| Paris,
"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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Salon du Chocolat
Even for non-chocoholics, this sweet and creamy annual event
is highly tempting. Held at the beautiful Carrousel de Louvre,
the four-day function allows industry professionals and
chocolate lovers alike to brush up on their chocolate knowledge,
industry trends and the latest in European cocoa delicacies.
This is part of an international series of salons, which
includes shows in New York, Tokyo and Lausanne. There are
tastings, speakers, chocolate sculptures, and chocolatiers
displaying their finest talents and wares.
Tour Eiffel
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.
Musee du Louvre
Originally built to defend Paris against the Vikings, this
Renaissance palace became a museum in 1793. Today it houses
impressive collections of Etruscan, Egyptian, Oriental,
Roman and Greek artefacts as well as sculptures, paintings
and other works of art ranging from the Middle Ages up to
1850, including Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic "Mona
Lisa." Architect I.M. Pei's amazing glass pyramid,
commissioned by the President François Mitterrand,
caused a sensation when it was added in 1989.
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Climbing the 387 steps to the top of this masterpiece is
well worth the effort for the spectacular view. Construction
of the first great Gothic cathedral began in 1163 and was
largely completed by 1212; the rebuilding of the two transept
gates in 1270 marked its completion. The west face is adorned
with three richly decorated doorways and crowned with two
69m towers. The cathedral is busy at the best of times;
especially on Sundays, when much of the building is closed
to visitors.
Institut du Monde arabe
East meets West in this multi-purpose cultural centre's
eye-catching design. Retracing the history of the Arab people,
its museum contains ancient manuscripts, exquisitely-made
silk carpets, pottery and a wide range of utensils, as well
as scientific and astronomical instruments dating from between
750 and 1258 AD. Temporary exhibitions, organised on a regular
basis on the ground floor, are a showcase for contemporary
paintings and sculptures that reflect the latest artistic
movements currently in vogue in the Arab world. Information
is provided in pamphlets and interactive videos.
Jardin des Plantes (Le)
A wander around this beautifully-composed formal garden
is the perfect antidote to city stress. Visit the main greenhouse
for a look at its rare plants, discover the small zoo or
explore one of the museums on site, which include the Grande
Galerie de l'Evolution and the Musee de Paleontologie. Created
in 1635 by Louis XIII's physician Guy de la Brosse, the
garden's initial aim was to illustrate plants' medicinal
properties to medical students.
Musee de l'Erotisme
In keeping with its location in the Pigalle area—well
known for its sex shops and Moulin Rouge cabaret—this
museum devoted to erotic art has over 2,000 sculptures,
paintings and objets d'art from all over the world. As well
as the permanent exhibition, which includes some second
century pieces, temporary exhibitions of contemporary art
and private collections are organized on a regular basis.
The museum is also open at night.
Basilique du Sacre-Coeur
This Romano-Byzantine basilica overlooks Montmartre, one
of Paris's most picturesque districts. Its distinctive dome
rising up over the rooftops, the basilica offers the perfect
vantage point from which to survey the city. Inside, the
mosaic of Christ and the crypt are of particular interest.
Commissioned by the Catholic Church, building began in 1875
under the watchful eye of architect Paul Abadie, and was
finally completed in 1914.
Musee d'Orsay (Le)
Built in 1900 by Victor Laloux for the World Fair, Gare
d'Orsay was the first railway station to run electric trains
in Paris. Threatened with demolition in the 1970s, and saved
only by protesting Parisians, the former station became
a listed building. Its conversion into a museum in 1979
was entrusted to Milanese architect Gae Aulenti. Since its
opening in 1986, the museum has housed a variety of works
from the period 1848-1914. Known primarily for its Impressionist
collection, the art nouveau furniture is also worth a look.
Cite des sciences et de l'industrie
Parc de la Villette is the setting for this huge science
museum best known for its Geode dome and impressive 180-degree
cinema. Natural and scientific phenomena are explained with
the help of exhibitions in an area specially designed with
kids in mind. Children aged three and over can visit a real
submarine, the Argonaute, and find out how it works; temporary
exhibitions are organized in Espace Explora. Admission to
La Cite des Metiers resource centre and the children's multimedia
library is free.
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