St. Tropez skyrocketed to its current repute back when Brigitte Bardot was on location there to shoot the now famous film And God Created Woman.  The movie brought Pampelonne Beach into the spotlight, and celebrities have yet to tire of the place.  St. Tropez has been dubbed Hollywood by the Sea for its status among starlets, but you are just as likely to see fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld or musician Elton John about town.

St. Tropez, France by Michael Gwyther-Jones

People travel to the Mediterranean for the architecture and history, the wonderful fresh foods, and the sun-kissed sparkling waters.  As opposed to Menorca, Corsica, or Sicily, which are all Mediterranean islands, St. Tropez is part of mainland France; its location on the Cote d’Azur (or French Riviera) makes it easy to visit other notable towns in the area.  And if rubbing elbows with celebrities is a prerequisite, then make a side trip to Cannes during its annual film fest!

No one would blame you for wanting to do a little shopping while in St. Tropez.  Shopping choices here, while mostly tasteful, run the gamut from Atelier Ivan Hov’s origami sailboats to VIP Dog’s pet treats.  In between such novelties, you’re in for great finds at Poterie Augier (clay pieces), K Jacques (hand crafted sandals), and Le Depot (second hand designer fashions).

Meanwhile, the most colorful, affordable, and memorable goodies may come from the local fish market or Place des Lices Market, which sells everything from food to antiques.  Even if you don’t buy anything, browsing through the wares in St. Tropez will be a wonderful and interactive experience.  You can also look around for art openings or seasonal waterfront activities if you want to meet people and see a new side of the city.

If you’ve arrived in St. Tropez via private yacht, you’ll find that the best way to look important is to anchor near Club 55.  Once you’re on land, slowly sip your lunchtime aperitif while taking in the scene.  You can spend the afternoon shopping or sunbathing before you head out for the night.  People have come here to take joie de vivre seriously so leave those inhabitations at home!  Don’t know where to go?  Try these hotspots:

• Jardins de Pan Dei has a great pool bar
• Le Bar du Sube offers portside cocktails
• Le Bar Joseph is a favorite in old town
• Les Caves du Roy mixes champagne with disco
• VIP Room, especially in August, is as it sounds

Between Marseilles and the Italian border, you’ll hit dozens of French villages that are worth a visit.  St. Tropez, like its Caribbean counterpart St. Barth’s, is simply the best one for star sightings (there’s even a Celebrity Tour).  So do you want to see stars or just feel like one?  Visit St. Tropez!

Katie Bauer is an experienced travel writer and editor. Having been a stewardess on private yachts, a crew member for sail races, and a sailmaker in New England, she now specializes in yachting destinations.  A frequent traveler, she has studied, worked, and volunteered abroad thus bringing a unique perspective to her content. She recommends you book your St. Tropez vacation with International Yacht Charter Group.

The post Megastars On The Mediterranean appeared first on Europe Explored.

In the early 1960’s Brigitte Bardot kicked off the rush, later followed by like of Liz Taylor and Sophia Loren. St Tropez is as popular as ever, for the sun, the sea and the celebrities. Taking an early morning stroll around the pretty port or down the narrow medieval streets with the candied almond hues, you will see how charming this city is.

St Tropez, France by Spencer Wright

Coming ashore

The port in St Tropez is too small to accept nearly all large cruise vessels, so passengers are tendered to a landing dock, but don’t worry; this is only a 5 minute walk to town. There are no passenger facilities portside, which is a bit of a let-down, but do you really need little things like cafes and small shops? You can rent a car for about €75 or rent a taxi for €3 and then €0.80 per mile which is a reasonable charge. The only problem with St Tropez I could find was the traffic, so allow plenty of time to get to places.

What to do in St Tropez

St Tropez has plenty to do, no matter what you like. If you love culture and history then you would love the musée de l’annonciade. Just inland from the southwest corner of vieux port, stands the extraordinary museum, the legacy of the artists that loved St Tropez has been lovely preserved. Signac, Matisse, Braque, Dufy and many more artists have displays here.

Painter in St Tropez, France by FaceMePLS

Ramatuelle is only 7 miles southwest of St Tropez and is a typical hilltop whorl of red clay roofs and dense inner streets, a proper ancient French market town. With awesome little shops and galleries you cannot miss an opportunity to visit here. With pretty vineyards and fields even the drive up to here is a delight. You can visit Moulin de Paillas, a recently restored windmill; the view from here is priceless. Oh and at Ratatouille there is a famous nightclub called club 55, this is where the rich and famous go to play!

The beaches in St Tropez are possibly the best in the whole of Europe. Pampelonne, the most famous beach in St Tropez is a long stretch of fine sand, divided into small sections, with trendy restaurants, bars and clubs on each one.

What to eat in St Tropez

I cannot stress enough how good the food is in St Tropez, just like anywhere in France everything is fresh, cooked to perfection and always tasty! There are two places that you must go to, these are La table du Marche and Le café.

Pampelonne beach, St Tropez, France by David van der Mark

La Table du Marche has an afternoon tea room and a gorgeous summer sushi bar. With mouth-watering regional specialties from Chef Christophe Leroy, sink into one of the oversized armchairs and enjoy a light tomato pistou tart, absolutely perfect.

Le café is a busy terrace restaurant that often doubles as a stadium for local pétanque players (pretty much boules) you too can play. It’s a great way to sink into the local culture; especially on a Saturday night when the games are on, not that the local “beginner” pétanque soirees are on tap, which makes things hilarious. Try the Provençal beef stew or the traditional fish soup.

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Where Are the Catacombs of Paris Located?

The Catacombs are located beneath the great city of Paris in France. The ossuary is located approximately 20 meters below ground and houses the remains of 6 to 7 million Parisians. The remains were gradually transferred to the ossuary between the 18^th and 19^th century due to graveyards being closed because of the risk they posed to public health.

Catacombs of Paris, France by Djtox

Notable Deceased Historical Figures

Within the Catacombs, there are many notable deceased historical figures due to the transfer of remains from various churches and graveyards. Such names include François Rabelais, Charles Perrault, Jean de La Fontaine, Simon Vouet, François Girardon, Salomon de Brosse, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and Claude Perrault.

People that have died during the Revolution were also buried in the Catacombs, including victims of the 1792 massacres. Victims of the guillotine were additionally buried in the Catacombs, including Lavoisier, Camille and Lucile Desmoulins, Madame Elisabeth, Robespierre, and Danton.

Passages at the Catacombes, Paris, France by Oh Paris

Available Tours

Visitors can enjoy a 45-minute tour of the Catacombs spanning over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Visitors should dress accordingly since the average temperature is 14˚ Celsius (57.2˚ Fahrenheit). Along with the total distance traveled, visitors will also need to prepare for walking 213 steps during the tour.

The tour is available daily (except for Mondays and public holidays) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The price of admission varies depending on if you choose full rate, concessions rate, or half rate. In order to enjoy half rates or concessions rates, you will need to have a valid piece of identification with you. Additionally, you may be able to receive group rates.

If you want to be at the Catacombs entrance bright and early for the tour, you can look into nearby Paris hotels to spend the night. If you want to discover the best rates and services, you will need to comparison shop beforehand.

Sculpture Chiselled in the Catacombes, Paris, France by Oh Paris

Conditions and Accessibility for the Tour

When taking the tour, you may experience short delays during busy times since the visitor number is restricted to 200. It should additionally be known that cloakroom and bathroom facilities are not available on site.

The tour is not suitable for families with young children or people with respiratory or heart problems. Additionally, people with reduced mobility will not be able to access the site. Children under the age of 14 will need an adult present in order to go on the tour.

If you want to explore more about Paris’ history, the Catacombs of Paris is a great place to start. However, you will just need to plan ahead and make sure that you do not have any major health concerns in order to enjoy it to the fullest.

Chris McMahon enjoys sharing his travel stories online. He has a particular love for the lesser known gem in popular destinations.

The post The Catacombs of Paris: Experience a Different Side to the City of Light appeared first on Europe Explored.

Etretat cliffs, Normandy, France by Amanda Slater

Avoid visiting France from July to August. This is the highest tourist season of the country and it will be quite difficult to find cheaper accommodation. Plan your trip way ahead of time and search the internet for the special bargain offers. If you make a booking in advance most of the hotels give very attractive discounts. Take the full advantage of this and you will be saving tons of money.

If the main expectation of visiting France is admiring and enjoying the art it is best that you visit in the month of September. Because of the European Heritage Day many private and public institutions open their doors to the public. This enables most of the museums and art galleries to be free of charge or charge a very nominal fee as the entry fee. Hence this is a great opportunity to enjoy the classic art.

When you travel in Europe it is quite easy to travel by train and also it can be cheaper as well. Again if you book your train seats in advance you will come across special train ticket rates that can be a real money saver. Prems is a special form of discounted tickets that are issued 3 months in advance only from the relevant website. In addition there are many other websites where you can buy cheaper train tickets. Another advantage of travelling by train is that you get the chance to see the country and its people. Watching people is a very interesting way of getting to know the culture and the people of any country. When you travel by air within the country you will be totally disconnected from the day to day life of the people.

Having the accommodation arranged at a youth hostel is a very sensible idea if you are planning to travel to France. In addition to the cheap accommodation most of them have a common kitchen where you can bring your own groceries and make a meal for yourself. That whole process can be a special experience where you walk into a supermarket in a foreign country and buying the groceries and making  a meal for yourself.  But do not forget to dine in France as one has to try out all the delicious French food. But if you travel on a budget stay away from the restaurants that serve a la carte and always go for the restaurants that have a fixed menu. That way you can control how much you are spending for your meals.

Never make the money as an obstacle to visit the places you love to visit. Always there are ways you can cut corners and still enjoy a good holiday in any country in the world.

Author’s Bio

Teresa Kent was graduated at the University of Nottingham. She loves to write and she is a part time geologist. She is a traveller. She writes articles using her own travel experiences. Currently she is writing about her own experiences in Flights to Dubai from UK and New Zealand.

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Chamonix, France by Leo-setä

So what sports can you expect to find catered for in Chamonix? Here is a rundown of the most popular:

Skiing

Unsurprisingly, skiing is the most popular activity in Chamonix, attracting thousands of people every winter. Ski holidays in France are very popular, and Chamonix is one of the most visited areas. Due to the relatively high slopes, snow reliability is good, and the off-piste skiing is also a major draw.

One of the most popular off-piste runs is the Vallée Blanche. This famous run can be accessed by taking the cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, and is certainly one for real enthusiasts. Built in 1955, the cable car was once the highest in France and it still provides a real thrill.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering in Chamonix is another of the major activities in the region and it is hardly surprising when you consider the dramatic options available here. Chamonix is located near to the Aiguilles Rouges massif and the Mont Blanc massif, both of which contain some seriously big mountains.

There are some very popular routes that attract mountaineers from far and wide, especially during the summer months. One of these is the route up the Aiguille du Dru, also known as the Dru, a mountain located near to the village of Les Praz. The highest summit is the Grande Aiguille du Dru at 3,754 metres.

Another popular mountain is the Grandes Jorasses, the peak of which stands at 4,208 metres. Then of course, there is Mont Blanc itself. The south-facing side is particularly popular, as are the various routes to the summit.

Trekking

The stunning views and mountainous peaks mean that it is hardly surprising that trekking is one of the major activities in Chamonix. There are a number of popular hikes that attract visitors to the region, all of which offer dramatic scenery and are suitable for a range of levels.

One popular hike involves taking the cable car up the Aiguille du Midi to the mid-station and walking down from here to Chamonix. The hike takes about three hours in total and is all downhill, making it a popular option for less-experienced trekkers.

There are also hikes that take in mountain lakes, such as those that go through the Aiguille Rouge nature reserve, and glaciers such as the Mer de Glace.

Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve, France by Guillaume Baviere

Other Popular Activities

As well as skiing, mountaineering and trekking, another popular summer activity is mountain biking. The tracks around the region are suitable for various levels of experience and they are all well maintained. Other activities that attract enthusiasts throughout the year include rock climbing, canyoning, ice climbing, rafting and even paragliding.

Get Active in Chamonix

If you want to visit one of the most exciting places in France for adventure sports, Chamonix is the place to go. With so many activities on offer throughout the year, there is something for everyone here. And with the stunning mountain scenery and first-class facilities on offer, it really is the ideal place to get active and enjoy an adventure.

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Ski holidays tend to require a bit more planning than a lot of other types of vacation, which may just be a case of booking flights and accommodation. On top of your travel and living arrangements you need to consider whether you need to shire ski equipment, what specific ski passes or lift passes you’ll need, the specific facilities the resort you’re intending to stay at offers, and which ski schools are best for your kids. Below is a more specific look into each factor to help make each step of the planning process a little easier.

Resort

Whilst there are many great skiing locations in the world, the resorts in the French Alps are some of the best. Places such as Les Arcs, La Plagne, Tignes and Val D’Isère are fantastic for both beginner and experienced skiers. These resorts also offer great accommodation and facilities for you to relax and kick back after an exhilarating day on the slopes. Each one is a little different, so be sure to do a bit of research into each before choosing which one takes your fancy.

Val D’Isère, France by Andreas Bjärlestam

Accommodation: Communal or self-catered?

Like with any holiday, finding the best accommodation for the best price is half the battle. With ski holidays, the particular resort you’re planning on staying at may dictate the type of accommodation you can book. However most resorts, particularly in the French Alps, have a variety of accommodation types to choose from. Catered accommodation with communal dining may be a great way to meet other families on holiday, and allows you a break from the everyday cooking for your family you do when you’re at home. However self-catered chalets offer a bit more privacy and you may find this suits you a bit more.

Equipment Hire

If this is your first time booking a ski holiday, you won’t likely have your own set of skis. You may however be a seasoned pro, and are planning your kids’ first outing on the slopes. Either way, you’ll want to consider hiring equipment once you’re at the resort. Be sure to do your research into this prior to setting off on your vacation, as once you’re out there you may panic and hire the first set of skis you can find, opening yourself up to a potentially bad deal. Booking this in advance can save you a lot of trouble and give you peace of mind that you don’t need to worry about it once you arrive.

Ski Passes/Lift Passes

So you’ve chosen the resort you like the look of, booked your chalet and organised the hiring of equipment. But you’re not done yet! Don’t forget that if you’re planning on doing any skiing while you’re at the resort, you’ll need ski and lift passes. Do a bit of research into the resort you’re staying at, and make sure you know which areas your passes give you access to.

French Alps by genevieveromier

Ski Schools

Family ski holidays can be great fun, but if you’re a more experienced skier you might get a little bored hanging around the nursery slopes while the kids learn the basics. Some resorts have a few really good ski schools available for kids, where they will enjoy learning on the easier slopes, and can meet other kids their age. More importantly you get the freedom to spread your wings and try your hand at some of the tougher and more exciting slopes in the resort. Again whilst there are some great ski schools out there, not all of them are top class, so be sure to research them, read reviews etc. before committing.

Author Bio
This post was written on behalf of Rental Republic: a ski and snowboard hire company operating in a number of resorts in the French Alps. Their team of experts deliver the ski and snowboard equipment right to your chalet, and also provide free fitting.

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Hopping across the Channel by train is typically faster than taking a Ferry to France, leaving you with more time to spend in Nice. With so much to do in the fifth most populous city in France, here are the top three things you simply must involve yourself in.

Promenade des Anglais

If relaxing on a sunny beach is one of your favourite holiday past-times then head to the Promenade des Anglais where you can stroll by the sea. Although it is more of a pebble beach than a traditional sandy one, the advantages of a level surface means you can enjoy other means of transport around the area.

Jog, cycle, skate and even rollerblade your way along the walkway and enjoy the warm climate that comes with the beach. If you’re looking to just get some peace, you can choose to sit on the available chairs and benches and just enjoy the sights. Furthermore, there are many open cafes and restaurants within walking distance for you to dine at, making it a complete experience.

Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France by SteveR-

Musee National Marc Chagall

Museums can be a wonderfully historic experience especially when you’re learning about a new environment. Nice has an extensive religious past and prides itself on having museums to publicise the old sculptures and paintings. The National Marc Chagall museum was created by artists who wanted to bring the ancient biblical works into one multi-purpose building.

There are many works present here, including mosaics and tapestries, sketches, stained-glass windows, biblical message paintings and lithographs. Discover the full collection of famous artist Marc Chagall and watch a story about his upbringing and what inspired his work. With the admission only 7.5 Euros, it is definitely an experience worth going to.

Musee National Marc Chagall, Nice, France by Janet McKnight

Castle Hill

Visit Castle Hill for a breath-taking, panoramic view of Nice. You can see the entire city from a high view, making it the perfect spot for photos and postcards. There is a park located at the top of Castle Hill too which can help the kids relax after the journey up. If you fancy yourself to be a fitness fanatic, you can choose to climb to the top, although an elevator is available.

The beautiful view from atop the hill overlooks the sea, city and port. It is a good place to have a picnic too or just spend a day taking in the sights. There is even a waterfall nearby giving the whole place a nice romantic spark. At the end of the day, you can still enjoy French cuisine at some of the restaurants located nearby.

Nice and a port, France by Simon

The post 3 Things to do in Nice appeared first on Europe Explored.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France by Flávio Eiró

The World renowned Skiing

Chamonix offers one of the best ski-resorts in the world with five major ski stations complete with all year round lift systems. This is home to the awe inspiring Vallée Blanche, Chamonix’s most famous and challenging 20 km ski run where both glaciers and crevasses can give the very best exponents a run for their money. Generally the off piste skiing is fantastic and there are plenty of beginners slopes so the town can cater for all abilities and ages. Many believe the term “Après-Ski” was created here, and the accommodation is of a high standard with chalets, apartments and hotels aplenty. With skiing in mind, the next attraction on our list will certainly stir interest with you.

Aiguille du Midi

You simply haven’t experienced the Alps until you stand atop the most incredible views from the peak station of the Aiguille De Midi cable car, the 1905 brainchild of two Swiss engineers. At more than 3800 metres you’ll need time to take in the Mer De Glace glacier in all its God like glory, the whole panorama of Chamonix including Vallee Blanche, and of course the enigmatic Mont-Blanc range of mountains. But it gets better as on a clear day, you can also spot the magnificent Matterhorn, Monta Rosa and the Grand Combin. The journey is made in two stages bottom to top and can take up to two hours all in. If you fancy eating in one of the World’s highest restaurants then the ambient “3842″, is the place to be seen in. But there are plenty of cafes and snack bars around and the station even has its own stamp and post-box.

Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, France by Guillaume Baviere

Montenvers railway

The Montenvers Railway  has the distinction of being the first specialist tourist attraction in the valley, opening in 1908. Enjoy lovely views as the train works its way up the sides of the Aiguilles de Chamonix eventually reaching a height of just under 2000 metres. Known as ‘the little rack railway’, It’s now one of the most popular attractions in Chamonix with the station balanced on a rocky ridge overlooking the Mer de Glace glacier, the largest of its type in France.

Ice Caves

Once you have ridden the Montenvers train to the top, a short cable car ride will take you to the Ice Grotto or caves where you can see some wonderful sculptures made out of ice and fascinating caves. There’s also an animal museum and exhibition of extraordinary mountain crystals. But remember there are more than 300 steps from the lift to the cave entrance.  A return trip for an adult will cost just under 28 Euros and you can buy a family package for just under 83 Euros.

Climbing Mont Blanc

If you’re extremely fit and fancy an exciting challenge then even without much experience you can still climb the White Mountain. There are specialist companies who will quickly train you in all the necessary skills to make a climb alongside a vastly experienced guide. This means everyone can climb at their own pace. You can spend time acclimatising in unique mountainside huts and then have three nights to make the ascent. You’ll need to research the companies thoroughly to get the best deals and the package best for your needs. The main ascent day is quite tough involving 1600m of height gain though you’re roped up and won’t have to use your hands much at all. Normally spread over  12 hours, the feeling of achievement is reported to be simply fantastic. This will generally cost you just under 2,000 Euros for the experience of a lifetime. But remember, weather conditions can change rapidly here so flexibility on timescales is key to a successful summit.

Soaring east face of Mont Blanc du Tacul by Masa Sakano

So there we have it. Exciting visitor attractions set alongside some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. The area around Chamonix is not only fabulously French but tantalisingly tasty when it comes to exhilarating activities.

Convinced and fancy a trip to the famous Chamonix? Being located only 100km from Geneva International Airport organising a Geneva to Chamonix transfer has never been easier than it is with Chamonixfirst. With door to door collections and drop offs this is the best way to make traveling to Chamonix from Geneva Airport simple. Alternatively Chamonix is only an 8 hour drive from Calais if you would like to indulge in the scenic drive through rural France.

The post The Top Visitor Attractions In Stunning Chamonix Mont Blanc appeared first on Europe Explored.

Hence, the annual commemoration of Mardi gras is no exception, as it presents everything from feasts to parades! Literally meaning ‘Fat Tuesday’ in English, Mardi gras is known so since it takes place on the Tuesday that falls shortly prior to Ash Wednesday (the Wednesday that marks the onset of the Lent period, where Christians of all denominations observe sessions of fasting for the following 40 days i.e. till Easter Sunday). Since Lent emphasizes on religious virtues, a grand carnival is organized a day before for one and all!

Mardi gras (Carnival), Marseille, France by Say-Mars-Say-Yeah

Apart from the fun and games, what’s most interesting about this colourful carnival is its diversified history that led to its origin! The story goes –

• That a festival resembling the new-generation Mardi gras was organized every year somewhere during mid-February by the ancient Romans during the second century AD (before the settlement of Catholicism in Europe).

• Once Christianity was established, church priests decided that integrating this particular festival in synchronization to the religious agenda would deem suitable for all individuals, providing a means of enjoyment prior to observing Lent.

So, here we are! Ever since then Mardi gras is dedicatedly celebrated to cheer up the lives of many a person! If you closely observe the flamboyant parades that generally take place in most leading French cities during this season, some traits are common, such as –

• Flaunting a fattened ox in due course of the processions to signify delightfully succulent meaty treats!

• The three primary colours denoting a ‘mascot’ for Mardi gras: purple (for justice), green (for faith) and gold (for power). The finest of outfits and accessories donned by performers, especially masks are seen to be crafted with these three shades!

Due to the rise in popularity of Mardi gras in France, this festival slowly gained recognition in the American state of Louisiana too – primarily in its city of New Orleans. How exactly Mardi gras was introduced to America is not exactly known, for there were arrays of different tales in reference to it. Some say that in 1699, a French explorer named Sieur d’Iberville set up camp 60 miles south of New Orleans and introduced Mardi gras to its local natives. More folklore narrates that a bunch of students who had returned from Paris to Louisiana in 1827 paraded around the streets clad in costumes of purple, green and gold, and hence won the hearts of neighbouring residents, who then began to follow suit.

Needless to say, no matter how, when, why and where Mardi gras originated, the fact that it’s a festival enjoyed by all is enough to consider to keep its tradition going on for generations to come!

Author’s Bio

Megan Tyler  is a journalist and a veteran content writer. She has experience in copywriting and journalism. Presently she is exploring and writing on various subjects but at the moment appended with  Holiday in Namibia.

The post Mardi Gras – Pomp, Gaiety, Splendour! appeared first on Europe Explored.

There are over 3800 historic monuments in Paris, and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It would take a lifetime to discover all these incredible locations but if all you’ve got is a weekend never fear. Most of the major Parisian draws are located in the relatively small city centre, and the ones that aren’t are easy to reach on public transport.

Paris at sunset, France by Oh Paris

We’ve drawn up a rough itinerary to help you make the most of your long weekend in Paris.

Choosing your accommodation

Paris has a great public transport system – and a fantastic metro network so navigating the city couldn’t be easier. That said, you’ll still want to make the most of your trip by choosing a location that puts you right in the heart of the action. There is no shortage of Places to stay in and around central Paris that will put you near some of best attractions and transport links so you shouldn’t have any problem finding convenient accommodation.

Friday: Settling in and enjoying some culture

Afternoon:

After checking in you’ll want to relax into your weekend so take it easy on your first day. A gentle stroll down the Champs-Elysees is the perfect start. Streets don’t get much more famous than this so take your time and mix up a bit of shopping with relaxing in the many grassy areas along the way. Make for the Arc de Triumph and if you feel up to it, ascend the memorial for some great views across the city.

Evening:

The Parisian arts scene is one of the finest in the world and on your first night you should dive in with a trip to the Paris Opera. There are plenty of great restaurants nearby where you can eat either before or after your show but as soon as you’ve finished, head to the nearby Harry’s Bar for cocktails.

Champs-Elysees, Paris, France by Serge Melki

Saturday: Seeing the big sights

Morning:

Start off by heading to the Eiffel Tower – the earlier the better. This iconic landmark draws big visitor numbers and has the queues to prove it. Fit travellers can beat the pack by choosing the much less popular stairs route up one of the structure’s legs – although to get to the very top you’ll still have to take a lift. The view from the top is spectacular so remember your camera. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head to the nearby Café de L’Alma where you can enjoy a delicious Parisian lunch in elegant surroundings.

Afternoon:

The Palace of Versailles and its gardens represent one of the most beautifully conceived structures in the world and are well worth making the short trip from Paris to see. Head to either the Montparnasse or Saint Lazare stations to get your train and be prepared to see unparalleled elegance and sumptuous splendour.

Evening:

When you’re back in Paris make for the Montmartre districts, one of the more bohemian locations in the city and home to the famous Moulin Rouge. This area up on the hill is also home to the famous Sacre Cour church – which offers splendid views across Paris. When the light show at the Eifel Tower starts to sparkle you’ll understand why this is such a magical city.

Palace of Versailles park, Paris, France by Leo-setä

Sunday: Art and history

Morning:

First thing to do is to head to the most famous of the many museums and galleries that grace the streets of Paris. The Louvre is home to a remarkable collection of works which includes the Mona Lisa and Venus di Milo. Join the crowds checking out these and the multitude of other remarkable works on display. After you’ve finished with the Louvre (and it may take a while!) head to Notre Dame for some gargoyle-spotting. After you’ve had a good look at the inside and exterior of this remarkable building cross the Seine and head for some food in one of the restaurants that fill the maze-like streets of the Latin Quarter.

Afternoon:

More artistic attractions await in the afternoon so head back across the Seine and make for the astonishing architecture of the Centre Pompidou. This modern masterwork of a building represents a building turned inside out with the pipes, lifts and escalators of the museum all attached to the outside of the building. Inside you’ll find the biggest collection of modern art in Europe.

Evening:

After you’ve enjoyed seeing the art of modernity head for an evening dinner boat tour on the Seine. You’ll get to enjoy good food while travelling along one of the most famous rivers in the world. It’s the perfect way to round off the trip and will give you some fantastic memories to carry home with you.

Are you tempted by a trip to Paris? Where would you visit?

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