Introduction

Paris is one of the most stylish cities in Europe. 'Chic', 'Mode', call it what you like but Paris is special. Deeply traditional while at the same time at the cutting edge of fashion, few cities can match the variety of bars, restaurants, cafes, monuments and buildings on offer here in the capital of vogue. Paris, with its history and architectural patrimony, lives, moves and changes every day. From the Ile Saint-Louis to the Pyramide du Louvre, from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame to the Opera, from Montmartre to the Arche de la Défense, from Sacré-Coeur to the newly opened Bibliothèque Nationale François Mitterand, Paris offers its visitors impressive views and new sensations. Parisian art and culture offers 134 museums, 170 theatres and several festivals such as : "Paris-Jazz", the "Month of the Photograph", the " Sacred Art Festival" or the "International Dance Festival of Paris". The gardens and woods of Paris are the largest in Europe : 2,200 hectares of green areas including two large woods (the Woods of Boulogne and of Vincennes) and more than 400 parks, gardens and walks. Paris is a city of sports and provides 33 swimming pools, more than 180 tennis courts, 75 sport areas and numerous fitness centres.

Information

Paris is one of the largest cities in Europe, for this reason we suggest you consult some Paris guides either on the internet or from your local library or bookshop before departing. It is also a good idea to visit the main tourist office on arrival to Paris. You will find this at Ave des Champs-Elysées (metro George V), and it is open every day except for May 1, its normal working hours are from 9 am to 8pm.The French capital is one of the most popular destinations of Europe. There is loads to see and do here from the well known tourist sights such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame to less famous traveller favourites such as Jim Morrison's grave at Père Lachaise cemetery. Paris is divided into 20 districts called in french "arrondissements", and split in two by the Seine River. North of the Seine is called the Right Bank and the south is called the Left Bank (you have to be facing west to get your bearings)

Getting Around

Like in most large cities in Europe Paris has an extensive transport network of buses, trains and finding your way around is remarkable easy. The metro combines with the RER (regional network) and both run from 5;30 am to 12;30pm. Free maps are available from any metro station. The bus can also be a good alternative to the metro as you do see much more of the city. You can by a single ticket for about 10FF from the bus driver. Bus guides are available from all metro stations. Taxis are fairly cheap in Paris and you will find waiting at taxi ranks is much more effective than trying to hail one down in the street.

Eating and Drinking

Because of Paris' cosmopolitan nature, you will find an enormous variety of foods from Carribean to Eastern European, from North African to Thai, not forgetting the world famous French Cuisine. Although many restaurants in Paris will be beyond your budget, it is still possible to eat well for a reasonable price in restaurants across Paris. Look for 'Prix Fixe' or 'Formule Menu' typically a 3 course meal ranging from 60 to 180 french francs. Paris also hosts a wide range of drinking options to suit all tastes: Choose from quiet cafes, to wine bars and fun-loving music bars and pubs.

It is much cheaper to drink at the bar and this brings the added advantage of speaking French with the locals! Be aware that the price of drinks rises after 8pm. It is a good idea to drink typical French drinks - coffee, wine, beer.. as these are the cheapest. Order in French for better results! If you are a real party lover then Paris is the place for you. Bars and nightclubs are incredably lively and stay open until late.

For those who wanto to be self catered the cheapest supermarket in Paris is Ed l'Epicier (Ed the grocer), although some of the big suburban supermarkets, like Auchan, have a better range.

Don't miss

We highly recommend you visit the Sacre Coeur and the Georges-Pompidou Centre as these are 2 of the most interesting and cultural sights of Paris. Other sights worth seeing are the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Sorbonne, the Pantheon, les Invalides, and of course, the Eiffel Tower!