Romantic Things to Do in Paris: a guest post by Erica Fleming

City of Love: Romantic Things to Do in Paris

 

Apart from being known for its quite severe history of liberation and revolutions, Paris is an everlasting inspiration for wanderers.

Cédric Klei, Unsplash

No matter how trivial it is, the City of Love has always been and will always be a place of romanticism drawing sweethearts from all over the world to taste the cheeses, hear an accordion playing some ballads and, of course, see the Eiffel Tower.

Louis Pellissier, Unsplash

 

Notwithstanding, Paris is not a one-sightseeing city since the possibilities of having a lovely weekend are vast there. For this, here is a list of top cherry-picks of what to do in Paris that will definitely turn a vacation into a fabulous journey.

Flickr, pexels.com

#1 Observation from the Tower

Even though it’s a heck of a difficulty to get to the top because of the myriads of tourists dashing from all over the globe, paying a visit to the famous Eiffel Tower is a must. The 324-meter beauty gazing upon the ville will give you the most memorable views of the whole trip.  It’s also nice to have a glass of cold sparkling wine in one of the floors’ bars. Furthermore, the peak of the tower is surely the most romantic place to propose or, simply, to take a selfie with almost 20 thousand lights in the background.

#2 Joy at the divine temple

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, located in the district of Montmartre, is not only a church that welcomes thousands of worshipers annually but also a place of fabled romantics and outstanding beauty. The temple is situated on a hilltop unfolding its staircase alongside a funicular downwards to the city. White domes with their gracious ornaments and chapels outside and 18^th-century frescos inside are sightseeing wonders.

Bui Anh, Unsplash

The district of Montmartre is known to have been a home to many artists and painters starting with the end of the 1700s. Here, one can find a museum established in a mention that centuries ago belonged to an impressionist Renoir and realist Valadon. In the backyard of the museum, there are installations of famous artists.

Then, head to the place des Abbesses where you can find a chart on how to say ‘I love you’ in more than 200 languages and is located on the Wall of Love decorated by modern Parisian artists Baron and Kito.

#3 Romanticism again

Follow a path of tourists a bit to the South, and you’ll find another museum, Museum of the Romantics. This ordinary house with green window shades and a spiral staircase exhibits works of G. Sand, A. Scheffer, L. Hersent, A. Clesinger and many other romanticists.

TripSavvy

Delacroix’s works can be found in his former studio and now an exhibition place, The National Museum of Eugene Delacroix, such as ‘Chios and Missolonghi’ or the ‘Death of Sardanapalus’.

Paris tourist office

If you’re a fan of Notre Dame then the mansion of Victor Hugo is definitely a place to visit for you as well. The place is easily reachable through Parisian narrow alleys and marketplaces where they sell antiques and curiosities.

#4 Secret trails

There are shops and curiosity stores on the right side of the Seine that will absorb you with the 1800s nostalgia.

Dan Novac, Unsplash

In Passage Verdeau one can find worn out by time book library and manuscripts, whereas in Passage Jouffroy there are miniatures and toys.

Passage des Panoramas is the first place in the district to have been given gaslight in the early 19^th century. There, at this marketplace, there is a vast range of collectables and antiques (portraits, post stamps or cards, tokens of honor, fabrics, etc.) that will motivate a change of your heart and make you buy at least a wee thing.

Paris tourist office

Also, if you are willing to try a typical cuisine of the 19^th century, then head to Le Grand Vefour, where such foods can be discovered.

#5 Following the path of thousands

Canal St-Martin is for sure one of the most impressive places in Paris. It penetrates the city’s main streets and is embroidered with dozens of metal and stone bridges built in the 19^th century.

Expedia

You may enjoy the view of one of the bridges open upwards in order to let a ferryboat through, or you can take one of the boats and have a ride in the canal. There, you can either enjoy a traditional French meal or open up a bottle of Champagne as you pass by crowded by tourists streets.

Huy Phan, Unsplash

Or, if water is not an option for you, it’s always possible to get a few things to go in Pink Flamingo and gaze upon the ville on a bridge.

#6 Just the two of you          

In case, if a ferryboat is too crowded and you’re looking for some time to be alone, then it’s always possible to rent a two-person boat at Bateaux Parisiens. Moreover, it’s a fascinating experience to come by the famous garden of Jardin Shakespeare, which accommodates most of the greenery (trees and flowers) from the Bard’s works.

TripAdvisor

#7 The Dinner

It’s inexplicably difficult to find a decent food court in Paris since the majority of places are either fast-food or too fancy for just two tourists. Nonetheless, Les Ombres has an amazing view on the Tower and a beautiful angle for pictures; whereas La Tour d’Argent offers a spacious rooftop for hot nights out, where you can contemplate about your future plans.

Noblesse & Royautés

More romantic than a restaurant with a view on the Eiffel Tower or a rooftop with an open bar can be only a restaurant refurnished in the best fashion of the 17^th century with a labyrinth of candles, Le Coupe-Chou. Also, it’s a must to visit Bouillon Racine as a destination of a lovely night out.

TripAdvisor

Or, Le Frank that is located next to the famous Art Centre set up by the Louis Vuitton Foundation.

All in all, Paris is not a one-sightseeing city, such as the Eiffel Tower, but of thousands of places that fable one’s heart, making them wonder if this day can last for good. So pack your bags and prepare for the most extraordinary journey of your entire life!

Pedro Lastra, Unsplash

Nice! These are wonderful tips for those who are thinking about taking a trip to the City of Love. I don’t think you can go wrong here!

Thank you, Erica, for such great advice! ♥♥♥

Guest Blogger Bio

My name is Erica Fleming. I support the effective adoption of new technologies or ways of working within writing by communicating complex information in an informative and inspiring way. My works you can find here. I’m fond of writing articles for students, helping with essays.

Links

Website:  http://sutree.com/

Blog:  http://freebooksummary.com/category/blog

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/EricaFl67487069

 

Thanks again! We hope to see you back on ILRB sometime. 

As always, happy reading, everyone! 😉 Have a great week!

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Heroes & Heroines Special Feature: Character Avery Bell from FINDER KEEPER OF MY HEART by Vina Arno

Hi, readers! I am beyond pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB. Recently, I asked authors to come to the blog with a little background into their characters. Exactly what is it about them that keeps a writer up at night, composing those romance novels we love? I wanted to dig deep into each of these characters. Today is the next post in this series.

So, without further ado, let’s turn the mic over to author Vina Arno, who has some things to say about her character.

Hi, Vina! Describe one of your main characters and why he or she impacts the story.

 

3 Reasons to Love A Beta Romantic Hero

 

Romance books and movies are full of swaggering alpha heroes who are larger than life. They are easy to fall for and hard to ignore. And, guess what else? They’re too common. If you’re like me, you probably want the quiet, smart, and sweet beta romantic hero for a change.

Created by Luis_molinero – Freepik.com

Welcome to the club!

When I wrote my second romance novel, Finder Keeper of My Heart, I chose a beta hero named Avery Bell. He’s a loner, a sensitive soul. He’s also a brilliant, MIT-educated software engineer who’s working on a super drone. Unlike the typical alpha jock, he’s got the lean-but-strong build of a triathlete.

Hotlanta Voyeur, Visual Hunt

Let’s take a look at the top three qualities and reasons why the beta male is irresistible—in Finder Keeper of My Heart and in real life.

Top Three Traits

#1. He’s quiet and mysterious. The beta hero is swathed with layers upon layers of mystery. He’s the opposite of the temperamental alpha male. Avery Bell likes to go camping by himself in Hawaii and read Thoreau. As fate would have it, Emma Munroe gets lost in the jungle and he saves her. Emma gets to know him in the course of her Hawaiian vacation.

Created by Freepik

Here’s a passage describing his quiet demeanor:

As the conversation downstairs grew louder, the more attentive he became, like they were the only two people in the world. She loved his ability to focus, on top of his other fine qualities.

#2. Nice guys don’t finish last. Women who are crazy for bad boys haven’t met an honest-to-goodness nice guy who’s also a winner. In Finder Keeper, the beta hero is a young, high-tech whiz who’s working on a super drone designed to provide help during disasters. He’s also a triathlete training for his first Half Ironman race. If you read this novel, you’ll see that whoever said nice guys always finish last is simply wrong.

Created by Kues1 – Freepik.com

#3. He’s more realistic and closer to what most women want in real life. It’s okay to fantasize about the sexy, badass guy who breaks our hearts. But, in real life, most of us just want a guy who will give us a kiss before leaving the house, open the door for us, and cuddle with us on the couch during Movie Night.

Created by Freepik

The beta hero does all of these things and then some. Here’s how Emma describes him: “Avery was male in the best sense, without touting it or taking advantage of it—solid, reliable, efficient, intelligent, and too damn hot.”

If you’ve been reading about alpha heroes all along, get to know a beta hero, and share your thoughts with us!

Fascinating, Vina! And I have to admit, I have a soft spot for a total gentleman. In fact, most of the male characters I write about are really good guys. 😉

Anyway, this contemporary romance sounds awesome!

Let’s learn more about the novel, shall we, readers? 😀

Here is the blurb for Finder Keeper of My Heart.

Emma Munroe, a Juilliard senior, snags a plum role on Broadway a few weeks before her twenty-first birthday. She travels to Hawaii with her best friends to celebrate. When she gets lost in a jungle during an impromptu hike, she happens upon a waterfall—and a naked hunk bathing underneath it.

When she finds out his name is Avery Bell, she’s dumbstruck. She believes she’s meant to love someone named Avery. It all goes back to a message in a bottle she found when she was nine, a letter written by a soldier called Avery to his sweetheart named Emma. He’d written it in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack during World War II. Since then, Emma has been searching (and saving her virginity) for her own Avery.

But Avery Bell is as mysterious as he is irresistible. Emma learns about his family secrets and bitterness. In the course of this vacation, an accident and a tragic death will shake both of them to the core. Her singular faith in him—her unwavering belief in love and destiny—proves to be his saving grace.

And Vina is giving us a peek at her novel!

Emma jogged for the next few minutes. Another brook, then a dry creek, before she faced a second switchback. Shit, she was lost! She slogged along, her legs now aching. Then a faint sound of water. Late July in Hawaii was hot and humid, but the temperature had turned cooler the closer she got to the source of the rumbling water.

It turned out to be a waterfall, partly blocked by overgrown grasses. She descended to the swimming hole and parted the tall weeds with both hands to get a full view.

Omigod! A naked man stood underneath the waterfall, his back to her.

Well, hellooo, hottie. She stood across from him, frozen and mesmerized by his beautiful body—tall build, broad shoulders, toned arms and legs. He braced himself against the water crashing on his face by gripping a boulder with each hand.

All of a sudden, he turned around, his eyes shut. Before she could hide, he stepped out of the cascading water. When he opened his eyes, his gaze shot straight to her. He cupped both hands over his groin.

“I’m sorry!” She swung around. “I’m lost. I need your help.”

He didn’t respond, and she didn’t dare look. Two, maybe three minutes passed.

“Hello? Are you still there?” she shouted without glancing.

“You can look now.” He stood several feet away, dressed in khaki cargo pants and a burgundy T-shirt marked MIT. He carried his hiking boots, socks, and a backpack.

“I’ve been lost forever.” She puffed out her cheeks and blew a gust of air. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

He was probably a few years older than her. He didn’t appear embarrassed after getting caught buck naked, only annoyed.

“And your name is?” he snapped.

Okay, definitely pissed. “Emma Munroe—like Marilyn Monroe, but with a u.” She wanted to shake his hand, but didn’t get a chance since he perched on a big rock and proceeded to put on his socks and boots. When he rose, his dark eyes bored right through her.

He extended his hand. “I’m Avery Bell.”

“Avery?” She shook his hand, dumbstruck. Omigod! She had waited half of her life to meet someone named Avery—ever since she’d picked up a message in a bottle bearing that name.

He gave her a quizzical look.

She cleared her throat, composing herself. “Avery. I love that name.” My soul mate’s name is Avery. Could he be the one she’d been looking for?

He arched an eyebrow, like, really? He hauled his backpack over both shoulders. “How can I help you?”

“I need to get out of here.”

“How did you get here in the first place?”

“How did I get here?” she echoed like an idiot. Her self-confidence withered fast. She described the picnic on the beach and the hike up to the trail’s entrance. “I should have stayed put to wait for my friends, but my curiosity got the better of me. I chased the roosters and turkeys, plus I might have zoned out a little bit. I thought I was retracing my steps. I honestly don’t know how I got here.”

He nodded. “You’ve walked about four miles on the trail. Actually, you were probably not on the Muliwai Trail. You probably followed a fake trail. We’re a couple of miles away from Waimanu Valley.”

“You mean Waipio Valley?”

“I mean Waimanu Valley.”

She’d never heard of the place before. He walked up the weedy slope toward the trail.

She followed him. “Can you help me get out of here?”

He stopped, so she paused, too.

He turned his face to her. “I can take you to Waimanu Valley. I’m camping there.”

“Really?” Hope surged in her chest. He’s got to be the one.

Purchase Links:

Universal Reader link:  https://bookgoodies.com/a/B07BHGMQRK

 

Yowza! I definitely want to know what happens next! ♥♥♥

How fun to learn about your new adult romance, Vina! I know I can’t wait to read it! 🙂

Pick up your copy of Finder Keeper of My Heart today! Or add it to your Goodreads bookshelf, readers!

Thank you for stopping by with your informative guest post, Vina! Lovely to have you here! ♥

 

Guest Bio

Vina Arno is the pen name of Cindy Fazzi, a Filipino-American writer and former Associated Press reporter. Finder Keeper of My Heart, published by Painted Hearts Publishing, is her second romance book. Her romance debut, In His Corner, was published by Lyrical Press in 2015.  Her first literary novel, My MacArthur, will be published by the Sand Hill Review Press in 2018.

Author Links

Website/Blog:  http://www.cindyfazzi.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Cindy-Fazzi-779654065440439/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CindyFazzi

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Vina-Arno/e/B00R1RYE8E/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9800535.Vina_Arno

Google+:  https://www.facebook.com/Cindy-Fazzi-779654065440439/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cindyfazzi/

Publisher:  http://www.paintedheartspublishing.com/vinaarno

http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31649

 

Thanks again, Vina, for giving us a peek into the world of your character. Awesome! 😀

Have a great rest of your week, everyone!