Exploring Paris with Vir: A 48-Hour Journey Packed with Adventures and Unforgettable Moments

Embarking on a 48-hour escapade in Paris, Vir’s journey unfolds with a blend of challenges and delightful experiences. Initially contemplating a mere 24-hour stay due to the uncertainties surrounding Delhi airport’s frequent disruptions, Vir decides on a safer 48-hour duration.

The voyage into Paris for this brief period reveals a tapestry of encounters, ranging from grappling with exorbitant hotel rates during Couture Week to relishing opulent dining experiences. Securing accommodation at the Westin Paris, Vir benefits from a favorable deal owing to his regular guest status.

However, foreign travel hurdles arise, with the unavailability of the usual Air India flight prompting a consideration of alternative options. Opting for Vistara, Vir finds the flight satisfactory, despite some reservations about the seating. The challenges continue as he navigates the chaotic landscape of Charles De Gaulle airport, emphasizing the diminishing patience with poorly managed airports, a sentiment shared by many travelers.

To ease the arrival ordeal, Vir explores an exclusive service provided by France Meltin Airport and Transportation. For a fee of 100 euros per person (for couples), this service ensures a hassle-free passage through immigration and customs, offering a valuable solution to the common predicaments faced at major airports.

Vir’s primary reason for visiting Paris is a crucial meeting with Elisabeth Boucher and Gwendal Poullennec of the Michelin Guide. Impressed by their dynamism and foresight, Vir highlights the transformation Michelin has undergone under Gwendal’s leadership, expanding its influence globally, awarding Green stars for sustainability, and introducing a hotel rating system.

As the focus shifts to culinary experiences, Vir shares his Michelin Day, which includes a visit to Granite, a one-star Michelin restaurant. The lunch at Granite, led by Chef Tom Meyer, offers a blend of relaxed ambiance and delectable complexity in the food.

The narrative takes a turn towards Vir’s dinner at the flagship Ducasse restaurant at Le Meurice, where Emmanuelle Perrier, a key figure in the Ducasse empire, graciously invites him. Vir delves into Ducasse’s unique approach to menu creation, allowing chefs to infuse their personalities while maintaining the group’s philosophy. The culinary journey in Paris, characterized by impeccable service and diverse influences, concludes on a high note.

Before bidding adieu to Paris, Vir shares two final moments – a coffee meeting with Titika Rapanaki-Bigot, a long-serving and familiar face at Westin Paris, adding a personalized touch to the hotel experience. The concluding lunch at Benoit, a century-old bistro with a Michelin star, turns amusing as Vir experiences his own “Pretty Woman” moment when a snail escapes its shell.

In retrospect, Vir paints a portrait of Paris as a city that captivates with its charm, elegance, and discreet allure. The 48-hour sojourn, despite its challenges, emerges as a journey filled with memorable encounters, culinary delights, and a glimpse into the evolving landscape of global gastronomy.