the flea-market finds of Saint-Ouen.
And then there’s the food – reason enough for a visit
on its own. Not simply fuel, food is more fine art here,
and nowhere is that better illustrated than in Paris
patisseries. The most French of fancies – the
macaron – is a byword for pastry perfection.
