Paris

The French capital is one of the most stimulating cities on earth. Although described countless times, words still fail to capture the exact quality that renders Paris enduringly seductive. Is it the elegance of the tree-lined boulevards? The radiance of the light? The magnificence of the architecture? The style and ambience of the cafes? Come find out for yourself...

Paris is home to more than 2 million people, with another 10.5 million living in the Ile de France area. The river Seine bisects the city into the Rive Droite (Right Bank) north of the river, and the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) south of the river. Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements or districts that radiate from the city centre.

Unmissable sights include the Musee du Louvre, Notre Dame cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. The Louvre dates back to 1200 when it began life as a fortress. It became a public museum in 1793. A glass pyramid entrance designed by architect IM Pei was added in the 1980s. Brave the crowds and wander through rooms full of paintings, sculptures and antiquities including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Paris begs to be discovered...
The cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the most outstanding achievements of Gothic architecture ever built. Completed in 1345, its massive interior can accommodate more than 6000 people. Its spectacular rose windows are world-famous. View the cathedral from the Square Jean XIII just behind it to see the ornate flying buttresses that support its walls and roof. The Eiffel Tower is Paris’ most prominent and instantly recognizable landmark. Surrounded by open areas on both sides of the Seine, it was built for the World Fair of 1889 to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Three levels of the tower are open to the public.

The Champs-Elysees is the city’s most famous boulevard. Elegant and broad, it links Place de la Concorde with the Arc de Triomphe. Standing at the intersection of twelve avenues, the Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his imperial victories. Paris begs to be discovered, to be explored, to be experienced. Create your own Parisian experience. View the city from the basilica of the Sacre Coeur, get your portrait done in Montmartre, take a bateau mouche down the Seine, stroll down the wide boulevards, sip caf? au lait in sidewalk cafes and pastis in smoky Gitane-wreathed bars, dine in the fashionable Latin quarter, sunbathe in the Jardin du Luxembourg. No matter how many times you visit, Paris offers something new and exciting each time.

The Eiffel Tower
Built for the International Exhibition of Paris in 1889, which commemorated the centenary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower is probably the best-known French landmark. Standing at over 300 meters and weighing 7000 tons, the tower was one of the world’s tallest buildings until 1930. The view over Paris from the top is breathtaking.

The Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe was not finished until 1836. There are four huge relief sculptures at the base of the four pillars including the famous La Marseillaise by Fran?ois Rude. The day the Battle of Verdun commenced in 1916 the sword carried by the figure representing the Republic broke off. The figure was immediately hidden to conceal the accident to try to avoid any undesired associations or interpretations as a bad omen. Engraved around the top of the arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame lies under the Arch.

Notre Dame Cathedral
A masterpiece of gothic architecture designed by Maurice de Sully, Notre Dame was built between the 12th and the 14th centuries. Until the French Revolution the cathedral remained relatively unchanged. Admire the stunning building from the Place du Parvis or take the energetic 387-step climb to the top of the towers for an amazing view of the city. Check out the statuesque gargoyles adorning the cathedral.

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