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About ParisParis is the capital and largest city of France. Straddling the river Seine in the country's north, it is a major global cultural and political centre in addition to being the world's most visited city. Nicknamed "the City of Light" (la Ville Lumière) since the 19th century, the city of Paris also has a reputation as a "romantic" city.
The most recognisable symbol of Paris is the 324 metre (1,063 ft) brown metal Eiffel Tower located on the banks of the Seine. Paris is also internationally renowned for its defining neoclassical architecture and its influence in fashion and the arts.
AttractionsDivided into 20 arrondissements that spiral outward from the city center, Paris could be considered a collection of charming villages, each with its own unique attractions to explore. Of course, when the "village" you're exploring contains famous international landmarks like the Eiffel or Notre Dame, it's easy to be awestruck and stick to the beaten tourist track. Admittedly, the 10 must-do activities outlined below are firmly planted on the mainstream tourist route, but they're all sights you'll want to see at least once in your lifetime. And remember, the City of Lights has countless hidden treasures to explore as well.
Arc de Triomphe is a perfect first stop on your tour of the city. Built in honour of the French Army and unveiled in 1836, the top of the Arc de Triomphe offers a grand panoramic view. Inside the arc, a museum details the monument's history. Outside, in the shadow of the arc, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pays homage to the soldiers killed in World War I.
The Eiffel: has always been the structure Paris loves to hate. Commissioned in 1887 for the World Fair, its intricate latticework was considered gaudy by Parisians when it was first built. Today, it stands as one of the world's most visited and widely recognized attractions. You can stand in line and climb 2,652 stairs to reach the top, or if you're too tired after a day of wandering the nearby Left Bank, you can take an elevator up. Either way, once there, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city.
Centre Georges Pompidou: With its pipes, metalwork and elevators visible for all to see, the Centre Georges Pompidou is memorable for its inside-out appearance alone. But it is also home to the National Museum of Modern Art/Center of Industrial Design. Exhibition galleries, a public information library and a cinema, as well as a concert hall and a research institute for contemporary music, are all housed here.
The Louvre: This is where schoolchildren go on a usual class trip. No wonder the French have a reputation for loving the finer things. Once a medieval fortress and palace to the kings of France, the Louvre today is home to the famous Mona Lisa, as well as a world-class collection of other paintings, drawings, jewels and sculptures. Unless you're a die-hard art aficionado — in which case you'll want to stroll at your own pace — a one-and-half-hour guided tour of the Louvre may be the best way to ensure you don't miss any of the prominent treasures at one of the most beloved museums in the world.
Notre Dame: Built 900 years ago, Notre Dame (Our Lady) is one of the most beautiful cathedrals ever built. It has inspired poetry, deep faith and legends. Standing before the incredibly detailed facade, you can't help but think of the workers that put each stone and statue into place. To get a view of the famous flying buttresses (they're the supporting arms that stick out of the side of the building, in case you're wondering), climb the 387 stairs to the top. Step outside and take out your camera. The views of the Seine River, and the city beyond, are what postcards are made of. Be sure to explore the inside of basilica, which was completed from the late 12th century to the mid-13th and has a beauty off its own.
Restaurants & barsDining in Paris can be a real treat, or can be surprisingly ordinary, so it's worth some effort to seek out the former rather than settling for the latter. The restaurant trade began in Paris, but some people prefer the French cooking found in little rural restaurants, closer to the farms and with their focus on freshness and r Each of Paris' 20 arrondissements has its own fair share of bars, cafés, taverns, but there are a some areas where various aspects of nightlife, or afternoon-life are concentrated.
Café des Tempeliers: A traditional café; 35, Rue de Rivoli 4th Arr.
Au Limonaire: Bistro in traditional style, where you van enjoy French songs.18, Cité Bergère 9th Arr.
NightlifeThe hottest Paris nightspots are in the city's northeastern districts, particularly around Ménilmontant, Oberkampf, and Belleville, while the Bastille clubs and the Marais bars are still going strong.
The Grands Boulevards and Pigalle/Montmartre are also lively places with plenty of theaters, bars, and concert venues. By comparison, the Rive Gauche is a relatively minor player, dominated by student pubs and jazz bars in the Latin Quarter and a sprinkling of chic hangouts toward St-Germain-des-Prés. The Gucci-and-Vuitton-clad jet set can still be found around the Champs-Élysées and Rue St-Honoré, with prices to match the ritzy surroundings. In warmer months Parisians flock to the floating clubs and bars, moored along the Seine from Bercy to the Eiffel Tower. Midweek, people are usually home after closing hours, around 2 AM, but weekends mean late-night partying.
ShoppingParis is one of the great fashion centres of the Western world, up there with New York, London and Milan, making it a great place to do the clothes shopping.
Paris has 3 main flea-markets, located on the outskirts of the central city. The most famous of these is the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (Porte de Clignancourt) a haven for lovers of antiques, second-hand goods and retro fashion.
The most important shopping area’s are; Place Vendôme and rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré for the luxury products until de Champs-Elysées en rue de Rivoli.
Other things you should knowParis has a lot more then described here and the only way to get to know Paris best is to go there and find out.
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