Outfit of the Day - red-black striped top over sand-colored pants

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Missing the colors of Switzerland before the frosty snowy grounds up in the mountains. This was taken in the Interlaken area. In order to keep warm, I wore a thick red-black striped cotton top, black trench coat with fur trim, sand-colored pants and thigh-high boots.

Blouse: bought in Hong Kong (around SGD$39.90)
Trench coat: H&M (SGD$129.00)
Pants: Unknown
Hairband: Salvatore Ferragamo
Bag: Longchamp
Boots: MyGlamourous (SGD$59.90)

Outfit of the Day - black knitted top over jeans and boots

"Fashions fade; style is eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent

This was taken in Tuscany regions, Italy; it is Winter season so we were donning Winter garb. I was sporting a black knitted mock-turtleneck top over blue jeans and thigh-high boots.

Top: Sixties (SGD$29.90)

Jeans: Unknown

Boots: MyGlamorous (SGD$59.90)

Bag: Christian Dior

Necklace: Tiffany and Co

Bangle: Hermes

Outfit of the Day - maroon blouse over jeans and boots

"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." - Coco Chanel

Another scenic, almost dreamy page out of my recent Europe travels. As it is Winter, the outfits are similar with the aim to keep warm. Here's me in maroon half-sleeved, off-shoulders woolen top hidden in black trench coat with fur trim. Around my neck is a black fringed shawl converted into a muffler; on my legs are the thigh-high boots.

Blouse: Unknown

Jeans: Unknown

Trench coat: H&M (SGD$129.00)

Boots: MyGlamourous (SGD$59.90)

Bag: Christian Dior

Muffler: OAMC (SGD$39.90)

Outfit of the Day - black leather jacket over blue lacey dress

"In a world of trends, I want to remain classic." - Iman

This picture was taken in Paris, France, during the Winter season. I donned my black Trench coat with fur trim over my black leather jacket; the blue lacey flare dress was beneath. The look was completed with black tights and thigh-high boots.

Dress: bought in Korea (around SGD$69.90)

Leather Jacket: United Colors of Benetton (SGD$200.00)

Black Trench coat: H&M (SGD$129.00)

Tights: Marks and Spencer (SGD$29.90)

Boots: MyGlamorous (SGD$59.90)

Bag: Christian Dior

Outfit of the Day - black satin blouse with roses over sand-colored pants

"Happy girls are the prettiest." - Audrey Hepburn

In Milan, the city of fashion. I almost expected to see towering models strutting the streets.

Donned in a black short-sleeved satin collared shirt with rose designs; underneath the blouse is my Heat-tech thermal wear in black. My sand-colored pants and thigh-high boots completed the look.

Blouse: Sixties (SGD$59.90)
Pants: Unknown
Boots: MyGlamorous (SGD$59.90)
Bag: Christian Dior
Thermal wear: Uniqlo (SGD$39.90)

The Honeymoon Series [xii] - Lake Titisee in Black Forest, Germany

After visiting stunning Switzerland (review here), we cross over to Lake Titisee, Blackforest region in Germany. Now, Germany is an interesting Western European country with diversity - its capital Berlin which is rich for cultural, art and nightlife scenes, its city Munich known for Oktoberfest and famous German beers, and Frankfurt being the modern arm with skycrapers and central brank.

PLACES OF INTEREST

We had a short stay in Germany itself - basically merely crossing through the beautiful Black Forest region, renowned for its beautiful forests, black forest cakes and cuckoo clocks.

BLACK FOREST
A beautiful mountainous landscape with a dark cape of evergreens (pine trees) so dense, the shine could not shine through - that was how it's name was derived. Stretching west to the Rhine River and south into the Alpine foothills, the Black Forest is a must-visit for tourists in the Baden-Wutterberg (Swabia) region -it is also the biggest national park in the country with 130 years of tourism.

Besides a beautiful natural scenery, the Black Forest also houses some of the best restaurants, more than 30 spas, as well as the Cathedral of Freiburg, which is said to be one of the most beautiful gothic churches in Germany.

LAKE TITISEE
Strandbadstr 4. 79822 Titisee-Neustadt, Titisee, Germany
Website: http://www.blackforest-tourism.com/Media/Attraktionen/Titisee-lake

A beautiful lake surrounded by low mountains and forests, this natural setting is perfect for photography, relaxation and tourist's visitation. The Lake Titisee covers an area of km2 and is approximately 20 metres deep.

One may also be keen to visit the largest waterfall in Triberg here, the largest in the country.

SHOPPING

Besides Cuckoo Clocks, one may be very keen to do shopping for other merchandise as well. Housed in the same building are lots of other brands as well, from Mont Blanc to Pandora to Coach to Longchamp. You cannot walk away without a gorgeous, secure Rimowa luggage! And it was surprising to note that the prices of certain branded watches were about SGD$1,000 less than what we bought in Switzerland (gasps).

DRUBBA CUCKOO CLOCK / SHOPPING
Seestraße 37-41, 79822 Titisee-Neustadt, Germany
Website: https://www.drubba.com

How could one miss visiting the house of the Cuckoo Clocks? We were treated to a demonstration of the mechanisms and history of the famous exquisite clocks, with a better understanding of how they work. I never knew there were so many types of cuckoo clocks - some tell stories, others chime melodies instead of the usual birdie's coo-ing.  This is a lovely place to be at.

RESTAURANTS

There are many small hotels and restaurants, bars etc here so one could easily find food and drinks to fill their tummies or satiate cravings. When in Black Forest, one must eat their Pork Knuckle with Saukernaut and Black Forest Cake, as well as try German Beer and / or Wine!

CAFE & BRAUHAUS ZUR MUHLE
Seestraße 37-41, 79822 Titisee-Neustadt, Germany
Website: https://www.drubba.com/en/drubba/drubba-services/restaurants/restaurant-zur-muehle

Also under the Drubba Group, in the same building, is a beautiful café restaurant offering one a clear view of the surrounding forest through its full glass windows. Be it Summer or Winter, one dines in a gorgeous natural surrounding, served by cheerful service crew and warm hospitality over delicious, authentic German cuisine.

Here concludes our tour in Germany, and also the last city we visited in Europe (sadly). We bode the wonderful coldness goodbye and moved on to our last Honeymoon destination next - the exotic Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Keep a lookout for it next week. Thank you for reading, and smooches my dears.


For backtracks:
(i) Honeymoon Series part 1 - selecting the destinations (click here)
(ii) Honeymoon Series part 2 - researching and booking (click here)
(iii) Honeymoon Series part 3 - preparing for the trip (click here)
(iv) Honeymoon Series part 4 - Rome, Italy (click here)
(v) Honeymoon Series part 5 - Siena, Florence & Pisa, Italy (click here)

(vi) Honeymoon Series part 6 - Venice and Milan, Italy (click here)
(vii) Honeymoon Series part 7 - Lorraine and Fontainebleau, France (click here)
(viii) Honeymoon Series part 8 - Paris, France (click here)
(ix) Honeymoon Series part 9 - Swiss Alps and Bern, Switzerland (click here)

(x) Honeymoon Series part 10 - Interlaken and Jungfrau, Switzerland (click here)
(xi) Honeymoon Series part 11 - Lake Titisee, Blackforest, Germany (click here)

The Honeymoon Series [xi] - Lucerne and Zurich, Switzerland

Following my post on Interlaken up to Jungfrau, Switzerland (review here), The Honeymoon Series Part 11 here documents our journey to Lucerne (you may also see it spelt as "Luzern") and Zurich,  our last exploration in Switzerland before we move on to other parts of Europe.

PLACES OF INTEREST

A compact, German-speaking city in central Switzerland, Lucerne is well-known for preserved and medieval architecture, sitting amid snow-capped mountains on Lake Lucerne.

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and capital of the canton of Zurich, known as a global centre for banking and finance; it is also a metropolis of experiences by the water.

LION MONUMENT
Denkmalstrasse 4, 6002,  Luzern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.luzern.com/en/lion-monument

Also known as "The Lion of Lucerne" or the "Dying Lion Monument", is a memorial, a rock relief carved out of sandstone. It is one of Switzerland's most sentimental monuments and commemorates the heroic deaths of the Swiss mercenaries during their servitude to King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. It is designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820 - 1821 by Lukas Ahorn.

CHAPEL BRIDGE AND WATER TOWER (KEPELLBRUCKE and WASSERTURM)
Kapellbrucke, 6002, Luzern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.luzern.com/en/chapel-bridge
Website: http://www.luzern.com/en/water-tower

Lucerne is divided by the River Reuss into Old Town and New Town districts, connected by none other than the Chapel Bridge, dating back to the year 1332. It is a covered wooden footbridge spanning around 204 metres across the Reuss, forming part of the city's fortifications with the Water Tower.

The Water Tower is a massive, octagonal stone tower over 34 metres high, built around the year 1300 and as part of the city wall. It is used as an archive, treasury, prison and torture chamber.

RHINE FALLS
Rheinfallquai, 8212, Neuhausen am Rhinefall, Switzerland
Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/nature/rhine-falls
Price: 5 CHF (including Laufen Castle at the South Bank)

The largest plain waterfalls in Europe - Rhine Falls, can be found in Switzerland. It is a magnificent spectacle of plunging waters across a width of 150 metres and a height of 23 metres tall.  Besides viewing its beauty for photos and nature appreciation, one may take on the adventure path with elevator that goes from Laufen Castle to the outlook platform, or boat ride to the Rhine Falls Basin. An adventure park lies on the north bank - one of Europe's most spectacular rope parks.

SHOPPING

We went shopping in Switzerland, of course, a very Swiss way of life. The chocolates and watches here are must-buys.

PILATUSSTRASSE
Pilatusstrasse, 6003, Luzern, Switzerland

Located in the newer part of Switzerland, the Pilatusstrasse Square is an intersection of hotels, shops, boutiques and cafes, leaving tourists plenty to do for an afternoon here. Go crazy over Swiss-made leather goods, clothings, watches and chocolates.


BUCHERER
Schwanenpl, 5, 6004, Luzern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.bucherer.com

From high end watches to wallet-friendly quality watches, Bucherer has it all under one house. Bucherer Building alone has 4 to 6 floors of timepieces and some jewellery - you can find anything from Rolex to Audemas Piguet to Piaget to Chopard to IWC etc under one roof, easy for your comparison and shopping needs.  Just a friendly note to you though - that prices may not be the most competitive here - small watch boutiques around the same row of shops may very possibly offer prices that are better (depending on brands and models).

RESTAURANTS

I very much enjoyed the food in Switzerland overall, especially the cheese and chocolates because the milk they use here is just oh so delicious.

HEINI
Falkenpl, 6004, Luzern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.heini.ch

A lovely tea house translated into "Raindrops from Luzern", they serve up unique pies, creative confectionery, pastries and bread here, opened by Hans and Anna Heini. Their fine cakes and masterpiece chocolates won them quite some awards over the years.

LADERACH CHOCOLATIER
Website: https://www.laederach.com

They have various outlets in Switzerland and needs no introduction - they are known for their top-quality, handmade gourmet chocolates since 1962. Whether you are looking for interesting designs or flavours, whether you are searching for a gift or personal indulgences, Laderach has it all.

CAFETERIA EMILIO
Grendelstrasse 9, 6004, Luzern, Switzerland
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafeteria-Emilio-luzern/188835671161304

A simple cafe located right in the midst of watches' boutiques at Lucerne, Cafeteria Emilio seems the perfect place to grab a meal or cuppa in between shopping. Decor is pretty, with dark oak and mirror panelings, however our tour-mates did not enjoy their food here. We had Hot Chocolate and Cappuccino, to battle the cold and recharge for more shopping - the beverages are fine.

MIGROS / COOP SUPERMARKET CAFE
A simple gourmessa filled with stalls selling pastries or piping hot food including Switzerland sandwiches, pies, etc to Asian sushi rolls. One may take-away or dine in their simple cafe. We were a little hungry so decided to grab a bite - this beef sandwich came with very hard bread but the patty was so juicy, succulent and delectable!!

RESTAURANT / LOUNGE of HOTEL MEIERHOF
Hotel Meierhof Level 5, Bahnhofstrasse 4, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland
Website:  http://www.hotelmeierhof.ch/gastronomie/lounge-bar-au-lac/index.html

A comfortable and intimate space located on level 5 of Hotel Meierhof, the restaurant / lounge offers different types of seating, faux fireplaces, and huge expanse of window space overlooking the lake. One could look forward to catching the sunrises or sunsets at the right times, over quality food and drinks.

SCHLOSS WORTH
Rheinfallquai 30, 8212, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland

The Schloss Worth was also known as the "Water Castle", a fortification built in the 1300s, linked by a bridge. Today it houses a gourmet restaurant or some term "snacks bar" with a gorgeous view of the Rhine Falls.

ACCOMMODATION

We stayed in Lucerne for a couple of nights before zipping off to Germany. It was cold but Swiss hospitality could always be counted on. I also notice that hotels in Switzerland are rather fortunate because they could always count on the beautiful natural landscapes to provide excellent views for their guests.

HOTEL MEIERHOF
Bahnhofstrasse 4, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland
Website: http://www.hotelmeierhof.ch

A 4-star hotel that proclaims itself to be more relaxed than a home away from home, Meierhof is located in a good location, with 108 colorful rooms and is suitable for both business and leisure stays. The hotel itself has a bar and restaurant au lac, but they are only too happy to also recommend and make bookings for guests should they wish to dine at nearby restaurants.  The rate here is around 240 CHF a night.


Herein concludes our tour in beautiful Switzerland, which we miss dearly. We shall move on to Germany in the next episode of The Honeymoon Series. Keep your eyes peeled - thanks for gracing my site.


For backtracks:
(i) Honeymoon Series part 1 - selecting the destinations (click here)
(ii) Honeymoon Series part 2 - researching and booking (click here)
(iii) Honeymoon Series part 3 - preparing for the trip (click here)
(iv) Honeymoon Series part 4 - Rome, Italy (click here)
(v) Honeymoon Series part 5 - Siena, Florence & Pisa, Italy (click here)

(vi) Honeymoon Series part 6 - Venice and Milan, Italy (click here)
(vii) Honeymoon Series part 7 - Lorraine and Fontainebleau, France (click here)
(viii) Honeymoon Series part 8 - Paris, France (click here)
(ix) Honeymoon Series part 9 - Swiss Alps and Bern, Switzerland (click here)

(x) Honeymoon Series part 10 - Interlaken and Jungfrau, Switzerland (click here)

The Honeymoon Series [ix] - Swiss Alps and Bern, Switzerland

After leaving France, (review here), we headed for the beautiful Switzerland, starting with Mount Titlis at the Swiss Alps. It was snowing, so the natural surroundings were very beautiful.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Mount Titlis is a mountain of the Swiss Uri Alps, standing tall at 3,238 metres above sea level. We spent the first 2 days up on the snow mountains and then visited Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. Bern Old Town, by the way, is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

MOUNT TITLIS ENGELBERG
Titlis, 6390 Gadmen, Switzerland
Website: http://www.titlis.ch/en

Scale the mountain for its scenic beauty, or bask in a Christmassy ambience with white "Christmas trees" standing tall on the slopes. From the Titlis Rotair Gondola revolving 360 degrees to offer magnificent panoramic views, to the heart-pounding 250-steps Cliff Walk, to the gorgeous turquoise-blue glacier caves and winter sports - Mount Titlis Engelberg has it all. Come down for some summer or winter fun. Prepare some chocolates and sweets in the event you get altitude sickness at such heights.

BERN (OR BERNE)
Website: http://www.bern.com/en/
The city of Bern is the de facto capital city of Switzerland. Offering well-preserved medieval townscape exuding an unique Old Town atmosphere, Bern offers an amazing wealth of culture, leisure and entertainment. From Bear Park to Rose Garden to House of Parliament to Einstein House to the Cathedral of Bern, etc, there's plenty to see and do in Bern itself.

CLOCK TOWER (ZYTGLOGGE  or ZEITGLOCKENTURM)
Bim Ztyglogge 3, 3011, Bern, Switzerland
Website: http://www.zeitglockenturm.ch

The Zytglogge is a landmark tower in Bern, Switzerland, built as early as the 13th century. It was the first Western gate of the city and served as the master clock with astrological calender. The exterior appearance of the tower is dominated  by late-Baroque elements; the large dial is framed by a fresco produced by Viktor Surbek in 1930.

RESTAURANTS

Throughout the Europe tours, I could safely say that we enjoyed food in Switzerland the best. Their sausages, chocolates and cheese, especially, were quality and tasty.

STATION TITLIS (PANORAMA SELF-SERVICE)
Address: Mt. Titlis 
Website: http://www.titlis.ch/en/restaurants/titlis/panorama-self-service

We enjoyed the food at this self-service bistro immensely. While I found the sausage to be very tender and palatable, the Swiss barley soup interesting, and the hot spiced wine very lovely, my tour-mates were raving about the Indian food, especially Nasi Briyani.

LAGO TORBIDO
Address: Mt. Titlis
Website: http://www.hoteltruebsee.ch/en/restaurants/lago-torbido

Oddly, we dined Italian when in Switzerland - this was the restaurant offering our hotel's 4-course meal. The starter bread was so good, we asked for seconds. We also had Red Wine, Clear Vegetables Soup, Baked Chicken Pasta and Lemon Panna Cotta. It was a rather delicious meal.

ACCOMMODATION

We were fortunate enough to stay at an alpine lodge in the snow mountains itself. The facilities were minimal and decor was simple, but we were surrounded by the most beautiful wintry views right outside the balconies.

HOTEL BERGHOTEL TRUSBEE
Gerschnistrasse 12, 6390, Engelberg, Switzerland
Website: http://www.hoteltruebsee.ch/en/hotel

Beautiful, simply-furnished lodge apartments with a huge lounge on level 2 where guests could relax or chill out at. There are 37 rooms in all, with 89 beds and basic facilities. The landscape views outside the windows were breath-taking, it was like something out of a movie literally. Each room starts at 205 CHF onwards, consisting of a night's stay, buffet breakfast, 4-course dinner, ski pass and half-board.

We loved the cleanliness and friendliness we experienced in Switzerland. Moving on, keep a lookout for The Honeymoon Series 10 - where we visited Jungfrau and Interlaken regions. Have a beautiful week ahead, dears.

For backtracks:
(i) Honeymoon Series part 1 - selecting the destinations (click here)
(ii) Honeymoon Series part 2 - researching and booking (click here)
(iii) Honeymoon Series part 3 - preparing for the trip (click here)
(iv) Honeymoon Series part 4 - Rome, Italy (click here)
(v) Honeymoon Series part 5 - Siena, Florence & Pisa, Italy (click here)

(vi) Honeymoon Series part 6 - Venice and Milan, Italy (click here)
(vii) Honeymoon Series part 7 - Lorraine and Fontainebleau, France (click here)
(viii) Honeymoon Series part 8 - Paris, France (click here)

Outfit of the Day - red black striped blouse with flap, over black leather skirt and boots

"Forget the rules if you like to wear it." - Unknown

Arrival in Rome, Italy, when the weather was bearable and not too cold. I chose a black-red striped thick cotton blouse with flap over black leather miniskirt. Nude tights and black thigh-high boots completed the look.

Blouse: Unknown
Miniskirt: Guess
Boots: MyGlamorous (SGD$59.90)
Bangle: Hermes
Earrings: Denni

Outfit of the Day - white woollen coat over dark blue mini dress

"O Dionysus, we feel you near,stirring like molten lavaunder the ravaged earth,flowing from the wounds of your treesin tears of sap,screaming with the rageof your hunted beasts." - Euripides

No, this ain't what it seems. I was reaching out for just the wine cup, really I was!  Dionysus is no doubt one of my favoritest gods - being the one who precedes over wine, arts, pleasure and fertility. Wine and arts got me. I even dreamed of him once, out of the royal midnight blue.

This photo was taken in the Louvre, Paris. I was decked out in Winter gear of a white gingham wollen coat over navy blue mini-dress with high collar and fringe. In my hands was a Trench Coat for the cold weather outdoors - black, polyester with fur trim. Black tights completed the look.

Dress: Bought from Hong Kong
White Coat: Sixties (SGD$69.90)
Black Coat: H&M (SGD$129.00)
Necklace: Tiffany and Co

The Honeymoon Series [viii] - Paris, France

After touring the beautiful, more rural Lorraine and Fontainebleau (review here), we ventured into city living - beautiful, beautiful Paris, the city often associated with glamour, elegance and high fashion.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Besides being a beautiful, fashionable city lined with shops and the latest trends, arts and culture of France are also evident in Paris itself. We explored the city for some iconic landmarks bearing traces of long history as well as art.

EIFFEL TOWER
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007, Paris, France
Website: http://www.toureiffel.paris/en.html
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 11.00pm daily
Ticket Prices: Between 7 euros to 17 euros per person

Named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, this wrought-iron lattice tower is a icon by day and a sparkling diamond in the night. One can climb or take the lift up to the top of the tower, and view Paris from the top; there are also restaurants as well as souvenir shops within the tower itself.

THE LOUVRE MUSEUM (MUSEE DU LOUVRE)
75058 Paris, France
Website: http://www.louvre.fr/en
Opening Hours: 9.00am to 6.00pm daily except Tuesdays
Ticket Prices: 17 euros per person

After the novel and movie "The Da Vinci Code",  I am sure that The Louvre Museum needs no introduction. It is the largest museum in the world and houses one of the most impressive art collection in history. From the pyramid entrance, one accesses many different art galleries of paintings and sculptured arts; there are many, many galleries such as Eastern Antiquities, Islamic Art, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan & Roman Antiquities and Arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americans etc, giving us an international art appreciation opportunity.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE
Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008, Paris, France
Website: http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com
Opening Hours: 10.00am to 10.30pm
Ticket Prices: 12 euros per person

One of the most famous monuments in Paris, standing tall and strong at the end of Champ-Elysees - the Arc De Triomphe was built between the years 1806 to 1836, in honour of the French soldiers who fought for France, particularly those who battled in the Napoleonic wars. Engraved on the inside and top of the Arc are the names of the generals and wars fought.

PLACE DE LA CONCORDE / LUXOR OBELISK / FERRIS WHEEL
75008, Paris, France
Website: https://frenchmoments.eu/place-de-la-concorde-paris
Website: https://www.google.com.sg/#q=ferris+wheel+paris

One of the largest major public squares in Paris, the Place de la Concorde is situated along the Seine River and separate the Tuileries Gardens from the beginning of the Champs-Elysees. Renowned for its important part in French history, this majestic square is chosen for many happy or sad national gatherings.

Some of the most impressive monuments within the Place de la Concorde itself are the Fontaines de la Concorde, also known as "The Fountain of River Commerce and Navigation",  The Luxor Obelisk (a 23-metres tall Egyptian monolithic pink granite monument given to the French in 1829 by the Egyptian viceroy), and the Le Grande Roue de Paris (60-metre tall Ferris Wheel).

LES INVALIDES
Place des Invalides, 75007, Paris, France
Website: http://www.musee-armee.fr/en/english-version.html
Opening Hours: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Ticket Prices: 11 euros per person

More commonly known as the "Hotel national des Invalides", this complex of buildings contain museums and monuments. It was founded in 1671 by King Louis XIV, the Sun King, for providence of accommodation and care for wounded soldiers. Among them are the Napoleon's tomb, Dome Church and army museums.

SEINE RIVER CRUISE
The Seine River Cruise allows us the opportunity to view most of Paris' iconic monuments such as Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre Museum, as well as the river banks via an hour's long cruise ride, complete with audio introductions in different languages.  There are several cruise operators offering the river cruise service, beginning at 15 euros per person. We went with Bateaux Parisiens, website: http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/en/cruise-tours.html.

ASSEMBLEE NATIONALE
126 Rue de I'Universite, 75355, Paris, France
Website: http://www2.assemblee-nationale.fr/decouvrir-l-assemblee/visiter-l-assemblee-nationale

The lower house of the French Parliament, and visits to the Palais-Bourbon are available. Public entrance is at 33 Quai d'Orsay, 75007, Paris, France.

SHOPPING

One could never miss out on shopping in Paris. Whether you choose local designers, high fashion or discount outlet malls, everyone brings home something from this beautiful city known for its ahead-of-time fashion.

CHAMPS-ELYSEES
8th arrondissement of Paris, France
Website: http://www.champselysees-paris.com

The Avenue des Champs-Elysees is a 1.9 kilometres long avenue stretching between Place de la Concorde and Place Charles de Gaulle, containing many trendy boutiques and restaurants. You could find many familiar high fashion brand names and street brand names as well as skincare brands on the signboards of these shops.

GALERIES LAFAYETTE
Website: http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en

An upmarket French chain department store with many outlets across France itself, Galeries Lafayette has 3 buildings in Paris itself - one for male, one for female, and one for family. There are many shops and brands within the department stores, from high fashion clothes, bags and jewellery to high street fashion brands, etc. Be prepared to spend hours on end here browsing the boutiques and buying to your heart's contend.


ONE NATION
1 Rue du President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 78340, Les Clayes-sous-Bois, France
Website: http://www.onenation.fr/en/contact

One of the largest and newest outlet shopping mall in Paris, opened by none other than the Galeries Lafayette Group, dedicated to fashion and luxury brands.


LA VALLEE VILLAGE
3 Cours de la Garonne, Serris, France
Website: https://www.lavalleevillage.com/fr/home

One of the best outside-Paris outlet mall with a village setting and has more brands than its competitors, La Vallée Village boosts of brands which has very few outlet stores such as Celine, Givenchy, and Christian Lacroix etc. The discounts are authentic and often deep.

CHRISTMAS MARKET / FAIR / BAZAAR
Along Champs Elysees and stretching all the way to Place de la Concorde in November to December, one can experience beautiful atmosphere at the Christmas Market  - buying gift items, Christmas decor, hot red wine, hot beer, food items etc, or have fun on the theme park rides. It is beautiful and definitely brings out the Christmas spirit in anyone.

RESTAURANTS

Don't ask me why out of the 2 days in Paris, we only managed to enjoy one French meal - whereas the other meals were taken at Chinese restaurants. No, I don't miss Asian food and no, our tour package ain't ratty nor with some cheapo tour agency.  One wishes for French Onion Soup, Escargots, Foie Gras etc when in France!

MAXIM'S DE PARIS
3 Rue Royale, 75008, Paris, France
Website: http://maxims-de-paris.com/en/

The place to be! But reservations need to be made way in advance. A renowned restaurant with history tracing back to year 1893, and is known throughout the world. I would be here someday for their French food.

FAUCHON RESTAURANT
Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2A, Level 2, Roissy-en-France 95700, France
Website: http://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/shops/shopping/store/fauchon

Gifts store, fresh chocolates and now a restaurant concept on level 2 of the Charles de Gaulle Airport, after check-in area. The restaurant with its classy black exterior lit by neon pink letterings is hard to miss, and the menu comprises mainly Western dishes.

NAME: UNKNOWN
A French restaurant with pretty decor in Paris, near the Galeries Lafayette malls area. I guess we were too excited to order, and thus forgot the name. Here was where we had Duck Confit and Escargots.

CAVIAR HOUSE & PRUNIER SEAFOOD BAR
Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2A, Level 1, Tremblay-en-France 93290, France
Website: https://www.caviarhouse-prunier.com/paris-bars

Loved the classy white bar counter settings, especially when hunting for food during flights-intervals. Therefore I had a foie gras with glass of wine. Must admit that I prefer seared foie gras - for the goose paste in this form tastes more like a pate.

BURGER HOUSE
Small burger joint near Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Paris. It looks normal but no shyt - we had one of the best burgers we had ever tried - thick, juicy beef patties with lots of cheese. We returned the next night to try their Beef-Chicken Burger, having the best of both worlds.

LA FONTAINE DE JADE RESTAURANT
54 Avenue Bosquet, 75007,  Paris, France
Website: http://www.fontainedejade.be

Beautiful Oriental decor, and I grudgingly admit that the food was quite good. We had dishes of soup, fish, vegetables, pork, omelette and beef.

4SAISONS BEEF NOODLE RESTAURANT
90 Rue de Provence, 75009, Paris, France

Near the Printemps Galleria Opera area is a Chinese / Vietnamese restaurant serving beef noodles, fried rice, etc Asian dishes - often packed with diners. I thought the food was so-so only, but having hot soup in cold wintry weather is always welcomed.

ACCOMMODATION

Finally we reached the sleeping quarters. We stayed 2 nights in Marriott Courtyard, a hotel on the outskirts of Paris city, reachable by tram. This gave us the opportunity to ride their local public transport - rather easy to get around.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT PARIS LA DEFENSE
91 Boulevard Charles de Gaulle Colombes, 92700, Paris, France
Website: http://courtyard-by-marriott-paris-la-defense-west-colombes-hotel.booked.net

I think this should be the hotel we stayed at - either that, or Courtyard by Marriott Saint Denis. Their structure and facilities look awfully familiar. Never mind - rooms were spacious, and I really love how the toilet cubicle was separate from the bathroom. There were few restaurants / eateries nearby, but close enough to airport. This hotel is around 200 euros a night, including breakfast.

Overall, I enjoyed my French holiday - again, because I love everything French, from the culture to the language to the fashion to the food and the arts. Having said that, thank you for reading about my Honeymoon Series Part 8. Do keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming Part 9 - on Switzerland tour! Here's wishing you dears a good weekend ahead.




For other parts of The Honeymoon Series:
(i) Honeymoon Series part 1 - selecting the destinations (click here)
(ii) Honeymoon Series part 2 - researching and booking (click here)
(iii) Honeymoon Series part 3 - preparing for the trip (click here)
(iv) Honeymoon Series part 4 - Rome, Italy (click here)
(v) Honeymoon Series part 5 - Siena, Florence & Pisa, Italy (click here)
(vi) Honeymoon Series part 6 - Venice & Milan (click here)
(vii) Honeymoon Series part 7 - Lorraine & Fontainebleau (click here)