There are few superlatives that have not been applied to Paris. The most romantic, idyllic, beautiful, intoxicating, mystifying and downright expensive are just a few that come to mind. The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame have been described in all their glory countless times in the past, as have the Arc de Triomphe and the River Seine. But even so, a writer has yet to exist who can truly describe the magic of what is one of the world’s most iconic holiday destinations.
Paris is home to numerous familiar landmarks yet a tour of the city might well begin with spending the afternoon sitting in an authentic Parisian café. These cafés play a major role in the lives Parisians—they serve as a place for friends to meet, for families to relax, and for writers and artists to find inspiration while watching the world go by, and where others just sit in solitude with their favorite book.
Paris is synonymous with the Eiffel Tower, which can be seen all over the city. The tower is the tallest in the city and is an icon of France, offering magnificent panoramic views that always makes for an exhilarating experience, no matter how many times its been done in the past. Standing underneath the tower is just as breathtaking and will leave you staring in awe.
One of the reasons Paris is said to be such a romantic destination is that few cities can compare to its rich, artistic heritage. A visit to the Louvre Museum is an absolute must. The museum houses some of the world’s most instantly recognizable art works such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Other interesting collections are of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian works. A magnificent, larger-than-life glass pyramid welcomes tourists into the museum.
No sane traveler should leave Paris without enjoying a romantic boat trip along the River Seine. The river has been the inspiration of countless romantic movies, books, love poems, and songs. With the gentle breeze, the smooth water drifting under, and an authentic French meal, such a trip will surely be the highlight of many people’s stay in Paris.
To complete a Parisian vacation, the renowned Opera Garnier, home of the city’s Opera Ballet or ‘Opera Bastille’, is the perfect place to spend an evening. France’s biggest opera house, the Opera Bastille regularly shows world-class operas, concerts and ballet performances, providing entertainment of the highest order – precisely what a trip to Paris is all about.
Main attractions: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Bastille, Louvre Museum, Opera Garnier, River Seine, Notre Dame Cathedral, Grand Arche de la Défense, Pantheon, Sacré Coeur
Budget for one week: €1,200
Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is recommended
Official language: French
Area: 40.7 sq mi
Population: 10,354,675
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
Images courtesy: © Beboy - Fotolia.com, Tristan Nitot, Benh LIEU SONG
