One day in Paris

Description:

This is a great find. Located in the midst of all the main attractions of Paris, between the Latin Quarter and Notre Dame is Hotel Des Ecoles. It is also one of the few two-star hotels that has an in-house restaurant. So when you're exhausted from seeing the city sites, it's a great dining option. For a reasonable price, you get a room with an attached shower or bath.

Description:

Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built; many considered it an eyesore and wanted it pulled down, but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs, and lifts take visitors to the magnificent view at the top.

Description:

The arch is a site both of memories and current events and celebrations. The lists of the dead will move you. And the cars that drive around the monument will terrify you! Standing in a direct line between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense, the monument links the past with the present and offers amazing views. A truly impressive landmark, 50 metres high and 45 metres wide, Paris would not be Paris without it!

Description:

Created in 1667 by André Le Nôtre, Louis XIV's gardener,in order to improve the view from the Tuileries garden. The avenue was lenghtened at the end of the 18th century, running from the place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Two kilometers long and bordered by trees, les Champs-Elysées has become the center for festivities and official parades. It is likewise a magnet for tourists and night strollers. Set between the many cinemas, the cafés and restaurants tempt you to stop by. Designer boutiques, banks and embassies are also situated in this chic neighborhood.

Description:

On of the first Gothic Cathedrals, Notre Dame is still used today as a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Take note of the famous stained glass and use of "flying buttresses" through out. These and many other features make it one of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture.

Description:

This old bistro, which opened more than 130 years ago, attracts those seeking the Left Bank of yesteryear. It was once the rendezvous spot of the master carpenters, whose guild was next door. Nowadays, it's where young men take dates. Though the food isn't imaginative, it's well prepared in the best tradition of cuisine bourgeoise -- hearty but not effete. Appetizers include pâté of duck and rabbit terrine. Recommended as a main course is roast duck with olives. The plats du jour recall French home cooking: salt pork with lentils, pot-au-feu, and stuffed cabbage. The wine list has a selection of bordeaux, including Château Gaussens.

Description:

This place is popularly called the intellectual and new fashion district. This neighborhood is filled with art galleries, antique stores, cafés and restaurants. Saint-Germain-des-Prés also has popular places like the Deux Magot café, Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp. And not to forget the Church of Saint Germain des Prés, built back in the 6th century. The area has the money, style and sophistication, as well as a mix of the very best in the arts, philosophy and politics.

Our Local Expert Says:

In summer, you'll find Parisians eating out, playing music, and dancing on the bridge until all hours of the night.

Description:

Among the 36 bridges spanning the Seine, the Pont des Arts is without doubt one of the most romantic, its all-metal structure providing a link between the Louvre and the French Institute. This delightful little footbridge built during the 18th century has always been a pedestrian bridge. Originally, a tollgate was installed at each end, ensuring that access was only given to the upper classes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently renovated and well worth a look.

Description:

Built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, the pont Alexandre-III takes its name from the Russian emperor who laid the first stone. It's a magnificent example of art nouveau style decorated with nymphs, cherubs and other sea monsters. The four golden statues depict Art, Commerce, Industry and the Sciences. At the time of its construction, the authorities would not allow the ornamentation to obscure the view of the Champs-Elysées or the Invalides - happily for us the view is still wonderful! This superb example of 19th century engineering crosses the Seine between the Invalides and the Grand Palais. It is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris.

Description:

Built in the same period as the pont Alexandre-III, the architecture of the Grand Palais is stunning. The ionic columns and the exuberant decoration of the façade invite visitors to discover an interior as splendid as its exterior. A large glass roof supported by a metallic structure lends this area a luminous delicacy enhanced by the art nouveau style. Erected 'par la République à la gloire de l'art français' (by the Republic for the glory of French Art), the Grand Palais holds temporary exhibitions, which are always very popular. Admission rates vary according to the exhibition and one can avail of concessions on Monday.

Description:

The Pigalle district has always been home to Paris' concert halls. Next to Le Divan du Monde are various other shrines to music such as La Cigale, L'Elysée Montmartre or even La Locomotive;so many venues that have hosted the most famous names in entertainment. Le Divan du Monde itself is actually quite small but very inviting, with eclectic programming that has originality and novelty as its hallmark. No prestigious posters, rather theme nights (bossa nova, hip-hop) or up-and-coming artists, with a strong tendency towards world music. Worth a look for those who like to move to the rhythm a little off the beaten track.

Description:

Jazz maniacs come to drink, talk, and dance at this enduring club. It's sometimes a scene, attracting such guests as Spike Lee and Prince. The place is especially popular with jazz groups from central and southern Africa. It opens nightly at 8pm, with concerts beginning at 9pm.

Description:

This beautiful restaurant has continued to attract tourists through centuries. It first began in the year 1793. People fond of ancient music are also lured to this place. To add to this the old, ancient ambience and the aroma of traditional French cuisine whets ones appetite. It is this kind of experience that has drawn people over and over again to feast on the authentic French cuisine served here.