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Paris – an insider’s city guide to a fabled city of romance, beauty, art, architecture, culture and pleasure

TIME : 2016/2/24 9:52:53

<span>Stroll down the Seine, step through picturesque gardens, suss out secret nooks or shops for haute couture on the Champs Elysees.  Admire the grandeur of the Pantheon, industrial charm of the Eiffel Tower, spiritual ambience of the Notre Dame or the inspiring pyramid of the Louvre. From bourgeoisie extravagance to bohemian charm, Paris’ majestic beauty continues to inspire all.</span><span></span>

Eiffel Tower to St-Germain-des-Prés

 

This chic district is jam packed with things to see and do. Take a stroll down Champs de Mars, marvel at the impressive architectural ensemble, Les Invalides, experience the quintessential symbol of Paris; the industrial Eiffel Tower. St Germain uniquely encompasses all the sophistication of the right bank alongside the chic bohemian appeal of the left. Amongst the trend setting boutiques and fashionable bistros, St Germain preserves the lovely Jardin du Luxembourg and the unique Musee d’Orsay.

 

The Latin Quarter and the Islands

 

The origins of Paris are here harbored on the islands. Whilst Ile de la Cite homes the gothic grandeur of the Saint Chapelle and the beautiful Notre Dames, Ile st Louis possess a beguiling charm of its own, a pleasant oasis untouched by the hustle and bustle. Take a jaunt to the warren, medieval, cobbled streets and join the hoards of students who frequent the busting cafes, bars and bistros in the literary heart of Paris, the Latin Quarter.

 

The Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe

 

This area of Western Paris contains a plethora of Paris' most exclusive sights. From Arc de Triomphe to the impressive Lourve, host to over 35,000 works of art including the Mona Lisa (1st floor, room 6). Leave plenty of time to swan down the Champs Élysées and window shop in its swanky, star studded boutiques and top fashion designer stores. Rest a while in one of many cafes and restaurants that line the luscious leafy boulevard, before attempting the 282 steps of the Arc de Triomph for breath taking views over Paris.

 

Le Marais and Bastille

 

A seductive spot for shoppers, sightseeing and an absolute must for art lovers, this popular district is a hub of all things cultural and arty. Spend the morning admiring the avant-garde design of the controversial Centres Georges Pompidou. The afternoon can be spent appreciating the vast selection of boutiques and art galleries in the enchanting back streets of the Marais District. End the day sipping on a cocktail, coffee, Caladoc or champagne around Rue de Lappe in the trendy Bastille District.

 

Montmartre

 

Stacked on a hilltop with the city at its feet, Montmartre proves a popular destination for Parisians and tourists alike. Its chief landmark, Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, attracts around 700,000 visitors a year. It’s well worth the 300 steep, claustrophobic steps to the top, to applaud the unimaginable layout of all of Gai Paris. Take a well deserved rest in one of the many edgy cafes etched along the pleasantly intimate Montmartre streets. End the day in style and head to an all singing, all dancing, all topless performance at the infamous Le Bal du Moulin Rouge.