In the month of March, I had the opportunity to embark on an extravagant trip to Paris. It was a lavish adventure filled with ups and downs, where some experiences were truly worth the splurge, while others fell short of our expectations. Let me share with you the details of my trip and provide you with some valuable insights.
To begin with, I decided to treat my 67-year-old aunt to this luxurious getaway. It was a dream she could never have afforded on her own, and I was determined to give her a taste of the five-star lifestyle. As for myself, I had previously visited Paris on a tight budget during my time as a graduate student, so this trip served as an opportunity to experience the city in a completely different light.
The overall cost of our trip amounted to approximately 15,000 Canadian dollars, which translates to around $11,357. Although it may seem like a steep price, certain aspects of our journey made it unquestionably worthwhile. Allow me to break it down for you.
Our biggest expense was undoubtedly the combination of plane tickets and hotel accommodations, which totaled nearly CA$12,000. Personally, I have a rule of flying premium economy for flights under three hours and upgrading to business class for longer journeys. In fact, opting for the latter can even save you a few thousand dollars if you choose a flight with a layover. Given that the flight from Montreal to Paris spans almost seven hours, the luxurious comfort of a business-class seat was well worth the investment. We selected Air Canada as our carrier and opted for solo pods, as we would be mostly sleeping during the flight and desired window seats. The experience of flying business class not only provided us with superior food, perks, and comfort but also alleviated much of the stress associated with long-haul flights.
Moreover, we found that spending money on cab rides proved to be worthwhile. Unlike the underground Métro, which restricts visibility of the city, cabs allowed us to explore more and catch glimpses of additional historical landmarks and neighborhoods. Furthermore, our friendly cab drivers shared with us some hidden Parisian gems and took us to local eateries tucked away in charming side streets. While taking the train would have been more economical, the taxi rides enhanced our overall experience of the city, making the extra expense justified.
When selecting a hotel, my criteria included proximity to attractions, a minimum of four stars, and an in-room bathtub. Hôtel Le Pradey checked all these boxes and more. Although the nightly rate stands at around 306 Euros during the off-season, we managed to secure a discount by booking our flights and hotel together on Expedia. Situated near Rue du Rivoli, this charming establishment is conveniently located across from the famous Jardin des Tuileries. Despite my mobility challenges, it took just 10 minutes to walk from the hotel to The Louvre, and other notable sites such as the Musée de L’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay were within a 30-minute walking distance. While our room was not particularly spacious, it provided ample comfort for our needs since we spent most of our time exploring the city. The highlight was the deep soaking tub in the bathroom, which provided a much-needed respite after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel itself lacked extravagant amenities, but the courteous staff and boutique atmosphere made our stay delightful. The only drawback was the absence of room service for quiet nights in, but the plethora of nearby restaurants made up for this inconvenience.
Regarding sightseeing, I strongly recommend paying for admission to attractions rather than taking advantage of the free days offered on the first Sunday of the month. Although the idea of free entry may seem enticing, these days tend to attract large crowds that hamper one’s ability to fully appreciate the artwork and engage with staff members. By visiting museums on other days of the week and purchasing tickets, we were able to explore without the chaotic rush and enjoyed more personal interactions.
For culinary adventures, I stumbled upon a hidden gem in the 1st Arrondissement called Ebis. Initially, we chose this Asian-fusion restaurant due to its convenient proximity to our hotel, but the exceptional cuisine prompted us to return for a second visit. Our meals, which consisted of vegetable rice and pork dishes, amounted to approximately 50 Euros for two people. The local Parisians dining at neighboring tables were a testament to the restaurant’s authenticity. I strongly advise making reservations in advance, as this popular spot fills up quickly.
On the other hand, some experiences were not as impressive as expected. Despite my intentions of making the trip more luxurious, the “luxury” car service I booked for transfers to and from the airport proved to be a disappointment. Instead of being greeted inside the terminal by drivers holding signs and assisting with our luggage, we had to venture outside in search of them. Additionally, the vehicles provided by the company were not the luxurious ones we had anticipated, but rather ordinary cars with black exteriors. Essentially, we paid more money for a cab-like experience. If you decide to opt for a luxurious car service, I recommend conducting thorough research to ensure you truly get what you pay for. Otherwise, sticking with regular cabs might be a more sensible choice.
Furthermore, the bike rides we indulged in turned out to be overpriced and underwhelming. In Paris (like many other major cities), there are individuals offering bike rides to tourists. While it may sound enticing, the value for money is questionable. In our case, we were looking for transportation from a museum to our hotel and were approached by a bike transporter during the wait for a taxi. Tempted by the novelty of the experience, we agreed without enquiring about the cost. To our surprise, a seven-minute bike ride set us back a whopping 25 Euros per person, whereas a five-minute cab ride would have cost a mere 7 Euros for both of us. This experience taught us the importance of ensuring clarity on pricing beforehand. Nevertheless, we can now laugh about the incident and cherish it as yet another story from our trip.
Lastly, I must mention the incredible cabaret show at Crazy Horse. It is a must-see if you desire an evening of entertainment. However, based on personal experience, I believe that proximity to the stage is not essential for a fantastic time. Regular seats are priced at around 180 Euros, while preferential seating, complete with canapes and Champagne, costs 250 Euros. I opted for the premium seats but quickly discovered that the close proximity strained my neck. After about 15 to 20 minutes, I found myself needing frequent breaks and resorting to gazing at the performers’ legs to provide respite for my aching neck. Thankfully, the venue is relatively small, meaning that even those seated in the back row still enjoy a phenomenal view.
In conclusion, my luxury trip to Paris was undoubtedly an experience to remember. Through all the highs and lows, I learned valuable lessons about where to splurge and where to exercise caution when seeking extravagance. By investing in business-class flights, taking advantage of cab rides, staying at a quaint hotel, selectively paying for attractions, indulging in delectable cuisine, and being cautious with optional upgrades, I managed to curate a well-rounded journey that catered to both my and my aunt’s desires. Paris truly has something for everyone, and with the right approach, you can create a truly unforgettable experience.
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