Posts Tagged ‘paris’
Our Eurostar Journeys
Thinking of travelling to France, Belgium, Germany or Netherlands? Eurostar’s high-speed trains are a great way to explore many of the European cities including Paris, Brussels, Lille and Amsterdam, with many connecting services available to even more destinations such us Bruges, Disneyland Paris, Cologne, Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice.
Our team all love Eurostar for hassle-free, comfortable and quick journeys. We asked them about their latest short breaks with Eurostar and here’s what they said:
Taking the Eurostar from St Pancras in London to Gare du Nord in Paris was a real adventure, especially as we live up in Edinburgh. The stress-free travel with fewer lines and procedures than your average airport and clearing the French border in London were real novelties and made the journey feel so much slicker. We travelled in one of the Eurostar Plus carriages, offering a bigger seat and at seat dining. The light meal was fresh and tasty, and the accompanying wine was a treat too. Next time we travel we will have a look at upgrading to Eurostar Premier, where you have access to the business class lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks and a relaxed atmosphere – the perfect start to the trip. You also get priority security, check-in and immigration to smooth your way through the station. On the train you have full fine dining meal service and upgraded drink options. All in all, it’s the best way to get to the continent if you are based close enough to London but we will very much have it as our number one choice even from Edinburgh.
Gareth, Sales Manager
A day trip to Lille is so convenient on the Eurostar. In less than 90 minutes we were in the heart of this charming city and having already completed the border checks prior to departure, we headed straight out of the station ready to explore.
Lille has some amazing architecture and it’s very easy to get around on foot. We spent a few hours wandering around the many picturesque squares and streets filled with shops, cafes and restaurants, dipping in and out to sample some of the local produce. After a lot of walking, we were ready to sit and watch the world go by whilst sampling a Flemish beer or two before heading back to the station for an early evening train back to London. If you haven’t eaten enough great food in Lille there are always options to buy snacks on-board at the Eurostar Café.
All in all, it was a really great way to discover a new city.
Diane, Product & Short Break Specialist
The amazing thing about the Eurostar is how easy it is to incorporate two cities in one trip! I had travelled down from Edinburgh to London and spent a night in London, before making my way to Paris on the Eurostar. I loved how little time it took as it was less than 2 and a half hours, and I was in Paris! I opted for Eurostar Plus which allowed me to have the most relaxing journey with a light meal and drinks included – it was definitely worth paying that little bit extra for. I highly recommend visiting Paris in spring as the tourist attractions are less busy, the flowers are beautiful in full bloom and the temperate weather is perfect for strolls along the Seine and city’s parks and gardens. I spent my few days there rambling through the different districts, cruising down the River Siene and enjoying a Croque Monsieur or two! I have no doubt in my mind I will be back in Paris again soon via the Eurostar!
Amy, Short Break Specialist
To find out more about our trips or request a tailored Eurostar quote, call our team on 0131 243 8098 or email [email protected]. Read our Eurostar feature on our website here.
Gareth Goes to Paris!
Gareth, our Sales Manager, visited Paris where he stayed at Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris – just a few minutes from the Arc du Triomphe and Champs Elysees. Here’s a quick update on his trip:
The hotel is stunning, everything you would expect from a top luxury hotel in a major world city. The clientele were as beautiful as the décor (we fitted in perfectly) and service was exceptional. We had a huge suite; we used the lovely pool and wellness areas and the base for walking the city could not have been better.
We took the Eurostar from St Pancras and upgraded to Premier (now Eurostar Plus) and really liked the comfort, quiet coach, decent meal and wine. We played some Uno, we watched the stats pop up on the overhead screens, with speed and distance noted, and the train seemed to be there in no time. Arriving into Gare du Nord meant that all of the passport checking had already been done so we just had to navigate the Friday evening rush hour and get our way to the hotel. This was a pretty simple job, we went to a ticket window and the rail staff were more than happy to help us. We had a chilled evening so that we were ready to go the next morning – Le Bar Long in the hotel knew how to mix a cocktail! We went to bed happy.
First impressions the next day, Paris was looking good. There was still a lot of work being done around Arc du Triomph, Place de la Concorde with breaking down the Olympics infrastructure but other than that it felt very much business as usual. We walked lots (and lots).
The walk up to and down from Sacre Coeur was lovely – lots of the bars and cafes had happy hour offerings with discounted food and drink and while it was busy, it felt busy in a buzzy way, rather than over busy. We spent hours winding our way up to the Cathedral and then just as long coming back down. We had a pizza in a bar – nothing of note, we were all hungry so we just stopped. Watching the world go by from our pavement table felt great – so Parisian.
The next day we walked a different way, we headed down Champs Elysees with much shopping being done (and a stop in McDonalds too – please don’t judge) on to Place de la Concorde, and into the Jardin des Tuileries just beyond. The cafes in the park were really busy but we managed to find a seat so that we could sit in the sun with a strong French coffee.
We visited The Louvre getting on one of the later slots, not long before the museum closed, and found it quiet. We saw everything we wanted to without being rushed or bothered by too many people.
Later we crossed the river to Rive Gauche and found a lovely little place to eat – it was authentic, charming and reasonably priced. The service was fab and the food its equal. I would highly recommend Café Le Flores.
Our son was desperate to see the Eiffel Tower and I am glad that we saved it to the end of the day as seeing the light show on a lovely Parisian evening was a really great way to finish our trip to Paris.
We flew home on Transavia (part of Air France) and they offered good service and great times between Paris and Edinburgh. We flew from Orly and the new RER train link is a well priced, quick and easy way to get from the centre of Paris to the airport. It is also much smaller and easy to navigate compared to Charles du Gaul.
Overall wasn’t that fussed about going to Paris – but this trip was an amazing family break with so many highlights. It was a brilliant couple of days, and I am itching to go back!
To find out more about Gareth’s visit to Paris or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098, send us an email or say hello on live chat.
Two In One: Shona Explores Paris & Val d’Isere
I was lucky enough to attend a fabulous FAM trip hosted by Experimental Group. Experimental are currently in the midst of an exciting new project building the new Experimental Chalet Val d’Isere, which is due to open at the end of the year. For all ski related enquiries, our sister company, Ski Independence are on hand to help create the perfect ski holiday for your clients.
Day 1
After a smooth flight to Paris Beauvais airport, I hopped on a bus and arrived at Porte Maillot. From there I took the metro to the first hotel I was staying in, Experimental’s Hotel des Grands Boulevards. Wow, what a place! The hotel was marvellous and I was greeted with a warm smile by the friendly reception staff. As I was handed a set of real keys to my room, I already started to feel right at home.
After dropping my bags, I strolled along the beautiful Parisian streets and visited a selection of our fabulous featured hotels:
- 5-star Parister Hotel
- 4-star Hotel Crayon Rouge
- 4-star Hotel Le Milie Rose
Once I had rendezvoused with the rest of the lovely agents in the group, we wandered around and saw some iconic Paris sites and headed back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner at the hotel. The restaurant has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, offering a great selection of dishes and unique cocktails made with ingredients from their very own on-site garden!
Day 2
Off to an early start, we had a fabulous continental breakfast with plenty of pastries and had a tour of the hotel. Afterwards, we were treated to a superb food tour run by Through Eternity Tours, which included wine, French onion soup, galettes, chocolate and a lot of cheese!
Very happy and our bellies full, we took the scenic route back to our next hotel – The Grand Pigalle Hotel, a smaller, yet equally sophisticated slice of Paris. The Grand Pigalle hotel had a classically Parisian feel, with chic bedrooms and an elegant interior. My room had a beautiful balcony, perfect for a coffee and watching the world go by in the mornings.
In the evening, we had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Frenchie Pigalle, restaurant of the one-starred chef Gregory Marchand. The waiting staff were incredibly professional and knowledgeable, offering a description of each dish we had and the food was just to die for!
Day 3
After a blissful sleep in the comfiest beds, we had another delightful breakfast and were all feeling very excited for the journey ahead to Val d’Isere. Experimental will soon be opening new accommodation in Val d’Isere, which will be replacing the current L’Aigle Des Neiges.
We set off to Gare de Lyon and had a very easy journey to Chambery, before being picked up by our transfer to take us to our next accommodation.
When we arrived, snow was gently falling down around us. The resort of Val d’Isere is stunning, surrounded by cosy looking lodges and picturesque mountain backdrops. We stayed in the Chalet Marco Polo, which was absolutely breathtaking. Kitted out with a swimming pool, hot tub, games room and gym, it was a dream!
As the construction works of the new accommodation are still ongoing, we were taken on a tour of the showroom, which was mocked up to replicate one of the rooms at Experimental Chalet Val d’Isere. Equipped with hard hats and welly boots, we visualized what the accommodation will look like.
We were given a presentation from the Val d’Isere Tourist Office and afterwards treated to a mixology class by one of Experimental’s specialist mixologists. We had a private dinner which consisted of a spectacular 3-course meal, which was also to die for!
If you want to find out more about ski holidays with Ski Independence, visit our dedicated travel agent pages here. If you’re already registered with Osprey, that means you’re also registered with Ski Independence, and you can enquire today.
Day 4
After a wonderful breakfast with views of the mountains and gently falling snowflakes, we set off on our final activity – snowshoeing. I had never done this before and it was a great opportunity to get on the slopes and see the Alps in all their glory!
Sadly it was time to say goodbye, and after an incredible 4 days we packed our bags and headed to Geneva airport. The entire experience was the perfect mix of city sightseeing with a glorious alpine setting, and a fair few laughs along the way!
‘Til we meet again!
To find out more about Shona’s trip to Paris & Val d’Isere or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
Must-See Attractions in Europe
Spanish Riding School, Vienna
For something a little different, the Spanish Riding School offer incredible performances named after the country of origin of the Lipizzan (or Lipizzaner), the breed of horse used exclusively at the school. Performances are showcased to the public every month and it’s also possible to watch the horses during morning exercise. Opt for the guided tour if you wish to visit The Stallburg imperial stables, one of Vienna’s most distinguished Renaissance buildings and learn more about the famous stallions.
More on our Vienna City Breaks
Alhambra Palace, Granada
On top of the Sabika hill and situated on the left bank of the river Darro, the magnificent Alhambra Palace overlooks the beautiful city of Granada. The palace was originally constructed in the 13th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and later expanded upon by subsequent rulers. Today, visitors are able to look around the Nasrid Palaces, Alhambra towers, the Palace of Charles V, The Alcazaba, the Royal Baths and Generalife Gardens.
More on our Granada City Breaks
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Designed by world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia began construction in 1882 and is a work in progress to this day. Embellished with beautiful stained glass windows and renowned for its distinctive architecture and profound symbolism, its not surprising that this magnificent basilica is the most visited attraction in Barcelona.
More on our Barcelona City Breaks
Lake Bled, Ljubljana
A magical place to visit, Lake Bled offers incredibly picturesque views of Slovenia and the Julian Alps which rise to 2,864m high at Mount Triglav. For a great day out, walk around the lake which takes around an hour, and afterwards treat yourself to a tasty Bled cream cake – a local delicacy you just have to try!
More on our Ljubljana City Breaks
The Northern Lights, Reykjavik
An absolute bucket list activity, if you’re lucky enough to see them, the Northern Lights (scientific name Aurora Borealis) can be the highlight of a trip to Reykjavik. From the Blue Lagoon to the Geysirs, there’s no shortage of natural phenomena in this spectacular city. The best time to see the lights are in the winter months between September and April. Northern Lights tours run frequently which take you to the very best places, making a trip to Reykjavik simply unforgettable.
More on our Reykjavik City Breaks
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
A list of must-see’s would not be complete without mentioning The Eiffel Tower. This iconic attraction was built in 1889, initially for the 1889 Exposition Universelle which was a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the French revolution. The tower is the most visited monument in the world, offering magnificent panoramic views of Paris. Watch the tower light up in its daily light show which begins at dusk and sparkles every hour until 11pm.
Louise and Amy Visit London & Paris!
Edinburgh to London
Having had a relaxing and surprisingly quick journey down from Edinburgh on the LNER train, being looked after by very attentive staff, we arrived in London mid-afternoon. Finding the underground was easy as it is situated right at King’s Cross and we arrived to the H10 London Waterloo Hotel in around half an hour. The reception provided us with a warm welcome and the added bonus of a refreshing drink!
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Travel Agents – Win an Osprey Experience!
– COMPETITION HAS NOW ENDED –
We are offering agents a new incentive for any booking that includes an Osprey Experience.
All travel agent bookings made during the month of August that include any added tour, excursion or visit Read the rest of this entry »
Europes Best Luxury City Spas
Pool at D’Angleterre, Copenhagen. Credit: dangleterre.com/en/spa-fitness/spa
Europe is home to some of the worlds most sophisticated, stylish and luxurious spas. Below is our top pick of five of the best luxury city spas that encompass anything from ‘One of the 25 Wonders of the World’ to some Vogue Magazine recommendations – be ready to become pampered! Read the rest of this entry »
My Perfect Weekend in Paris
Victoria Palace Hotel, Paris
I was lucky enough to get taken to the romantic city of Paris this month for the very first time, and what can I say – I’m in love! From the visually stunning buildings, to the lavish food I was truly spoilt so I thought I would share a my best bits with you! Read the rest of this entry »
Best Cities for a Sweet Tooth
Always the one to look at the desserts on the menu first? Well we have just the cities to keep those sweet tooth taste buds at bay. From creamy cold Gelato to a warming Portuguese custard tart, these destinations have the best dessert spots waiting for you to explore.
Paris, France – Macaroon’s
Box of Macaroon’s, Laduree, Paris, France. Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Win a City Break to Paris!
– COMPETITION HAS NOW ENDED –
We are giving one lucky person the chance to win a fantastic city break for two to the beautiful city of Paris! Read the rest of this entry »
