Paris stimulates the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelt
2009-05-27
WHY GO?
Paris is the most popular tourist destination in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Its museums and monuments are household names all over the world, with numerous iconic landmarks among its many attractions, along with world famous institutions and popular parks.
DID YOU KNOW?
Paris has many nicknames, but its most famous is 'The City of Light' (La Ville-lumi're), a name it owes both to its fame as a centre of education and ideas and its early adoption of street lighting.
STAY?
There's a huge variety of accommodation in Paris, ranging from sumptuous palaces and converted 17th-century townhouses to poky little holes. Be sure to make the effort to look around - if you dig you'll find character and charm without bankrupting yourself. And book early!
SHOP?
Whether you envision buying half of Paris, or simply enjoy the wealth of window-shopping opportunities, Parisian shops are an integral part of the city's cultural identity, and make it the ultimate destination for the discerning consumer. One of the most renowned places to find treasures in Paris is at the lively flea market full of bargains.
FOOD?
Every restaurant with a fistful of Michelin stars ensures that eating well in this city isn't an option - it's a duty.
EXPLORE?
Paris's museums and monuments are among its highest-esteemed attractions, whatever your tastes; you'll never be bored in Paris.
Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame was one of the first Gothic cathedrals on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cite, and its construction spanned the Gothic period. It is still used as a Roman Catholic cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Notre Dame de Paris is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
DID YOU KNOW?
The name Notre Dame means 'Our Lady' in French.
Eiffel Tower
Definitely visit the Eiffel Tower - it may be a cliche, but the view is still magic. Built on the Champ de Mars beside the Seine River it still remains a timeless visit becoming a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
DID YOU KNOW?
At the time the tower was built its daring shape shocked many people. Designer and engineer Gustave Eiffel was criticised for the design and was accused of trying to create something artistic without regard to engineering.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Eiffel Tower, by far is Paris's most famous monument, averages over six million visitors per year and more than 200 million since its construction.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre, is among the world's most visited art museums and the city's most prized museum, welcoming over 8 million visitors a year. The collection contains nearly 35,000 pieces displayed over the structure's 60,000 square metres (650,000 sq ft). The museum houses some of the world's most famous works of art, such as Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, The Virgin and Child with St. Anne, and Madonna of the Rocks.
La Madeleine
L'eglise de la Madeleine is a church occupying a commanding position in the eighth arrondissement of Paris. It was designed in its present form as a temple to the glory of Napoleon's army.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
This Roman Catholic basilica is a popular landmark dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city.
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is one of the major squares in Paris. It is located in the city's eighth arrondissement, at the eastern end of the Champs-Elysees.
Arc de Triomphe
This monument stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, located at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. The arch honours those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars.
Disneyland Resort Paris
You're never too old to experience the magic and enchantment of Disneyland Resort Paris. There really is something for everyone from the thrill of high-speed roller coasters, to a relaxing walk around Lake Disney.
