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Paris Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Paris
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Paris Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Paris - The blueprints for Disneyland may have been
developed in the United States, but the world's favourite theme
park concept has transported exceedingly successfully to Europe.
Situated 20 miles (32km) east of Paris, Disneyland Paris (also
known as EuroDisney) is a vast complex of hotels, restaurants and
shops together with the exciting theme park. Fundis have it that
Europe's Disneyland is actually better than its US counterparts,
boasting more modern technology and existing in the ambit of less
control and different safety regulations. Then, too, EuroDisney has
also unavoidably picked up a European flavour which adds charm and
intimacy to the entire experience.
EuroDisney
actually consists of two theme parks. The Disneyland Park, based on
California's iconic Magic Kingdom, boasts 42 awesome attractions.
The other, the Walt Disney Studios, is more recent and follows the
trend of the Disney MGM Studios in Florida, USA, using movie-like
settings for its thrill rides and experiences. Adults and children
alike become enchanted and enthralled as they explore fantasy
neighbourhoods bristling with Disney characters, and stop to take
in the spectacle of the day and night parades.
Most visitors come to EuroDisney on a package deal that
includes hotel accommodation on site and passes to enjoy the shows
and attractions. At least two days are required to make the most of
the Disney magic, and there will still be plenty left for a second
visit!
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Paris
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Eiffel Tower
Champ de Mars 7
www.tour-eiffel.fr |
What is it? Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel
Tower (Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become
Paris's signature sight and attract more than six million visitors
a year. It was built as a temporary structure to commemorate the
centenary of the French Revolution and was opened by the Prince of
Wales, later King Edward VII of England. It was considered an
eyesore by many and there were petitions to have it pulled down. It
was saved only because it had become an important antenna for
telegraphy. It towers 984ft (300m) above the Champ de Mars and
until 1930 was the world's tallest building. The highest of its
three levels offers a wonderful panoramic view over
Paris.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9.30am to midnight (16 June to 2 September);
closing at 11pm (1 January to 15 June and 3 September to 31
December)
Phone:(01) 4411 2323 (recorded information) |
2. Notre-Dame
6 Place du Parvis de Notre-Dame
www.cathedraledeparis.com |
What is it? Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de
Parvis, on the Isle de la Cité, and is the most enduring symbol of
Paris. Built between 1163 and 1345 the Cathedral is considered one
of the of the world's Gothic masterpieces. The massive interior can
seat 6,000 and it is dominated by three spectacular and enormous
rose windows and a vast 7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the
top of the towers is worth the effort for the panoramic view of the
city and the close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also
holds the great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional
hunchback. Opposite the North door is a museum that displays the
Cathedral's history, while under the square in front of the
Cathedral is the crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological
museum.
Hours of Operation: Daily between 7.45am and 6.45pm, except during Sunday
services which commence at 8.30am, 10am, 11.30am, 12.45pm and
6.30pm. The towers open daily 10am to 6pm, except on Mondays. The
Crypt opens between 10am and 6pm (closed on Mondays). The museum is
open on Wednesday and weekends 2.30pm to 6pm
Phone:(01) 4234 5610 |
3. Louvre
Cour Napoléon, 1. Reception area is under the giant glass
pyramid
www.louvre.fr |
What is it? One of the world's great art museums, this
vast edifice houses an extraordinary collection of paintings,
sculptures and antiquities from all over the world. The Louvre was
opened to the public in 1793, soon after the Revolution, to display
the spectacular treasures looted from the royal palaces. The
best-known attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa,
which is protected by bullet-proof glass within its own room. The
permanent collections are divided into Egyptian, Greek, Roman and
Asian antiquities, painting, drawings, sculpture and objects d'art.
Don't even attempt to see it all in one
day.
Hours of Operation: 9am to 6pm (until 9.45pm on Mondays and Wednesdays,
except on public holidays); closed Tuesdays. Opening hours for
temporary exhibitions vary
Phone:(01) 4020 5317 (information desk); 4020 5151 (recorded
information); 4020 5050 (ticket sales) |
Paris
holidays - Top Events
1. Fete de la Musique
From 2007-06-21
To 2007-06-21
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What is it? Every year on the summer solstice, Paris
hosts amateur and professional musicians who perform in a variety
of venues around the city, from public squares, streets and parks
to opera houses and castles. The festival aims to celebrate music
in all forms and is open to anyone. A large free concert is
traditionally held featuring some big names in the music world, but
on every corner, in doorways, in restaurants and hospitals, museums
and courtyards, there are the sounds of music, from jazz, salsa and
techno, to choirs, orchestras and steel bands, accompanied by
people dancing, eating and drinking.
Where is it? Various |
2. Bastille Day Celebrations
From 2007-07-14
To 2007-07-14
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What is it? France's most important national holiday,
Bastille Day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution
with ceremonies, dancing, parties and balls all over the city. In
the morning there is a grand military parade along the Champs
Elysees, accompanied overhead by jet formations, and after the
day-long festivities, a fireworks display takes place near the
Eiffel Tower. For more information contact the Paris Tourist Office
on +33 (0)892 683 000 or email info@paris-touristoffice.com
Where is it? Champs Elysees and Place de la Bastille |
3. French Open
From 2007-05-27
To 2007-06-10
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What is it? Together with Wimbledon, the Australian Open
and the US Open, the French Open is one of the four events that
together are known as the tennis 'Grand Slam'. The tournament has
become the most highly prized clay court title in the world and one
of the biggest sporting events in France. Besides the best tennis
players in the world, the stadium is also the place to be seen for
the fashion conscious. For more information, call the ticketing
line on +33 (0)1 4743 5252.
Where is it? Roland-Garros Stadium |
4. Le Salon du Chocolat
From 2007-10-28
To 2007-11-01
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What is it? An annual festival in celebration of
chocolate is a dream come true for chocoholics, and the large
convention centre beneath the Louvre hosts just that. There are
tastings and chefs demonstrations at a huge variety of
international chocolatiers stands; opportunities to sample and buy
goodies such as truffles, chocolate-dipped fruit kebabs, hot
chocolate and cakes; as well as chocolate fashion, sculpture and
art. Exhibitions include the history of chocolate, books on
chocolate and desserts, and an antique collection of 'teapots' used
exclusively for hot chocolate. A Chocoland for children entertains
with chocolate makeup and other delicious activities. For more
information contact the organisers on +33 (0)1 4503 2126 or email
info@chocoland.com
Where is it? Carrousel de Louvre |
5. World Circus Festival of Tomorrow
From 2007-01-26
To 2007-01-30
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What is it? The annual Circus Festival provides an
unequalled opportunity to see top international circus performers
from famous schools together under one roof, including acts from
the Beijing Circus, the Moscow Circus, the Knie Circus and local
talent Ecole Fratellini. The aim is to bring together young
acrobats, animal trainers and clowns and to reveal new and exciting
trends in circus acts from traditional, modern and experimental
circus performances.
Where is it? Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione, 110 Rue Amelot |
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