Paris Travel Advisory: "Le Tour d'Elégance"

I like to describe Paris as a beautiful woman who seduces you, makes you spend all your money on her, then laughs in your face; "Did you think I cared about you? Ha! You stupid leetle man". With a rich history that dates back to ancient Rome she is old and yet always new; road worn and yet fresh, predictable and always exciting. Possessing more tricks than a hooker, she entices one with promises of unearthly delights that never fully materialize (such as the 10 euro three course meal that is inedible and always ends up costing twice as much in the end). I have personally wasted a small fortune blinded by her charms before I figured out how she operates, and in the coming weeks I will be exposing her; sharing with you how to play the player! From where (and where not) to eat, the best of what's free, tips for understanding the french personality, and ways to maximize your vacation dollar, look to your Paris Travel Advisory @ www.bonbondeparis.blogspot.com. Today we will begin with a walking tour I like to call "Le Tour d'Elegance". Chock full of eye candy, history and art blend magically; the "old and the new". We begin at my favorite spot in Paris, the Place de Concorde. I have a friend who can only navigate her way through Paris if she begins at the Place de Concorde. Otherwise she is lost! So every journey in her car begins here. In honour of her adorable quirkiness we take the metro ligne 1, 8, ou 12 to Concorde. Sortie Place de Concorde/Jardin des Tuileries. This is the heart and soul of Paris - fountains grace the spot formerly occupied by le guillotine; Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI were executed here, as well as some 17,000 others during the Reign of Terror. Today it is a bustling center of activity and joy as one gazes down the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. It's all here in one 360° turn. Le Tour d'Eiffel, Assembly Nationale, Les Invalides, Les Tuileries, Le Louvre, Hotel Crillon, The American Embassy. After a stroll through the Tuileries, (a must do) exit the front gate facing the Champs Elysées and head toward Rue Royale, which is at "2:00". Just past the Automobile Club of France is the elegant and chic Hotel Crillon, the preferred hotel of Nancy Reagan, Mick Jaggar, and P Diddy. You are welcome to peruse the salons, jardin, and bar at your leisure and get a little taste of how the rich and famous roll! Heading back to Rue Royale toward L'Eglise Madeleine it is time for window shopping like the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills". We are heading toward the Rodeo Drive of Paris; the Rue St. Honoré. It is a pleasure to take in the window design at Cristolphe and Maxim's, and this is just the beginning! Gucci, Hermés, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, are à gauche, Cavalli, Jimmy Choo, Galliano, Longchamps à droite. I recommend leaving your credit card locked safely away in your room, the tentations are too great on the Rue St. Honoré. Soon we arrive at the Place Vendome, home to Dior, Boucheron, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ritz Hotel. Be sure to stop in at the Ritz and peruse the ground floor. Don't be timid, work your best catwalk attitude and take in the sumptious surroundings like the diva you are! (Splurging for a coctail here will cost you dearly at 30 euro each). When you can bear to tear yourself away, smile at the doorman and head left toward the Rue des Capucines. Another left on the rue D.C. and you have a decision to make; a quick left for a short pitstop at the famous Maison du Chocolat, or a right turn on Boulevard des Capucines toward the Opéra Garnier. I personally recommend the former, as one requires a boost of the most decadent chocolat chaud on the face of the earth after the Ritz and before the Garnier. This little cup of liquid heaven is worth the splurge at 7 euro 50, and on a chocolate buzz you head left out the porte toward the Palais Garnier; Paris' most famous Opera House. If the weather is fine you can live like a real parisian and take your picnic lunch on the steps, and watch the world go by on one of the city's most hectic "rond points". Don't forget to kiss your sweetheart! Here you are presented with another option; to tour the opera house @ 11 euro per person, something I would place high on the list of "must sees". Commissioned by Napoleon as an homage to the Arts; her marble staircases echo with the ghosts of high society on a night out, the massive chandelier evokes memories of the "Phantome", and her hallways smell inexplicably of urine. The grand salon defies description, it is to be seen to be believed (you will be glad to have splurged on the chocolate)! Sortie left to our final stop on "Le Tour d'Elégance"; Galeries Lafayette. Another potential for fiscal irresponsibility and yet another reason to leave your credit card locked safely away is Paris' most seductive asset; a ginourmous department store with a shoe department the size of a city block. The stained glass rotunda is famous as it is beautiful, tempting those who dare to enter this dangerous lair upward - upward toward the designer floor and certain bankruptcy! The exchange rate obliges you to add at least 30% to your purchases (not to mention TVA), better to find the terrace and a view of Paris that is grand. The best things in life are free; to be with your loved ones strolling the streets of Paris, taking in the view of the City of Lights together, sharing a moment of discovery. With the options: 20 euro per person for the afternoon. Without touring the Opera Garnier or the hot chocolate: 0. The experience: priceless!