Paris has one of the most recognisable cityscapes in all of Europe; from the Eifel Tower, to Le Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, Paris’ magnificent style makes it truly one of Europe’s great capitals. This bohemian heart of France is home to some of the world’s most loved cuisine and plays host to word famous, bars and lively nightlife. There is no one single reason why people visit Paris, instead it is the city’s diversity that pulls in its visitors and inspires them return again for more. p>
When thinking about Paris, images of food, art and architecture quickly spring to mind, but France’s capital is such a melting pot of culture that it is certain to surprise even the most well-travelled. Art that is known around the world shares its city with rotating modern exhibitions, street art and undiscovered gems.
Paris holds so many iconic treasures that it is often hard to know where to start. One great way is to top up with coffee on the Champs-Elysées then look up to the Eifel tower. Although climbing the Eifel Tower provides breath taking views of the city, there is particular enjoyment to be had simply watching the floodlight monument changing colours in the early evening or having a picnic in its shadow on a sunny day. For those who want to escape the beaten track, find Montparnasse Tower, an unsuspecting high-rise building that gives exceptional views of the city - including the Eifel Tower.
For a more macabre yet fascinating view of Paris, go underground and visit the Minicipal Ossuary, Paris’ extensive catacombs. Named after the catacombs of Rome, the Ossuary dates back to the 18th century and has been visited by thousands of tourists throughout its history including Charles X, Emperor of Austria, Francis I and Napoleon III.
No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Musée Du Louvre; this is not only a spectacle within its own right, but also houses some of Paris’ most valued artefacts. Du Louvre is home to Egyptian mummies, the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, and the diamond known as the “Regent”. When visiting the Louvre, it is often best to have a plan of what to see for its 300 rooms can act like a maze and a day is easily spent navigating through its many treasures.
Although the Louvre is by far the most famous and definitely the most visited museum in Paris, there are many other alternatives that will help in avoiding the crowds. For instance, the Musée d'Orsay is a transformed train station that is now home of an art collection that spans between 1848 and 1914.
When the sun shines, turn to the Jardin des Plantes which is also known as the Museum of Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. The museum was originally the royal medicinal garden and menagerie and is now home to palm greenhouses, ecologic gardens and a menagerie zoo which helps conserve endangered species of animals.
Paris has a rich history in cocktails and there are fewer with a richer history than Harry’s New York Bar. At the beginning of the 20th century, a bistro was purchased by a famous American Jockey who dismantled his bar in New York and built Harry’s New York Bar as an exact replica in Paris. Be sure to try a Bloody Mary or a French 75 as it was at Harry’s where they were created.
Paris is of course home to some of the world’s best cuisine and is littered with Michelin Star restaurants however fresh baguette’s and croissants, macarons, crepes and an array of meats, cheeses and wines are never far away.
Paris’ charm is in its variety, book your Paris break to discover all that the city has to offer.