All about Paris, France: Travel, culture, events, apartments and news

A short History of the Eiffel Tower

February 8, 2011

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic structure and is the image most associated with the city of Paris. Such a large percentage of people who visit Paris have scaled the thousands of stairs to reach the summit and enjoy the views, and those who have not climbed it will have surely experienced the presence of the tower. However, surprisingly few people are actually aware of why the tower was built and the general history surrounding it.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

Work on the Eiffel tower began in 1887 and was completed in 1889. It was initially built as an entrance arch to the World Fair which was held in Paris that year. It was intended that people would pass under the structure on their way to the fair as a memorable feature of the event. The World Fair itself was a celebration of 100 years passing since the French Revolution, so it wouldn’t be incorrect to say that the tower is a lasting legacy of the Revolution. It took the combined effort of 300 workers to complete the structure which, upon completion, was the tallest building in the world.

Ironically, considering the esteem in which the building is now held, the residents of Paris at the time of its construction were not fond of the tower as they considered it a huge eyesore. Over time however, the tower has grown in the affections of the locals and it is now one of the features of the city which most associate with home.

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Landmarks to Visit in Paris

January 11, 2011

The city of Paris is full of history and culture. It is an absolute haven for tourists as there is so much to see and do. Indeed, some of the most famous landmarks in the world are located in Paris. Below are some of the best known landmarks in Paris which are a must-visit for any tourists visiting the area:

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum

Louvre – This is one of the most famous museums in the world and is hugely popular with tourists, and for good reason. The Mona Lisa painting, which is arguably the best known painting in existence, is held within the Arc de Triomphe – This monument was built at the orders of Napoleon in 1806, who wanted it built in honour of his army. Since it has built this imposing structure has played host to a number of landmark events in history. For example the powerful images of the German army marching under it after the invasion of France. Louvre. This is the Holy Grail for any art lover. Stay in a Louvre area hotel.

Eiffel Tower – Instantly recognisable, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. Climbing to the top of the tower will provide you with magnificent views of the city and surrounding areas.

Notre Dame  - Note dame is a Gothic cathedral located in the centre of the City. It is a Catholic building which is both imposing and intriguing. Significant events in history have occurred here.

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Paris: The winter destination for a family

December 1, 2010

Even though Paris can be rather cold, grey and rainy during the winter months, it’s a wonderful city to visit especially if you have a family. Below you’ll find some family-friendly options that are on offer to your family.

1. Ice-Skating – Every December, there are two ice-skating rinks that appear. One is located opposite the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). With all the major sights in the area you can almost sightsee as you skate. The other is located before the Montparnasse train station.

Ferris wheel ride

Ferris wheel ride

The two rinks are free and you can rent skates while you’re there.

2. Get on a Merry-Go-Round – Merry-go-rounds are also a big thing in Paris over the winter months. The plaza of the Hôtel de Ville plays host to a double-decker one that has traditional wooden horses. All merry-go-rounds are free from December 20-January 4th.

3. Ride on a Ferris Wheel – On the Place de la Concorde there’s a large merry-go-round erected each year that illuminates the foot of the Champs-Elysees and gives spectacular panoramic Paris views to thousands of people. Price: 9 euros.

4. Visit a Christmas Market - No christmas visit to Psris is complete without going to Kids one of the Christmas markets that begin to appear in Paris at the end of November. The little wooden stalls that comprise the market are bursting with eye-catching objects. My favourite is at Place St. Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)

5. See the tree at the Notre Dame Cathedral – Every year, there is an enourmous Christmas tree erected outside the cathedral with a splendid Nativity play.

6. Have hot chocolate on the Champs Elysees – Most of the cafes lining the Champs Elysees have outdoor gas burners to keep everyone hot whilst they sit outside and drink the best hot chocolate in the city.

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Shopping on the Faubourg St Honoré in Paris

November 16, 2010

Paris is more than a romantic vacation destination and place of historic monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Paris is also a shopper’s paradise and millions of visitors flock to Paris annually for vacations devoted to shopping. I recently made a trip to Paris for a couple of days with the intention to relax in my luxury hotel room and take a few quiet walks along the Seine and visit bistros and cafes in the area. However, there is just something about Paris that brings out the shopping enthusiast in me and I found myself going from boutique to boutique in a shopping frenzy.

Paris shopping trips

Paris shopping trips

If you are a “fashionista” looking to buy some of the latest styles in couture garments, designer wear and accessories then you must not leave Paris without visiting the Faubourg Saint-Honore district, which is the fashion and design hub of Paris.

On first appearance, the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore in Paris looks like a small city street that is very nondescript and narrow. However, do not let this put you off and allow yourself to be persuaded by the fact that the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore is crammed with major international fashion houses and is one of the most popular luxury shopping areas of Paris.

The Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore houses boutiques that feature world renowned cosmetics, designer clothes and home furnishings. The fashion street is located just a short distance from Opera Granier. You can spend the day shopping at classic designer boutiques such as Lanvin, Hermes, Lancome and Yves Saint Laurent as well as at trendy boutiques such as Collette.

When you are done shopping, stop for a while and admire the annex of the Japanese embassy, the UK embassy, the Elysee Palace, the offices of the Vogue magazine, the ministry of the interior and many other buildings of significance in the area. If all that shopping and sightseeing has exhausted you, the Dalloyau or the Costes Bar and Restaurant is a great place to rest, relax and unwind.

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Day Trip: Paris to Burgundy

October 12, 2010

When you have seen all Paris attractions, you should consider a day trip to Burgundy. If you love history and fine wine, Burgundy is a place that will especially appeal to you because of its rich cultural history. The region is home to several abbeys; but needless to say, the place is more famous for its wines than for its cultural history.

A week-end in BurgundyParis is packed with several travel companies that offer guided tours to Burgundy, most of which are wine tours. However, they tend to be expensive, and if you cannot handle the expenses, you can take a train to Dijon, hire a car and enjoy a driving tour to Burgundy. If you are lucky enough to be in Burgundy during the Annual Open Doors season, the winemakers will throw open their doors and welcome you into their vineyards, tasting rooms and caves so that you can taste the exotic wines of the region and interact with the local people.

Since I was not familiar with the region, I took a guided tour, which cost me a bit but was definitely worth it. We headed over to Chablis for a bit of wine tasting followed by a traditional French meal, after which we headed over to Vezelay, one of the cultural heritage sites of the world. I also got to see the St. Mary Madeleine basilica, famous for its Romanesque sculpture and architectural designs. The return trip to Paris was just as beautiful because we passed through the ancient town of Auxerre.

I would definitely recommend a guided day trip to Burgundy to anybody who is not familiar with the region. But now that I am familiar with it, I plan to hire a car and drive around Burgundy on my own. I am sure I will find several little-known restaurants and wine cellars not mentioned in travel guides.

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24 Hours in Paris: A Holiday in One Day

September 24, 2010

Seeing all of Paris in just 24 hours is impossible; however, if you are adamant about spending just one day in Paris, they must start the day early to get the most of it. Start the day by taking a brisk walk around your Paris hotel, to feel the pulse of this romantic city and enjoy the sights and sounds. Since Paris is overloaded with cafes, you should not find it difficult to find a café for breakfast nearby.

Notre Dame CathedralA visit to the Louvre Museum is a great way to start your one-day vacation. This museum has entrapped within its walls and displays the very spirit of France, and you can enjoy the sight of pre-twentieth century sculptures, paintings and works of art. Do not leave the museum before examining the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa and the breathtakingly beautiful works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio and several other masters. You will get a rich taste of Parisian history from the medieval to the modern ages at the Louvre.

After this, marvel at the Notre Dame Cathedral with its stained glass, towers and spires. One hundred years were required to construct this cathedral, which has always been the center of Parisian life. There is plenty of art and culture in Paris for week let alone 24 hours.

A visit to Paris will be incomplete without viewing the elegant Eiffel Tower, an iron structure, which attracts millions of visitors annually. The structure was quite unpopular among the native people when it was first unveiled in the late nineteenth century although it now one of the most significant landmarks of Paris. You can stop for lunch at one of the restaurants on the Eiffel Tower.

The best way to view Paris in a short time is to take a cruise down the River Seine. A large number of companies offer a wide range of cruises to suite different tastes and budgets. For instance, the Bateaux Pariseins offers year-round trips of one-hour duration for just €10. Alternatively, you can take a boat trip down one of the canals or waterways to see the little-known parts of the city.

When you are done with sight-seeing, don’t miss out on doing a bit of Paris shopping and head for the Paris Department Stores District, which offer exciting stores such as Galeries Lafayette. These shopping areas are great for men, women and children because they offer almost every product available. A gourmet dinner with a slice of fabulous Parisian nightlife is a fitting end to a one-day vacation in Paris.

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Why I Love Living in Paris, France

August 3, 2010

You will enjoy living in Paris if you know French. The language is as lovely as the city and knowledge of it will help you live in Paris like a Parisian. I love living in Paris because my flawless French allows me to converse, shop, eat at restaurants, enjoy movies and bands and read the newspapers with ease.

The French are a warm and friendly people and although they sometimes get exasperated with tourists, they are very friendly toward newcomers and even organize events for them so that they can feel at home.

Paris monuments

Paris monuments

I enjoy being in Paris, a city that is simply throbbing with life; the population of Paris is equal to that of Los Angeles, but Paris is not as large as Los Angeles and it is this compactness about Paris that I love. Everything worth visiting is within walking distance and you don’t have to waste money on cabs. However, the Parisian suburbs are large and sprawling and you may want to have a guide with you when you visit these areas.

The temperate climate of Paris is another loveable feature of this city. Paris is always pleasant, neither hot nor cold. Usually, it is sunny and cool in France with a few clouds and an occasional cloudburst. The winters are not extreme although the summers can sometimes get too warm for comfort. Since the past 15 years, the city has been experiencing the adverse effects of global warming, owing to which the city sometimes experiences unbearable heat. When this happens you can always retire to the country side.

You will also find that living in Paris is safe thanks to an efficient policing system that keeps crime and criminal activities down. Making your home here, also gives you the opportunity to drive to various European countries and enjoy short vacations. I enjoy having the world’s finest cuisine and some of the finest places of attraction within my reach.

You might also be interested in living and working in Ibiza and teaching English in Korea, Asia.

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Moonlit Cinema in Paris

July 12, 2010

During the month of August, the city of Paris sees a number of unique events take place and one of the most interesting events is the Cinéma au Clair de Lune festival or Moonlight Cinema, which runs from the 5th of August to the 23rd. During this time, movie lovers will be able to watch a number of films in open air cinemas. The festival takes full advantage of Paris’s romantic backdrop to stage these movies and the best part is that the entire festival is that it is free to watch.

The Moonlight Cinema in Paris is very similar to the other open air movie festival that Paris hosts, which goes by the name of Cinéma en Plein Air festival. The Cinéma en Plein Air festival takes place a little earlier and is restricted to just one location. The Moonlight Cinema however takes place at a number of venues across the city, each of which can accommodate around 400 people. The venues for these cinema screenings include the Parc de Choisy, the Butte de Montmartre and a dozen more locations across Paris. This means that you can invariably find a screening venue close to where you stay, making it convenient for everyone.

Outdoor cinema

Outdoor cinema

There are a several ways to enjoy the Moonlight Cinema in Paris and make it more special. You and your friends can gather around the screen with snacks and refreshments to make a moonlight picnic out of it. Every year, the Cinéma en clair de Lune festival has a different theme, which include dedications to great film makers and unique themes for the movies.

You do not have to be a movie enthusiast to enjoy the screenings and as many Parisians will tell you, it is not the films screened here that make the Cinéma en Plein Air festival special but the moonlit ambience which makes spending an evening with your loved ones under the stars watching these movies time well spent.

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The Great Department Stores of Paris

May 17, 2010

There’s no doubt that Paris can provide the shopping experience of a lifetime; whether it’s buying cheese in a local market, second-hand treasures in a flea market or fashion in the big name boutique. The city’s department stores (or grands magasins) are a destination in themselves, where you can source pretty much everything the city of light has to offer under one roof.

Galeries Lafayette, 40 boulevard Haussmann – The Queen of Parisian department stores is housed under a glittering art nouveau dome, where top fashion labels such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel and Lacroix can be perused. The store’s menswear

Lafayette Paris

Lafayette Paris

section is the largest retail space in Europe, and for gourmands wishing to pick up goodies such as handmade chocolates and macaroons, the food hall here is heavenly.

Printemps Haussmann, 64 boulevard Haussmann – Almost next door and dating from 1865, Printemps is another glorious art nouveau retail therapy Mecca. More cutting edge fashion labels such as Isabel Marant and Marc Jacobs can be found here, and in between you can rest up in one of the eight restaurant areas.

Le Bon Marché au Rive Gauche, 24, rue de Sèvres – Situated on the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché and dating from 1838 is another elegant and traditional retail experience. Everything from fashion to sporting goods and antiques can be bought here, and there is a huge supermarket at 38, rue de Sèvres.

Frank et Fils, 80, rue de Passy – This department store was founded in 1897 by an entrepreneurial 18-year old, and over a century later a youthful vibe still reigns. Fashion is it raison d’ être, and its stock reflects the most cutting edge trends.

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Gay Bars in the Le Marais Area of Paris

April 26, 2010

Paris is known for its liberal attitude and the Marais area of Paris (or Le Marais as it is known here) is particularly popular with the gay and gay-friendly locals and tourists alike. Here are some suggestions for bars and restaurants in the area.

Raidd Bar (23, Rue du Temple) – One of the most popular gay venues for a night on the town in Le Marais is the Raidd Bar. Raidd opens at 5 pm every day and stays open throughout the night until 6 am. A pleasant atmosphere, great food,

Paris gay bars

Paris gay bars

an open terrace, happy hours with free drinks, shows, a live DJ and a lounge bar all add up to a great evening. Raidd can be reached easily from the Hôtel de Ville Metro stop.

Quetzal Bar (10, Rue de la Verrerie) – Another excellent gay bar is the Quetzal Bar, a big bar that can get quite crowded at times and which is located in the heart of the Marais district. Open from 5 pm to 5 am, this is a lively and vibrant place and one of the best gay bars in Paris.

Okawa (17 rue des Archives) – offers food and drinks at moderate prices and has a very popular following in the gay community of Paris. With such an excellent choice of gay bars in the Marais area, many people bar hop between them.

You could also try L’Oiseau Bariolé (which is a chilled out bar with an excellent atmosphere) and located at 16, rue Sainte Croix la Bretonnerie.

Visitors can also head for the Open Cafe, Saint Gervais at 17 Rue des Archives. The Open Cafe is open between 10 am and 2 pm on Sundays, and from Monday to Thursdays, and between 10 am and 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Other popular Gay bars in Le Marais include Comptoir du Marais and Le Carré.

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