The iconic Eiffel Tower. |
The beauty of Paris as a city has spawned numerous descriptions from poets and travelers from all parts of the world. What is popularly known as the “City of Lights” is also dubbed as a city of “evil and angel” by famous Middle Eastern writer Dr. Taha Hussein. Depending on what it is that attracts you most in a city – be it the sumptuous food or the beautiful artworks in age-old museums – these could be the angel part; while the evil part lurks in creepy yet historic attractions like the Catacombs of Paris.
An
ideal day spent here would be to get your caffeine fix at one of the lovely
cafes at Champs Elysees. Munch on a mouth watering croissant with butter as you
go people watching and acquire some energy to go sightseeing for the rest of
the day. Starting from the magnificent Eiffel Tower, you can work your way
towards the Le Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Paris to learn as
much about the city as you can during your stay.
Can’t-Miss Tourist Attractions in
France
Now,
if it is your first time to travel to France, you naturally would want to set
your eyes on this iconic tower. But is there more to this European city than
the Eiffel Tower? Definitely! France equates to romance, food, love, culture
and all the delights that the modern world has to offer. Whether it's your first
time or return visitor to France, here are the attractions which you absolutely
must not miss out on seeing:
The Musee du Louvre.
Home
to the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces from Raphael, Botticelli and
Michelangelo, the Musee du Louvre is one of the, if not the finest museums in
the world. There’s also the Musee d’Orsay which is just a short walk from the
Louvre, where other pieces are proudly displayed for art and history
aficionados.
Commissioned
by Napoleon to commemorate the victory of his armies, the Arc de Triomphe is
yet another French sight to behold. A tomb for the unknown soldiers of France
is also situated here, along with the Ave des Champs-Elysees.
No
visit to France will ever be complete without paying homage to the Cathedrale
Notre Dame de Paris, one of the most famous churches in the world. More than 12
million tourists are welcomed by the cathedral on an annual basis, and
exploring its stunningly beautiful walls is an experience like no other.
Versailles.
Built
during the time of King Louis XIV, Versailles may be situated away from the
main attractions of Paris – but its stunning beauty is worth the day trip. If
you are planning an extended stay in France, make sure to include it in your
travel itinerary.
Mont Blanc.
The
French name translates to White Mountain in English, and it is the highest mountain
in the Alps. Situated between Italy and France, you can visit Mont Blanc both
during the winter if you want to go skiing – or during other months of the year
if you simply want to bask in its natural magnificence.
You
should also consider going to the flurry of museums and galleries here like
Mont St. Michel, the Chateaux de la Loire, Carcassonne, Lascaux, the D-Day
beaches at Normandy and the French Riviera.
Paris as a Shopping Haven
Paris
is one of the few fashion capitals in the world which also makes it the
ultimate shopping destination. When sitting at a cafe in Paris, an excellent
way to pass the time is to go people watching and you will be amazed at how
well-dressed the locals and tourists are. Whether you want to splurge or simply
go window shopping, Paris has the flagship stores of the most popular fashion
houses in the world. At the Triangle d’Or, the flagship stores of Dior, Chanel,
Dolce e Gabbana, Prada, Gucci and Ferragamo are located. Walk a bit more
towards Champs Elysees and you will see trendy shops like Louis Vuitton,
Sephora and Zara.
Enjoy the shopping tours in Paris 'till you drop. |
If
you’re more into shopping at discount designer outlets, visit the Rue Alesia.
Up-and-coming designers’ works are showcased at the shops at Canal St. Martin.
Don’t worry about feeling intimidated by persistent sales people. If you’re
simply window shopping, say “Je regarde”
which translates to “I’m just looking.”
For
great vintage finds, check out the wide array of Paris flea markets where you
can also buy accessories and antiques. However, pickpockets are also aplenty so
keep your bag close to your body. Always bring extra cash and refine your
haggling skills because you’ll never know what little treasure you can find at
one of the quaint shops in Paris.
As
you can see, there are a lot more things to do in France than simply climbing
the top of the Eiffel Tower. From stunning beaches to an interesting local
culture; or sumptuous cuisine and magnificent natural attractions to a
multitude of shopping options – visiting France is definitely a
once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss out on.
Be ready for the adventure in Mont Blanc. |