Overview:
It is impossible not to fall in love with Paris. The city's
people are stylish and flirtatious, its architecture seductive, its
restaurants and nightlife devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and
its streets are scattered with dreams.
There is no 'best time' to visit Paris; in every season the city
is always alive. Summer days are spent lazing on the banks of the
Seine, sipping coffee at a sidewalk caf?, or idling in one of the
city's many gardens or forests. In autumn afternoons the brisk walk
from the Eiffel Tower through the Parc du Champ de Mars and up to
the glittering Champs Elys?es is accompanied with a carpet of
leaves crunching underfoot. Winter nights induce a warm glow
ice-skating in the outdoor rink at the Hotel de Ville, and in
spring the passions of performers fill the air outside the Pompidou
Centre and the nose is tickled with the subtle scents of flowering
gardens.
There is an otherworldliness to this city, where beauty and
elegance are favoured over purpose and practicality. Centuries of
urban development have the appearance of having being mastered by a
single hand with a strong sense of balance, contrast and
aesthetics. The views from the Eiffel Tower or Sacr? Coeur reveal
hundreds of iconic attractions for the snapshot visitor, but the
best way to see this city is by tucking your map back in your
pocket and allowing yourself to get lost on its streets and
avenues, discovering the city for yourself.
However long you spend in Paris, on departure you will know you
are sure to return.
Getting Around:
Paris has an excellent public transport system. It is divided
into five zones radiating out from the centre and ticket prices
vary according to the number of zones required. Public transport
consists of buses, an underground metro and express trains (RER).
Taxis are also available. The easiest way to get around is on the
metro and the subways are generally safe at all times. It is
possible to transfer between the metro and the RER trains at no
extra cost. The bus system is also extensive, but is slower, less
frequent and often more expensive than the metro. Various passes
are available for public transport and can be good value if staying
for a longer period. The
Paris Visitespass is valid for one, two, three or five days
and also allows discounts at certain museums, shops and
restaurants, but will not necessarily save money, depending on how
much one travels. There is also the cheaper weekly or monthly
Carte Orange(passport photo required), but this is
technically only available for Ile de France residents. Both allow
unlimited travel in the chosen zones on the metro, RER, buses and
the funicular to Montmartre. The cheapest option if only in town
for a day or two is the
Carte Mobilis,which allows unlimited travel for a day in
Zones 1 and 2. From May to September a passenger boat, the Batobus,
offers sightseeing trips on the Seine stopping at the main
attractions, and from April to September a Balabus bus service
loops around most of the major sights in Paris every Sunday and on
public holidays. A nightbus service, Noctambus, covers the city
between 1am and 5.30am. Only think about renting a car if planning
excursions from the city as aggressive driving, confusing one-way
streets and impossible parking can be testing for visitors. Taxis
are readily available and can be hailed or caught at taxi
ranks.
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Ibis Roissy Cdg