City of Love and Romace by Douglas Scott

The capital of France is Paris and is one of the world s best loved and romanticised cities.

Paris is in the heart of the Ile de France region in northern France and is situated on the River Seine.
Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport is Paris s main airport. The metro is inexpensive and fast and it is the best way around Paris running until midnight. Car parking is limited and driving around Paris is challenging with high volume of traffic.

Views of Paris can be seen from the Eiffel Tower. It is possible to walk most of the way up and around this metal structure. The most spectacular views of Paris are witnessed from all floors of the Eiffel Tower. It is possible to walk most of the way up and around this fascinating metal structure. A lift completes the journey to the top.

Notre Dame Cathedral was built in 1163 but not finished until 1361.

Most of the city s operas are now staged at the Bastille Opera contemporary architectural masterpiece with a stunning glass facade.

Paris is still considered Europes leading city for world music, and jazz music, particularly Latin and African. Classical music is not the citys selling point, though events such as the summer classical concerts in the Bois de Boulognes Parc Floral, the month-long Chopin Festival Orangerie de Bagatelle, and medieval music at Saint-Chappelle stand out.

Paris is still considered Europe s leading city for world music and jazz. The Opera Garnier is 19th century and its showpiece is it marble Grand Staircase.

The city s top department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are on Haussmann and are always popular. The worlds largest antique market is found at the Parisian institution of Saint Ouen. January and July are the sale months. Markets are closed on Mondays and most Parisians take August as their holiday.

The Parisian shops are the epitome of style and class with lots of boutique stores.If you are after haute couture, head for, Faubourg Saint-Honor Rue du Bac and Avenue Montaigne pick up the finest cosmetics and perfumes. You will find shoes leather goods and bags on rue du Cherche Midi and jewellery at Place Vendome.

Top of many shoppers list for a true taste of Parisian charm are the serene, 19th century arcades at Les Passages or Galeries between the Boulevard Montmartre and Rue St-Marc. Galerie Vivienne and Passage Colbert are particularly appealing examples and more are now being renovated.

Author Resource: Douglas Scott works and writes for The Car Rentals and The Car Hire Specialist. and is a writer for The Holiday Site

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