The City Of Love
French kissing, the Eiffel Tower, french kissing. Paris is the city of love, the city of lights and the city of lovely architecture.
There is no question about it, that unmistakable twinkle of excitement and desire. Each and every one of us is, quite frankly, unable to resist it; we all want a piece of the sweet French delicacy. Lovers flock in anticipation to the most popular tourist destination in the world, hoping to find their own little piece of magic and Perth Woman
alls in love all over again finding out why...
City of Lights
There is, of course, a reason why Paris is called La Ville Lumiere - The City of Lights. This is a name it owes not only to its fame as a centre of bright ideas and inspirational education but more so its early adoption of street lighting. As daylight fades over the French capital, lights flicker on to illuminate this sparkling city. The River Seine carries dancing reflections from Paris' ornate street lamps that shine from the river banks and bridges. The remarkable monuments that merely glow during the day simply explode with light at night. At the western end of the Champ-Elysees, the luminous le Arc de Triomphe, standing nearly 50 metres tall, radiates all the splendour and magnificence it should. And while the Eiffel Tower still ranks as the top pick during the day, undeniably the awesome Arc is the neon cherry on the top of the night-time Parisian cake.
There is, of course, a reason why Paris is called La Ville Lumiere- The City Of Lights. This is a name it owes not only to its fame as a centre of bright ideas and inspirational education.
Alluring Architecture
There are so many major monuments and delectable buildings around the city you'd be hard pressed not to fall for their glorious design. Paris was for centuries a labyrinth of a place, muddled together by narrow streets and little timber houses. In 1852, Baron Haussmann's 'modernisation' and introduction of vast neo-classical urbanisation transformed Paris into the city it is today; the wide avenues lined with imposing stone buildings. The streets are lined with wonderful architecture inspired by a plethora of eras and art movements from Rococo to Art Nouveau to Bourgeois. Marvel at the triumphant fountain of the Trocadero and Palais de Chaillot. Recall Nicole Kidman as Satine in 'Moulin Rouge' as you wander through dramatic Montmartre. Take in the sublime vistas of the Roman Catholic Sacre Coeur Basilica and its citywide panorama then hop aboard a boat and sail past the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. Of course, who could forget the iconic symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower? Give one another a helping hand up the 700-odd steps to the second level for impressive views or opt to just to let your eyes roll upwards, drinking in the soaring structure. Either way it's a bombardment of architectural eye candy.
Haute Couture
Paris, known as the capital of French fashion and of the world, is also home to Haute Couture, French for 'high dressmaking'. Haute couture refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted fashions. Being a protected name that can be used only by firms that meet certain well-defined guidelines it has become known throughout the world as the fashion standard. The phrase now is used more loosely in describing custom fitted, high-fashion clothing produced in Paris or other fashion capitals like Milan, London, Rome, New York and Tokyo. Traditionally, chic and stylish was the signature French style with couture houses Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent all delivering true French classics. Today's tourist can enjoy lavish browsing in Printemps for beautiful lingerie or wonder at the beautiful domed ceiling of stained glass at Gallery Lafayette. The Place Vendome has become the heart of luxury shopping and extravagance, famous too for its fashionable and deluxe hotels like the Ritz. Splurge in the many glamorous shops along the Avenue Montaigne and rue du Faubourg St-Honore and perhaps treat yourself to a little French design.
Art L'Amour
Only someone blinded by love could visit Paris and not see some of the world renowned art that resides there. The Louvre is the world's largest museum housing 35,000 pieces and home of the ultimate masterpiece, Mona Lisa. Sample a little expressionism, impressionism or modern art at the Musée d'Orsay or stop at the Musée Rodin for a posed photograph with your lover beside Rodin's sculpture The Kiss. Rather more modern is the Pompidou Centre which houses the National Museum of Modern Art; the glass-walled construction is a piece of art on its own. Venture further afield and to the Marais district where you'll discover the Musée Picasso, a superb gallery founded by Picasso's heirs and donated to the French state containing 3,000 original works of art by Pablo himself. Or how about Montparnasse? A thriving colony of artists and for the last 100 years since the first group of penniless painters gathered there as an alternative to the gritty, unrefined Montmartre. Coming together from all over the globe, this is where Dali and Degas kick-started their careers. Seeing the artists at work on the street and spotting a potential masterpiece, still wet on the easel would be the piece de resistance of your trip.
Strolling Hand in Hand
No matter in which season you visit Paris, it's the perfect city to stroll hand in hand. In a day, it's easy to wander the entire Rive Droite or Rive Gauche (right and left banks) of the River Seine. One undiscovered gem is the rue du Brouillard. It is known as the 'alley of mists'. It leads to the Chateau des Brouillards and passes by one of the two windmills left in Paris. Walking via the rue des Beaux Arts to cross the footbridge of the Pont des Arts is to find one of the most magical views of the city, with a panorama incorporating the Louvre, the Tuileries and the Musée d'Orsay. Historic Pont Neuf and the adjoining little square du Vert Galant is said to be where 'sweethearts love to linger' so join in and linger a while. French kissing is a must in Paris. The lovers' clinch in most French films is shot on a bridge, have you noticed? The reason is simple - it's quintessentially romantic. Find a location (there's 31 bridges over the Seine), set the scene (position yourselves in the centre) and action (get smooching!).
Du Fromage et du Vin
Paris certainly has magical qualities, it seems as though everything you do is shrouded in the glow of romance. Where else would queuing for an ice cream or eating a croissant seem as decadent and delicious? French cuisine is known the world over as the quintessential taste of love. The multitude of deluxe eateries is pure heaven for food-lovers alike. Aphrodisiacs are never sparse on the menus in Paris; be adventurous, order escargot to share, opt for a drizzle of truffle oil and if you're brave, ask for extra garlic! The sidewalk cafes, restaurants and bars on the streets of Paris carelessly spill out into squares and alleys. Sitting and watching the world go by as you sample the tasty morsels on the menu can swallow up the best part of any afternoon. Bon appetit!
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