See, Taste & Tour: Paris & Barcelona with Air Canada Flights from Vancouver
Vancouver – Paris/Barcelona – Vancouver May 7 – May 22, 2019, $967 CAD*
Experience the tale of two romantic European cities with this Air Canada roundtrip flight offer. From Vancouver to Paris and Barcelona see both the City of Light and the City of Gaudi with one well-planned trip.
Here are some timeless attractions our Flighties loved while visiting these cities, along with some suggested events you can attend during this travel period:
Paris
“I love Paris year-round, but this was a particularly gorgeous scene in January.”— Lauren O’Brien, Expert Traveller, Flight Centre Bathurst and St. Clair, Toronto.
See
“The Paris skyline from the top of Notre Dame Cathedral.” — Carol Stocki, Expert Traveller from Flight Centre St. Vital, Winnipeg.
Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés’ Festival (May 16 – June 27)
Since its inception in 2001, this annual jazz concert festival has hosted countless renowned artists, musicians, and emerging new talents from around the world. Held in the hotbed of Paris’ Existentialist Movement in the 1950s, Saint-Germain-des-Prés bursts with arts, intellectualism, and non-conformity at its many lively cafe terraces and sleek underground bars. Join an extensive lineup of international artists at historic venues like Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, Odéon Theatre, Maison des Océans, and more. Past featured artists include Norah Jones, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Brad Meldhau, and Kyle Eastwood.
Taste
Taste of Paris (May 9 – May 12)
For four straight days, the crème de la crème of Paris’ culinary scene, wine producers, and restaurateurs converge on the Grand Palais for an annual industry exhibition. This convention offers the public a chance to hobnob with world-class chefs, food growers, and industry influencers, and to attend workshops, food and wine tastings, and conferences. Expect to try some of the best dishes from the city’s most decorated restaurants and get an intimate behind the scene look at Paris’ gastronomy.
Tour
Le Marais
Known as “Old Paris”, Le Marais has seen it all. A neighbourhood once populated by French nobility and upper-class elite, this downtown district transformed over the centuries into one of the most multicultural parts of the city and a thriving LGBTQ hub. Le Marais crawls along the Seine with vine-covered classical buildings, cobbled streets leading to idyllic fountains, secluded courtyards, and alleyways with psychedelic street arts. Walk past its designer boutique stores, wrought iron balconies, and antique facades to see a city quarter filled with old world charm and progressive modern inhabitants.
Barcelona
“Every time I go back home to visit family and friends I make sure to visit my favourite rooftop bars with the best views, drinks and food and some of Barcelona’s most unique buildings.”— Didac Bermejo Ras, Expert Traveller from Flight Centre Kitsilano, B.C.
See
“Barcelona: Incredible work of Gaudi at Sagrada … ” Ansar Allibhoy, Expert Traveller from Flight Centre Metrotown, B.C.
Sagrada Familia & L’Eixample District
An architectural marvel that is still evolving, Sagrada Familia first began construction in 1882 and to-date only half of this basilica is fully built. Based on master architect Antoni Gaudi’s Catalan Modernism designs, the Basilica’s towering gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau spires are iconic to the city. So are the many whimsical buildings that line the streets of L’Eixample District nearby that are also the products of Gaudi’s highly individualistic vision.
Taste
“Barcelona: please make sure that you visit La Boqueria Market off of Las Ramblas. Busy but great fresh food options, tapas, and photo opportunities. It is a GORGEOUS market.” — Candy Multamaki, Expert Traveller from Flight Centre Georgetown, ON
La Boqueria Market
Just off Las Ramblas, you’ll find the bustling public market La Boqueria under an Art Noveau iron and glass canopy. Within is an impressive collection of Catalonian culture, regional food, and local goods on display. Stop by here for a taste of decadent Spanish pastries, confectionery, fresh produce and jamón. There are also a handful of local favourite restaurants and bars in the market.
Tour
Night of the Museums (May 18)
For one night only, visit the city’s museums and cultural centres for free. This annual event runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and gives you admission to more than 80 of the most popular museums in Barcelona. Take advantage of this night and check out the Museu Picasso, Palau Güell, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), and many more other cultural events happening around the city throughout the evening.
The clock is ticking to nab this Fare of the Month deal from Air Canada! Spring forward to two of the world’s most beautiful cities and discover art, culture, and gourmet dining along cobbled streets. This exclusive offer can only be booked in-store, so let one of our Expert Travellers know today you’re interested before it’s too late.
*Air Canada fare including all taxes and fees for departures during dates listed. Fare does NOT include a flight between Paris and Barcelona. Subject to change and availability.
About the Author
Jack Cheng Jack is a Toronto-based writer and journalist with a background in print, digital content, and broadcast. Combining his passion and interest in writing and travelling, he has joined Flight Centre to write about adventures and off-the-beaten-path excursions, some based off of his own misadventures abroad.
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