J’adore Paris
Best for a romantic minibreak….
Paris is still one of the most romantic cities in the world made for moonlit walks along the Seine, meandering through the cobbled streets of Montmartre and a final nightcap at Fouquet’s terrace on the Champs Elysées.
For a splash of culture, visit the Louvre and its famous glass pyramid, or the Musée Rodin with its beautiful gardens, home to his greatest sculptures including The Thinker.
If you prefer to wander the streets and take in the atmosphere, head down to Boulevard St Germain for a spot of window shopping and a coffee at the Café de Flore. Onto the charming Rue de Buci, a tiny street tucked away between the boulevard and the Rue de Seine. Cafés, traiteurs, patisseries and flower shops flaunt their gorgeous fresh products on the bustling pavements. This is the real Paris.
Further on, Notre Dame’s Cathedral is another must see.
To stay somewhere classic, try L’Hotel in St Germain. The cosy, unassuming hotel is elegant, chic and has plenty of stories to tell. Oscar Wilde died there, Johnny Depp likes to hide out here and each room has its own theme. Book yourself into the Mistinguett bedroom which comes with the legendary queen of cabaret’s very own Art Deco mirrored bed and vanity desk; or in the Oscar Wilde room, famous for its stunning peacock frescoes and memorabilia.
STAY
Rooms at L’Hotel start from £336 based on two people sharing including breakfast with Small Luxury Hotels of the World www.slh.com
Paris Tourist Board: www.parisinfo.com
A Roman Holiday
Best for a culture vultures
The beauty of Rome is that everything is within easy walking distance for glorious days spent strolling around in the heat and discovering the cities gems.
Rome can be divided down the middle by the Via del Corso.
To the west, start with the Piazza della Rotonda, and its impressive Pantheon then walk onto Piazza Navona, where street artists tempt tourists in front of Bernini’s Fontana dei Fiumi, and don’t forget to make a stop at the Gelatteria Giolitti for the best iced coffee in the city. Eating and drinking in Rome is a real treat. Inexpensive and delicious, the trattorias slightly off the tourist track are the best.
For dinner, soak up the atmosphere and dine” al fresco” at the nearby Trattoria Maccheroni on Piazza delle Coppelle.
Due south toward the river, is the happening Campo di Fiori, the perfect place for a lively aperitif. And, across the Tiber, sits the independent state of the Vatican, with its palace, home to the new pope, St Peter’s Basilica and the mighty Swiss Guards.
To the east of Via del Corso, you’ll find the Piazza di Spagna, the famous Spanish steps, Via Condotti and its luxury shops and the Trevi Fountain, made famous by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Don’t miss the adorable Via Margutta, the cobblestone street framed in ivy, home to a couple of sleek restaurants and antique stores.
For a traditional stay, book into the Hotel d’Inghilterra just around the corner. Elegant and glamorous, the one time aristocratic home is just the place to stay right in the heart of the city. A classic décor with antiques aplenty, it will feel like an ultra sophisticated home from home.
STAY
Hotel d’Inghilterra, a 9th-century building, once home to poet John Keats.
Tel: 020 7259 4660, http://niquesahotels.com/hotel-dinghilterra
hotels@niquesa.com
Bling in Monte Carlo
Best with toddlers
Monaco, the tiny principality near Nice, has become synonymous with glitz and glamour over the years. And so it should. A rendezvous for the rich and famous, the minute tax haven is a world apart.
The ‘rock’, where the fairytale palace sits, high above the coastline, is a quaint, peaceful labyrinth of pastel coloured houses and palm trees. The sparkling Mediterranean below creates a surreal, cosy cocoon.
Visit the impressive Oceanographic Museum, a fantastic aquarium set in a limestone and marble temple to the sea. For a different kind of marine pleasure, the Thermes (baths) are a sleek and modern spa center that use only the best: sea water rich in minerals, and Lancaster products that are made in Monaco! And, there’s always the beach or the pool. Toddlers will also love the ‘petit train’ tour of the city that allows you to see the sights, without walking up and down the steep hill.
At night, enjoy the view over the harbour at the St Benoit restaurant. Fantastic seafood and a terrace overlooking the mega yachts give a good oversight of Monaco’s personality. Taste the lifestyle with a slice of foie gras, monkfish and if you must, visit the underground parking to gawp at the incredible cars or head to the Automobile Museum to see Prince Rainier’s impressive collection of classic cars.
For a sea view and swish surroundings, the Fairmont Hotel is just the ticket. Stripes, mirrors and sharp lines in the bedrooms all shout ‘Riviera chic’. Even better, their fantastic Sunday brunches are free for kids and come with a games room full of entertainment! What more could you ask for?
STAY
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Classic Collection Holidays (0800 294 9315, classic-collection.co.uk) offers 4 nights at Fairmont Monte Carlo for a family of four from a total of £3549. Price based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing 2 adjoining garden view rooms on a bed & breakfast basis, and includes return flight from London Gatwick (other UK departure airports available) to Nice and private transfers. Departs 05 April.
Monaco Tourist Board: www.visitmonaco.com
More to Madrid
Best with Teens
Madrid is one of Europe’s most vibrant capital cities. It’s where old world charm meets culture, hip attitudes and, of course, plenty of sunshine.
The Spanish city is filled with historic landmarks like the impressive Plaza Mayor, the Basilica de San Isidro and the Palacio Real built in 1734. Madrid is also known for its museums such as the Museo del Prado where Goyas and El Grecos hang.
What’s more, there’s plenty of shopping in Calle Serrano or in Puerta del Sol, where a giant Zara store beckons, while designer fiends should head to the Salamanca area.
Meanwhile, sports nuts have to make the pilgrimage to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium where footie Gods Beckham, Zidane, Figo and Raoul have all played.
The best thing about Madrid is its compulsory laid back attitude, and siesta time is sacred.
The Westin Palace Hotel is central, wedged between the Parque del Buen Retiro and the city centre. Rooms are plush, bathrooms slick and the hall is decorated with mighty flower arrangements that say luxury is a priority. No doubt as to why. Dali, Bowie and Stallone have all opted to stay at the hotel.
Breakfasts are a veritable feast with everything from smoked salmon, to bacon and eggs and delicious Churros, the deep fried batter sticks best sampled dipped in hot chocolate (yes, really).
For a fancy meal in romantic surroundings, don’t miss the Ritz Hotel’s terrace where white-gloved waiters serve up excellent seafood dishes. For something more down to earth, try La Trucha or Viva Madrid, typical tapas bars on the Calle de Manuel Fernandez Gonzales with charming shaded terraces.
STAY
This Easter Starwood are offering the Bonus Starpoint package €489 per night at The Westin Palace Hotel based on 2 sharing including breakfast buffet, free WIFI, VIP amenity, discount off food and beverage and 3.000 SPG Starpoints. Find out more at www.palacemadrid.com
Spanish Tourist Board www.tourspain.es