A Romantic Weekend in Paris

With thirty million visitors each year, Paris is onewhich has come to symbolise Paris. Designed by
of the most visited places in the world. This is notGustave Eiffel, it was built in 1889 to
surprising as it is the leading cultural, business andcommemorate the centenary of the French
political centre and holds influence in fashion andRevolution. Up until 1930, it was the tallest building
gastronomy.in the world. There are 1652 steps to the top and
It has also been described as the most romanticit has three platforms. The second platform
city in the world with many couples enjoyingoffers exclusive dining at the Jules Verne
honeymoons, anniversaries or just a romanticrestaurant. The top platform has a bar, shop and
weekend. Paris evokes images romance andthe office of Gustav Eiffel. The views are
bohemian lifestyle. Paris is a haven for artists andbreathtaking particularly just before sunset.
street performers, cafe culture and peopleArc de Triomphe
watching and a certain 'joie de vive'The Arc de Triomphe is a spectacular monument
The Louvreconceived by Napoleon to celebrate victory in
Attracting up to six million visitors each year, thebattle. Completed in 1836, it provides a focal point
Louvre has been open since 1793. Its collectionsfor French patriotism. The tomb of the Unknown
are renowned worldwide. One of its greatestSoldier lies under the arch, commemorating the
treasures is the Mona Lisa painted by the greatdead of the two world wars. From the roof there
man Leonardo de Vinci. Made ever more popularare spectacular views of Paris, including the
by the publication of the Da Vinci Code, thousandsLouvre and Place de la Concorde. Access to the
of people come each day to stand and stare atarch is through a tunnel as traffic around the arc
this enigmatic portrait. She is well protected behindis notoriously bad. Inside the arc there is a
glass from the air and flash photography. Theremuseum documenting its history and construction.
are a number of 'thematic trails' where you canNotre Dame Cathedral
wonder at ancient Greek sculptures including theAlthough mass is still held here, the cathedral is
famous Aphrodite or Italian renaissance paintingsowned and maintained by the state. The building is
and so much more. The guides are impressive ina fine example of French Gothic architecture.
their knowledge of the collections.Construction began as early as 1160. It has
The building is impressive with the 'Glass Pyramid'undergone many changes and is still being
being the focal point. Built by I.M. Pei, it wasrestored today. The cathedral is named after Our
inaugurated in 1989 amid some controversy.Lady of Paris and displayed within its walls is an
Rumours were spread that the pyramid wasextravagant sculpture known as the Virgin of
constructed from 666 panes of glass - a numberParis.
associated with the devil. These rumours wereMoulin Rouge
further fuelled with references in Dan Brown'sWhat better way to spend an evening than a visit
novel. As your guide will tell you, there are actuallyto the Moulin Rouge - Paris's most famous
673 panes of glass that make up the structure.theatre. The Cancan dancers performed by
The impact of Brown's book is such that therebeautiful girls were immortalised by Toulouse
are now special Da Vinci Code trails that unravelLautrec. Many famous artists have performed
fact from fiction.here including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Elton
Eiffel TowerJohn and Edith Piaf. You can be sure of a great
The Eiffel tower was a temporary structurenight out in true Parisian style.