Paris

Paris is probably the most romantic city in the world, it’s as if it wants couples to be in love here, and indeed fall in love. Every street corner has a story to tell.

Paris at night, France by agaw.dilim

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a magnificent sight 81 metres high and nearly 150 metres long, with an even more impressive interior, its vaulted ceiling disappearing 38 metres into the gloom.

The building is the famous location of Victor Hugo’s tragic tale The Hunchback of Notre Dame. You’ll have a tremendous view of the whole city from the dizzying heights of the Eiffel Tower’s observation deck more than 270 metres up. Did you know than a quarter of all European visitors to the tower live in France?

Some Parisians will argue that the better view of the city is from the steps of the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.

On a hill in the north of the city the view on a nice day is spectacular, but the district is more famous as the hangout of artists and thinkers – most notably Renoir, Toulous Lautrec, Modigliani and Picasso.

And don’t forget the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, with pride of place in the Louvre.

There are Metro stops everywhere, so you’ll never have to walk to each stunning location.

Venice

It just wouldn’t right to go to Venice and not to take a ride on a gondola. It might be a bit of a stereotype, but can you think of a better way to see the world’s most famous canal city?You can even have your very own personal serenade as you glide along the water.

Canal Grande, Venice, Italy by admin

Some of Italy’s most important art is in Venice with works but the city’s great masters – including Titan, Carpaccio and Tintoretto – on display at the Gallerie dell’Accademia.

The evening is a beautiful time in the city, when at certain times of year the setting sun casts a pink glow over the city, as Venetians flock to their favourite bars for an evening aperitivo before a sumptuous meal.

Duck away from the major tourist spots, where you’ll pay a fortune for a slice of pizza of plate of antipasti, and you’ll come across some hidden gems where your taste buds will love you for the rest of your life.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is hugely popular with Brits skipping through the Channel Tunnel for a long weekend. It’s a vibrant city with the perfect mix of culture to keep you busy all day, and a nightlife that will exhaust you until morning.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Chris Yunker

Arriving at the Central Station you are right in the heart of the city, just a few steps from Dam Square, surrounded on all sides by the city’s most important buildings – the Royal Palace (which was briefly the home Napoleon Bonaparte when Amsterdam was the Third City of the Empire); the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), one of the most visited exhibition spaces in Holland, and the National Monument to commemorate the victims of World War Two.

The most famous of these victims is Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who hid for two years in with her family and four other people.

Canal tours are the best ways to see the city, with stops that include Van Gogh Museum.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.eurostar.com

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Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

This has been the symbol of Catholic dominance in France. It is referred as the “Cathedral of the Nation” and its majestic medieval architecture still stands tall in Paris. It has been captured and features several times because of its dazzling sunset and morning images reflecting Seine.

Distinguishing Features

1. Gothic Style
2. Spiral Staircase
3. Intricate Gargoyles
4. Immortalized thanks to the Hunchback of Notre Dame Story
5. Grand view of Paris and Seine River

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France by Abir Anwar

Strasbourg Cathedral

This is named as the second highest cathedral in France. It was the fusion of several masters in action. The west area was created by Master Erwin of Steinbach, the north tower by Ulrich von Ensingen, while the openwork wire is the creation of Johannes Hoeltz. It needed almost two decades of completion including the interesting ornaments and statues.

Distinguishing Features

1. referred as the Temple of Reason
2. astrological clock made by Schwilgue
3. combined Romanesque and Gothic architecture
4. towering height of 142 meters that huddles with medieval houses

Strasbourg Cathedral, France by notfrancois

Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Nice is a beauty in itself, but the Russian Orthodox Cathedral will give you a glimpse of the strong connection between Nice and Russia during the early 20^th century. You will notice several Russians occasionally flying in to this place because of the direct flight from Moscow that is allowed at Nice Airport.

It may look like Disneyland because of its domes, but this is a religious architecture revered by many. Remember to dress appropriately if you do wish to explore it because strict dress code is implemented by management.

Distinguishing Feature

1. impressive Russian Orthodox architecture
2. five colored domed cupolas
3. hidden jewel in the greens of Nice
4. superb frescoes, paintings, and icons

Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice, France by Steve Cadman

The Cathedral of Rodez

Although this cathedral is less known, it is worth visiting during your stay in France. It is located in an old hill; its red hued sandstone can easily be spotted from afar. Your eyes will be captivated by the surrealism in the west façade, the main bell tower. There is still more discover when you decide to include it in your itinerary and there is no reason why you wouldn’t enjoy your stay.

Distinguishing Feature

1. unusual west façade featuring late gothic window juxtaposed the confection above
2. bizarre positioning of the main bell tower
3. elegant interior combined with medieval choir stalls, misericords, and carvings

The Cathedral of Rodez, France by B. Carlson

Cathedrals of today have been transformed into museums. Although some still hold religious ceremonies, its main appeal has been its arts and architectures. Enjoy your travel in France and find cheap deals that will help you save big time.

About the Author: Shaiya Ong is a freelance writer, philosopher, art appreciator, poet, and friend. She enjoys sharing her thoughts on numerous things in relation to www.frenchairportguide.com.

The post Astonishingly Beautiful Cathedrals in France appeared first on Europe Explored.

Yes, there was an educational aspect to the long weekend, or week if you were really lucky, but for the most part it was great fun just heading abroad to a new and exciting city.

So, what are the best destinations for a school trip to Europe?

Paris

When you’re young (or even as an adult) Paris is one of the most enchanting cities of the world. It has a well-deserved reputation as a city of romance, art, music and culture.

Paris, France by Trey Ratcliff

While the romance will be strictly off the cards for the youngsters they will all have heard of the magnificent Eiffel Tower; erected in 1889 and standing 320 metres tall it is the most recognised icon of Paris, and indeed France.

Not far from here is the Louvre, Paris’ stunning, not to mention enormous museum and of course the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, her curious smile put to canvas more than 500 years ago.

Don’t forget Notre-Dame Cathedral, the centre point of Victor Hugo’s famous tale “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and the resting place of the Unknown Soldier, the Arc de Triomphe.

As the first major destination once you’ve passed through the Channel Tunnel, Paris is by far the most popular, but don’t forget about the next two great cities.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a fabulous city, made up of 90 islands created by miles of canals, with 1,280 bridges connecting them all together.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by MorBCN

The best way to see the city is by canal tours which stop at all of the major landmarks. One of the most famous stories of World War Two is The Diary of Anne Frank, a German-born girl who sadly didn’t survive the war following her arrest in 1944 when her family and four other Jewish families were discovered hiding in a cramped house. The house in now a museum, a testament to Anne and all of those who didn’t survive.

An impressive stop that must not be missed is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Built in 1855, citizens of the city were so impressed by its grandeur they declared it the eighth wonder of the world. It was once even home to the French king Louis Napoleon.

Brussels

It might be famous as the home of the European Parliament, but for literature fans out there you’ll be more excited by its connection to Hergé and his famous creation, the intrepid journalist Tintin.

The city is festooned with tributes to Belgium’s most famous cartoon character. There are walks, statues, museums, and even hotels that pay tribute in some way. Check out this list of Tintin related sights and landmarks.

Of course, let’s not forget that other thing that Belgium is famous for, and a favourite of children, chocolate! In November 2012 is the first Belgian Chocolate Fair, which will be kicking off Chocolate Week, how can you resist?

These cities are great for children of all ages you get a real taste of (chocolate) and exciting European cultures.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.eurostar.com

The post Three Great European Cities for School Trips appeared first on Europe Explored.

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of those iconic landmarks in the world, built 1,063 feet into the sky it dominates the Parisian skyline, meaning you can almost always see it from around the city. With tickets to the very top floor at €14.00 and to the second floor at €8.50, obviously discounts do apply to concessions and children. I would recommend going to the very top as it is a really breath-taking view.

Skyline – Paris, France at night by Jim Trodel

2. Musée d’Orsay

Arguably not as famous as its brother Le Louvre, Musée d’Orsay is just as fantastic with stunning artwork by Manet, Rousseau, Klimt Renoir and Monet to name just a few. They also have impressive, architecture, photography and sculpture’s, including a personal favourite of mine Degas’ ‘Small Dancer Age 14’. One of the most arresting features of the, Musée d’Orsay is the beautiful clock that hangs in the centre of the far wall as you enter the museum. It is a reminder that it used to be a station until 1939 and you can just imagine thousands of people looking up at it to make sure that they were on time.

3. Notre Dame

Another popular Paris tourist attraction is Notre Dame; I first came to know about it whilst watching Disney’s film ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ when I was young. Obviously that story was based upon the book by Victor Hugo, but you still get the feeling among the Gothic facades that a unknown creature could live at the top among the bells. The Gargoyles that surround the structure eerily look down at you and it makes for a chilling, but amazing experience. When you enter Notre Dame you get the overwhelming sense of being very small and insignificant in the vast building, you can’t quite believe that it was finished being built in 1345 (they started building it in 1163!)

4. The River Seine

Admittedly this isn’t just a Paris attraction as the River Seine flows for 776km; however it is one of my favourite ways to see Paris from a boat cruising along the River. There are various ports dotted up and down the Seine or you can go in a circular motion from the same point, it’s a fun way to travel instead of walking or using the Metro.

5. Montmartre

The point at which the Sacre Coeur is located, Mont Martre is a great place to wander the streets taking in the art shops, cafés and Parisian ambience. When I went we sat in a café and watched while a fantastic blues band pitched up suddenly next to an art shop and listened to the fantastic music all whilst enjoying a cup of coffee. Its moments like that, which will stay with you forever and make your trip to Paris fantastic!

Bio: Phoebe is a Freelance journalist from London and loves to travel around Europe and the US.

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