Aliya Ladhabhoy and Muskaan Thakur
As Dil Bechara is set to release today on Disney Hotstar, Sanjana Sanghi, the lead actor in the film shared a throwback to dreamy days of filming the song Khul Ke Jeene Ka in Paris with her co-star, Sushant Singh Rajput, who passed away last month.
Based on the bestselling novel John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, Sanghi’s character Kizie Basu, who is battling thyroid cancer fulfills her last wish of visiting Paris with Immanuel Rajkumar Junior or Manny (Sunshant Singh Rajput).
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In the movie, Kizie and Manny soak in the art, culture and joie de vivre of the city of dreams.
As travel restrictions are slowly opening up around the world, France is ready to welcome tourists. India has recently signed air bubbles with France and the UK, so you don’t have to wait too long to hop on a flight to visit the city of love.
The city has so much to offer in terms of art, shopping and culture. Here’s a round-up of all the things that you must see and do in Paris.
Read: Travel Circle, a new travel venture born during the pandemic
STAY
Hotel Ritz
Overlooking Place Vendôme, this iconic heritage hotel is everything Paris stands for. Built in 18th century Parisian style architecture, Coco Chanel loved the hotel’s philosophy and style so much that she stayed here for 34 years! We don’t need to list any other reason to book you room here. The hotel is welcoming guests August 24 onward.
Le Bristol Paris
One of the few Palace hotels in Paris, it is a rank given by the French Ministry of Tourism for hotels that go above and beyond to showcase Parisian culture and way of life. Known for its exemplary service, the hotel made use of the lockdown to refurbish parts of the hotel and introduce a new courtyard. It has the one of the best restaurants in the city (see our dining section). Re-opens on September 1.
Plaza Athénée Paris
Founded in 1913, the hotel perfectly blends its rich legacy with innovation. A stone’s throw away from Champs-Elysées, the hotel has close links to the world of fashion and films and has even featured in some. It houses the first-of-its-kind Dior Institute spa. Renowned three Michelin-start chef Alain Ducasse helms the hotels 5 restaurants. It re-opens on September 1.
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
The hotel is located just minutes from the Arc-de-Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées. What sets this luxurious hotel apart is that has its own cinema, art gallery and offers art concierge services.
Mandarin Oriental Paris
Flanked by the best designer French maisons, the hotel is a contemporary palace.The spacious rooms with Art Deco inspired interiors, polished service and three restaurants headed by French chef Thierry Marx make it a preferred choice for global travellers.
DINE
Ciel De Paris
Located on the 58th floor of Tour Maine Montparnasse, the fine dine restaurant is known for an exceptional panoramic view of Paris called ‘Paris Wide Screen’ apart from the sumptuous Parisian fare that it serves.
Le Jules Verne
Located on the second floor of the Effiel Tower, this restaurant is run by triple Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Anton and his team. It is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
La Coupole
The beauty of this place lies in its set up; art deco interiors and a painted dome. Dating back to 1927, this French brasserie has been listed as a historical heritage site.
ASPIC
This Michelin-star restaurant was started by chef Quentin Giroud. It offers the best of modern French cuisine in a fixed seven course meal called ‘No Choice’ for €69. You can pair it up with some wine at an additional cost.
Epicure
A part of Le Bristol Paris, this haute French restaurant is run by three Michelin-star chef Eric Frechon. Some of his signature dishes are macaroni stuffed with black truffle, artichoke & duck foie gras and gratinée with aged parmesan. Currently, they are offering delivery-service only.
SHOP
Louis Vuitton, Champs-Elysées
There are several LV stores in Paris, but their flagship store on Champs-Elysées is the largest LV store in the world!  Housed in an Art Deco building, it is a listed historical monument.
Chanel, 31 Rue Cambon
This store is famous because it has a story attached. In the initial days, Coco Chanel opened her hat shop at 21 Rue Cambon. As she expanded her business, she acquired the entire building  31 Rue Cambon, which served as the heart of the brand. She also resided in the building on the top floor.
DIOR Paris, Saint-Honoré
Dior too has multiple Parisian stores. The recently opened five-story flagship store offers its menswear and womenswear collections, accessories as well as jewellery line and homeware. It has an amazing view of the Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church.
Hermès, 24 Rue Du Faubourg Saint Honoŕe
This space first served as the brand’s workshop in 1880 and later transformed in to a boutique in 1889. The store has expanded over the years and is Hermès’ largest store in the world.
Boutique Cartier Paris, 12 Boulevard Des Capucines
A visit to Paris would be incomplete without visiting this French jewellery maison’s boutique. Founded in 1847, the brand’s mastery in watches and jewellery is unmatched.
ART
The Louvre
It is nearly impossible to go through the world’s largest museum in one visit.  It houses 35,000 artworks including some of the most famous works of art such as the famed Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci. It has re-opened but visitors have to book a time slot in advance and wear a mask in the museum.
The Centre Pompidou
Known as Beaubourg, the iconic modern building with pops of colour is one of the best known sights in Paris. It houses the MusĂ©e National d’Art Moderne which has the largest collection of modern art in Europe, a public library, a research centre, an exhibition and performance space and a cinema.
Musée d’Orsay
Once a railway station, the museum building is as magical as its rich collection of Impressionist art. It also houses paintings, sculptures, photography, and decorative arts from the 19th and early 20th century.
Atelier des Lumières
Opened in April 2018, the art centre hold monumental immersive exhibitions. Using 140 video projectors and a spacialised sound system to present a larger than life art experience. After showcasing Vincent Van Gogh’s works earlier this year. The ongoing exhibition showcases Monet, Renoir, and Chagall: Journeys Around the Mediterranean.
Musée national Picasso-Paris
Spanish painter Pablo Picasso spent most of his adult life in France. The Museum’s artworks take visitors on a journey through the artist’s entire painted, sculpted, engraved and drawn works, illustrating his creative process. It accounts for 5000 works and 2,00,000 archival items making it the biggest collection of Picasso’s work in the world.
