Paris needs no introduction. It has a reputation as one of the world’s most romantic and beautiful places and it does not disappoint. The beauty of the City of Lights is that it can be whatever you want it to be, whether you’re looking for history, high fashion, haute cuisine or just good old-fashioned romance. This is a city that is fabulous in all seasons and for all reasons.
It’s easy to see why France’s cosmopolitan capital is one of the world’s most popular spots. Not only is it blessed with beauty but like the French themselves, it has a certain je ne sais quoi that gives it such a unique atmosphere.
Nothing can beat sipping a café au lait at one of the many atmospheric street-side cafes and watching stylish Parisians go about their business, or admiring street performers in the Latin Quarter and bartering with hawkers trying to sell their wares. For first-time visitors, legendary landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Louvre will always top the must-see list, but there’s much more to Paris than these icons.
Each neighborhood has its own ambience and allure and they are easy to find. Paris is ripe for exploring and is simple to get around – either on the efficient Metro subway system – or on foot. The city is remarkably compact and the River Seine makes it easy for walkers to get their bearings from the trendy Left Bank with its collection of galleries and countless bookstalls, to the Right Bank and the more sophisticated draw of the Champs Elysees, Place de la Concorde and the bohemian Montmartre area with the Cligancourt Flea Market and Sacre-Coeur.
At night, Paris draws up her skirts and entertains the masses whether it’s the famous can-can shows at the Moulin Rouge or the world-renowned Bluebell Girls who put on a cabaret claimed to be the biggest spectacle this side of Las Vegas. Party animals looking for racier evenings can choose from countless smoky bars, stylish jazz cafes and hip dance clubs. Avoid the obvious touristy spots in the Champs-Elysees and Trocadero unless you want to pay through the nose. Instead, head for Bastille, Marais and the up-and-coming area of Menilmontant.
Sara Macefield has been a travel journalist for 18 years - since leaving UK trade publication Travel Trade Gazette, where she was news editor. She has freelanced for the last five years and written regularly for the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times and Guardian newspapers and also penned pieces for several other consumer and trade publications.
Some of the content of the magazine refers to flights or prices from the UK. At Travel Counsellors Ireland we can source flights from Ireland and provide full quotes in Euros. Please call me for latest availability and prices.
