Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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Paris Stay Looking to stay in a luxury hotel in the capital's premier arrondissement? Book one of the 138 luxurious and spacious rooms at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris. The stylish hotel has a storied past. Since the 16th century its site has been a Capuchin monastery, a hippodrome, a theatre, and a royal riding school. Today it is a desirable destination where couples enjoy candlelit dinners, soothing spa treatments, and Parisian pastries at the Cake Shop. Although it's tempting to stay tucked inside the hotel's splendor, be sure to make the short jaunt to the nearby Louvre, Les Arts Décoratifs museum, and the Jeu de Paume. mandarinoriental.com See At sunset, share a glass of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower. If you time it right, you will see the world-famous structure's lights twinkle as the city skies fade to dark. A favorite romantic ritual in Paris is to add a padlock to the chain fence on the Pont des Arts bridge and toss the key into the Seine. Though a cliché, it is a tender tradition. Paris is home to some of the world's most acclaimed art galleries. Art-adoring hearts will swell at the magnitude of the Louvre's collection. (Impressive is the determination of those who make it to the front of the line to see the Mona Lisa.) The Musée d'Orsay's arsenal of Impressionist works is expansive and inspirational. A stroll down the Champs-Élysées is the ultimate love cruise. Take a break for an afternoon espresso while people-watching at an outdoor café. Great chefs are trending towards small restaurants featuring hearty meals in simple settings. Verjus, in the 1st Arrondissement, has garnered much praise and press. A visit to le Chocolat Alain Ducasse in the Bastille quarter is a special treat for those who want to tour the factory and indulge in divine confections. Spend a memorable afternoon in Montmartre. Climb the stairs to the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur and catch breathtaking views of Paris. Walk the cobblestoned streets where Impressionist artists found inspiration. Enjoy dinner at one of the charming bistros dotting the area. A romantic trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to Giverny and the Palace of Versailles. Watching rain fall on Monet's famous lily pads is beyond compare. Learning about royal life in the opulent Palace of Versailles is truly eye opening. Posy lovers will adore the colorful flower shops and abundant gardens and parks in Paris. Favorites include Tuileries Gardens and the Gardens at Versailles. Absolutely enchanting is the Luxembourg Gardens where you're as apt to see families sharing a leisurely afternoon as lovers stealing a smooch. Enjoy Saturday afternoon tea at the Hotel Le Bristol where models showcase the latest Parisian styles while guests delight in tea and desserts inspired by the featured fashion designer. 150 KJ JanFeb14_FE Travel.indd 150 11/22/13 9:31 AM