What other city can conjure up romance, elegance and chic sophistication like Paris? This is a city to savour – whether from on high among the lattice work of the Eiffel Tower or from a pavement café with a glass of Bordeaux in hand.
The treasures of the Louvre, the glories of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and the elegant Champs Elysées – all are essential Paris. But be prepared to detour – watch a game of boules in the Jardin de Luxembourg, or dither between a rich, custardy millefeuille and a flaky, buttery pain au chocolat at a nearby pâtisserie.
Watch artists at work near the marble confection that is Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and marvel at the Impressionist masterpieces in the Musée d’Orsay – only the French could transform a railway station into a temple of art.
Keep walking and when you can’t take a step more, people-watch in a side walk café and then when the sun sets, fall in love with Paris all over again, as its majestic architecture bathes in the spotlights.
Paris Fast Facts.sflb)
• Population of over 2 million in central Paris and over 9 million in greater Paris.
• Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts) which spiral out from the centre in a clockwise direction like a snail shell.
• Central Paris is relatively small: about 10 km from north to south and 11 km from east to west.
• 20% of France’s population is packed into the greater Metropolitan area of Paris.
• The highest spot in Paris is 129 metres, at the summit of Montmartre.
• The north side of the Seine is called the Right Bank because it lies on the righthand side when facing downstream and vice versa with the Left Bank.
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Paris Highlights
The Paris Museum Pass - this is a must have if you are going to be visiting any museums or monuments. It gives you priority entry, allows multiple entry and you save money! It is available in 2, 4 or 6 day passes.
Canal St Martin - and its old iron footbridge, was made famous in the movie Amelie and is lined with cafes & restaurants and is a great place to hang out.
Tour Montparnasse - is great for stunning views of Paris. From here you can see all the major sights, and it is far less crowded than the Eiffel Tower.
Saint Chapelle (not far from the Notre Dame) is a spectacular cathedral with the most amazing stained glass windows.
3 prices to pay in France at a Café – stand at the bar like a local (the most economical), sit down inside the café and the price goes up, and if you sit outside on the footpath the cost is even higher, but worth it for the people watching.
Père-Lachaise Cemetery - is said to be the world’s most visited graveyard and some of the most frequented graves are those of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Chopin and Oscar Wilde. Get a free map on the way in at conservation office just inside the main entrance off Boulevard de Menilmontant.
Paris is full of surprises - the problem is that you might miss them if you don’t know where to look. There are plenty of guides that give really interesting ideas for self guided walks. Investing in a set of cards or a book is well worth it... The “City Walks” series are great and cost about $35. If self guided isn’t for you, House of Travel has plenty of guided options.
Museums & Monuments - (most anyway) are free of charge on the first Sunday of each month.
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Flights to Paris
Looking for cheap flights to Paris? Take a look at our
Cheap International Flights pages for cheap Europe flights that you can book online. Find online bookable fares to Paris, France using our mixandmatch Tool. Our airlines flying to Paris include:
Paris Accommodation
With a range of accommodation in Paris, there is something to suit every requirement and budget. Contact your
local House of Travel for full Paris accommodation options.
Paris Sightseeing
There is so much to see and do in Paris! Absorb the beauty of sights like the Louvre, Bastille Square, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and the overwhelming structure, the Eiffel Tower. See Paris by bike, enjoy a cruise or discover the glitz and glamour of Moulin Rouge. Take a day tour to the picturesque Loire Valley, the favourite holiday destination of yesteryear for the Nobles and Kings of France.
Contact your local House of Travel for full Paris accommodation options.
With a range of accommodation in Paris, there is something to suit every requirement and budget. Contact your for full Paris accommodation options. There is so much to see and do in Paris! Absorb the beauty of sights like the Louvre, Bastille Square, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and the overwhelming structure, the Eiffel Tower. See Paris by bike, enjoy a cruise or discover the glitz and glamour of Moulin Rouge. Take a day tour to the picturesque Loire Valley, the favourite holiday destination of yesteryear for the Nobles and Kings of France. for full Paris accommodation options.
