Paris the City of Light
One of the main pleasures of Paris
is the fact that it is not only compact but that it has one of the most
efficient public transport systems in Europe. However if
you really want to experience the delights of Paris,
do yourself a favour, WALK. This way you will not only experience Paris
it will become part of your very existence, your soul. In the film Sabrina the
actress Sabrina makes the remark “ I found myself in Paris” It is true, a walk
along the Seine or a stroll through one of the many delightful parks in Paris
renders your very soul, captive to the vibrant beating heart of Paris.
Another way to become infatuated with Paris
is to take a romantic trip on the River Boat. Where else in the world, can what
can only be described as a bus on water, actually takes on the disguise of one
of the most romantic experiences of your life. The River boat actually pierces
the thriving heart of Paris giving access to some of the
most wonderful treasures Paris has
to offer.
Paris at night is an experience
you will remember for eternity. The Eifel
Tower twinkles across the vast
expanse of the city of light, signalling to the world all the hopes, desires and
love that life has to offer. Nowhere else in the world can Romance truly be
experienced other then in that vibrant heart of Paris.
Imagine a romantic meal on a balcony overlooking a beautiful dark river with
twinkling lights creating tiny little shadows dancing in the twilight, soft
music romantically serenading in the background. This is Paris,
enjoy, taste, see, smell and breathe the experience and you will truly learn
what it is like to discover love all over again.
The Eiffel Tower
What can you say about the Eiffel Tower, Nothing
symbolises Paris better, Built in 1889 it was never meant to be a permanent
feature of the city, Constructed over two years it contains 15,000 iron
sections and weighs over 7,000 tons. Standing to an height of 320 metres, it
dominates the entire city. At night when fully lit it melts the hearts of all
visitors to this city. The structure needs over 50 tonnes of paint just to
repaint it. If you plan to climb to the top you will have to climb 1,652
steps. One sad note that the builder Gustave Eiffel didn’t plan is that it has
claimed over 370 lives in suicides over the years.
Arc de Triomphe
The Heart of Paris is actually the Arc de Triomphe,
not the Eiffel Tower.
From the Arc de Triomphe the boulevard’s and avenues of Paris
radiate across the city of light like rays of golden sun. The Arc de Triomphe
also harnesses the eternal flame of the unknown soldier, The French celebration
of all the lost warriors of France
that died to preserve its dignity.
It is also the most dangerous traffic island in the
world, any motorist brave enough to take the challenge of driving their
automobile around this magnificent monument deserve their rightful place to sit
side by side with Jupiter the King of the Gods. Take a tip from the experts,
use public transport or walk if you value your life, motorists in Paris
are a very strange and special breed not to be toyed with.!!.
Champs-Elysees
The main Boulevard driving through Paris
is the Champs-Elysees. This is the Creme de la Crème of Boulevards supporting
some of the most elegant and beautiful buildings in the world. This street
alone sends shivers through the heart and soul of the most ardent shopper in
the world. All the great names are here, Chanel, Yves St Laurent, Dior,
Givenchy are just a few to lick your appetite.
Plas de
la Concorde
The Champs-Elysees
leads to the Plas de la Concorde, where at the height of the French
Revolution Marie-Antoinette and LouisXV1were guillotined here.
Walking down find yourself in the Jardin des Tuilleries,e
which was laid out in1564 and now replanted to match the adjoining Louvre
Malliols statues are in the shade of the chestnut trees.
The Musee D’Orsay
The Musee D`Orsay is a conversion of the turn of the century railway station, housing art collections
from 1848-1914,including the works of Vincent Van Gough, Rodin ,Bourdelle and
Maillol.
The Opera De Paris
Is a very ornate building situated near the
Boulevard Haussmann, it displays statues of majestic winged horses ,great
columns and friezes, which lead to a magnificent foyer
of gilded mirrors, marble and murano glass.
The Sacre – Coeur
The Sacre – Coeur not to be missed on any trip to Paris,
was built in honour of the 58,000 dead of the Franco-Prussian war.
The square bell- tower was an afterthought, and houses
one of the world’s heaviest bells, weighing 19 tonnes.
The replacement stained glass windows here shattered
during the war in 1944.
The Sacre-Coeur is the second highest point in Paris,
after the Eiffel Tower, so the views should not be missed..
The Musee Des Arts Decoratifs
This wonderful museum is spacious and gives us an insight
of development of internal design and decoration.
It has an array of fine French furniture, furnishings and
Objects d’art from the middle ages, it has been recently refurbished with
superb art nouveau and art deco collections.
On the top floor collections of wall coverings, glass and
graphic arts may be viewed by appointment.
Musee Du Louvre
This beautiful glass pyramid hated by Parisians, but
loved by everyone else and featured recently in The Da Vinci Code shines like a
diamond in the sunshine, it is full of wonderful treasures and is the world’s
largest museum. Visit Mona Lisa and watch her eyes follow you along the museum.
This huge collection hosts 30,000 exhibits on three
floors of three wings.
Perhaps you can discover the Da Vinci code!!
Galeries Vivienne and Colbert
These are a small collection of what is left from the
late 18th to 19th centuries, of the many network of
covered passageways-the fashionable shopping malls of their time.
People watch and window gaze here and come to see its
mosaic floors and classical decoration. Situated on the Right Bank once 140
covered passageways, today there are less than 30 and these are the best known.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Serene and calming this is a restful place, it’s terraces
and paths shaded by the chestnut trees, potted orange and palm trees.
It has lawns to relax upon, bee hives, a children’s
playground, which also includes a puppet theatre. Parisian’s love to escape
there to relax, read a book or newspaper or jog their way through the
gardens.
The Notre Dame
A must to visit hosts a 90 metre spire and has wonderful
views of the city. It is home to many chapels, statues and tombs.
Climb the 386 steps to the tower and whilst getting your
breath back take in the
Amazing views and see the flying buttresses.
Watch out for the Hunchback he may just swing down from
the bell tower!!
Whilst travelling around stop for a coffee and pastry or
croissant at one of the many street cafes, take in the buzz of the city and
people watch the many characters, as they stroll by. Taste French cuisine in
one of the busy restaurants often open until early hours, the French take eating
very seriously.
Visit the food markets, the French shop daily for fresh
produce and bread and cheeses of course.
Paris in Spring starts around mid-May, July and August
are the months for Parisian’s to holiday and is easier and quieter for
accommodation.
Try not to visit during mid September to mid October as
this is the bust trade –fair period all the hotels are very full and busy.
Guides
Try Amazon they have many guides on line for very
reasonable prices.
Travel
Travel by air, or by Eurostar there are metro, bus and
taxi services at all stations, it is easy to get from A-B.
www.eurostar.com
www.leisuredirection.co.uk
www.airfrance.com
www.expedia.co.uk
Hotels
www.parishotels.com
www.0800paris-hotels.co.uk
www.Venere.com/Paris-hotels
www.Hotels-Paris.fr
www.LateRooms.com
www.lastminute.com
www.booking.com
Above all enjoy Paris see and experience as
much as you can, enjoy it’s culture, I adore this city and all it has to offer.
Who knows YOU may find yourself in Paris,
Au Revoir!!