I love Paris. It’s to the extent that I travel once a year to spend a few days there. Romance, grandeur and beauty exist so naturally that I am left inspired whenever I dwell in their reality. My goal is not merely to unwind but rather to immerse in the rich culture and heritage that the French have long upheld.

To some, Paris is a tourist trap where everything is overrated and expensive. For me, it’s where I can be me, wearing looks that some might consider too much in Manila but is simply à la mode to the Parisians, soaking in avant garde concepts that widen my imaginations and indulging in delish wines and champagnes anytime, anywhere. Santé!

The French have always been kind to me. It surprises people whenever I say that because they have a reputation of being snobby and rude. It’s no je ne sais quoi; it’s simply being polite. Try to speak some French, start the conversation with bonjour, add si’l vous plait after a request and always end the conversation with merci beaucoup. They do appreciate the effort.

During my last trip, I stayed three weeks at a friend’s apartment in the Left Bank. Most mornings, I had café au lait with a croissant, quiche or pain au chocolat from the neighborhood boulangerie — all of which I practiced the correct pronunciation to. It seemed like a long vacation but I felt I could’ve stayed a little longer.

Claude Monet

For a change, I also explored areas outside of Paris. First on my list was Giverny in Normandy to visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens. I took the train at Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon then took a bus going to Giverny. Situated on the house’s ground floor was the artist’s first studio where diverse impressionist paintings are currently displayed. Going to the second floor, the bedchambers overlooking the gardens were styled as it was during Monet’s stay. The last areas were the dainty dining and kitchen. After the house tour, I walked over to the lush and colorful sprawling gardens. It was an absolute thrill to see the actual water lilies and Japanese bridge that Monet painted. I sat on a bench to take in the view while calmly listening to the rustling of the leaves as the wind blew.

Whenever I’m in Paris, I make it a point to meet my friend Monica Carmona. This time, she asked me to take a train from Gare de Lyon to Bois-le-Roi. She reserved a table at a cute bistro where we had a hearty serving of beef bourguignon paired with Chinon wine. Afterwards, we drove to Maincy to the majestic Vaux-le-Vicomte — the inspiration for the famed Palace of Versailles.

The chateau has a history of splendor and intrigue. It was an architectural feat when it was unveiled with its magnificent design and decor conceived by then owner, Nicolas Fouquet. The audio guide dramatized the rise, controversies and imprisonment of the once promising minister of finance. Impressively conceived, the chateau’s interior was fit for royals. The Grand Salon where banquets were to be held was not completely finished with its blank white walls. A modern twist, projectors and lights illuminated the room to give the idea of how it would have looked if paintings were done. Stepping out, the vast garden was equally grandiose with its striking symmetry and classic design.

Champagne in Champagne was a great idea. Before arriving in Paris, I was dead set on planning a trip to the region. Luckily, my friends Kevin Syling and JC Lo were on board and we stayed for a weekend in Reims.

We booked a Veuve Clicquot tour and descended to the underground cellar to be more acquainted with Madame Clicquot, La Grande Dame of Champagne. She pioneered the riddling technique where the bottles with aged wine were placed upside down on racks at a 35° angle. These bottles were then regularly turned so that the yeast and sediments would settle near the cork. Once settled, the sediments would be removed and additional wine would be added to the bottle. Another breakthrough, she also concocted the very first rosé champagne blending carefully selected white and red wines.

Exiting the cellar, we walked up the Grands Millésimes Veuve Clicquot stone steps that indicated the years when a vintage was produced. To cap off our experience, we lounged at Café Clicquot for a champagne flight to sample classic and exclusive champagnes at the center.

At night, we walked to the Notre-Dame de Reims to witness the spectacular Regalia Light Show that used the cathedral as a backdrop, projecting dazzling images complemented by dramatic music.

In a heartbeat, I would have stayed an extra week — or even two — but I thought of creating my next adventures in this new year instead.