While the seaside was still finding fault with the empty beach in Mamaia , the expensive parking, the migration of tourists to other resorts, I decided to get away from all the Romanian scandals and enjoy a few days in Paris. I had the Coldplay tickets for almost a year, but no other plans for the French capital, especially since the coronavirus pandemic made me and us stop planning almost anything. The article below is structured in several chapters, precisely to give you the opportunity to jump to the one you want to read.
The flight to Paris and the fear of checked luggage
We chose to fly with Tarom to Paris to make sure we arrive! We thought that any strike, suspension of the journey, loss of luggage will be solved much easier with a line company than with a low cost one. And I was right! Although we were allocated a hold bag, we were still debating whether to use it or not considering that I kept getting photos of stacks of luggage abandoned around the airport. I took a risk and took hold luggage, but in the carry-on I had all the important things. I said that if they lose him, we'll have everything we need with us, and we can buy a t-shirt and a pair of jeans in Paris. I took into account the advice of the people at the airport and went to Henri Coandă three hours and a little before boarding. All procedures took about two and a half hours, so I didn't spend much time at the airport.
Accommodation recommendation, but that's it
I arrived in Paris on the very National Day of France, July 14th. We stayed at the Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur precisely for the location, but also for the promise that we would sleep in a clean hotel. We've had problems with accommodation in Paris before (I guess we're not the only ones) and because it's part of a recognized chain, we trusted that they would meet international standards.
The hotel is clean, with exemplary staff and a spectacular terrace on the 1st floor. In fact, a suspended park, perfect place for leisure moments. Instead, spicy breakfast, 78 euros for two people/two days. Very American food, croissants from the freezer and warmed up, coffee on the dispenser. My advice is to avoid paying for breakfast if you choose to stay at this hotel. You have dozens of terraces where you can drink coffee or eat breakfast much cheaper. For example, we paid 16 euros for two menus on a terrace (cappuccino, fresh oranges, croissant).
The spectacular France Day fireworks and the Eiffel Tower seen through the trees
The 14th of July started with a Chabli on a terrace in Montmartre, meeting friends, a slow-cooked lamb and the joy of rediscovering the city that amazes you every time you visit. I dedicated the next sub-chapter to the dishes and the places where we ate, as well as the prices, but now I want to tell you about the purely touristic experience of the Eiffel Tower fireworks. Announced at 23.00 p.m., the fireworks from the tower are truly spectacular. Although we expected to be us and a few million locals and tourists, Paris made us leave for the tower only around 20.00:23.00 p.m. Our friends know Paris like the back of their hand and had a certain area in mind where we could see the show without too much crowding. Our plans were turned upside down by the strict security measures imposed by the French, who went through some attacks. So at 16.00 p.m., we and thousands of other souls were watching the fireworks among some trees. If you want to reach the lawn in front of the tower, my advice is to reach the area no later than XNUMX, with takeaway food and water/other liquids, but not in bottles/metal containers because you will be stopped at the security cordons.
Sometimes, you get the impression that the terrorists have actually achieved their goal! During the fireworks show, the mass of people started to move chaotically, scared! Calm by nature, both we and the friends accompanying us did not panic and automatically looked towards a safe place. Nothing had happened, but only a part of the crowd thought that the protective fences had been removed, and believed that they would get close to the tower. The French are still scared of the possibility of attacks, and I noticed this at those times.
Food, food and more food
Yes, Paris means a lot of food! Wherever you turn your head, you'll find something good to eat, no matter how full you are.
Above you have the leg of lamb from the first day. It cost 26 euros and the onion soup 13 euros. We preferred to wander the streets of Montmartre, discover the terraces there and eat without fear anywhere.
Vrai de Paris was the terrace that received the most attention.
And we couldn't not try the beef. It cost 22 euros. The Latin Quarter is another gourmand destination, but being a student area, you'll find more Greek and Turkish dishes, cheaper than other areas.
Coldplay defeated any fear of Covid, just as we learned that French women can be extremely mean if they want to
The food chapter above is no coincidence! With full bellies, we made our way to the Stade du France, to the Coldplay concert. The instructions of the French recommended access to the stadium until 18.30. Sweating and afraid we wouldn't make it in time, we entered the metro mouth, us and the rest of Paris. A sea of people was heading towards the stadium and the subway lines looked like this photo! In the second train, we also fit, with some emotions.
Coldplay conquered any fear of Covid, just as we learned that French women can be extremely mean if they want to. Directly unloaded at the Stade du France, the sea of people walked compactly towards the stadium. I passed through several security filters before arriving at the gate where I had a big surprise. You could arrive at any time as long as you had a valid ticket!
Coldplay is more than a band of music, it's a state of mind
And we arrived at the stadium! 15 minutes late, Chris Martin took the stage with amazing energy. It's hard to describe in words what the concert was like! I have uploaded the highlights captured here.
The Coldplay concert closed with the famous song Fix You, and the voices of over 80 thousand spectators woke up Paris.
I was asked how we managed to get back to the hotel especially since tens of thousands of people left around the same time. We walked about two kilometers towards Paris, then managed to catch a Bolt. Although we used UBER a lot, we were unable to catch any cars on the night of the show.
I hope it's not a hidden message
And as it seems that September will bring new travel restrictions (I hope I'm not right), I leave you at the end with a surprised photo at the entrance of a cafe where I drank one of the best cappuccinos.
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