Absinthe is historically described as a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage. It is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium, together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs.
In Paris, during the 1920’s, it became the favourite beverage of choice for artists, musicians, debutantes and gadabouts. Famously strong, it was given the nickname The Green Fairy. You can probably guess why.
If you want to be part of that romantic swirl (in more ways than one) of history, there are still opportunities. One way is to stay at the historic, romantic and somewhat decadent Hotel Fromentin. This elegant hotel was, in many ways, the epicentre of that romantic Belle Époque in Paris, France and much of Europe. And, as always, try the trains: This station is worth the trip, alone.
Enjoy a little taste, as it were, of La belle époque, courtesy of BBC.