Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/893950
38 maltatoday SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017 Travel THE NATIVE Travelling is always risky business – getting stuck in a touristy area with terrible meals. The same can be said of sightseeing, hotels and nightspots. Travelling to a place when you know people who recommend the right places helps to make your stay all the more enjoyable. NEED TO KNOW How to get there There are many direct flights from Malta to Paris. Air Malta and Air France offer frequent flights to various airports in the capital. Ryan Air offers limited flights to Beauvais airport. Best time to visit The best time to visit Paris would probably be in the summer, between June and August when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities. The change of leaves in the autumn is particularly stunning in Paris and the city is well-worth visiting at this time. If you're after a bargain, then try your luck during the winter months. Paris is a popular tourist destination, with upwards of 30 million tourists visiting every year, so whatever time of year you are travelling expect crowds. Currency France is part of the EU and uses the euro. BEST PLACE TO EAT The choice of restaurants and cafes in Paris is endless, but if you are looking for an authentic and traditional cafe than head down to my favourite neighbourhood, St. Germain, situated in the 6th arrondissement where you can sit at one of the oldest cafes in Paris, Les Cafe Deux Magots. The place itself encompasses the true essence of French tradition, from the impeccably dressed old school waiters, to the fresh baguettes and croissants served every morning, and the clouds of cigarette smoke circling in the air. Les Cafe deux Magots is most definitely a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike. It is also perfect for solo travellers as seats are tightly placed encouraging easy conversation whilst at the same time prompting you to get lost in the hustle and bustle of city life. Try visit in the morning as it is less busy and enjoy the added bonus of savouring a typical French breakfast in a quaint Parisian town. BEST SPOT FOR SIGHTSEEING There is nothing more mesmerising than seeing all of Paris from one spot. All you have to do is head over to the Sacré-Cœur. Even though it is a top tourist destination, there is something extremely unique and tranquil about sitting on one of the many steps outside the Basilica to witness the changing moods of the day, as Parisians around switch on their lights in their quaint apartments. The best time to go is at sunset when all the magic is at hand, so grab a bottle of wine together with a buddy or simply alone and sit and watch Paris swiftly transfer into night. Once you've had enough of this you can make your way down to Montmartre, buzzing with a vast variety of cafes, restaurants, mouth-watering creperies and countless shops to chose from. It is a truly charis- matic neighbourhood situated on top of a beautiful and picture perfect city. Paris, France Rebecca Pisani, 23, born in Malta, lived in Paris for three years while studying International and Comparative Politics.