Washington DC is such a pleasant city. In DC, you will see no skyscrapers (nothing is higher than the Capitol), a multitude of magnificent museums (all free) and you will explore fascinating and iconic memorials along the Mall and on top of that you will feel the intense patriotic impetus of America. A very rich cultural city to discover by walking.
The city was born on the left bank of Potomac River along with the foundation in 1751 of the Port of Georgetown and in 1790 it became the first port of the country for Tobacco. In 1791, Washington DC was settled and named in tribute of the first president of the nation Georges Washington. A young French engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant created and organized the square plan of the city. Federal capital city, Washington is the 6th urban agglomeration of the country and counts 6,2 million inhabitants today.
DC Skyline in Autumn
How to Get There From Paris or New York
From Paris CDG, either take a direct flight to Washington DC Dulles Airport with Air France and then experience the newly revamped Air France two floor cosy lounge (opened last October) or for a more adventurous trip fly to New York JFK and then experience the Acela train from Manhattan Penn Station.
What can you expect? Traveling inside the US is so convenient and pleasant. Amtrak Acela, American fastest train offers comfortable seats (opt for the quiet car) and multiple departures daily. Admire those beautiful and never ending green and coastal landscapes along the 2.30 hour ride up to spectacular Union Station in Washington, DC. In a city like no others, have a look at the multitude of souvenirs tagged Trump in the gift shops in the large room decorated with gold leaf. One of the most beautiful train stations of the country.
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: Amtrak's new Acela Express train is seen against the Manhattan skyline as ... [+]
WHERE TO STAY? Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown.
Located at the entrance of Georgetown, Four Seasons Washington is so perfectly located. The hotel is the only five-star hotel, 5 diamond hotel in the nation’s capital and is celebrating 40 years of excellence. The outside is as beautiful as the inside. The hotel includes one of the best steakhouses of the city. The Bourbon Steak. I loved to get my breakfast in the morning at Seasons. A very good breakfast where you will definitely share morning conversation with locals. Try the excellent avocado toasts and the acai bowl. On top of that, add a fitness club and spa, one of the smartest of the city. David Bernand, Regional Vice President and General Manager of the Four Seasons DC told me that “each season, we like to imagine unique experiences for our guests. A sense of play, a sense of time”. This winter they created “Bourbon on Ice” located at the back of the hotel. An outdoor dining experience features three heated “Champagne Bubbles” (Ruinart, Dom Pérignon and Krug) in collaboration with Moet Hennessy. A truly urban wonderland to experience.
Four Seasons Washington
WHAT TO DO?
Visit Georgetown.
One of my favorite areas of the city. Founded in 1751, 4o years before the nation’s capital, Georgetown is so refined and so relax. Georgetown was the home of one of the most iconic American couples. John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier. During Kennedy’s era, the government wanted to live close to downtown, but also to preserve the area’s historic character. An elegant Victorian and Federal architecture. History beckons at every corner: cobblestone houses, historic C&O Canal along the Potomac River, tree-lined streets, waterfront cafes, vintage clothes and design shops. Don't forget a stop at the iconic Thomas Sweet shop for the best handmade cookies in town with one of the best roasted American coffee.
Georgetown P Street
Relax at the chic Spa of the city at Four Seasons Washington.
A haven of relaxation after traveling. The spa is featuring three floors of cutting-edge fitness equipment, including a heated swimming pool and whirlpool. Last October, the hotel announced the launch of a new collaboration with high performance French skincare line, Codage Paris. Created by French sister and brother Amandine and Julien Azencott, the brand is based on the formulation of serums and each treatment is tailored depending on your type of skin.
The Spa at Four Seasons Washington
Visit Lincoln Memorial.
Step inside and feel one of the greatest symbols of unity, strength, and wisdom of the nation. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14 1865, just when the Civil War was ending. Architect Henry Bacon modeled the Lincoln Memorial after the Parthenon in Athens in Greece. He felt that a memorial dedicated to a man who defended democracy should echo the birthplace of democracy. The marble monument is spectacular."In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States sits immortalized in marble. Lying between the north and south chambers is the central hall containing the statue of Lincoln sitting in contemplation. The views from the memorial are also incredible. It crowns the National Mall’s post-Civil War western terminus, sharing prominence with the Washington Monument. You will feel deeply patriotic.
Abraham Lincoln statue in the Lincoln Memorial
National Museum of American history.
Museums in DC belong to Smithsonian Institute which is the world's largest museum, an education and research complex. It offers 17 museums in the city and all are free. Located along the Mall, the National Museum of American history is so rich in history and culture of the country. The museum is divided into themes and traces the American experience from colonial times to the present and counts more than three million historical objects. You will see one of the most cherished objects by American people: the famed Star-Spangled Banner, the original flag which was raised by US Soldiers on September 14, 1814 at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those “broad stripes and bright stars” inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that became the national anthem. Don’t leave the museum without visiting the boutique. There are always interesting books and original gadgets to take back home in those museum shops.
Marine Corps War Memorial Iwo Jima
