Paris, France, ‘The City of Lights,' is one of the world's top tourist destinations with over 45 million visitors annually. Paris offers an unrivaled cultural experience coupled with all the amenities of a major metropolitan area. The home to world-renowned attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, L'Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, to name a few, Paris has long been considered a mecca for travelers all over the world.
Why Go?
Paris boasts a collection of
world-renowned attractions including museums, cathedrals, historical
landmarks, opera houses, and public gardens. Long considered to be a
romantic destination, Paris also does a great job of catering to
families as evidenced by the success of Disneyland Paris.
Without a doubt, the Eiffel Tower is the most iconic attraction in
Paris. Erected in 1889, originally as an entrance arch to the 1889
World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower draws over 6 million visitors each year
and features two restaurants.
The Louvre is arguably the
most famous art museum in the world. With prominent pieces such as
Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo statue, the Louvre
is universally enjoyed by art enthusiasts and laypeople alike. Other
popular museums in Paris include the Musée Cluny and the Musée d'Orsay,
which houses arguably the best impressionist collection in the world.
The Arc de Triomphe, which honors those who fought for France,
particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, is the linchpin of the
Parisian historical axis and is an immensely popular attraction for
tourists visiting Paris. From the top one can enjoy a panoramic view of
Paris which provides for views of the twelve major avenues leading to
the Place de l'Étoile.
Another major attraction in Paris
is the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Located on the eastern half of the
Île de la Cité and one of the first gothic cathedrals ever built, the
Note Dame cathedral draws more than 12 million visitors annually. Many
believe the Notre Dame Cathedral presents the best example of fine
French gothic architecture, yet it certainly does not take an architect
to recognize the beauty of this historic cathedral.
In
addition to the aforementioned attractions Paris also prides itself on
its distinguished gourmet cuisine. Over 9,000 restaurants exist in
Paris, including many high-quality options boasting Michelin guide
ratings. Adventurous eaters can even sample frogs' legs and snails,
which are considered delicacies in France.
When to Go
Summer months are the peak tourist
season in Paris and also tend to be the most expensive for travel.
Tourists seeking to avoid long lines and huge crowds at popular
attractions should consider visiting Paris in the winter months when
tourism drops off substantially. Cost-conscious travelers can also snap
up cheaper airfares and hotel deals in the colder winter months.
How to Get There
Paris' Charles
de Gaulle Airport (CDG), also known as Roissy Airport, is France's
main airport and serves as the principal hub for Air France. It is
Europe's busiest airport and can be reached from most all airports
worldwide, including a number of non-stop flights from New
York. Orly Airport (ORY) is a slightly smaller airport that also
services Paris. Transportation from the aforementioned airports to
Paris' city-center is available by suburban train or bus service, each
for about 9€, and by shuttles which are slightly more expensive. Taxi
fare from Charles
de Gaulle airport to Paris' center is approximately 40€ and taxi fare
from Orly Airport to Paris' city center is about 30€.
Must See
Paris has a seemingly endless number
of attractions for each and every type of traveler; however, there are
a few that are not to be missed under any circumstances. Seasoned
travelers and locals alike agree on the following recommendations, in
no particular order. The Eiffel Tower, Paris' most famous landmark; The
Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa; the Arc de Triomphe, France's memorial
to its fallen soldiers; and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral. Other
notable attractions include the Stade de France, built for the 1998
World Cup, the Opéra Garnier (Paris Opera), the Musée Cluny and Museé
d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou which features modern art, cinema
concerts and children's activities.
AS SEEN ON