I love Paris in the Spring time (Part 2)

As much as I am occasionally ashamed to admit, I am an old school Romantic. In a occasionally pretentious, slightly goth way - close to Keats, minus the consumption.

One of the reasons I was looking forward to Paris so much was the opportunity to be a corseted New Romantic. Oscar Wilde lived in Paris for the rest of his life after coming out of Reading Gaol and is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery with many other famous artists, musicians, writers, scientists and statesmen. Individuals interred there included actress Sarah Bernhardt, composers Frederic Chopin and Georges Bizet, French writers Moliere and Colette, dancer Isadora Duncan, as well as singers Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison from The Doors. One famous monument there is that of journalist Victor Noir who was shot during complications leading up to a duel involving his employer. The statue of Noir on his tomb is extremely lifelike and has become something of a fertility symbol. It is said that if a woman kisses the statue on the lips or places a flower in his upturned hat she may not only have greater ease conceiving but may also find a husband within the year. In Dita Von Teese's book The Art of the Teese/ The Art of Fetish there is a photograph of Dita sitting atop Noir's statue about to kiss him.

There's also another famous cemetery, Cimetiere de Montmarte. This cemetery is full of famous composers such as Hector Berlioz and Leo Delibes, artists like Edgar Degas, famous ballet dancers, and writers like Emile Zola and Alexandre Dumas.

And last, but by no means least, there's Paris' catacombs (where the horror film of the same name was set). Whilst the catacombs are a little difficult to get to it really is worth seeing, just make sure you find out the opening times in advanced or you may end up standing outside after closing. Not very chic.

Paris is an amazing experience and unlike many places in France, the majority of the people can speak at least a little English and in many restaurants they have duplicate menus in English so if you're unable to speak the language you should be able to be understood. However, if you're looking to practice your French make sure you work on your accent; more often than not, if the person can hear you're English or American when you speak French, they'll reply in English.

Paris is one of those magnificent places where no matter what your personal taste you will always find something you will enjoy. If you ever get to go, do! You'll love it!