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Paree! - Travel To Paris by Frank Johnson
Not only is it the capital of
France, Paris has accumulated a laundry list throughout history of self-proclaimed
and well-worn titles that place Parisians in a class of their own. Paris
is a haven for love and romance, the disputed epicenter of cutting-edge
fashion, a global culinary capital, the motherland of fine arts and let
us not forget the self-given accolade of an elite culture.
| The streets of Paris, particularly
on spring or summer evenings, are an enchanting mosaic of clanking wine
glasses, aromatic espresso and impassioned chatter against a background
of softly lit cobblestone. The sprawling metropolis requires careful exploration
to properly digest its enticing blend of traditional classy charm and progressive
hyper-modernism.
Top to Bottom: Paris at
an Angle
An array of sights and attractions
offer unique views of Paris from above and, yes, below. The Notre Dame,
constructed in the 12th century, offers a spectacular panoramic view of
Paris' skyline from an intriguing, if not distracting, setting situated
387 steps up the north tower. The gargoyles perched around the roof of
the cathedral range from haunting and ferocious to contemplative and watchful.
In the Montmartre quarter, climb the hill culminating at the Basilique
du Sacré Coeur and push through another 234 steps to the top of
the cathedral's dome. This southerly view of Paris is coveted by visitors,
locals and artists alike.
While atop Montmartre Hill,
stroll through the artists' sidewalk displays until you come across the
entrance to the underground Salvador Dali Museum. Descend the staircase
and enter the twisted and fascinating surreal world of Dali's rarer sketches,
sculptures and paintings including a humorous caricature of Picasso, the
artist's contemporary rival. If musty, dark underground passages and 6
million skeletons don't faze you, then cross the Seine and descend an unassuming
spiral staircase into the Empire of the Dead, the Catacombs of Paris. Most
visitors assume the Catacombs are a haunted spiritual shrine of sorts,
but this underground burial place was simply Paris' way of solving a problem
of overflowing cemeteries in 1785. Strange patters out of skulls can be
found in the arrangements of bones that line the passageways 7 feet high
on either side. |
 
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A Little Level Ground
Once you've come up for air,
a refreshing stroll through Champs Elysées may be needed. The beautiful
gardens that stretch out from the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe are surrounded
by one of the most popular shopping districts in Paris. Lalique Crystal
and Louis Vuitton adorn the store windows between decadent chocolate and
pastry shops.
At night, venture into the
Bastille quarter where swanky lounges and chic bars line the winding avenues.
Enjoy a fresh made crepe from a street vendor or sit down in a romantic
restaurant for garlicky escargot and tender Steak au Poivre paired with
the best house wine you've ever had. |
Although detractors may sniffle
over the Parisian attitude, any display of gratitude and an attempt at
French will earn overwhelming hospitality. Embrace Paris with a willing
heart and the city of wine and cheese will swallow you whole.
top
For accommodation in France,
visit All Europe
Accommodation
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About the Author: For more
information on international travel and discount airfare to Paris, visit
www.cfares.com, your
source for cheap airfare on the web. |
