Paris – Art, Architecture & More
March 14, 2010 | Leave a Comment
There are many different reasons why people choose to visit Paris France. According to the Globalization and World Cities study group, Paris is among four “full service world class cities,” which also includes London, New York City and Tokyo, ranked for their cultural, political and economic significance. Some people come to the location Paris for its architecture, monuments and historical significance. Others wish to soak in the culture of art, dance, music and fashion. Yet another class of people might wish to sample some of the best food the world has to offer. No matter why you come to Paris, you will find a wide variety of experiences awaiting you.
Architecture buffs have a number of places to see when they visit Paris France. You’ll see palaces like the Palace of Versailles, which was built in the French Renaissance tradition circa 1678; Chateau de Villette, another 17th-century palace, crafted in French Baroque style for Louis XIV’s ambassador, Jean Dyel; or the Palais de Chaillot, a stripped classical structure designed for the 1937 World Exposition. Other French Baroque palaces include the Château de Maisons, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the Jardins des Tuileries, Palais du Luxembourg and Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre. In addition to palaces, there are churches in Paris that date back to the 12th and 13th Centuries, such as the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral (1163), La Sainte-Chapelle (1238), Basilique Saint-Denis (1136) and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (1140). Mont Martre, St. Louis des Invalides, the Church of Saint-Sulpice and the Paris Pantheon are other beautiful, historic churches.
In addition to showcasing beautiful palaces and churches, Paris France is world-renowned for its impressive monuments. The Arc de Triomphe, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, was built in 1806 to honor soldiers who fought for France during the Napoleonic wars. The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world from 1889 to 1930 and is considered one of the most romantic spots on the planet. For architecture buffs who also are intrigued by history, the Invalides museum is the burial place for French soldiers like Napoleon, Turenne and Vauban, while the Panthéon church holds the bodies of Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. There are two Statues of Liberty located on the Île des Cygnes on the Seine and in the Luxembourg Garden, which was the prototype for New York’s famous monument. The Paris Opera house and the University of Paris in the Lation Quarter are other beautiful places to Paris visitors.
Paris France, the “City of Lights,” is blessed with breathtaking architecture, the natural beauty of the Seine River, many centuries of history, a vibrant art scene and thriving industry. It’s a far cry from the Eiffel Tower Paris Las Vegas, that’s for sure! To really understand how much Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway or Thomas Jefferson loved France, you really must come and see for yourself. Whether you stay for a romantic weekend at hotels in Paris or you spend several weeks soaking it all in, you’ll find all that Europe has to offer all in one world-class city.
Disneyland Paris
March 9, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Disneyland first started out in Anaheim, California and was based on the imagination of Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and friends. This multi-million dollar enterprise soon expanded its parks and resorts to Orlando, Florida; Hong Kong, China; Tokyo, Japan; and Paris, France. Built in 1992, the Disneyland Paris park cost $4.4 billion dollars and is the biggest theme park in all of Europe. Walt Disney Productions say they chose France because of its close proximity to Germany and London, as well as the fact that the Channel Tunnel high-speed rail line was opening in 1993 to bring even more passengers to their gates.
Despite its current success of $37.7 million in profit, 86% occupancy and 12 million visitors each year, Euro Disney in Paris got off to a rough start. Initially, the Disney crew believed that Europeans were ready to immerse themselves into a “totally American experience.” After all, the Disney movies sold better in Europe than they did in the U.S., and Hong Kong Disney was outperforming Disneyland in Anaheim. However, they had to make some changes to accommodate a multicultural audience. Now they sell espresso at refreshment stands, wine and beer with lunch and hand out park maps in six different languages. Currently the Disney strategy is to expand beyond the French market to attract other European visitors (40% of all tourists come from France) and to encourage people to stay at the parks and resorts longer, since the average stay is only about 2 days, compared to 4 to 5 in other parks.
Disneyland Resort Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Paris. There is also a shopping district called Disney Village. Disneyland Paris is comparable to Orlando’s Magic Kingdom with different “lands,” whereas Walt Disney Studios is more like Orlando’s Hollywood Studios with a movie-making theme. The whole Euro Disney experience is magical, from the sophisticated audio-animatronic robots and the beautifully landscaped grounds to the detailed settings and themed restaurants that borrow from Disney character films. Children are spellbound by the magic of Disney, but there is much for adults to enjoy as well. Sometimes children are too young to really enjoy the experience, so generally, parents should wait until their kids are between seven and twelve. It’s true that some kids as young as two have a perfectly fine time with no tantrums, whining or complaining, although they won’t remember the trip when they’re older.
Visiting Disneyland Resort Paris is around the same cost as any of the other Disney parks around the world. Visitors may choose from several different ticket options. The 1 Day 1 Park ticket for either Disney Studios or Disneyland Paris costs €43 for children and €51 for adults. The 1 Day Park Hopper ticket lets visitors move freely between Disneyland and Disney Studios all day long for €54 for children and €62 for adults. For extended stays, there is also a 2 Day Park Hopper (€47.50 to €56 per day) and 3 Day Park Hopper passes (€39.33 to €46.33 per day). The three day pass is naturally the most economical option. Of course, Disney makes all their money on the resort stays. Yet Disney offers a great system to book accommodations and park tickets together for a discounted rate, so interested travelers should first consult www.disneylandparis.com.
The Louvre Paris
February 14, 2010 | Leave a Comment
France was home to many of the greatest painters, sculptors and enlightenment thinkers this world has ever seen, such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse and Yves Tanguy. Although he was Spanish, Pablo Picasso also spent much time on location Paris. French Rococo painters like Maurice Quentin de La Tour, Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun, Thomas Gainsborough, François Boucher, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Antoine Watteau and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo are some of the highest regarded artists to come out of France. The hometown artists of the Louvre Paris France also are known for classicism, classical paintings, abstract, romantic and gothic art.
The Louvre Paris France district is a colossal collection of enormous fortress-like buildings. In addition to the palace of the French kings, La Place de la Concorde (Concorde Square) was the former site of the infamous guillotine and many beheadings during the French Revolution. Today, there are no killing machines, but rather, an Obelisk given to France by Egypt from the ruins of Ramses II’s temple. Between the Louvre and Concorde Square is the Jardin des Tuileries (the Tuileries Garden), which is an incredible Italian style garden with fountains, caves, greenhouses and sculptures. Below the garden is Le Musee de L’Orangerie, with Renoirs, Monets, Picassos and Cézannes. Also nearby, visitors can find the Vendome Square, which is the epicenter of fine jewelry on location Paris. Shoppers can also peruse Rivoli Street, the Faubord Saint Honoré Street and haute couture houses in Victories Square. Le Palais Royal (the Royal Palace) is a wonderful piece of architecture surrounded by gardens, columns and arcades. The financial sector is also located in this area of France, with La Bourse du Commerce (the Commodity Exchange) located here. The L’englise Saint Roch Church houses a number of Jesuit art pieces, as well as the bodies of Corneille and Diderot.
Naturally, many tourists prefer to stay in the Louvre Paris France district so they can walk to a number of attractions. For less expensive, budget accommodations, travelers can try Best Western Hotel Louvre Saint Honoré, Timhotel le Louvre, Pavillon Louvre Rivoli, Tonic Hotel du Louvre and Hotel Daunou Opera, which are all 500 meters or less from the Louvre Museum. The budget accommodations in Paris are usually between $100 to $200 USD. On the other end of the spectrum, five-star hotel accommodations nearby include Le Meurice Paris, Hotel Scribe Paris, Hotel Ritz Paris and Park Hyatt Paris – Vendome. These classy palatial hotels in Paris have all the bells and whistles and range between $300 to $800/night.
The Louvre Paris France museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesday, January 1st, May 1st, November 11th, December 24th and December 25th. Extended hours are on Wednesdays and Fridays, when the museum is open until 10 p.m. The Pyramid and Galerie du Carrousel entrances are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, except Tuesday. The Passage Richelieu and Hall Napoléon close at 6 p.m. and the Porte des Lions entrance closes at 5:30 p.m. Special exhibitions like the “Gates of Heaven — Visions of the World in Ancient Egypt” are sometimes open until 8 p.m. The cost of admission to Paris museum, Louvre, is €9 for one day’s access to all exhibits. Guests can save €3 by coming Wednesdays and Sundays from 6:30 to 9:45 p.m. or on the first Sunday of every month, when admission to the Louvre is free.
Off To Paris
January 21, 2010 | Leave a Comment
You’re finally going to Paris! But, while you’ve been making travel arrangements and booking your hotel, you may have forgotten about getting all your luggage together. What do you need to pack on your trip? Here are a few suggestions that will make your time in Paris even more memorable.
The weather is cool in Paris for most of the year, so you should pack accordingly. There are overcast skies, so grabbing a raincoat and boots may be a good idea as well. Summer and spring in the city are very comfortable in terms of heat, so you shouldn’t expect to be in temperatures over 80 degrees. Light jackets, as well as sweaters that you can wear at night are great for a trip to Paris, and you probably have many of these items in your closet already.
If you’re going to Paris on a business trip, or if you suspect that you’ll be attending any type of professional meetings while you’re in the city, you should pack business wear that matches your line of work. Women should pack knee-length and pencil skirts. Men should make sure there’s a suit and tie in their luggage. And, you should keep in mind that other colors besides black and gray are suitable for business wear; try pairing your gray business suit with a brightly colored blouse, or use a splash of color on a black blazer by adding an eye-catching handkerchief.
For a trip to Paris in the fall or winter, packing a medium weight coat is a good idea. You should also make sure that you have a scarf to protect your neck and face, as well as ankle boots, since these will keep your feet warm and are easy to walk in. Pants that are made from a heavier material, like corduroy or chinos, are also ideal for this time of year.
Of course, you’re going to be doing a lot of sightseeing while you’re in the city, so you should pack some comfortable (but stylish) shoes. Dressy flats are great for women, especially if you’re going out to dinner after touring Paris. Loafers or rubber sole casual shoes are ideal for men. And, you should also bring at least two pair of dressy shoes, in case you decide to attend an opera or ballet.
If you’re going to take any of your electrical devices with you, you’ll need to bring a power adapter, since the electrical system is different in Paris. You’ll need this adapter in order to recharge the batteries for your computer, so that you can access the internet to find out more about all the attractions Paris, France has to offer.
Using the Paris Metro
January 20, 2010 | Leave a Comment
If you’re going to be visiting Paris soon, then you’ll want to find a hotel that is close to all the things you want to visit. You can find other lodging options that will help you to save money if you stay farther away from the city’s attractions, and you can always use the Paris Metro to get where you want to go. This transportation system is used every day by the citizens of Paris, so getting a quick tutorial of the system will help you to find your way around during your stay so that you can enjoy all of your vacation time.
One of the first things you’ll want to do is take a look at some of the maps that you’ll see on the Paris Metro. There are a number of these maps online, so get used to seeing how the transit system works before you actually arrive in Paris. Then, once you get there, it will be easier for you to figure out where you are if you’re familiar with reading maps. If you need written directions as opposed to looking at a map, you’ll be able to see the signs for each Paris Metro stop as you’re riding, so you’ll be aware of your location at all times. The signs are all over the Metro entrance, and you’ll see them along the walls as you’re traveling. All of the Metro lines meet in Chatelet, and these lines will take you to almost anywhere in Paris.
When you arrive at the Metro station, you’ll be able to pick up pamphlets and maps that will show you all the attractions that the city has to offer. Are you interested in taking the family to the Eiffel Tower? Do you and your spouse want to visit Sacre Coeur or Notre Dame? When you’re looking at the map, you’ll see M’s in a circle, which will represent the Paris Metro stops, and you’ll see the names of each of the stops that will take you where you want to go based on your location.
Then, you choose the stop and the line that you want to ride. The lines are sectioned off by using different colors, so you’ll know when to change lines. There are also a number of written materials at these Metro stops that will let you know which other attractions are near the stop. This way, you can grab a bite to eat at the local bistro, take time out for
The Louvre Paris France
October 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Visiting the Louvre Paris France is an unforgettable portion of a French vacation. As the second-largest collection of art in the world, the Louvre sees more than 8.5 million visitors each year. The museum was built as a palace for French kings in the 12th-century and first opened to the public in August 1783, with 537 paintings. During Napoleon I’s reign, many pieces of Dutch, Spanish and Austrian works were added to the collection. Another 135 pieces were added during the reign of Louis XVIII and Charles X. Napoleon Bonaparte added another 20,000 pieces to the collection from the 1850s to 1870s. During World War II, museum curators feared Nazi pillaging, so almost every piece of art was moved from location Paris to the French countryside to hide with manors and caretakers until the war was over. The Louvre Paris France district is a colossal collection of enormous fortress-like buildings. In addition to the palace of the French kings, La Place de la Concorde (Concorde Square) was the former site of the infamous guillotine and many beheadings during the French Revolution. Today, there are no killing machines, but rather, an Obelisk given to France by Egypt from the ruins of Ramses II’s temple. Between the Louvre and Concorde Square is the Jardin des Tuileries (the Tuileries Garden), which is an incredible Italian style garden with fountains, caves, greenhouses and sculptures. Below the garden is Le Musee de L’Orangerie, with Renoirs, Monets, Picassos and Cézannes. Also nearby, visitors can find the Vendome Square, which is the epicenter of fine jewelry on location Paris. Shoppers can also peruse Rivoli Street, the Faubord Saint Honoré Street and haute couture houses in Victories Square. Le Palais Royal (the Royal Palace) is a wonderful piece of architecture surrounded by gardens, columns and arcades. The financial sector is also located in this area of France, with La Bourse du Commerce (the Commodity Exchange) located here. The L’englise Saint Roch Church houses a number of Jesuit art pieces, as well as the bodies of Corneille and Diderot. Naturally, many tourists would like to stay in the Louvre Paris France district, given its close proximity to a number of excellent attractions. The closest hotel is the simple, two-star Timhotel Le Louvre Paris hotel, which is just 253 meters from this amazing museum. The rooms are plain, but you’ll have access to free wi-fi in your room and cable TV. Prices start at $133/night. The Normandy Hotel is also right on the corner of the Louvre Museum. This three-star building looks rather impressive from the street and offers an equally classy, elegant interior. Starting at $185/night, this is one of the nicer three-star hotels in Paris. Located right next door is the four-star Hotel du Louvre Paris, which looks more like a palace than a hotel. Starting at $277/night, guests will enjoy marble baths, jacuzzi spas, plush bedding, a fitness center and nothing but top-notch amenities. For the richest travelers, the Renaissance Paris Vendome ($411+/night) and Park Hyatt Paris Vendome ($750+/night) feature five-star accommodations in the area. While staying in Paris, many guests visit the Louvre Paris France, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral and the Champs Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, the French Riviera and the Opera House. Even though Paris has its charm, it’s very tempting to hop aboard the rail line and travel to other nearby countries. The Eurostar line will take you to Paris Disneyland, Calais, Avignon and Lille in France, the United Kingdom (London, Ashford, Ebbsfleet) and Belgium (Brussels, with a connecting train to Antwerp, Bruges, Charleroi, Oostende, Liege, Namur and Ghent). A round-trip between Paris and London can cost just $100. There are many special deals and discounts on London bus tours and other sightseeing activities too! Travelers can visit www.eurostar.com for more information.
Hotels In Paris
October 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment
For tourists in Paris, the hotels Paris has to offer are all part of the overall charm and experience. Some people may want to turn back the clock to Paris fashion circa 17th-century, while others may be looking for something a little more contemporary and sleek. Some travelers like a reliable five-star Paris hotel that comes with all the amenities, while other travelers may wish for a country home that feels all their own. Location is also important, which is why many accommodations in the city are located in old townhouses, mansions and historic residences right in the heart of the action.
Many people arriving in Paris are looking for an Eiffel Tower Paris hotel view and the Everland is no disappointment. Imagine staying in a piece of modern art, lifted high above the city like a rooftop tree-house. From there, your lone capsule, which is comprised of a bedroom, bathroom, lounge and mini-bar, will look out across all of Paris. This Swiss-designed pod has traveled to Germany, Japan and back again, offering a unique experience for first-time visitors who don’t mind paying £235 to £335 for one night in a mobile piece of art. You can get more information at www.everland.ch.
Sometimes you want to “get away from it all,” but you still desire the comforts of home. You want cozy furnishings, a welcoming atmosphere, a full breakfast and a more intimate experience. Those large-scale hotels in Paris can feel so austere and contrived. Instead, you can find a genuine flat in Paris through a company called Alcôve & Agapes at www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com/dicillin. Your Paris hosts may invite you to stay in a Paris Saint Germain artists’ studio, in a mansion along the French Riviera or in a modern apartment along the Ile Saint-Louis. Rooms range from £53 to £138 to accommodate any budget. These homes are perfect if you plan to stay 4 to 5 nights or if you’re traveling with a few friends and would like to find a homey atmosphere to hang out in.
Of course, many people wind up in Paris for romance. Perhaps it’s to celebrate an anniversary, take a Valentine’s getaway or even to pop the big question. Indeed, the French Riviera and the sight of the Eiffel Tower in the distance are enough to melt anyone’s heart. One of the most romantic hotels in Paris is the Hôtel Bourg Tibourg, which is situated down a quiet street near Paris’s city hall. This location Paris offers is the little sister of the more expensive Costes hotel, but offers a quaint, quiet charm. The £113 to £155 rooms are fairly small, yet vibrant Marais District bars and cafes are just stumbling distance away. To book, visit www.bourgtibourg.com.
The Ile de France Region
September 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment
The Ile de France is a historic region of France that encompasses Paris, Versailles, Fontainebleau, Saint-Denis, Marne-la-Vallée and Disneyland Paris. The fertile grounds and flat, limestone plains are surrounded by the Seine River and its tributaries; the Marne and Oise rivers. Most of this area has been paved and industrialized around location Paris, but further-out suburbs grow wheat, barley, corn, sugar beets and dairy cattle. Fontainebleau and Compiegne house tall forests and parks as well. When most people visit France, they spend some time in this economically important region.
The Ile de France is world renowned for having some of the best food in the world. To partake in local cuisine, visitors should order bouchées à la reine, navarin of lamb, potage St. Germain, beef mironton, tête de veau vinaigrette, pot-au-feu, fricassee of rabbit, or French onion soup. Paris is also famous for its locally grown mushrooms, asparagus and beans, as well as fruits like Groslay pears, Faro apples, and Montmorency cherries. Cheese is a popular food produced locally, with the most popular varieties consisting of brie de Coulommiers, brie de Meaux, brie de Melun and brie de Montereau. To go with that cheese, red wines from Argenteuil and Butte Montmartre should be sampled. People with a sweet tooth can try: the Paris-Brest, the Saint Honoré, Parisian king cake, chouquettes, Nanterre brioche, Parisian brioche, the Bourdaloue tart, the Moka, puits d’amour, the Opera, mille feuilles, the savarin, and Parisian flan. Guests staying in Paris Hotels often eat like kings!
In the Travel Smart newsletter, Elizabeth Cawdry Thomas recommends bistros to Paris travelers looking for local Ile de France specialties. At Les Caves Solignac (9 rue Decrès), visitors will sit at one of six intimate tables in a 1930s styled eatery and sample dishes like sautéed rabbit kidneys on frisee salad or duck confit with Sarlat potatoes. Two course lunches run around $23.40, while two course dinners are around $35. Chez Maître Paul (12, rue Monsieurle-Prince) is adorned with mirrors, exposed stone and fresh-cut flowers; here, guests are advised to try creamy cheese sauce chicken and fresh vegetables for $37.70. Au Trou Gascon (40, rue Taine) is decorated with cream pillars, linen walls and Victorian antiques; guests should try the Gâteau de Cèpes, cassoulet and confit, where three course lunches run around $52 or $78 for an a-la-carte dinner. Lastly, La Truffière (4, rue Blainville), set in a 17th-century chateau, will serve up salmon, slow-cooked lamb and cod with mushrooms for $24.70 (lunch), $71.50 (prix fixe) or $93.60 (a-la-carte).
The most popular destination in Ile de France is obviously Paris, with the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and countless other wonders. Yet, this region also encompasses the castle of Versailles, the Chantilly horse racetrack, the Marne guiguettes, medieval Provins, the rocky Roche-Guyon valley and the Seine River. There is much to this region of France, so travelers are advised to ask their travel agents about other activities outside of Paris or visit the website www.new-paris-il-de-france.co.uk.
Eiffel Tower Paris France
September 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment
There are several ways to save on Paris hotels when visiting the Eiffel Tower Paris France. You may consider renting a fully-equipped, one-bedroom apartment near the Pompidou Centre, which goes for less than $200/night. Peruse sites like www.rothray.com, www.rentalfrance.com and www.parisaddress.com to find a cozy place for a great price. If you’re fixed on the idea of a full-service hotel, then you can try one of the moderately-priced establishments like Hôtel Langlois, Hôtel les Degrés de Notre Dame, or Hôtel du Dragon, which are all under $200/night as well.
At first glance, the Eiffel Tower looks as though it is firm, immovable and unchanging. Yes, it is constructed using a hefty 7,300 tonnes of metal and it is over 120 years old now, but did you know the 984-foot tower shrinks six inches on cold days? Additionally, the tower is currently wet. Its massive repainting began in March 2009 and is expected to take 18 months to complete, using 60 tons of paint in three different shades of brown. Occasionally, you may look out your Paris hotel window and catch a glimpse of an Eiffel Tower ad campaign. In the twenties and thirties, ads for Citroen cars adorned three of the sides. During World War II, German troops hung their banners from the tower to celebrate their takeover of the city. In the late seventies, a Greenpeace protestor hung a “Save the Seals” sign on the tower. Today, ads are rarely seen on the monument, but a company called Apoteo Surprise will flash your personal engagement message under the Eiffel Tower for €2,490.
The Eiffel Tower Paris France was the tallest tower in the world up until 1930. Even though it’s been surpassed by the Burj Dubai Skyscraper, the NY Empire State Building, Canada’s CN Tower and the Ostankino Tower in Russia, the 5.9 to 6.9 million visitors leave tower operators with a profit exceeding 1.5 million euros each year (after paying the 59.8 million in operating expenses). Thanks to the tower, Paris France is now the #1 tourist destination in the world, with 82 million visitors in 2007, according to the U.N. World Tourism Organization. Comparatively, #2 Spain attracted 58 million visitors and #3 America drew 51 million international guests.
In addition to ascending the Eiffel Tower Paris France for a spectacular view of the city, visitors may also want to check out the two restaurants, namely the Jules Verne and Altitude 95, plus a souvenir shop, viewing areas and a nighttime light show. In the summer, visitors can visit the scuba diving pool at the foot of the tower and in the winter, they can go snow-shoeing on a 300-meter trail around the building. There is also a special backstage tour that shows the inner-workings of the tower! Truly, the location Paris has much to love.