Paris, Longines Style

I’ve been so busy the last few months that I never got around to writing about my last minute amazing trip to Paris with Longines.  My adventure with the Swiss watch company is well worth relaying anytime.

The invitation came out of nowhere to go to Paris to cover the Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament for Tennis Recruiting and the new fall watch line for Cocktails and Joints. I love anything that lets me combine lifestyle and tennis stories so it didn’t take me too long to say “yes!”

My flights on American Airlines were uneventful. I didn’t get into Business Class, but I did get to experience the Economy Comfort seating. They served baked ravioli with lettuce and carrots with a brownie for dessert. It wasn’t bad. I watched “Hyde on Hudson” (good movie) and actually managed to sleep for six hours before the flight attendant woke me up to a warm and tasty croissant and a blueberry yogurt.

I managed to get through customs quickly since you no longer need to fill out all the forms when coming into Paris. The Longines driver was waiting for me as soon as I got to baggage claim.

We hit a lot of traffic and it took an hour and a half to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the hotel. I was staying with a few other writers at InterContinental Paris Le Grand and my balcony looked out to the Opera House.

I had some time to shower and eat one of my favorite French lunches, Croque Monsieur, from room service before meeting with our group at 5:00 pm. We were going to the Shangri La Hotel for the Draw Ceremony. It was quite a festive seen, with the young boys who were playing the tournament mingling as they awaited their “fate” in the draw.

We also got to preview the new Longines Conquest Classic, a beautiful watch that represents “Sport Elegance.” Hors d’ouerves were being passed, though all were seafood so I stayed away. I did indulge in champagne, chocolates and macaroons, though not too much as dinner was still to come.

We once again encountered a traffic jam. It was the most crowded I had ever seen Paris. The only good thing about sitting in traffic was a chance to see the Eiffel Tower, something I will never tire of seeing.

Dinner was a buffet set up for us at the Westin. I had fond memories of staying there when I came for the Perrier Jouët anniversary. It’s a modern gem near the Louvre and one of my favorites in Paris.

The buffet was actually quite elegant, with seafood, veal and duck, the latter two of which I enjoyed immensely. I had a napoleon-like dessert before we headed back to the Le Grand Intercontinental.

I’d like to say I had drifted right off to sleep, but it was a bit too much rich food too late and I was up thinking about what the next day of Paris food – and tennis – would bring.