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Paris: Some Things You Must See and Do
Paris is a magical and romantic city that has a long history and is rich in arts and culture. Whether visiting Paris for just the day, a weekend or much longer, you will find no shortage of wonderful things to see and do. Paris is easily accessible from the UK by air, EuroStar or you could take your car over on the ferry. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is very modern with high glass walls; you almost get a 360 degree view of the planes taking off and landing – quite spectacular! It is Europe’s second busiest passenger airport. Moving between the three absolutely gigantic airport terminals requires public transport due to its sheer scale and the airport puts on free shuttles to ferry passengers between them.
You can easily get into the city of Paris via high speed train, taxi, limo or private car hire; all of which are available at the airport. Paris is a popular weekend break destination due to it’s close proximity to major international transport links, as well as being only a ten minute train journey to Disneyland. Once in the city itself it’s easy to get around using the public transport system. You can use buses, the Metro, and trams. Also readily available are private car hire and taxi services.
If you do prefer to hire a car when on holiday, a brief word of warning is necessary before you begin your explorations. You should always read the rental contract carefully so that you know exactly what you will have to pay in terms of excesses if you were to have an accident. Most specialist insurance products such as gap insurance, car warranties and breakdown insurance should already be taken care of by the hire car company so you won’t need to worry about those things. Make yourself aware of the procedure following a breakdown, and make sure that the breakdown insurance provided gives you 24-hour protection. There may be additional insurance products offered which may cost you more for extra peace of mind, these could include things like windscreen insurance or key insurance, for example. Be sure that you are fully aware of what you are signing, especially as you are in a foreign country.
Don’t forget to be vigilant whilst visiting this bustling city – public transport especially can be very busy and you should take extra care when it comes to your personal belongings. Basic common sense, such as splitting up your spending money and not carrying unnecessary valuables around, is important if you are going to relax and enjoy your holiday. You should secure your travel documents – including travel insurance details – along with any valuables, in your hotel before taking to the city streets for a sightseeing excursion. Now the basics have been covered, the exploration can begin. Wonderful things to see and do whilst in Paris are numerous; below are just five in brief.
Eiffel Tower- The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognised monuments in the world. It’s impossible to even compare an image to the experience of seeing it in person, however. You will be amazed at the sheer size and architecture. An elevator ride to the top will give you the view of a lifetime. The first floor has displays depicting the history of the tower. You can dine at the Altitude 95 restaurant on the first floor. A even more up-market dining experience can be had at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant upstairs on the second floor, but you will have to book way in advance. Of course, you must go to the Eiffel Tower during your visit to Paris.
Centre Pompidou- If you love modern art and architecture you have to visit the Centre Pompidou. There is much more to it than a mere museum for modern art. Any and all forms of contemporary art and modern conceptualisations are represented here. You can find exhibitions, displays and celebrations of all art forms including theatre, music, film and literature. It was President Georges Pompidou who decided the construction of this hi-tech complex. He envisioned a cultural centre focused entirely on contemporary creations. One of the most distinctive architectural designs around, the building was designed by Renzo Piano.
As the exhibits at the Centre Pompidouare always changing, a new experience awaits the visitor each time. There are three bookshops that have collections on just about any type of art form. There is also a design boutique which has fun and funky souvenirs and gifts. At Georges, up on level six, you can dine whilst enjoying panoramic views of the city. There is also a lot to see once you leave the museum. Just outsideof the building you will find street art and sculptures. This place is truly a memorable experience.
Louvre Museum- The Louvre Museum is probably the world’s most famous art museum. It is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”. This, Europe’s oldest museum, was founded over two centuries ago in 1793. The range of exhibits on display in the Louvre – from Egyptian artifacts to Islamic art – is as vast as the place itself.
If you had days you would likely not even scratch the surface of all there is to explore in this fascinating place. It is in fact inside the Louvre Palace, which was once the seat of the French monarchy. Eight themed departments hold over thirty-five thousand different pieces. Among many more, you can see works of art by da Vinci and Rubens in the permanent collections. There are temporary themed exhibits too which focus on a particular artist or artistic movement.
Arc de Triomphe- A climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe will give you an excellent view of Paris. It stands at a height of just over fifty metres! Napoleon Bonaparte was the inspiration behind this monument that gives a visitor a great scenic view. It was commissioned by the man himself in 1806 to commemorate the greatness of Napoleon and his army. The monument is now a French symbol of all things triumphant. Festivities are held, celebrations begun, and races are won here. Both the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame are also located at this historical site, where you can pay your respects to the fallen and unidentified dead of two world wars.
A word of warning though – to get to the top takes some energy and hard work. The view is well worth the 280-step climb to reach the top. As one of France’s most recognisable symbols and architectural icons, this monument is well worth a visit.
Musée d’Orsay- The Musée d’Orsay has one of the largest collections of sculptures, paintings, and art pieces produced between 1848 and 1914. Showcased here are many outstanding works of the early modern era. Housed within are works by Van Gogh, Degas, Ingres and Monet. The permanent collections here cover everything from neoclassicism, impressionism and art nouveau design. Anyone with an interest in the beginnings of modern art simply must visit this amazing museum.
Paris is a romantic and inviting place to visit. Whether you are looking for fine art, amazing architecture or just the buzz of a fascinating and historical modern city, then Paris has something for you. Most people who come here on holiday will return again and again, just for the ambiance and beauty this city has to offer. You can either hire a car to explore the city and surrounding areas, or else use the public transport system to get you around. After one visit to Paris you may never want to leave, on account of all the amazing things this city has to offer!
This short city guide was brought to you by the UK’s leading gap insurance and car warranty specialists – the Click4Group.
Top of the Eiffel tower