PLANNING A TRIP 2 EUROPE? And feeling overwhelmed by the number of places you would like to visit? Ask a friend or call travel advisers or simply surf the net. From the plethora of places I'm sure the most common suggestion would be France. And why not?
France has always been on top of most travel lovers 'places to visit' list. It is among the most picturesque places in the world. France's colonial past is a major contributing factor in the presence of a richly diverse multicultural population. France produces more than 250 cheeses and some of the world's best-loved wines.
A dreamy honeymoon or romantic vacation, Paris is a popular destination. Here are few details that will help you plan your trip to Paris.
Best time to visit:
Paris during springtime is the best time to visit: The place is colourful and the mood of locals is always upbeat during the spring. You may want to do your booking in advance as the air fares do reach the peak during this time of the year. Visiting Paris during winter can be romantic as it is less crowded and you can have Paris' famed cafe terrace and most of the city for yourself.
Transportation: The public transportation is very well organized and it is easy to get around the city with the Metro or bus systems or boats. The most cost effective way to do this is to get a Paris Visit pass which will give you instant access to the Metro, RER train, and bus systems in Paris.
Now that you have figured out the best mode of transportation, its time to go on a tour of the city. Here are a few places that one must visit during your stay at Paris.
Eiffel Tower: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and likely the most recognizable landmark of the city. The tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the World Exhibition of 1889. The tower is impressive. Hang around till sunset and get one of the most amazing view of the tower. Enjoy the sight of the glittering tower; you'll remember it for a very long time to come.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Victor Hugo's book, Hunch back of Hunchback of Notre Dame may come to your mind first. The book captures the essence of the cathedral. Notre Dame de Paris is among the first Gothic cathedrals to be built and is of the iconic examples of architecture in France. While taking a tour of the cathedral you might discover hidden rooms, cellars and discover many other fascinating secrets.
The Luxembourg Gardens: The Luxembourg Gardens is Paris’s version of London's Hyde Park and NYC's Central Park. Here you can observe the real culture of day to day life of the people. The park is divided into sections: for little children (almost an amusement park with fun rides) and the other section is quite where you get to see college students. They love to hang around and study in this area.
Hotel de Ville: The heritage building which houses Paris’s administration. The building overlooks a pedestrian square. You will also find an ice staking ring during season which is open to public. The square was once a site for public executions.
Musee du Louvre: Grand Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world. The museum houses over 300,000 works of art, from near Eastern antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities to 21st century painting and sculptures.
Romantic places to visit in Paris: Paris has always been a magnet for lovers. Walk into a sidewalk cafe terrace. These cafes not only make good resting spots but you can hold hands and get cosy with that special one and drown yourselves in the atmosphere of love.
Discover Paris on foot. Holding hands and walking the streets transports you to another time. The architecture is beautiful and breathtaking. The streets are lined with old trees, little bridges and stairways. Paris is spotted with beautiful parks and gardens… sit under the trees on wooden benches along a stream. Don't forget to take a boat ride upstream and downstream.
Paris at night: Whether you want to hang out with the fashion crowd or experience a grittier night, the nightlife of Paris is sure to remain etched in your memory for a long time to come. Don't forget to visit the 'Moulin Rouge.
Shop for fashion in Paris: As we all know Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world. From street shopping to swanky fashion boutiques, sexy underwear stores to bookshops on the Left Bank and bric-a-brac at the Marche aux Puces d'Aligre... Paris is a shopper's paradise. The best time to shop is during the summer and winter sale seasons.
This little guide should help you prepare enjoy Paris to the hilt. Although, is just as good as only a scratch on the surface of the real Paris. From shopping to restaurants, museums, gardens, boulevards, architecture and music, everywhere you go in Paris there it something new to offer.
This undated handout image provided by NASA, released Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, taken by the refurbished Hubble Space Telescope, shows a clash among members of a famous galaxy quintet revealing an assortment of stars across a wide color range, from young, blue stars to aging, red stars.
