Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/594552
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2015 51 Travel Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each for travel on any scheduled Air Malta flights (excluding taxes and charges). All you have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email address to: Maltatoday competition, Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each for travel on any scheduled Air Malta flights (excluding taxes and All you have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email address to: , Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. Question: How many total weekly flights does Air Malta operate to Paris (Charles de Gaulle and Orly) this winter? 6 flights 10 flights weekly? ✂ Name Email Mobile Number Paris is always a good idea Chances are you've heard Paris called the City of Love and you'd be hard pressed to find a more romantic place. Still, if you're not in a hurry to propose to the significant other or are travelling solo, there's plenty to do that doesn't involve declarations of love Things to do The soaring Eiffel Tower, the mammoth Louvre Museum, the ca- thedral of Notre-Dame — these are all worth seeing, to be sure, but step- ping off the beaten track will guaran- tee a unique take on this wonderful city. Musée de l'Orangerie, home to Monet's wonderful 'Water Lilies' in- stallation, among others, is a repeat stop for locals and travellers alike. Take a cable car or climb up the hill to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, a basilica that rep- resents the healing power of beauty. In the mighty church's shadow, down the hill, find all manner of art- ists, buskers, eateries and splashes of local colour. Aside from its romantic connec- tions, Paris is primarily the capital of all that is French. This includes, of course, the food. For an up-close- and-personal feel for quality pro- duce, head to the Marché Bastille's food stalls, which sprawl up the Boulevard Richard Lenoir twice a week and stock more produce than most supermarkets. Pick up some picnic supplies and head to the banks of the Seine for the ultimate al fresco dining experience. In the mid-19th century, the French capital earned itself another name - 'The City of Light' - thanks to the 56,000 gas lamps that lit up streets and monuments. Although electricity has since become the main source of illumination, Paris at night remains a beautiful sight. Walking the main thoroughfares and admiring the lit-up architec- ture is both budget-friendly and a chance to take in the city's stunning urban environment. Stop at Bar Hemingway, at the Hotel Ritz, for a classy evening or the quirky Restau- rant Derrière for a spot of late-night table tennis. What to eat If you're looking for a gustatory treat (or to impress a special some- one), head to what is considered one of the city's top eateries, Epicure. Part of the Le Bristol Paris hotel on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, head chef Eric Frechon has made Epicure a destination for food- ies with his novel take on beloved French dishes. Three Michelin stars can't be wrong. If you're more into portable eats, try the Parisian versions of fast food (not to be confused with junk food). Start off with a crepe or sandwich from Au P'tit Grec, packed with fresh ingredients and a money back guarantee if you're not satisfied. When it's hot outside, try Berthillon, purveyor of luxury ice creams and sorbet. This is ice cream with panache, with combi- nations such as pear caramel and mocha tiramisu. For more breakfast-oriented treats, you can't go wrong at Du Pain et Des Idees. This bakery, on Rue Yves Toudic, specializes in different kinds of specialty bread, sweet rolls and croissants. It's a good thing Paris is so great for walk- ing – these delicious calories aren't going to work themselves off. Where to stay Paris offers a wealth of accom- modation options that will match any budget. For €300 a night, stay at The Marais House, a small B&B packed to the gills with antiques and authentic architecture. It's in the trendy Marais district – close to the Musée de Pompidou – but its exact location is its best-kept secret. At €120 per night, the Hotel du Temps is a mid-range hotel with plenty of 1960's kitsch to marvel at. Situated on a pretty square in the 9th arrondissement, Hotel du Temps' lobby bar and basement lounge come to life in the evenings with music and merriment. If you're looking for a countryside feel in the middle of Paris, Hotel des Grandes Ecoles is the place to go for a little rural-style relaxation in the heart of the city. Starting at €110 for two, this hotel feels like a charming country cottage, with a gorgeous courtyard that's perfect for eating breakfast in and a only minutes away from the Latin quar- ter, les Jardins Luuxembourg and Ernest Hemingway's old apartment in Paris. Quite an impressive set of coordinates for a secret getaway in Paris!