Paris through the eyes of quixotic Amelie in the hit movie of the same name – played superbly by the exquisite Audrey Tautou – could be said to be a wonderful if not slightly nonconformist introduction to the magical city of Paris.
Equally, Breathless, the 1960 French flick, forerunner of the French New Wave, could also serve as an alternative foreword to Paris, with Michel – played by the very watchable Jean-Paul Belmondo – bumbling his way around the city.
Both movies may perhaps be outside the fringes of how Paris is painted, but they ultimately come to the same conclusion: Paris is a dynamic city. It always has been and always will be.
It's a sentiment that Sarah Woods, a writer and TV presenter best known for her work on the Alan Titchmarsh show – the nation's favourite gardener – shares.
"Paris is one of the most iconic cities in Europe," she says matter-of-factly.
"We're familiar with all the images and landmarks and if we haven't been to the Eiffel Tower, we feel that we have got an affinity with it. We have an affinity because we probably have seen it, because we've grown up with pictures and images of it on televisions and [in] books."
Like London, New York and Milan, Paris is one of those cities that has transcended its geographical boundaries – its identity and attraction is global.
"Now, more than ever, people are wanting to see these iconic cities," Ms Woods goes on to say.
"It has retained its appeal with a broad base of people because it used to have a romantic tag but now with things like Eurodisney, it has had to broaden its tourist appeal to families."
This is a dramatic change because it has long been associated with romance, though still true, is not the only defining quality of the city. It's a great place for escape, for family adventure and for activity.
"It used to have a real snooty air about it but there are many more places [to visit within the city] there are places to eat and things like that. It has captured our hearts and imaginations with its landmark attractions."
Paris is an unmistakeably vibrant city, which can be properly enjoyed by following tourist trails or all the usual hotspots. But, if you want to get to know the real Paris, follow the lead of the fictional Amelie and Michel, whose haphazard and often capricious wanderings leads them to all sorts of unusual yet dynamic hotspots.
One things for you sure in Paris – wherever you end up, there'll be something about it that is captivating. Linger and enjoy. After all, as one of the characters says in Breathless, "When the French say a second, they mean five minutes".
Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you
