Paris offers an attractive tourism package for all those coming to visit the city in France. There are numerous other tourist spots in Paris which are probably not as popular as the Eiffel Tower but they are important and popular in their own right. Paris is noted as the 'City of Lights'. The list is as follows:
- Paris Monuments and Museums: Paris is remarkably famous for the innumerable monuments and museums. The names of the most remarkable ones are as follows:
Eiffel Tower-The Paris Landmark is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is the face of Paris.
Arc de Triomphe- This was built in the memory of Napoleon's Great Army.
Champs Elysees
Notre Dame
Opera
Saint Germain, Saint Michel, Latin Quarter- This is the famous Fashion hub in Paris
Place de Bastille- It's a new district for hosting opera.
Pantheon- This is the late 18th century masterpiece where the remains of the French men are preserved.
Palais Royal
Chateau de Versailles
Paris has numerous other masterpieces which are greatly appreciated by all those visiting the city.
- Paris Museums- There are numerous museums which are popular crowd pullers and Paris is the proud host of almost 40 museums like the following-
Louvre Museum
Orsay Museum
Beaubourg- Georges Pompidou Center
Rodin Museum
Musee d'art Moderne
Carnavalet Museum
There are many other such fascinating museums in Paris. The Louvre is the most popular as it hosts the world famous paintings as the Mona Lisa, The Vitruvian Man, Madonna on the Rocks and many more. This is a must for all tourists and art connoisseurs as this is the ultimate heaven for all art lovers.
All those coming to visit the beautiful city can put up at the following places for accommodation-
Paris Hotels- There are many hotels in Paris which are quite popular with the tourists. They are as follows-
Hotel Du Ministere
Hotel Champs Elysees
Hotel Du Theatre
Royal Garden Champs Elysees
There are other hotels and for further information click on the following link in order to check out the rates and price and other related queries: http://www.hotels-paris.com/index.php
There is provision for city tours within the city and one can travel by the Metro, B us, cars and cruises. There are Tours organized within the city and for further information click on the following- http://www.paris-tourisme.com/citytour/index.html
Paris can be reached from any part of the world by catching a flight from any part of the world and in Europe itself.
Come to Paris and discover the City of Romance and Love unearthing its ethereal beauty to all.
History of Paris
You need to know about the history of Paris to see and feel the culture and heritage of the place. It was around 4200 BC that the signs of habitation had begun to show. They were the traders and the boats men who had settled in the area near the Seine. The Romans had conquered the Paris basin in 52BC and permanent settlement began to grow on the Île de la Cité Island and the Left Bank Sainte Geneviève Hill. First there was a town called the Lutetia and then later it came to be known as the Gallicised Lutèce. This was quite a prosperous city that would regain the name "Paris" at the end of the reign of the Romans.
Paris during the Medieval ages
Paris in 500 AD was made the capital of the Frank king Clovis I and he was the one who had commissioned the building of the first cathedral. Paris has witnessed the rise and the fall of many generations, powers and kings and the names of the Carolingian Dynasty, the Vikings, the Capetian Dynasty, King Philip August, the Burgundians should be mentioned.
The Nineteenth Century Paris
Paris saw the greatest development in its own history at the time of the Industrial Revolution, the Belle Epoque, the French Second Empire, but there were also the Franco- Prussian War, and the problems of the cholera epidemics.
The Twentieth Century
These were the times of the World Wars and the country seemed to reel under the pressure. But Paris was not a target for the bombers and the city went surprisingly unscathed.
Sightseeing in Paris
Paris has an endless number of tourist attractions. Monuments, churches, chapels and palaces, Paris has it all to satisfy those who visit her. Here are some of the interesting places that you must visit on your trip to Paris.
Eiffel Tower, Paris:
This 300 metres tall structure, designed by Gustave Eiffel was built to commemorate the French Revolution.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris:
This is a 14th century cathedral that features a gothic style of architecture.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris:
This is a very important avenue in Paris that is lined with luxurious shops, boutiques, cafes, chic restaurants and also movie theatres.
Sacre Coeur, Paris:
This Basilica was built in the 19th century and is renowned for its beauty and its extraordinary architectural features.
Arc de Triomphe, Paris:
This 51 metres high monument was built with an intention of commemorating the victories of Napoleon. The design of the arc bears a resemblance to the Roman Arc of Titus.
Paris Plage, Paris:
This is a large man made beach that is located at the heart of the city of Paris.
La Grande Mosquée de Paris (Paris Grand Mosque), Paris:
This is a major religious destination for the Muslim community of Paris. The mosque is a brilliant example of Muslim art and architecture.
Sainte Chapelle, Paris:
This chapel was built in the 13th century and is famous for its ancient stained glass windows.
Père-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père-Lachaise), Paris:
It is the largest cemetery in Paris. There are many famous personages who have been buried at this gravesite.
Catacombs, Paris:
This is the only underground cemetery in Paris. The site previously used to be Roman Quarries.
Pantheon, Paris:
Originally a church, the place now also performs burial functions along with executing the liturgical obligations.
Cité Island (Ile de la Cite), Paris:
This is one of the two islands of which Paris is made of. The western end of Cité Island features a beautiful, ancient Roman Palace.
Grand Arche de la Defense, Paris:
This is a huge structure that is made of glass, concrete and marble. The arc was inaugurated in 1989.
Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris:
This is the national library of Paris and contains many old books and precious manuscripts.
St-Etienne-du-Mont, Paris:
This is a beautiful church in France that also has great historical significance attached to it. It is famous for its woodcarvings, stone sculpture and the stained glass windows.
Apart from these, there are plenty of other interesting places like Palace du Luxembourg, Saint Sulpice, Place de la Bastille and lot more. Paris has always enchanted its visitors and continues to do so even today.
Festivals and Events in Paris
Paris is one of the most popular cities in the world and though there are many reasons behind its popularity one main reason seems to be stemming from the fact that Paris happens to be the proud host of numerous events and festivals are held here. The list of festivals is as follows:
Paris Fashion Week
Paris is regarded to be the fashion capital of the world and the city also happens to be the proud host of many prestigious fashion events. Paris Fashion Week is one of the most important event in the fashion fraternity and the event showcases the best talent in the world of fashion.
Six Nations Rugby
Paris also goes on to host Six Nations Rugby where as the name suggests six nations participate in this exciting game of rugby like England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales and these nations alone can participate in this game.
Foire Du Trone
Foire Du Trone is a very popular fair in Paris and many games are arranged for the entertainment of all people especially children.
French Open
French Open is a very popular event in Paris and of course the tennis circuit. The French Open is played in the official ground of Roland Garros.
Nuit Blanche
Nuit Blanche is a unique event organized in Paris and the uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only all night event where museums and some public properties are kept open at nights for all to pay a visit. Many cultural events also take place in these venues.
Tour de France
Tour de France is the most popular bicycle race and the race had begun in 1903 and the cyclists races through the entire region of France. The race goes on to bring crowds in hordes.
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is a very popular day in the Parisian calendar. Bastille is an important place in Paris and is celebrated on the 14th July. People flock to the Champs- Elysees early on this day and can choose to take a look at the race from the stands. There is an amalgamation of military corps, policemen and fire fighters.
Christmas Eve Mass
Christmas Eve is a very important event in the Christian calendar and is celebrated with much aplomb and gaiety. Christmas Eve Mass in Paris is celebrated in the Notre Dame Cathedral and the mass is followed by celebrations in the church along with an evening dinner.
Techno Parade
Techo Parade is a parade of vehicles found along with loudspeakers and amplifiers. It seems to take on the carnival spirit with music and techno beats along with the DJ playing the console. All vehicles are actually converted trucks.
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Paris
This is one event which seems to be very popular in Paris and it is actually a horse race
Parks and Gardens in Paris
The beauty of Paris is enhanced by its artistic parks and gardens. Here are some of the favorite parks and gardens of Parisians you can't afford to miss out on:
Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens), Paris
Considered one of the finest Paris gardens, it features the Medici Fountain, statues of the queens of France and several beautiful attractions. The place also has a puppet theater for kids, a miniature model of the Statue of Liberty, a fruit garden and lots more!
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris
Located on a hill this park gives you panoramic views of Paris. The park features the Sybille Temple, a waterfall, a circular lake, a grotto and bridges and many other attractive elements.
Palais Royal Garden, Paris
This beautiful garden offers a perfect retreat from worldly worries. A series of intriguing sculptures enhance the beauty of the gardens. You'll enjoy visiting the arcade arcade of art galleries and specialty shops all round this famous garden in Paris.
Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden), Paris
This 16th century Italian style garden was built under order of the Medicis and later refurbished in the 17th century. The design of the park has been kept largely unaltered till date.
Parc Monceau, Paris
This Paris park has many statues of famous Frenchmen. Duke's Pyramid and other elements form part of the park's design. The park also has a large playground for kids.
Bois de Boulogne, Paris
This park in Paris features a special type of amusement park, a menagerie and several other attractions.
Jardins du Trocadero, Paris
This garden extends right up to the Eiffel Tower. Fountains and gilded bronze statues add to the beauty of this large park in Paris.
Jardin des Plantes, Paris
This botanical garden in Paris also has a museum and a botanical school. The rose garden here is famous all over Paris. Exotic blooms and plants are grown in various greenhouses.
Getting to Paris by Ferry
The beautiful and fashionable city of Paris stands as one of the most frequently visited cities in the world. Apart from the marvelous monuments, artistic relics and fashionable shops there is quite a bit of romanticism that surrounds Paris. There are innumerable people visiting Paris every year and they have the options of reaching this wonderland by air, road, rail or ferry. Getting to Paris by ferry adds a very sweet and soothing feel to the entire journey.
The ferry and the hydrofoil services operate around the clock in all seasons. There is however the possibility of a last minute cancellation due to unavoidable storms. This system of getting to Paris by ferry is mainly utilized by residents of the United Kingdom. Most of the ferries carry cars, trucks and huge amounts of freight, but there are those who just carry passengers. There are at least 12 trips per day between Folkestone and Calais. The hydrofoils take around 40minutes to reach Calais from Dover. Slower ferries may take longer durations depending upon weather and tides. It is advised to make prior reservations while bringing a car as the space below the decks is usually full. The ferry time tables also majorly depend upon weather and several other factors.
There are a number of companies that make getting to Paris by ferries possible. Among the leading operators comes the name of P&O Ferries. This company operates both cars and passenger ferries between Portsmouth, England and Cherbourg in France and between Le Havre and Portsmouth. It has three departures a day in the former case and has three a day in case of the latter route. The most popular routes that have 25 sailings a day costing 10 Euros one-way for adults is between Dover and Calais. Children under age 4 are not charged. Hoverspeed operates at least 12 hovercrafts crossings daily in this route.There are stipulations regarding the moving of a rented vehicle between France and England over the water. It is advised to check in advance with the rental company about license, insurance requirements and additional drop-off charges.
by Plane
Paris is the glamorous capital of France. It is home to the famous Eiffel Tower which is the tallest structure in Paris and is also one of the most recognized structures in the world. Paris is also the most widely known glamorous city in France and quite naturally thousands from around the world as well as from other parts of France flock here. Therefore, getting to Paris by plane has to be smooth and hassle free so as to facilitate the tourists.
The two internationally acclaimed airports are the Charles De Gaulle International Airport and the Orly airport followed by Paris-Beauvais-Tillé Airport the city's hub of budget airlines and Paris-Le Bourget Airport which was the first airport of the city. These airports make getting to Paris by plane much easier.
The most favored choice of getting to France would have to Air France. This company has a network of 340 destinations in 91 countries all over the world. Air France has its own aircraft or utilizes aircrafts from its SkyTeam Alliance Partners. Here 82 cities in France and Europe are linked to 83 destinations worldwide. This national company links most of the large towns to Paris on an average of one hour as well as connections between various regional towns. Getting to Paris by plane is also boosted up by this national Air France flight company that reportedly can get a person from one end of the world to the other through a single airport thanks to its connecting hub at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
There are buses that run at every 12 minutes and trains at every 15 minutes from the Charles-de Gaulle Airport that lies at approximately 14miles north of Paris. The same schedule is followed in case of the Orly Airport which lies at a distance of 8 miles south of Paris. There is a bus service that runs to and from the airport at an interval of 20 minutes.
So we see getting to Paris by plane is really hassle free and should therefore ensure a safe and happy journey.
Hotels in Paris
