Paris is both united and divided by the Seine, which separates the genteel Right Bank from the artistic Left. The Right Bank, with its smart, bourgeois inhabitants, elegant buildings and wide tree-lined avenues, is for many the classic Paris. Others, however, see the trendy, bustling Left Bank, the age-old haunt for students and artists, as the true heart of the city. Paris is further divided into arrondissements, which form a spiral around the river.
While Paris does not have a central haven like London’s Hyde Park or New York’s Central park, it does possess some lovely green spaces. The Jardin du Luxembourg, the Tuileries and the Champ-de-Mars provide a welcome respite in the city centre.
First-time visitors to Paris certainly have their work cut out for them, whether their special interests are art, architecture, fashion or food, as there is so much to see and do here you could easily spend a week enjoying one particular passion without even noticing everything else that the wonderful city of Paris has to offer.
In some ways the city itself is a living museum of culture and style. A must for any visitor is to people-watch in typically French style from one of the many delightful pavement-cafes. The pace in Paris can be as frantic as in any other city, but eating and drinking is a serious business over which the sociable Parisians traditionally take their time. Diners are never hurried to finish by the polite waiters.
The clichés about Parisians being self-important and rude are largely unfounded. The majority of the city’s inhabitants are down-to-earth and very genuine.
As one of the Fashion capitals of the world, Paris has unsurpassed specialist boutiques and department stores. Boulevard Haussmann is the location for two such stores, Au Printemps and most famously Galeries Lafayette. For those visiting Paris on a tighter budget, the bustling street markets and colourful fleamarkets on the outskirts of the city are the place to explore.
Paris offers an almost inexhaustible supply of attractions that will have visitors from all walks of life wanting to return year after year having found fresh insights to city with every visit.
When planning your trip to Paris and you are looking for just flights to Paris, Paris hotels or a romantic weekend break that includes flights and hotel in Paris, The Internet Traveller can help plan and organize the perfect holiday for you.
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