Paris Around

Posts Tagged ‘Guide’

A trip to Paris is a dream come true for many of us. But the global financial crisis and shrinking value of many currencies versus the Euro may have you second guessing or even postponing that dream trip to Paris. But if you’re considering a destination that’s a little bit closer to home remember that familiarity and some inside knowledge is often the key to enjoying your vacation without breaking your budget. Paris is no different, so let’s take a look at the ways Parisians stretch their euros to enjoy the wonders of one of the most superlative cities the world has to offer

1. Free entry to museums and cathedrals

There are over 180 museums and monuments in Paris and many offer free entrance at specific times. All churches and cathedrals offer free admission (except for la Sainte Chapelle), but you may need to pay an extra fee to visit the crypts or climb the towers (e.g. Notre Dame Cathedral). Many major museums, including the big favorites such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin and Musée Picasso, offer free admission the first Sunday of every month. The same museums, plus many more, offer free admission daily to citizens of any nation of the European Union who are under 26 years old and to children and youths under 18 years old.

2. The Paris Museum Pass

Museum lovers who plan to visit lots of museums should buy the Paris Museum pass.  This pass allows unlimited entry to over 60 museums and monuments, including the Louvre Museum, Château de Versailles, the Musée d’Orsay, the Rodin Museum, the Picasso Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Sainte Chapelle. You can visit any number of participating museums, without waiting in line, during the pass’ period of validity (2,4, or 6 days). For anybody who’s planning to see a lot of museums during a short visit, time becomes an important factor. So one of the most attractive features of the Paris Museum Pass is the ability to visit museums without waiting in line to buy tickets.

3. Free concerts  Read more...

There are the obvious sights to see when on holiday in Paris with the family, such as the Eiffel Tower, but the there are numerous beautiful gardens situated throughout the city that are a great way to relax with a picnic and let the children enjoy themselves on the playgrounds.

Many gardens have pony or donkey rides along with merry-go-rounds such as the famous old one at the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is a great thrill for the young children, but for the harder to please teenagers there are specific areas for skating and even activities like table tennis at the Parc Andre-Citroen.

During the summer months Paris comes alive with lots of different festivals, fetes and shows which take place all over the city, and from puppet shows to fairs through to open air jazz concerts, there is going to be something to keep everyone amused.

Yet how about going to the beach?  Well Paris may not be near to the beach, but every year they create a beach scene on the banks of the River Seine called the Paris Plage where they bring in tonnes of sand and create activities such as volleyball courts and even have a floating swimming pool.

Thinking of the River Seine, why not take a trip down the river on one of the traditional bateau mouches long-boats and see the famous monuments like Notre Dame cathedral, and you could even opt to have lunch or dinner on board, yet the evening is a fantastic experience with the bridges and the Paris landmarks all lit up along the route.

Rather than using the metro, younger children would often prefer a bus ride and you could choose a site seeing tour on an open double decker bus that goes around the city, which is a lot more fun.  One particular firm called the l’Open Tour buses has four different routes where you can even get to see places like the Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

You cannot forget about walking along the Champs Elysees with its famous shops, but when those little legs get tired, the Häagen-Dazs ice cream house will be a delight for all members of the family.  Read more...

Paris Romance and culture:

With a stylish and multicultural population of just over 2 million Paris is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it’s easy to see why.

The left bank of the seine, the majestic river that runs through the center of the city is the perfect place for a romantic walk, especially in springtime; Paris in springtime is legendary for lovers.

Even going out for a cup of coffee is an event in Paris. You would never “slouch around” in a baggy old sweat suit in a city where style and elegance far supersede the bursting need for a shot of caffeine.

For a great cafe experience try going to the artists quarter where even now you are more likely to overhear a conversation on the views and opinions of Jean Paul Sartre, the famous philosopher, or the French impressionists than a discussion on the sport or other such, to the French, mundane subjects.

The haughtiness of French waiters is legendary, you will never be told to “have a nice day” in Paris cafes, but treat it as a part of your holiday experience and it all adds to the fun of the holiday.

A good place to go for a bit of peace and quiet if you still want to remain quite central is the Jardin de Luxembourg (Garden of Luxemburg), which allows a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the city while not taking you to far away from the main attractions.

The list of romantic and cultural attractions seems almost endless.

The Arc de Triomphe: a huge celebratory arch built by the French emperor Napoleon to celebrate his victories, and nearly finished before he met the British at Waterloo where things didn’t go quite so well.

Musee de Louvre; said to be the biggest museum in the world with 300,000 pieces of art including the “Mona Lisa” and 15 acres of exhibit rooms.

Basilique de Sacre-Coeur or Church of the sacred Heart; a beautiful cathedral set high on a hill wit breathtaking views of Paris and with artists and performers plying their trade at the front of the church.

The Pompidou Center: a temple to the modern in both it’s architecture which is some of the most radical you will see anywhere and it’s massive collection of modern art.  Read more...

Does your business or work make you travel a lot? Is laptop computer indispensable for your work, and your permanent companion? Does all your time go into making sure your laptop is fine or not when you are traveling? Is your laptop briefcase causing harm to your computer? If your answer is yes, then you must use laptop backpacks.

Choosing Laptop Backpacks

The following points must be considered while choosing your laptop backpack

• Security

• Size

• Accessory Space

• Material

• Style

Security

You need to make sure whether the backpack you are taking has enough protection. Protection can be in the form of cushions, or pads, etc. The role of these is to make sure it doesn’t get scratched; some part doesn’t get broken in case laptop is kept on, and/or, hits hard surfaces outside, or inside the backpack (other accessories/zippers etc).

Size

You need to pick the size according to laptop. The laptop should just fit into backpack, and there should be no empty space in the laptop compartment left. It ensures the safety of the laptop while you travel. If you try to fit your laptop in an under-sized backpack, the cushions won’t have any effect, as they will be pressed completely to make way for laptop. However, in an over-sized backpack, it will be free to move, and may hit any side, and get scratched, etc.

Accessory Space

Other than the laptop, there are other things also that need to be carried. The most important is the laptop charger. The other important thing is power cord. Other than that, some space for disks and pen drives etc are also needed. While charger and power cord space is must, laptop backpacks vary in the space for other small or big accessories. You should choose according to your need. It is also important that your accessories, especially diskettes stay safe.

Material

If you travel, there are chances that you travel to places where there is lot of rain. Also, there are other factors, which make choosing the material of your backpack very important. There is variety of material available, ranging from nylon and polyester to cotton and canvas to leather and faux leather. It depends on your usage, which material you want your bag to be made of.

Style  Read more...

Paris is France’s capital city and is located in the north of the country on the River Seine. The city is known for its romantic charm and atmosphere with gorgeous outdoor cafés, the scent of freshly baked croissants filling the area and stunning residents that are clothed in the most stylish fashions. Paris has a great history that is felt when within the city. The city also possesses amazing architecture, style and atmosphere that make being there a pleasurable experience.

Travelling There
Paris has a couple of airports that make flying there an easy option. It is also linked with excellent road and rail services. Euroline buses run constantly to and from the city in all directions. Ferries cross over from the UK to nearby ports for those who are looking to take there own car.

Accommodation
As Paris is such a large and popular city there is every type of accommodation available to suit all budgets. The only problem with accommodation is that you must book well in advance as the city gets busy with visitors, especially during fashion shows.

Eating & drinking
All of France is renowned for its cuisine and wines. Paris is one of the best places in the country to go out to restaurants. Parisians take their food seriously and tend to eat two sit-down meals a day. Restaurants, cafés and bars are found just about everywhere in Paris so you will always find something for your taste.

History
The city of Paris dates back to more than 2,000 years ago when it was first built. It developed into a metropolis after it was overruled by Julius Caesar in 52 BC. The city is linked to the French Revolution that saw the killing of thousands of people. Although Paris has a somewhat violent history, these days the city is a charming place to visit where many people fall in love in its wonderful atmosphere.

Sights and Must Sees
Paris is known for its magnificent architecture layout. If th interests you be sure to visit Sacré Coeur Basilica. It is located on the butte of Montmartre and provides wonderful views of the city. Also visit the Arch de Triomphe and the cathedrals of Notre Dame and Saint Denis as these are also very impressive to look at.  Read more...