Sunday, August 23, 2009

Top Paris Attractions-Travel Guide & Entertainment Guide Paris,France.

A Guide to Paris
No other destination is quite like the City of Lights. A blend of romance, history, culture, and style creates a magical experience in the French capital that never fails to excite, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. There are 20 neighbourhoods (or arrondissements) located on both the right and left banks of the River Seine, each with its own flavour, attractions, and feel. It may take some time, but you’ll want to work your way through these areas, sampling the delightful cuisine, shopping in the boutiques, and taking in the cultural landmarks along the way.
The Can’t-Miss List
Paris offers more to do than your average city—more than even your average European capital city—but some are absolute “must” experiences. The most iconic symbol of Paris is of course the Eiffel Tower, which was built for the World Fair in 1889. The Arc de Triomphe, overlooking the Champs-Elysees, was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 as a tribute to the country’s military victories. It includes sculptures and reliefs of Napoleonic battles, a terrace, and a hall. Versailles is known for its over-the-top décor—including the Hall of Mirrors—and majestic gardens, which contain over 400 marble and bronze statues and grand fountains. For lots of sightseeing all in one place, head to the Champs-Elysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. Here you’ll find dining, shopping, monuments, museums, beautiful gardens, and more.

Ride the Rails in Style
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the glamorous, legendary charm of the Orient Express, Paris is the perfect jumping off point. The Venice Simplon Orient-Express offers itineraries ranging from one to six days and rolls through exotic locales such as Venice, Rome, Budapest, and Istanbul. Once aboard the breathtaking luxury train, you’re immediately transported back in time to a gentler, more refined era. The glamorous private cabins, attended by dedicated stewards throughout the journey, offer a plush lounge ambience during the day and are transformed by the stewards into beautiful bedrooms at night. Dining is a five-star gourmet experience; every dish is prepared on site by French chefs and served in one of three themed cars: Lalique, Etoile du Nord, and Chinoise. Breakfast and afternoon tea are delivered directly to your cabin. And don’t miss the Bar Car, with a chic atmosphere (demanding equally chic dress) and delicious beverages.

Cultural Paris
The Louvre is the most notable museum in Paris—and perhaps the world. Formerly the residence of French royals, today it houses masterpieces from the most famous painters of all time. But it also offers lesser-known pieces from the Middle Ages through the mid-1800s, including items ranging from sculpture to jewelry to archeological finds. Another of the giants is the Orsay Museum, with art representing the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods. The Musée du Quai Branly is a relatively new museum dedicated to the civilizations of Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas. Book and paper lovers will enjoy the Musée des Lettres et Manuscrits, which contains hundreds of rare letters and documents from luminaries including de Gaulle, Napoleon, Mozart, and Voltaire.

With theatrical venues approaching 150 in number, Paris is ideal for people who love shows ranging from big, Broadway-style productions to Shakespearean theatre to dance to opera and much more. The Opera National de Paris is home to many of the grandest productions and is one of the largest theatre venues in the world. Opéra Bastille is another noteworthy setting in which to enjoy the cultural offerings of the great city.

Sacred Paris
With its fascinating—and sometimes bloody—history, Paris houses dozens of churches, chapels, and houses of worship that are both tourist attractions and religious sites. The Gothic Sainte Chapelle, the most famous of Paris’ chapels, was built in the 1200s as a repository for relics surrounding Christ’s death, most famously his crown of thorns. Its numerous large stained glass windows help it stand out on the Ile de la Cité. Notre Dame Cathedral in the Latin Quarter is another Gothic masterpiece constructed in the 12th through 14th centuries. Take note of the signature gargoyles on the roof gutters before entering. Sacré Coeur de Montmartre, a basilica whose construction began in 1875 after France’s defeat at the hands of the Prussians, features a Roman-Byzantine style and fantastic views of the city from the dome gallery. The Chapelle Expiatoire, built at the behest of Louis XVIII, is situated in a graveyard where 3,000 Revolution victims were buried and is dedicated to the memory of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Paris at Night
Cabaret, in all of its naughty, risqué fun, is celebrated in Paris, with the landmark Moulin Rouge still treating today’s customers to shows featuring beautiful women in few items of clothing. Other cabaret options include the Crazy Horse, the Lido, and Belle Epoque—just to name a few.

Discotheques and clubs are a popular nighttime diversion, and they populate all areas of the city. Club Med World is an energetic, vibrant destination with two restaurants, two bars, a bookshop, and of course a dance floor. Some of the more elite discotheques include the VIP Room, L’Etoile, La Maison Blanche, and Le Baron.

Jazz enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised at the top-notch offerings in Paris, including the Jazz Club Lionel Hampton at Le Meridien Etoile, Arbuci Jazz Club, Melody Blues, and Bilboquet.

Only in Paris
Up for a spooky adventure? The Catacombs are underground stone quarries that hold the skeletal remains of several million people. From 1785 to 1814, all of the cemeteries of Paris were stripped of their “occupants,” which were moved to the Catacombs.

The Luxembourg Gardens are arguably the best gardens in the city. It wasn’t until after the Revolution that they were open to anyone other than royals. In addition to stately paths, blooming flowers, and ancient trees, you can rent a boat and explore the lake.

Paris is known for its cuisine, so why not learn to make some of the famous fare while you’re there? Cook’n With Class is a cooking school that offers a day-long course in different specialties, from traditional dishes to baking to wine and cheese tasting. The class includes a market visit, instruction, food, wine, and lots of fun.

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