Guide to Paris, France

Paris is an enchanting city, often known as the capital of romance or the city of light, and is an all—time favourite for tourists. Although more than 10 million people live in Central Paris, the friendly locals and vibrant cafe-culture help to make it feel like a friendly village.

There are so many wonderful things associated with Paris - fashion, grand monuments, iconic sights, romantic walks, cafe culture - to make this a ‘must see destination’ in Europe.

Top reasons to visit Paris

Iconic Landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees.

Grand museums from the most-visited museum in the world, The Louvre, to the smaller, more specialised Musee Rodin and Musee Carnavalet.

Wonderful outdoor life along the beautiful River Seine, where it’s banks form the free beach of Paris Plage in the Summer.

Chic shopping such as Paris Galleries Lafayette for the ultimate shopaholic or fashionista.

Fabulous day trip locations such as Euro Disney and Palace of Versailles.

Majestic churches like Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacre-Couer.

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Key Events

• March - Spring Fashion Week.
• May - Annual Jazz Festival.
• July - Bastille Day.
• August - Rock en Seine music festival.
• October - Autumn Fashion Week, Nuit Blanche - night-time arts festival (museums and theatres stay open longer).
• November - Beaujolais Nouveau Day (red wine from the Beaujolais region is released for sale), Champs-Elysées Christmas Lights (the ceremonial start of Christmas).

Sights to See

• The Holy Chapel.
• Sorbonne University - Paris’s iconic university.
• Pantheon - originally a church, this Neoclassical building now serves as a mausoleum and is Voltaire’s final resting place. Pont Neuf - the oldest bridge in Paris.
• Palais Garner - Paris’s first opera house.
• Musee d’Orsay.
• Jardin des Tuileries - a stunning park with sculptures, buildings and lovely walks.
• Sacre-Couer Basilica - Romano-Byzantine basilica famous for it’s looks and amazing views over Paris.
• Concorde Square - many famous sights including the Luxor Obelisk.
• Great Palace Paris - Art Nouveau palace housing galleries. Champ de Mars - historically significant park.
• Alexandre III Bridge.
• National Residence of the Invalids - Baroque hospital for retired soldiers, and mausoleum including the grave of Napoleon Bonaparte.
• Pompidou Centre - Europe’s largest modern art museum.
• Bastille Square - the famous Bastille prison which was stormed during the French Revolution used to be here.
• Forum des Halles Shopping Centre - mostly underground shopping centre with sculptures.
• City Hall Paris - former City Hall of Paris, now an administrative centre where foreign guests can visit.
• Le Marais - former home of Parisian aristocracy.
• Palace of Versailles - a must see trip outside of Paris for a stunning palace with gilded apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Garden of Versailles.

Restaurants and Dining

Good food, wine and ambience is at the core of the Paris experience, from vibrant cafe culture to gastronomic delights at the many bistro restaurants.

Paris is a foodie’s dream destination, and has many local delicacies.

• Brie - special cheese made from cow’s milk
• Creme brulee - dessert made from vanilla custard
• Crepes - French pancakes
• Croissants - delightful crescent-shaped pastries

Shopping

• Marais - home-grown fashion.
• Galeries Lafayette - weekly fashion shows.
• Bon Marche or rue Saint-Honore, home of Colette concept store.
• Porte de Vanves - weekend flea market.

Nightlife and Entertainment

• Moulin Rouge - the most (in)famous cabaret in the world.
• Ballet and Opera at Opera Garnier
• Hip party neighbourhoods around Bastille, Oberkampf, gay Marais.
• Famous clubs like Le Baron, Buddha Bar or party boat Batofar.

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