PARIS – Of Art and Culture

Paris has been at the forefront of culture. Writers, artists and anarchists have flocked to the city for decades in the search for the eternal ‘liberty’. Deeply individualistic and eccentric in nature, Paris is glamorous and stylish, dictating the world’s trends and couture, cuisine and art. Its excellent museums house some of the most celebrated art works of the world and its cafes are renowned for their easy vibe.

Walk by the Seine at night and be awed by the city of lights. Paris’s architectural splendours are many and varied. From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, find out the best things to do in Paris in this travel guide .

PLACES to VISIT in Paris

  • Eiffel Tower: This iron tower is built on the Champ de Mars beside the Seine River in Paris. The tower has become a global icon of France and is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
  • Musée du quai Branly: An outstanding museum and a bold departure from traditional white cube presentation. The collection covers non-Western art, including many ritual objects, from all over the world.
  • Musée de l'Orangerie: See paintings of the masters – Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Cézanne, Renoir, André Derain and many others.
  • Louvre: The Louvre Museum of Paris, is a historic monument. It is a central landmark, located on the right bank of the Seine. Nearly 35,000 objects from the 6th millennium BC to the 19th century AD are exhibited over an area of 60,600 square metres here.

Paris- TRAVEL TIPS

  • The French Metro is a convenient way to get around the city. Do remember to hold on to your ticket till you've exited the station to avoid paying a large fine. The French police often check every ticket with a hand held scanner.
  • The best time to shop is in the morning. Reach the shops by 10 am and be out by 2 pm, which is the time when most tourists hit the stores, making them crowded.
  • Paris cabs are expensive. To get around, take the metro or just walk.
  • Most Parisians speak English. However, it is a good idea to learn some useful French phrases to break the ice. Try these:
    • Hello – Bonjour
    • Goodbye – Au Revoir
    • Please – S'il vous plait
    • Thank you – Merci
    • I don't speak French. In English, please? – Je ne parle pas francais. En anglais, s'il vous plait

BEST TIME to visit Paris

Give the crowds a miss by going to Paris in October or February. The streets will be less crowded and the Parisians less jaded with tourists and more inclined to be friendly.

BEST WAY to reach

Paris: Paris is well connected with the rest of the world by air with all major airlines operating services from here.

ACCOMMODATION

Paris has over two thousand hotels, peppered across its land, catering to every budget. One of the most reasonably priced hotels in Europe, mid range and budget hotels would not burn a hole in your pocket while the five star hotels are some of the world’s best.