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Introducing Paris
Well informed, eloquent and oh-so-romantic, the ‘City of Light’ is a philosopher, a poet, a crooner. As it always has been, Paris is a million different things to a million different people.
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Paris has all but exhausted the superlatives that can reasonably be applied to any city. Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower – at sunrise, at sunset, at night – have been described countless times, as have the Seine and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between the Left and Right Banks. But what writers have been unable to capture is the grandness and even the magic.
Paris probably has more familiar landmarks than any other city in the world. As a result, first-time visitors often arrive in the French capital with all sorts of expectations: of grand vistas, of intellectuals discussing weighty matters in cafés, of romance along the Seine, of naughty nightclub revues, of rude people who won’t speak English. If you look hard enough, you can probably find all of those. But another approach is to set aside the preconceptions of Paris and to explore the city’s avenues and backstreets as if the tip of the Eiffel Tower or the spire of Notre Dame wasn’t about to pop into view at any moment.
You’ll soon discover (as so many others before you have) that Paris is enchanting almost everywhere, at any time, even ‘in the summer, when it sizzles’ and ‘in the winter, when it drizzles’, as Cole Porter put it. And you’ll be back. Trust us.
Make it happen
- check out our complete range of Paris guidebooks
- book Lonely Planet reviewed and recommended hotels in Paris
Ready to go? Skip the queues and get straight to the good stuff with these recommended offers and tours:
- get free entry to the best attractions with the Paris Pass
- Let the good times roll with this Eiffel Tower, dinner and Moulin Rouge adventure
Want more? We can recommend day trips and excursions, cultural and themed tours , and transfer and transport options
Last updated: 09-Nov-2009
Tips & articles
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Paris
Recommended things to do & see
- Entertainment (60)
- Restaurants (59)
- Shopping (41)
- Sights (142)
- Hotels & hostels
Our Top Picks For Paris
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1 Eiffel Tower
Is the queue worth it? Yes, it is! Grab a 360-degree panorama over Paris from the tip of the city's iconic spire. Night-time viewing is highly recommended - the queues are shorter then too.
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2 Patinoire de l’Hôtel de Ville 18 Dec-6 Mar
From early December to early March, twirl on the free outdoor ice-skating rink in front of Paris' town hall (skate hire extra).
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3 Musée d'Orsay
Marvel at the incomparable collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art at the waterfront Musée d'Orsay
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4 Jardin du Luxembourg
Unwind with the locals in one of the city's most beloved parks, dedicated to the children of Paris by Napoleon.
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5 Centre Pompidou
Enjoy the collections and the spectacular rooftop views at the Centre Pompidou, the world's most successful art and culture centre
Related Groups
Our favourite Paris Blogs (beta)
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Moving Forward, Looking Back
Blog: ParisienSalon.com - 31 December 2009
So much has changed over the last decade, but in Paris, much remains the same.
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Happy New Year 2010
Blog: I Prefer Paris - 31 December 2009
Snow covered statue in the Palais Royal Wishing everybody a warm, wonderful, happy, prosperous, magical, and glorious New Year. I want to thank all my loyal readers and subscribers for taking the time to read Eye Prefer Paris this year....
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Top Pops: Ten Great Champagnes for 2010
Blog: Paris By Appointmenty Only - 30 December 2009
Before you head to the shop to pick up some bottles of bubbly to fête the New Year, check out this alternative list of champagnes compiled especially for ParisBAO by blogger extraordinare and private wine consultant, Sharon Bowman.
