Known as the city of romance, Paris is one of the most visited capitals of Europe, noted for its art, opera, fashion and a cuisine that rivals the very best in the world. Its iconic landmarks need no introduction – the Champs Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, the Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame Cathedral are instantly recognisable and form a backdrop for this romantic city. The elegant avenues and wide boulevards, lined with chic cafés and restaurants, make it a delight to stroll around and the designer boutiques around Avenue Montaigne are a haute couture lovers paradise.
For art enthusiasts, it would be impossible to contemplate a stay in Paris without visiting the Musée du Louvre. Built as a fortress, the impressive building has grown as a palace during successive centuries and today houses one of the most impressive art collections in the world, including European paintings and sculptures, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, Oriental and Egyptian antiquities and objets d’art. Nearby, the spectacular Musée d’Orsay houses art and sculpture dating from 1848 to 1914 in a beautifully restored railway station. Musée Rodin, the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Centre Pompidou and the Musée Picasso are also world class galleries.
Other world class culture includes two prestigious opera houses: the Opera de Paris Bastille and the Opera de Garnier, the latter ostentatiously designed in 1862 and famous for its white Carrara marble grand staircase, vast chandelier and an auditorium ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.
Just outside of Paris lies the majestic Palace of Versailles, the extravagant home to French royalty until the demise of Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette in 1789
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With two international airports and an international rail terminal, Paris is one of the easiest places to reach in Europe and with an excellent metro system and national rail service, getting around the city and the country is straightforward and fast. Ideal as a city based vacation in its own right, Paris may also be combined with southern France to experience the joie de vivre of this diverse, culturally rich country.
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