The Buzz on Paris Travel
Paris, commonly referred to as the City of Light, is well known as one of the most fashionable, beautiful, and romantic cities in the world. From its blend of ancient and modern architecture to its cozy high-end cafes, there is certainly something to please everyone within the cityò€™s walls. The city is almost circular in shape, surrounded by hills on all sides, and divided in half by the River Seine. There are 20 districts that make up the inner city, and each is numbered as its spirals clockwise from the 1st district. The center of the city is the ÓŽle de la CitÓ©, home of the Notre Dame cathedral and the Palais de Justice. Stretching from the northern bank of the Seine are the government and business districts and the Marais and Bastille quarters. South of the river is the university of the Sorbonne, the main district for academics. The 1st six districts, found in the center of the city and clustered around the River Seine, are the location of the majority of tourist attractions. The suburbs found outside of the cityò€™s walls are called La Banlieue, and they are mostly residential areas.What Not to Miss
The city of Paris is covered with museums, and, if youò€™re planning to take a day to visit as many as possible, it may be a good idea to purchase the Carte MusÓ©es et Monuments. This pass, which can be purchased through the cityò€™s tourist office, covers admission to over seventy hotels within the cityò€™s limits. If you prefer instead to visit only the few best museums Paris has to offer, youò€™ll absolutely want to check out The Louvre, the MusÓ©e d"Orsay, the Centre Georges Pompidou, the Picasso Museum, the Rodin Museum, the Delacroix, the Invalides, the Carnavalet, and the Jeu de Paume. These museums can all be found in the cityò€™s first seven districts. Paris is also the home to many fantastic landmarks. For just a brief tour of the wonders of Paris architecture, make sure to visit the Eiffel Tower, the PÓ¨re-Lachaise Cemetery, the Catacombs, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the SacrÓ© Coeur, the Sainte Chapelle, the Pantheon, the Chateau de Versailles, and the Grand Arche de la Defense. However, keep in mind that you could spend weeks in Paris without ever seeing all of the sightseeing attractions that the city has to offer.
Where to Cut Loose
To go to Paris without shopping is impossible. Covered in high-end department stores, the fashion capital of the world lives up to its reputation. However, if youò€™re planning to shop in the city, come prepared to spend a decent chunk of money. Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world. For dining, the first six city districts have the largest selection of restaurants. Trendy, upscale restaurants can require advance reservations, and, often, the best places to eat are those corner cafes where youò€™ll find so many of the locals dining. The more tourist-oriented a restaurant is, the higher its prices will be. Paris is also a popular drinking city, and you donò€™t have to go far to find a bar or nightclub. There are many places that are popular amongst afternoon drinkers, such as the Bastille; however, most of Parisò€™ bars and nightclubs stay open until around 6am.
Stylish Lodging Options
Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris - Steps from the Champs-Elysees, with private terraces that command all Paris; 17th-century tapestries, lovingly restored; and a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces, Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury service in the City of Light.
Hotel Ambassador
In the heart of Paris, just 2 min. from the famous Opera Garnier and the imcomparable Parisian department stores, the newly redecorated Hotel Ambassador is delighted to welcome you. * 288 air-conditioned rooms including 10 suites * restaurant "16 Hausmann", a Capital address * "Les Aigles" bar * business center * 10 meeting rooms for 10 to 300 people * direct access to La Defense and Disneyland Paris by RER A.
Hotel Balzac
Just off the famous Champs-Elysees, this elegant 19th century private mansion is undergoing an extensive refurbishment to regain its former Palace hotel splendor. Originally built for the Paris Opera Director and today still echoing the spirit of famous French novelist Balzac, this elegant Parisian townhouse combines tradition and high levels of comfort with its fine classic interior decoration and subtle palette of soft and opalescent tone furnishings, state of the art technology and personalized butler service: the Epitome of French and Art de Vivre.
Hotel Bel Ami
Located in a converted 18th Century print works on the rue Saint Benoit, the Hotel Bel Ami is an oasis of calm and tranquillity in the heart of Paris" chic Left Bank. The 115 rooms and suite Hotel Bel Ami opened its doors in January 2000.
Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris
The Plaza Athenee is not just a hotel, it"s a way of life, quiet, beautiful and distinguished. Situated on fashionable Avenue Montaigne with its well-known designers" shops, the hotel offers elegant, luxurious and comfortable accommodations. Decorated in Louis XVI or Regency style, the hotel"s apartments combine the charm of former residences with contemporary luxury.