By Francesca Merced

“The City of Light” has been dubbed one of the most romantic cities in the world and is an obvious destination for an intimate getaway with your significant other.  But, despite what happened to our beloved “Carrie Bradshaw” in the series finale of Sex in the City, there are lots of fabulous things for a single girl to do in Paris, too!

If you’ve never been to Paris, then there are a few facts you should know going in:  French food is rich, the wine is delicate and the coffee is strong, so prepare your taste buds for a full-on sensational delight!

If French isn’t your first or second language, I highly recommend picking up a pocket French dictionary to help navigate Paris smoothly.  Whether buying bread in the morning at a local boulangerie, or sampling new fragrances at the parfumerie, I have found the Parisians to be quite friendly and helpful whenever I’ve tried to engage them in their native tongue.

Even climbing up and down the stairs from the street to the Metro stations below ground can be an adventure and an opportunity to make a sexy new acquaintance or two.

From strolling across Le Pont Neuf bridge, to gliding along the Champs -Elysees, Paris is absolutely a walker’s paradise – so be sure to pack comfy wedges or boots so you can enjoy those brisk Parisian nights on foot.

If walking isn’t your thing (because you’re too bogged down with too many bags from shopping), then you can always take in the city’s sights from atop a double-decker red bus.

Tours are offered on “l’autobus rouge” (red bus) throughout the day and, weather permitting, you will be able to enjoy views of wonder-sites like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Seine River from a very comfortable perch.

The view of the city from high atop the Arc de Triomphe is truly stunning.  And there are few sights as spectacular as the Eiffel Tower and I personally recommend taking it in at dusk.

One of my favorite vantage points to shoot pics of the fabled structure is from the Trocadero – site of the Palais de Chaillot in the 16^th – located in the 16^th arrondissement.  Grab du vin, du pain et du fromage (some wine, bread and cheese ) or a crisp crepe or une gaufre (waffle) drenched in yummy warm Nutella from a local vendor and enjoy some of the world’s best people-watching as the sun sets on Le Tour Eiffel.

It goes without saying that Paris is a must-see for any respectable fashionista.  Artists will, no doubt, also be inspired by the varied architecture, splendidly landscaped jardins (gardens), and the undeniable “joie de vivre” that runs like a current of electricity through the city streets.

Paris is easily accessible by air or, within Europe, by train.  One of my favorite ways to enter the city is via the Eurostar train which shoots from London through the English Channel and into Paris.

For first class accommodations, I’d recommend booking a suite at the Hotel Astor Saint-Honore which is conveniently located near the Champs-Elyees and L’Opera.  In addition to accoutrements such as marbled bathroom floors, the exquisite hotel boasts suites on its top two floors that offer panoramic views of the city.

If you prefer to allocate more of your vacation spending into food and shopping than into your hotel, I recommend staying at the quaint Hotel Malar located on the Rue Malar.  The quaint hotel offers comfortable rooms, a warm, friendly staff, and a relaxing garden and is a short walk away from Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

Paris is an enchanting and accessible destination that is enjoyable whether you’re coupled up or looking for a sexy single girl adventure.  So go ahead: pop that champagne and toast your love for life in a city where beauty and romance are always in full bloom!

For more information about the Eurostar, please visit:  www.eurostar.com

You can book your stay at the Hotel Malar by visiting: www.hotelmalar.com