Travel Guide to Paris
Paris is known for its passion and culture, marked by wide boulevards and renowned landmarks. This city has a unique character, as well as exceptional museums and outstanding food.
A stroll down avenue des Champs-Élysées is an refreshing way to start your tour of the city, it begins outside the Jardin des Tulieres in front of the stately Louvre and runs the length of the city, bordered by trees and coffee shops, passing under the world famous Arc de Triomphe and onwards to the business district. Of course, the Eiffel Tower, and the exceptional Musée du Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa cannot be missed.
Key attractions in Paris
Some of the best views of Paris are from the top of the legendary Eiffel Tower, formerly built temporarily for the World Fair of 1889. Another well-known attraction is the Musée du Louvre, behind which rests the interesting ‘inside-out’ Centre Georges Pompidou, consisting of several galleries and museums.
To the west, the gigantic Musée d’Orsay is a worthwhile sight. Further ahead, you cannot miss the Esplanade des Invalides and Hotel National des Invalides - Paris’ supreme single complex of museums, including the Musée de l’Armée and Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération.
Ile de la Cite located in the middle of the Seine, this is the oldest part of Paris and the focus point of this historic suburb is indeed the incredible Notre Dame Cathedral, dating from the 11th Century. Neighbouring, on the south bank is the Latin Quarter, location of the Sorbonne University and locus of the ’68 student riots.
Leisure Options in Paris
For a bit of tranquillity, check out the view from the amiable hill-top suburb of Mont Martre, renowned for its attractive artist-filled square and original cafés. Believed to be one of Paris’ most passionate spots, Mont Matre views from beneath the remarkably superb Basilica Sacre Coer are pleasing; at its foot is the infamous Moulin Rouge (red light district). For a bit of romance, stroll along the River Seine.
Out and about in Paris
Bois de Boulogne , on the western edge of the city, is a park decorated with delightful forested areas, winding paths and belle époque mansions. A trendy attraction for the whole family is Euro Disney, an enormous American-styled amusement park within an hours drive from Paris. Château de Versailles is the luxurious and recognised palace in France and definitely must be seen if you are in the area.
A more remarkable attraction is the Père Lachaise Cemetery, southeast of the Pompidou Centre. Here you’ll find the final resting places of Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Balzac, Proust, Delacroix, Modigliani, Piaf and even Jim Morrison. Equally fascinating, the Catacombes were created in the late 18th century as a chain of tunnels to cope with the city’s surplus cemeteries.
Getting to Paris
Aéroport Charles de Gaulle, (27kms from the city) is Paris major international airport receiving flights from the world over. Aéroport d’Orly (16kms southwest of the city) is much less hectic.
The road network around Paris is moderately vast and to some extent confusing. A ring road circumnavigates the city; the A1-E19 head north to Charles de Gaulle Airport and on to Calais; the A15 northwest to Brittany; the A14 east; the A6 south to Orly, becoming the A10 and heading further south into the countryside. High-speed TGV train services are also a suitable way of reaching the capital, which has six major train stations.
Hotels in Paris
Eugenie Villa is located in the heart of Paris near the Champs-Élysées – Arc de Triomphe. Eugenie Villa links an important past with stylish and contemporary facilities.
Waldorf Madeleine Hotel is an outstanding hotel surrounded by some of Paris eminent landmarks. The hotel is located in such a place where it is next to the Champs-Élysées, Faubourg Saint-Honore, Madeleine and Louvre.
Safety in Paris
Visitors are more liable to accidents when in a foreign environment. In addition, pickpockets can be a problem in Paris, mainly around night spots or on the Metro, and visitors should remain attentive and watchful. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Paris.
Weather in Paris
The best time to travel to Paris runs from Easter through to mid September. Paris in the early spring is quite frequently very humid, May and June has good weather and sufficient of Cultural attractions, July and August are moist months, though still pleasant smaller shops and restaurants close for the month of August. September is an ideal month for a summer break and is sunny throughout until the middle of October reaching highs of 25c, November through December is in part wet and cold but also has a bright and sunny climate.