Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts

Friday, April 18, 2008

France and Its Romantic & Magnificent Cities

It's no secret that France has probably some of the world's most magnificent and frequently-visited cities. For centuries this land of romantic splendour has been a symbol of true love and finding love that was once lost. Paris, the country's capital, has been adopted in countless number of both Hollywood and European motion pictures as a place where lovers pledged their love for one another.

As a tourist, one must of course know where to best obtain information on France hotels. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, depending on which place in France you plan to visit. And of course, any first-time visitor to this country would have to add Paris as one of the cities to go to - it would be a mortal sin if you did not. Check up on Paris hotels and Paris Latin Quarter hotels for the best accommodations available in this spellbinding metropolis.

Now, where do I go if I were in Paris, you might ask yourself? Well, here is a brief list of some of the most popular places you must consider popping into when you are in Paris:

Notre Dame Cathedral
Not the largest cathedral in the world, the Notre-Dame might be the most famous of all cathedrals. The gothic masterpiece is located on the Île de la Cité, a small island in the heart of the city. The site of the Notre dame is the cradle of Paris and has always been the religious center of the city.













The Louvre
This is one of the largest palaces in the world and, as a former residence of the kings of France, one of the most illustrious. It exemplifies traditional French architecture since the Renaissance, and it houses a magnificent collection of ancient and Western art.






Arc de Triomphe
In the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle, at the border of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissement stands one of the greatest arches in history: the Arc de Triomphe (arch of triumph). This arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories, but he was ousted before the arch was completed. In fact, it wasn't completed until 1836 during the reign of Louis-Philippe. The Arc de Triomphe is engraved with names of generals who commanded French troops during Napoleon's regime.


Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen. At 300 metres (320.75m including antenna), and 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building until 1930.











Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is home to one of the world's most important museums of modern art, the MNAM, but it also contains a very popular library, a bookshop, a movie theater and a panoramic terrace. The Public Information Library or BPI boasts a collection of 450,000 books, 2,600 magazines and a large number of new media items.



For those among you who are on a shoe-string budget traveling agenda, have no fear, for there are cheap Paris hotels in the city to cater for your limited financial resources.

Other than Paris, there are of course other major cities in France worth visiting such as La Rochelle, famous for its towers such as the La Tour de la Lanterne, Tour Saint-Nicolas and la Tour de la Chaine; Champagne, a province located at the northeast of France, well known for its famous white wine; and Nice, the capital city of Côte d'Azur, located on the Mediterranean coast 929km (577 miles) south of Paris and 32km (20 miles) northeast of Cannes, currently the largest city between Genoa and Marseille.

Nice is a major tourist centre and a leading resort on the French Riviera, for its wonderful attractions and sights. Nice has one of the most beautiful seafronts along the Mediterranean coast. Nice also has many attractions such as museums and cathedrals of ancient times. To find a place to stay, check up on Nice hotels.

A holiday spent in France with your loved ones will always be something that you will treasure for the rest of your life. Don't miss out on this magnificent country!

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Visiting beautiful Paris

Paris is a city which one would associate with romanticism and great classical architecture. Before you visit the City of Lights as it is commonly known as, take some time to educate yourself on the interesting places and locations that you should not miss when you are there before you book your accommodation in Paris Hotels. The L'Arc de Triomphe is a place you should visit on your tour of the city. Built in honor of the French Army and unveiled in 1836, the top of the Arc de Triomphe offers a grand panoramic view. The Eiffel Tower which needs no introduction, is an architectural wonder and a jewel by night. Commissioned in 1887 for the World Fair, it stands as one of the world's most visited and widely recognized attractions. Once there, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city. Then there is the Centre Georges Pompidou, which is home to the National Museum of Modern Art/Center of Industrial Design. Exhibition galleries, a public information library and a cinema, as well as a concert hall and a research institute for contemporary music, are all housed here. The complex draws an amazing 23,000 visitors every day.

The Louvre is another place you should not miss. Once a medieval fortress and palace to the kings of France, the Louvre today is home to the famous Mona Lisa, as well as a world-class collection of other paintings, drawings, jewels and sculptures. Unless you're a die-hard art aficionado, a one-and-half-hour guided tour of the Louvre may be the best way to ensure you don't miss any of the prominent treasures at one of the most beloved museums in the world. The Notre Dame cathedral, built 900 years ago, is one of the most beautiful cathedrals ever built. It has inspired poetry, deep faith and legends. To get a view of the famous flying buttresses (i.e. the supporting arms that stick out of the side of the building), climb the 387 stairs to the top. The views of the Seine River, and the city beyond, are what postcards are made of. Take time also to explore the inside of basilica, which was completed from the late 12th century to the mid-13th and has a beauty all on its own.

Before you embark on your magical visit of the city, make sure you have all the information you need on a suitable accommodation. You may want to check on Paris Hotels for information on the best places to stay. For tourists from Spain and Dutch tourists, you may check Paris Hotels. But no matter where you plan to stay in the end, be sure to make your visit a memorable and exciting one.