Eiffel Tower © www.freedigitalphotos.net
Why? Paris has always headed the must-see list for anyone
contemplating a European holiday because it embodies style and
charm and offers a variety of unique attractions, both ancient and
modern.
When? Travel to Paris at any time of year and it will be a
holiday to remember. The city is notorious for its sudden rain
showers, which can occur in summer or winter, but it is always
possible to retreat indoors to explore the galleries of the Louvre,
or perhaps experience the majesty of Notre Dame Cathedral, before
emerging into the sunshine again to enjoy coffee and pastries at a
pavement café. Many locals escape Paris in August when the
heat can be oppressive and many restaurants close.
Who for? This beautiful city brings out the romance in every
soul. Art lovers, style buffs and gourmets are particularly well
catered for if they holiday in Paris, while sightseers can indulge
in world-famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower. Families with
children enjoy the fantastic delights of EuroDisney, which is
within easy reach of the city.
More Info: The Paris travel guide includes current reviews
and details of upcoming events, attractions, restaurants and
excursions available in Paris. The Basics section is packed with
all the information required when planning to visit Paris on
holiday or business.
Overview
It is impossible not to fall in love with Paris. The city's
people are stylish and flirtatious, its architecture seductive, its
restaurants and nightlife devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and
its streets are scattered with dreams.
There is no 'best time' to visit Paris; in every season the city
is always alive. Summer days are spent lazing on the banks of the
Seine, sipping coffee at a sidewalk café, or idling in one
of the city's many gardens or forests. In autumn afternoons the
brisk walk from the Eiffel Tower through the Parc du Champ de Mars
and up to the glittering Champs Elysées is accompanied with
a carpet of leaves crunching underfoot. Winter nights induce a warm
glow ice-skating in the outdoor rink at the Hotel de Ville, and in
spring the passions of performers fill the air outside the Pompidou
Centre and the nose is tickled with the subtle scents of flowering
gardens.
There is an otherworldliness to this city, where beauty and
elegance are favoured over purpose and practicality. Centuries of
urban development have the appearance of having being mastered by a
single hand with a strong sense of balance, contrast and
aesthetics. The views from the Eiffel Tower or Sacré Coeur
reveal hundreds of iconic attractions for the snapshot visitor, but
the best way to see this city is by tucking your map back in your
pocket and allowing yourself to get lost on its streets and
avenues, discovering the city for yourself.
However long you spend in Paris, on departure you will know you
are sure to return.
