Visiting Paris

(Paris, France)

Known as a city of romance, Paris is one of the most beautiful capitals in the whole of Europe. Most visitors to the city are immediately seduced by its spectacular historic architecture, with grand buildings and magnificent churches around almost every corner in the city centre.

Perhaps most famous for being the home of the Eiffel Tower, Paris also contains an enormous selection of restaurants, where classical French cuisine is served at its best, together with international dishes from around the world. With truly world-class art museums and galleries, stylish fashion boutiques and spacious public squares, most people who visit Paris come back for more, again and again.

There is a huge choice of accommodation in the city, with many mid-range hotels offering exceptional value for money. Paris apartment rentals are also often quite affordable and perfect for longer stays. Consider lodging in areas such as Bastille, Etoile, Faubourg Saint Denis, Ile de la Cité, Ile St. Louis, Jardin des Plantes, Latin Quarter, Les Halles, Louvre, Marais, Odéon, Opéra and St. Germain, amongst other arrondissements (districts).

Visiting Paris: Places to Visit

• Moulin Rouge, an acclaimed entertainment venue in the Montmartre area of Paris, with colourful French cabarets, live music and traditional cancan dancers
• Montmartre, an elevated district situated on the outskirts of Paris, with a definite old village character
• Basilique du Sacre Coeur, a spectacular white cathedral which towers over the Montmatre area of Paris and dates back to the latter part of the 19th century
• Pompidou Centre, a contemporary structure actively promoting modern art in Paris, displaying pieces by Picasso and Matisse, amongst other artists
• Opéra Garnier, a breathtaking example of classical 19th-century architecture, where many prominent ballets, musicals and concerts take place
• Avenue des Champs-Elysées, an iconic boulevard, lined with trees, shops, restaurants and cafés with outdoor tables, leading to the Arc de Triomphe
• Place de la Concorde, a bustling public square in the 8th Arrondissement of Paris, known for its eye-catching Egyptian obelisk
• The Stade de France, a vast modern stadium with striking architecture and a capacity for approximately 80,000 people
• River Seine, a long and scenic river which flows from the eastern side of the city, through the centre of Paris, dividing the area into two main regions and offers a range of cruises
• Place des Vosges, the most historic public square in the whole of Paris, surrounded by many impressive 17th-century houses, located in the 4th Arrondissement
• Montparnasse Tower, a stunning tower rising high above Paris and offering superb Panoramic views of the city and surrounding scenery
• The Catacombs, an unusual underground network of ancient tunnels containing the skeletons of literally millions
• Notre Dame Cathedral, a spectacular cathedral located alongside the River Seine, known locally in Paris as the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame-de-Paris
• Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning chapel consecrated in the mid-13th century and famed for its colourful stained-glass windows, which are amongst the finest in the city
• Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix, two exceptional theme parks, offering a host of fast rides, thrilling roller coasters and family fun for all ages
• Palace of Versailles, a truly extravagant palace located on the outskirts of Paris, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens
• Art galleries and museums, with some of the most popular in Paris including the Musée d'Orsay and the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, amongst other masterpieces