Thursday 23 February 2012

Paris - City of Romance, Fashion, Culture


Paris perennially eanks among the top destinations for tourists as it has such diversity in its appeal.

Attractions
An icon that is instantly recognisable to schoolchildren around the globe, the Tour Eiffel – or Eiffel Tower – is alone one of the top tourist attractions in the world.  Rising majestically to 985 feet, it was for more than 40 years the tallest man-made structure on the planet.  Whilst it had long been surpassed in this respect, the views from the top are worth the entrance fee alone.  This is one of those rare attractions that is truly not to be missed.

Alongside the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe is another structure synonymous with Paris.  Quite apart from the fact that there are great views to be had from the top of the arch, the building itself is the living embodiment of Paris' once great status on the world stage.  Aside from the historical links with Napoleon, the links with the First World War and the tomb of the unknown soldier remain a poignant reminder of the sacrifice of the French people in war.
The Basilique Sacré-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) is yet another instantly recognisable building on Paris' skyline.  Nestling atop the Montmartre hill, it has an enviable position affording great views across the city.  Paid for from the public purse, it is both a symbol of Catholicism and of the French people.

Many historic structures have strangely anachronistic names and Pont Neuf is no exception.  The name itself as most schoolboys will tell you means the "New Bridge", however, it is of course the oldest bridge crossing the River Seine in Paris.  The fact that the bridges that it superseded have long since gone, the name remains to this day.

Although as the name suggests (it translates as the Elysian Fields), the Champs Elysées was in fact fields at one stage.  As time went on, trees were planted, urban sprawl spread and  what we now see as one of Paris' most famous and fashionable walkways was born.  Nowadays most visitors go there to soak up the Parisian atmosphere.

Night-life
As one might expect in a city that has such a presence on the world stage, Paris has night time entertainment to satisfy just about any tastes.  From Moulin Rouge to hip and trendy clubs to Irish pubs, you won't be short of somewhere to watch the sun go down on Paris – or even to watch it rise again the following morning.

Although many of the top clubs do have strict dress codes, there are also many bars that are more relaxed – particularly in the area close to the Champs Elysées.

In terms of which areas are best, the Marais district has plenty of bars and restaurants along the Rue Vieille du Temple.  For the more sophisticated and lively taste, the Latin Quarter has plenty of options.  Equally popular and literally littered with bars is the area around Bastille although many of the bars are quite small which is fine for a quick drink but not so good if you plan to stay for a long time.  In short, however, wherever you are in Paris, there is always something going on in the evening!

Paris is world famous destination for visitors every year the no of visitors increases just because of Paris gives a full package of entertainment for family and friend you have to take a trip to Paris and experience a  Short Break Paris  for your memorable experience.

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