Paris Travel Guide
France’s bustling capital city is also its largest metropolis, located in the central north of the country. Traversed by the River Seine, the epitome of romantic riverbank strolling, Paris regularly ranks as the world’s most visited city. A plethora of famous attractions and Parisian charm combine to offer a must-see destination.
Art lovers will have a field day in Paris with an abundance of famous art galleries, including the Louvre, housing the ubiquitous Mona Lisa, and the futuristic Pompidou Center. The many museums offer antiquities from the four corners of the world, collections of miniatures and precious objects, and even the future of space exploration. Bridges also feature prominently, representing great historical events and meeting places.
Shopping is also de rigeur, particularly for fashion fans, with Paris being the self-proclaimed fashion capital of the world. The top Paris shopping districts including the Champs-Élysées, are guaranteed to satisfy discount-hunters, designer divas, window shoppers and fashion victims equally. After a hard day’s shopping, it’s time to sample the cuisine and lively nightlife, with a truly overwhelming choice; the perfect antidote to all those museums.
Highlights
Eiffel Tower: was built for the World Exhibition in 1889 and stands 300 meters tall.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: is probably the most famous of all cathedrals, a Gothic masterpiece located on the Ile de la Cité, a small island in the heart of the city.
Arc de Triomphe: was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories and features an observatory offering great views of the city.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica: in the bohemian district of Montmartre overlooks the city with its Roman-Byzantine style domes.
Louvre Museum: was once home to the French king and is now one of the most famous museums in the world, with lines queuing up to get a glimpse of its treasures.
Jardin du Luxembourg: is probably Paris’ most popular park, designed in 1612 in French style and opened to the public in the 19th century.
Place de la Bastille: is where the French Revolution kicked off on July 14, 1789, and is still a popular venue for political demonstrations.