| Paris City Breaks |
PARIS CITY BREAK
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. With more than 2000 years of history, the City of Light encompasses triumphant monuments, rich museums and glorious cathedrals. The architecture of Paris is known around the world for its marvels. Among the must-sees, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre-Dame and Sacré-Coeur Cathedrals. Paris is a walking city. Take the time to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the lively Latin Quarter, the streets of Montmartre -the heart of the artistic Paris- or walk along the Champs-Elysées, with its luxury shops, cinemas and cafés. Paris is magnificent by night. Its illuminated buildings are legendary. Paris offers an unlimited choice of entertainment and night activities including cabaret, opera and theatre. The most pleasant way of visiting Paris is probably by taking a cruise on the Seine River - especially at sunset.
Avenue des Champs-Elysees is one of the most popular promenades in Paris. It is a two kilometre stretch of road lined with trees, shopping, restaurants, and movie theatres. Marked by the Arc de Triomphe monument at one end, it becomes a major hub of activity on major holidays such as New Years Eve. Evening walks are ideal, as the trees are lit up.
In the heart of Paris, the river Seine splits into two streams forming two islands: the Ile-de-la Cité and Ile-St-Louis. The Ile-de-la-Cité is oldest part of Paris. It is here where the first inhabitants of Paris, called the Parisii, settled around the 3rd century BC. During the Middle Ages, the Ile-de-la-Cité became an important religious centre with the construction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Sainte-Chapelle. Less frequented, the Ile-St-Louis is known for its village atmosphere. Its quiet streets are lined with 17th century grey-stone houses.
La Défense is the modern business district in Paris located west of the 17th arrondissement. This district is part of the "Grands Travaux" (big projects) undertaken by former French President Francois Mitterrand in the 1980s. La Défense features 60 buildings hosting 1200 companies including many headquarters. The most impressive building in the district is the Grande Arche de la Défense, a huge hollow cube of 110 metres on each side housing business offices, restaurants and expositions.
The Latin Quarter is located south of Ile-de-la-Cité around Place St-Michel. In 1253, the district became home to the first University founded in France, the prestigious Sorbonne, one of the oldest universities in the world. At this time, Latin was the official educational language and students and professors used to talk in Latin after classes around the University. In 1968, the area was the centre of the French student revolt, known as "May 68". The district has kept its original lively and trendy atmosphere and is renowned for its medieval streets, colourful markets, restaurants, cafés and nightlife.
Le Marais is an historic district of Paris featuring magnificent heritage apartments in the pure French style. King Henri IV decided to develop this marshy land on the right bank of the Seine River at the beginning of the 17th century. The district became fashionable and the centre of Parisian "salon life", when meeting places for intellectuals, writers and artists were created. The highlight of the district is the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, built in brick and stone and perched over a harmonious arcade. Many apartments on Place des Vosges used to belong to famous people including Madame de Sevigné, Richelieu, Bossuet, Alphonse Daudet and Victor Hugo who wrote a large part of Les Misérables there. Today, the district has undergone renovations and is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Paris.
Paris is a fantastic location for a city break, a romantic city that is perfect for all ages, so take a break in the city of Paris with City Breaks Guide
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