PARIS TRAVEL BOOKS

But there are more ingredients in the city mix, more viewpoints. It is estimated that 20% of the two million people living in central Paris are immigrants. In the North African strongholds of Belleville and La Goutte d’Or, men in bars sup sugary mint tea and puff on water pipes. The Parisian rap and hip hop scene is vibrant and thriving. Restaurants serve couscous, tagine and sticky pastries against a background of ra? music. The picture of Paris as a multicultural paradise is not the whole story but most second-generation immigrants consider themselves, primarily, French.

BOOK HOTEL ROOMS IN PARIS

Paris Video Guide

Eiffel Tower Video Guide

Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower)
Paris just wouldn’t be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world’s tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built; many considered it an eyesore and wanted it pulled down, but today it is one of the world’s most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs, and lifts take visitors to the magnificent view at the top. Admission (elevator to the top): Adults EUR11; Children EUR6.

Louvre Auditorium Video Guide

Louvre Auditorium
Distinguished architect I. M. Pei has constructed this 450-seat, oak paneled auditorium. It fuses state-of-the-art audiovisual technology with world-class architecture evolving into one of the Louvre’s grandest structures. The auditorium offers a multitude of programs including lectures, concerts, and exhibitions. Children are also catered to as this space was originally intended to introduce young ones to the museum’s famous collections.

Musee d’Orsay Video Guide

Musee d’Orsay
Nearly 2.5 million visitors each year come to see the largest collection in the world of impressionist artwork, found in the splendid Musee d’Orsay. The building itself, called the Gare d’Orsay, was built for the World’s Fair of 1900. During the Second World War, it was used to welcome freed prisoners. Once the train station (the Gare) fell into disuse and the adjacent hotel closed down in 1973, the building was threatened with demolition. However, it was decided to instead transform the building’s function to house a collection of art from the second half of the 19th century. It was inaugurated in 1986 under the governance of François Mitterand.

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur Video Guide

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur
This Romano-Byzantine basilica overlooks Montmartre, one of Paris’s most picturesque districts. Its distinctive dome rising up over the rooftops, the basilica offers the perfect vantage point from which to survey the city. Inside, the mosaic of Christ and the crypt are of particular interest. Commissioned by the Catholic Church, construction began in 1875 under the watchful eye of architect Paul Abadie, and was finally completed in 1914. Admission: (basilica) free

Arc de Triomphe Video Guide

Arc de Triomphe
The arch is a site of memories, current events and celebrations. The lists of the dead will move you. And the cars that drive around the monument will terrify you! Standing in a direct line between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Defense , the monument links the past with the present and offers amazing views. A truly impressive landmark, 50 meters high and 45 meters wide, Paris would not be Paris without it! Admission is EUR7.

Musee Rodin Video Guide

Musee Rodin
This is where Auguste Rodin spent the last years of his life, from 1908 to 1917. Since then, his superb sculptures and private art collection have been housed here. There are a number of sculptures in the garden, including his best-known piece, the Thinker. Trees provide welcome shade and the benches placed beneath make these peaceful surroundings the perfect spot for meditation and relaxation. An annex to this museum - the Villa des Brillants, which the artist bought in 1895 - is located in Meudon.

Centre Pompidou Video Guide

Centre Pompidou
Commonly known as the Beaubourg, this distinctive building was commissioned in 1968 by the then President Georges Pompidou, and opened in 1977. Most Parisians were initially shocked by its unconventional ‘inside out’ architectural style: air conditioning, escalators and lifts are all on the outside, giving the interior unparalleled freedom. Extensively refurbished in the late 1990s, the centre is home to the Musee National d’Art Moderne and the Bibliothèque Publique d’Information (BPI) as well as temporary exhibitions, cinemas, and other attractions. All-inclusive museum admission: EUR10 Adults; EUR8 Reduced. Hours vary for individual attractions.

Conciergerie Video Guide

Conciergerie (La)
Situated in a part of the Palais de Justice (Law courts), the Conciergerie became Paris’ first prison in 1391. Behind its medieval façade are reconstructions of cells, the 14th century Salle des Gardes (Guardroom), the Salle des Gens d’Armes (Arms room), which is a fine example of Gothic architecture, the Cour des Femmes, where the prisoners took their daily walk, and the Bonbec Tower in which they were interrogated. During the French Revolution, almost 3,000 people were locked up in these dungeons; one of them is a reconstruction of the cell in which Queen Marie-Antoinette awaited her fate at the guillotine. Several other famous prisoners were entertained here, including Charlotte Corday (politician Jean-Paul Marat’s assassin in 1793), chemist Antoine de Lavoisier and poet Andre Chenier.

Avenue des Champs-Élysees Video Guide

Avenue des Champs-Élysees
Stretching for two kilometers and lined with trees, les Champs-Elysees has become the center for festivities and official parades. It is a magnet for tourists and for the multitudes who enjoy evenings spent strolling along the broad and picturesque avenue. The many cinemas, cafes, and restaurants tempt visitors to rest their legs for a few hours, tired from walking by the designer boutiques, banks, and embassies also situated in this chic neighborhood. The avenue was originally created in 1667 by Andre Le Nôtre, Louis XIV’s gardener, in order to improve the view from the Jardin des Tuileries . The avenue was lenghtened at the end of the 18th century, to run from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe .

Disneyland Resort Paris Video Guide

Disneyland Resort Paris
The Disneyland Resort Paris offers an astonishing array of activities to keep visitors busy throughout their stay. Hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightclubs, live entertainment, and sports facilities are all part of the Resort in case enough time is left after the main attraction: Disneyland Park, where families can enjoy already-famous and brand-new rides, and meet their favorite Disney characters for an autograph and a picture. Disney characters also roam Walt Disney Studio Park, where attractions demonstrate what happens behind the scenes to create favorite Disney movies, such as animation techniques, special effects and stunts, or live-action shooting. To round out the day and continue into the night, Disney Village of the Disneyland Resort offers even more attractions, including a games arcade, a concert venue, a nightclub, a cinema showing new releases, and an IMAX theater. 68 restaurants, found throughout both Parks and Disney Village, offer fast-food or sit-down service, ice cream and pizza parlors, to experience a variety of world cuisines. Special events, ticket packages, and shows throughout the Resort and throughout the year make Disneyland a spectacular destination anytime.

THE BEST HOTEL IN PARIS

Hotel Ritz, Paris Video Guide

Hotel Ritz, Paris
Located in the stylish Place Vendôme, this exclusive hotel was built in 1898 by Hardouin-Mansart (who designed the Palace of Versailles), and has always attracted a glittering and glamorous clientele. Coco Chanel, creator of the famous brand, and writer Ernest Hemingway were regular guests; the latter is reputed to have said he hoped heaven would be as good as the Ritz! Its interior is richly decorated throughout with Louis XVI furniture, marble fireplaces and chandeliers.

The Westin Paris Video Guide

The Westin Paris, Paris
The Westin Paris is a luxury property situated across from the Tuileries Gardens, walking distance from the Louvre Museum, approximately 16 miles from Paris Orly Airport and 22 miles from Charles De Gaulle Airport. Local attractions include the Champs-Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe.

Hotel Raphael, Paris Video Guide

Hotel Raphael, Paris
Entering Hotel Raphael one discovers the atmosphere of a private club. Walnut paneling and generous seating areas line the wide gallery, hung with art and carpeted with Oriental rugs. Rococo describes the ambience of the high-ceilinged guest rooms, furnished with Regency, Louis XV, Louis XVI, Empire, and Directoire antiques, yet thoughtfully appointed with satellite television, direct-dial telephone with voice mail and modem port. Within the sight of the Arc de Triomphe, and near the Avenue Champs-Elysies and the elegant Avenue Foch, Hotel Raphael is a blend of opulence and discretion.

Best Western Premier Video Guide

Best Western Premier Au Manoir Saint Germain De Pres, Paris
The 4 Star Best Western Premier Au Manoir Saint Germain De Pres hotel, near the Louvre and Orsay Museum, in the heart of the Saint Germain des Pr??s district, Hemingway’s Paris, with its galleries, antique shops and fashion boutiques, couldn’t be better located for guest who want to take full advantage of a visit to Paris.

THE BEST RESTUARANT IN PARIS

Spicy Video Guide

Spicy
Spicy is a testament to a great family dining experience. A non-smoking area, entertainment for children, a terrace, and private car park are some of the services offered. Animals are also allowed. The varied menu will keep everybody satisfied. Be sure to try the Sunday brunch.

Mandala Ray Video Guide

Mandala Ray
Owned by actors Johnny Depp, Sean Penn and John Malkovich, this bar-restaurant just minutes from the Champs Élysees has all the majesty of a Buddhist temple. Cancio Martins’ lavish decor and the trendy nouvelle cuisine on offer have made it a favourite with the Parisian jet set. Chill out afterwards on comfortable floor cushions around the equally extravagant bar on the mezzanine level. There’s sushi, seafood and grilled meat on offer at this bustling night spot.

La Fontaine de Mars Video Guide

Fontaine de Mars (La)
Old is truly gold. La Fontaine de Mars, with its old chequered tablecloths, lacy curtains and wooden doors, retains the old world charm. The ambience is cozy and warm, serving authentic French food. Get a taste of Parisian delights by digging into the Cassoulet or Meuniere. For dessert, tantalize your taste buds with Iles Flottantes. And after dinner, a wine is always welcome. Try the Chinon here. However, the items are a little expensive, so don’t forget to carry your credit cards.