"The
City of Light" has been written about, filmed and photographed
countless times. Although it seems as if we all know Paris
even before we see it, nothing compares to actually being
there. The experience of going up the Eiffel Tower, walking
along the Seine at dusk or sipping coffee at an elegant
sidewalk cafe are uniquely Parisian experiences -- and they
are nothing like they are portrayed in movies. Whether you're
in Paris for work or for fun, follow the Parisians' lead
and enjoy yourself in this city that offers something special
for everyone.
For
the art lover, the Musee d'Orsay and the Louvre offer priceless
collections, and the designer shops of the Rue du Faubourg
St.-Honore tempt the serious shopper. And, for anyone who
enjoys food, Paris' restaurants, from inexpensive neighborhood
bistros to the most refined and elegant gourmet restaurant,
promise wonderful meals.
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Musee de la Castre
Since 1952 the collections at this museum have reflected
the tastes of 19th-century archaeologists, ethnographers,
antiques enthusiasts and art lovers, featuring Mediterranean
artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria
and Cyprus and ethnology and primitive art from Oceania,
Africa, Asia and the Americas. There's also a fine collection
of 19th-century Cannes landscapes. The 12th-century Sainte-Anne
chapel houses a superb collection of musical instruments
from all over the world. Climb the medieval tower for a
panoramic view of Cannes and its bay.
Plage du Gray d'Albion
Although hotel guests get priority, the four-star Gray d'Albion
hotel's private beach is open to all. Not situated directly
opposite (as is often the case on the town's La Croisette
seafront) but just 200 metres away, it has facilities to
match, including hot showers and its own pontoon. A wide
range of activities, including water skiing, is available,
with a qualified instructor on hand to help beginners. The
beach restaurant is open in the evening throughout July
and August, offering an à la carte menu of mixed
salads, fish dishes and top-class Lebanese cuisine.
Îles de Lerins
Several companies offer a wide choice of sailings to these
beautiful—and still relatively wild—islands
off the coast. Less than half an hour's boat trip away,
the smaller of the two islands, Saint-Honorat, has an active
monastery, museum and a beautiful abbey, while the larger
Sainte-Marguerite island's claim to fame is its old fort
in which the legendary Man in the Iron Mask was once imprisoned.
Also worth a look while visiting this pleasant car-free
sanctuary is the Musee de la Mer, which is home to an impressive
collection of archaeological treasures including amphoras
and other relics.
Croisette (La)
A favourite spot for locals and visitors alike, this wonderful
promenade in the heart of town hugs the seashore and its
many beaches for several kilometres. To one side there's
the Mediterranean, the Lerins islands off the coast and
the Esterel mountain range; on the other palm trees, elegant
belle epoque hotels and fashionable boutiques. A great place
to people-watch, especially during the Film Festival. Created
during the 19th century, La Croisette gets its name from
a small cross that used to stand east of the bay.
Petits Trains de Cannes
With two routes to choose from, catch some of the most beautiful
sights in town aboard this delightful little train. The
Croisette tour takes you along Cannes' famous seafront past
its beaches, the gorgeous belle epoque façades of
its luxury hotels, and its Palais des Festivals as far as
the new port at Pointe-Croisette. The Suquet tour winds
its way through the heart of the old town on Suquet hill,
taking in the Midi beaches and the old port.
Musee International de la Parfumerie
Grasse, the birthplace of traditional perfumery, has a wonderful
museum devoted entirely to perfume. You'll find out all
you ever wanted to know about how perfume is made, from
the processing of raw materials (creation of essences, distillation,
extraction), right through to the finished product. Inaugurated
in 1989, the museum has an outstanding collection of antique
and contemporary items associated with perfume and make-up
(including the travel case belonging to Marie Antoinette).
Refreshments are available on the museum terrace.
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