Paris
Paris is the most stylish capital in Europe, and arguably the most captivating. The weight of history and famous events rest surprisingly lightly on the city, which has remained a vibrant and glamorous city despite the deprivations of invaders, war, and class upheaval. While London may have usurped Paris as the key city in the European sphere, Paris still rightly clings to its status as an international pacesetter in fashion and the arts.
Paris was for centuries the jewel in the crown of the French monarchy, and even today the rest of France grumbles about the undue political and economic influence of this sprawling metropolis. The French rulers - from Louis XIV to Napoleon, and (in more recent times) President Mitterand - have made Paris into a symbol of the preeminence of the State, with broad, sweeping avenues and monumental architecture on a scale that few cities can match.
Paris is one of the favourite weekend destinations for Brits and for expats living in London. There are always plenty of affordable weekend packages offered by travel agents, various travel websites, airlines, cross-Channel ferry operators, and of course the Eurostar train network.
So where should a weekend in Paris start? No visitor to Paris can escape the lure of treasure houses such as the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, the iconic Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, and the soaring architecture of Notre Dame and Sacre Couer. These are the 'must see' sights for the first-timer, and even regular visitors to Paris can't help but be lured back to these places for another taste.
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Perhaps the most immediate pleasures of Paris are to be found in its street life and parks. The relative compactness of the city also makes it possible to explore and experience the individual feel of the different city quarters. Few cities offer such an enticing range of street cafés, bars and restaurants - from the most modern and trendy to the traditional establishments that have served generations of Parisiens and tourists alike. To get away from it all or to recover from your explorations, you can always find a shady corner in the parks such as the Garden Tulieres or Luxembourg. Always allow plenty of time in your weekend just to walk through Paris and experience street-life and the beautiful parks.
Paris is divided into two halves by the River Seine, with the Right Bank being home to the grand boulevards and many of the key places of interest, including the Louvre and the Les Halles shopping precinct. The Left Bank has a noticeably different feel, and its reputation as a Bohemian, intellectual haven is still partially true today. With some of the best bars and restaurants, not to mention some enjoyable nooks and crannies to explore on foot (particularly around St-Germain and St-Michel), the Left Bank shouldn't be missed.
Paris makes a great base to explore outlying gems such as the Cathedral at Chartres and the grand Chateau at Versailles. Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix can also be easily visited from Paris.
A trip to Paris simply must include a visit to at least one museum, although there are enough with exceptional collections to keep you busy for weeks. Many Parisien museums have reduced fees for under-25s, are often free for children, and reduce their fees by up to half on Sunday. Most are closed on either Mondays or Tuesdays and, if you plan to see more than a few during your stay, it's a good idea to invest in a museum pass (one day F80, three consecutive days F160, five consecutive days F240).
Getting There
A 'short break' is a great way to visit Paris - these typically include return tickets on the 300 km/h Eurostar train and a centrally-located hotel.
For those who want to organise your own thing, you can:
Arrive by air - Paris' two airports (Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly) are on the outskirts of the city, although transport services and times to the centre are fairly good. Visit Air France or British AIrways for details.
Arrive by train - Eurostar trains leave London Waterloo several times per day for Paris Gare du Nord.
Arrive by Sea - P&O cross the channel several times a day to Calais.
More Information
Check Time Out for more Paris information and the latest events and offers.
Visit the Stena P&O Ferrryport Online Ticket Sales, Timetables and Information site at www.ferryport.com or by clicking on the logo above.
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