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Tour through the Gems of the Louvre
In Paris, art has a name of its own. The Louvre is one of the world’s most-visited museums with 9.5 million yearly visitors, topping New York’s Metropolitan Museum. But it also does have a handicap: its colossal size makes it unmanageable. The Louvre harbors no more and no less than 35,000 works, from paintings, to sculpture and other valuable objects. So if you don’t have a lot of time to explore it, it’s best to go to the point and preselect the artworks you’d like to view.
The Towns of the Tour de France 2015
This year will see the 102nd edition of the Tour de France. The route starts in the city of Utrecht (the Netherlands) on July 4th, and ends, like every year, in Paris’ legendary Champs-Élysées, on July 26th. The cyclists will ride through a number of French towns internationally known for their cultural heritage. And so, this is our chance to introduce you to some of the gems of the French landscape. Rodez Rodez is located in the Midi Region, to the northwest of the city of Toulouse. Many of the town’s buildings are protected by the State for their historical or architectural value. Most of these buildings are in the old town, or Vieux-Rodez, like the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The town is eclectic, combining gothic, renaissance and baroque architectonic styles. Some other important sites include the Palais Épiscopal and the Saint-Amans Church, both listed among the town’s historical monuments. And these are but some of the features that have earned the town the label of City of Art and History. Arras You’ll find the town of Arras is in the Pas-de-Calais Region of Northern France. Arras is known for its two baroque squares, la Place des Héros and la Grand’Place, which together, form a unique architectural complex with its belfry and its citadel, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The town’s medieval streets attract tourists from all over Europe. Arras is also known as la ville fleurie (flower town) for its flowers. Abbeville The town of Abbeville, located in the department of Somme, in Northern France is known for its municipal theater, built in 1911 and listed among the...
The Paris Marathon guide
Paris, “Ville Lumière”, in just a few days thousands of people will wait at the Champs-Élysées, ready to run the Paris Marathon . On April 12th, the Paris Marathon provides a unique way of exploring the city, running the 42,195 meters that make up one of the most important and toughest races in the world. A total of 16,000 foreigners representing 140 countries, and over 50,000 runners will compete in the streets of the French city; some run for sporting glory, and many as an important personal feat. The backdrop to the race couldn’t be better; athletes will start at the world’s best known boulevard, the Champs-Élysées, and finish at Avenue Foch, passing through some of the French capital’s legendary sites. The most striking city in the world will be all theirs! Ready? The personal challenge of the race mixes in with the breathtaking views of the city. The mostly flat course of the race crisscrosses through the city’s key points. The Arc de Triumph will be the site of the Paris Marathon’s start line, from which runners will sprint down the Champs-Élysées towards the Place de la Concorde. Then, Rue de Rivoli, will lead these participants to the Place de la Bastille. Pacing differences will start to become obvious, and it will soon be time for the runners to have a drink and recharge, to withstand the remaining 35 kilometers. Around 12 kilometers into the race, runners will reach Versailles with its unrivaled views over Louis XIV’s abode. The Paris Marathon is the best time to see the city. The next course of the race will lead...
Plan your weekend break in Paris
If you’re yearning for a trip but your vacation doesn’t start until the month of August, we have a solution: a weekend short break to Paris. The City of Light offers a wide range of activities and something to suit everyone’s tastes and much more than just the Eiffel Tower and the Moulin Rouge. Does a little city break in Paris sound appealing? Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world and one of the most immortalized in both film and photography, but its charm remains immune to it all. So much so that it is still possible to visit some of the most magical places without having to worry about anything more than the closing times. Proof of this is the Père-Lachaise cemetery, which is a must for all lovers of French culture. Located in the heart of 20th arrondissement, it brings together some of the most important figures of the French cultural scene, including Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Eugène Delacroix, Molière or Édith Piaf. In addition, the cemetery also contains the tombs of international icons like writer Oscar Wilde and the legendary singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison. Another must-see place in Paris is Le Marais. Located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, it is one of the most fashionable areas of the city and the ideal place to take an evening stroll through the popular Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. It was inaugurated in 1612 to mark the marriage of King Louis XIII and Anne of Habsburg and its arcades are now filled with lively cafes, restaurants and art shops. The...
Paris, the City of Love
When someone refers to “the city of love,” there’s no doubt that Paris is the subject of the discussion. The French capital has accepted this phrase as their own, and the city has become the favorite destination for lovers. We’d like to take you on a tour of its beautiful streets. Although it can be hot, the city is beautiful in summer and ideal for that trip you’ve wanted to take for so long. Photo: Orange-umbrella Montmartre This quintessential bohemian district, also known as “the painters’ neighborhood,” is situated on a hill 130 meters high. The Sacre Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) is located at the top and overlooks small streets full of cozy outdoor cafes and galleries. After spending an afternoon walking around these streets, you can visit the Basilica and even climb to the top of the dome to see the city while the sun is setting if you have the time. At night you can explore the area around the Place Pigalle, which will add some spice to your trip. This is where you can find the legendary Moulin Rouge and several cabarets among the neon lights. Gardens of Paris There are many very lovely gardens in the city. We’ll start at the Jardin du Luxembourg, which was a museum of outdoor sculptures. In fact, you can admire a Rodin or Dalou, then take a break at the Medicis fountain or go to the pond in the center to sail one of the tiny boats. The Tuileries garden is also a good choice. The largest and oldest of the city gardens, it is located...
Internet in the Streets of Paris
If you got plenty of money to spare and don’t mind paying exorbitant roaming charges while traveling, this article may not be of interest to you. But if you´re like the vast majority of travelers whose need for Wi-Fi is almost as important as that for food, this article is a must-read. It is not always possible to disconnect completely from your daily life while on vacation, there are e-mails to check or write, or you want to find interesting places to visit or use social media to tell the world what a good time you’re having. In any case, if you travel to Paris you’ll no longer need to search around like crazy to find a place with Wi-Fi in order to get online. The city has installed 11 booths to call, use the Internet to send and receive e-mails, or simply find information about places of interest such as which restaurants are highly recommended or where to find one of those off-the-beaten-track bars we’ve recommended you visit. The use of the booth is limited to 10 minutes and best of all, it´s completely free! It is certainly easier to find places with Wi-Fi than it used to be, but you generally have to go into a venue and at least buy a drink to use it. These booths are located right on the street, so you can take advantage of them and save the battery of your smartphone for later, when you really need it. If you need more than 10 minutes, the machine gives you the option to pay for more time using your credit card....
Paris ABC’s (Part II)
Notre Dame: Immortalized by the great Victor Hugo, this is the most famous cathedral in the city. Located on the Île de la Cité, in the middle of the Seine, it is one of the icons of the city because of its impressive Gothic architecture and its inspirational bell tower. Orsay: A museum and a dock, both the most beautiful in the city. Located on the 7th Arrondissement of Paris, this is certainly one of the most beautiful places from which to admire the river and bridges that cross it. Père Lachaise: This is the most famous cemetery in the city. Why? Because there you’ll find the tombs of some of the most important figures in the history of France and the world, such as: Balzac, María Callas, Molière, Chopin, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde. via Jim Linwood Quai: In French, ‘Dock’. The quais go along the Seine River on both sides and are the perfect location for a romantic walk with our loved ones, especially at night, when the lights of the city illuminate the river. Roland Garros: This is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, which is held each spring at Roland Garros tennis stadium complex. This is where the top, male and female, players in the world compete to win one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport’s world. Seine: This is the famous river that crosses Paris. The river gives a special, romantic and melancholy atmosphere to the city; its bridges and docks are simply beautiful and without them, Paris would not be Paris. Tuileries: Paris has many parks and gardens,...
The ABC of Paris (Part I)
Amour (Love): Paris is definitely the city of love. It is a place where lovers decide to spend intimate days romanticism, which permeates the atmosphere of the entire city. Boulevard: This is France’s most symbolic type of road. Boulevards adorned by trees and buildings of great architectural value, make Paris one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Can-can: It would be a crime to come to Paris and miss a Can-can performance. It is possible to witness one of these energetic music-hall dances in the many cabarets in Paris, especially in the ones located in Montmartre. This has been a Parisian tradition for centuries. Défense: One can admire remarkable skyscrapers, which make up the economic and financial landscape of the city, at Défense. This is definitively, Paris most modern district. A panoramic photo of Paris’ skyline from this area would be a nice memory of your holidays in the city. via LaurPhil Eiffel: This is, perhaps, the most famous name in the French capital. Gustave Eiffel was the one who designed the famous iron tower that has become an icon, not only of the city, but one of the most famous in the world. Fashion: Paris is a famous Fashion Capital. The French capital hosts multiple Fashion events, such as Fashion Weeks, which supported by the most recognized fashion brands in the world, influence International Fashion trends. If you love fashion, Paris is your city. Gainsbourg, Serge: This French musician, poet artist and actor, composed Paris’ soundtrack in the 60s and 70s. It is impossible to walk around Paris and not to think of his music. Halles:...
Bastille Day or Fête Nationale
June 14 is the Bastille Day or Fête Nationale and Paris dresses for the occasion. For those visiting the city this day becomes memorable because you may feel and experience the pride of the Parisians for its history, since it recalls the French Revolution and the end of the monarchy. July 14, like every year, Parisians gather to watch the parade live or on television. The parade led by the highest political authority, with foreign authorities invited, takes place during the morning at the Champs-Elysée. As every year, the show opens with the presentation of the cadets of the Ecole Polytechnique de Saint Cyr, École Navale. What is most striking is the overflight of aircraft of the Patrouille de France, leaving smoke trails in the air with the colors of the French flag. While this day is commemorated in a very political way, as the President may pardon convicts and meets with the press, in addition to a party in the gardens of the Palais de l´Elysée, the normal citizen participates in different festivals, decorating his home with tricolor banners and preparing to watch the fireworks. It´s called Bastille Day because July 14, 1789 the people of Paris over took the prison which was located in the Bastille, wich the symbol of the despotic reign of Louis XVI, marking the beginning of the French Revolution and of wishes fror Freedom , Equality and Fraternity which are symbolized in the three stripes of the French flag. On August 26, 1789 the Constituent Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Man, which defines the personal and collective rights as universal,...
