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Posts Tagged ‘paris hotels’

For some people who love to travel, Paris is a must visit city. Paris is often referred to as the city of romance and couples are sure to have a wonderful time there. The romance of seeing the Eiffel Tower close and in person is something everyone should try to do at least once. Not only is Paris itself beautiful, but the hotels are too, and being able to see the beautiful hotel furniture is a real treasure.

One may think that they are walking into a movie when they gaze for the first time at all Paris has to offer. There are hotels all over Paris. In Paris though, you should expect to pay a bit more than in other French cities, and Paris hotels can be quite expensive. Paris Hotels can be anywhere within the city. The Eiffel Tower’s central location means there are many hotels in the vicinity. With so many hotels there for your pleasure, you can visit time and time again and stay in different ones each visit, checking out the fabulous furniture each one has.

In France, you will be probably be aware that their currency is the Euro. You already know that Paris hotels are pricey, so get enough money changed into Euros to cover the cost. Because of the high prices, for many people they will only visit Paris once in their lifetime.

Staying in some nice Paris Hotels will be fun and most want to at least try to stay close to everything. Paris Hotels will look different than many other places because it is an entirely different culture. Despite this, pretty much everyone can appreciate what Paris has to offer and feel a part of their rich culture.

Something that may shock people when they first arrive is that everyone else speaks French. It can be easy to feel like a fish out of a water in a country where people don’t speak the same language as you, but don’t let it ruin your holiday.

The good thing to know is that there are many English speaking people in Paris who can help direct you. In the majority of the Paris hotels, the concierge staff and others are English-speaking so they will be able to guide you and help show you round the hotel. Why not chill out in the lobby on some stylish French hotel furniture as you wait for your tour guide.

Reserve your hotel room before finalising your holiday plans, as they do get booked up quickly. Ask a travel agent for help if you need advice, or just look online. And be sure to look for those special, unique hotels that just go that extra mile to make your stay perfect.

Paris’ Second Arrondissement

You are nearly there – Paris, wonderful Paris! You can hardly wait to start your journey. You’ve gotten your cheap international airline ticket to Paris, France , now you’re trying to decide between some seemingly fantastic deals on Paris hotels . What arrondissement you are staying in is always an important consideration for hotels in Paris, France even if you are looking at hotels in Paris city centre.  Here’s a guide to Paris’s 2nd arrondissement so you can learn more about whether it is where you want to be!

It is unlikely that you’ll spend much time in the Second as a tourist, but if you choose a hotel in this here, you will be in the heart of Paris’s finance center. Home to the Bourse (stock exchange) and the CAC 40 – France’s top listed companies, the 2nd arrondissement is also widely noted for its prospering  fashion and journalism industries, as well as its general atmosphere of business.

What To Know :

The Good :

You’ll hardly spot tourists here, meaning that the people-watching will be authentic: Paris’s business men and women going out to lunch, stressed out traders rushing to work, journalists meeting sources over drinks for the next big story . Visitors will also be close to the lovely 19th “galleries,” a tradition when the Duke of Orleans decided to rent out his garden to shops in the late eighteenth century. These “galleries,” similiar to early shopping malls, have glass windows and tiled floors, are still operative today. Visit for a nostalgic and enchanting look at Paris’s 19th century past.

Here’s The Cons:

This is not an especially happening part of Paris by any means, and while there are a considerable number of places for lunch in the neighborhood, suitable for an expense account, nightlife doesn’t exist . However, with the Marais in the 4th arrondissement only a few minutes away, there’s not much to worry about. In addition, near the eastern end of the arrondissement , you may run into a few prostitutes looking to ply their trade, but don’t be too alarmed – it’s safe, if seedy, and nevertheless you’re likely to encounter far fewer than in comparable sections like Rue St. Denis or the Pigalle area.

What To Visit:

If you’re a business type , pay a visit to the Bourse, or Stock Exchange, for a look at France’s economic heart. Or check out the Galleries – the Gallerie Vivienne is considered the best-preserved, with authentic and stunning 19th decor, a stunning mosaic floor, and elegantly high end shops. In contrast, the Passage Choiseul is more “authentic,” catering to business folks on their way to work, and selling newspapers and offering services like shoe-shining to frantically busy traders at the nearby Bourse.

Places To Eat:

Cafe Etienne Marcel, on Rue Etienne Marcel, is a trendy Costes brothers place – less expensive than most of their others – with a menu to match. Or have a drink or two at Harry’s New York Bar on Rue Danou, allegedly the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, and a hangout of Hemmingway. While Harry’s not cheap by any means, it’s nevertheless a wonderful hangout for those wanting the elegance and decadence of Art Deco bohemian expatriate life. And, of course, a bloody Mary mixed to perfection.

Places To Shop:

Brentano’s, on Avenue de L’Opera offers a great assortment of English-language and art books. And, of course, the Galleries are filled with fascinating stores. Stroll in and out of some of the delightful galleries, looking at the many wonderful shops on offer, and consider buying art and far more at all of them.

Paris’ Second Arrondissement

You are nearly there – Paris, France’s crown jewel and capital city! You can’t wait to arrive . You’ve gotten your cheap international airline ticket to Paris, France , now you are looking at some great looking offers on hotels and other accommodation in Paris . What neighborhood you are staying in is always an important consideration for hotel accommodation in Paris, France even if you are looking at hotels in Paris city centre.  Here’s a guide to Paris’s 2nd arrondissement so you can learn more about whether the Second is where you want to be!

It is not likely that you’ll be spending alot of time in the 2nd arrondissement as a tourist, but if you choose accommodation in this district, you’ll be in the pulsing heart of Paris’s financial and working center. Home to Paris’s Bourse (stock exchange) and the CAC 40 index of France’s top listed companies , the second arrondissement is also widely noted for its prospering  fashion and journalism industries, as well as its general atmosphere of business.

What To Know :

What’s Good About The Second :

You will hardly find tourists here, meaning that the people-watching will be authentic: Parisian business people going to lunch, stressed out traders dashing to work, journalists meeting sources over drinks for the next big scoop . Those who stay here will also be close to the lovely nineteenth century “galleries,” a tradition when the Duke of Orleans decided to rent out his garden to shops in the late eighteenth century. These “galleries,” like early shopping malls, have glass windows and tiled floors, are still in use now . Visit for a nostalgic and enchanting glance at Paris’s nineteenth-century past.

Why You Don’t Want To Stay :

This isn’t an especially with-it area by any means, and while there are several places for lunch in the area , suitable for an expense account, nightlife absent . However, with the Marais in the fourth arrondissement only a short distance away, there’s not much to be concerned about. Also, near the eastern end of the district, you may run into a few prostitutes looking to ply their trade, but don’t be too alarmed – it’s safe, if seedy, and nevertheless you’re likely to encounter far fewer than in similar areas like Rue St. Denis or the Pigalle area.

What To See:

If you are a financial type, visit the Bourse, or Stock Exchange, for a look at France’s economic heart. Or check out the Galleries – the Gallerie Vivienne is considered the best-preserved, with authentic and beautiful nineteenth-century decor, an awesome mosaic floor, and elegantly upscale stores . In contrast, the Passage Choiseul is more “authentic,” catering to business men and women on their way to work, and selling newspapers and magazines and offering services like shoe-shining to busy traders at the nearby Bourse.

Eating Spots :

Cafe Etienne Marcel, on Rue Etienne Marcel, is a with-it Costes brothers place – less costly than most of their others – with a menu to match. Or have a drink or two at Harry’s New York Bar on Rue Danou, allegedly the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, and a hangout of Hemmingway. While Harry’s isn’t cheap by any means, it’s nevertheless a great hangout for those who want the elegance and decadence of Art Deco bohemian expatriate life. And, of course, a bloody Mary mixed to perfection.

Places To Shop:

Brentano’s, on Avenue de L’Opera has an outstanding selection of English-language and art books. And, of course, the Galleries are filled with fascinating stores. Stroll in and out of a few of the delightful galleries, looking at the many wonderful shops on offer, and take a look at buying art and far more at all of them.

Paris’ Second Arrondissement

You’re nearly there – Paris! You can’t wait to arrive . You’ve gotten your flights to France , now you are assessing some seemingly fantastic specials on a number of Paris hotels . Where you are staying in the city is always an important consideration for choosing a Paris hotel even if you are looking at hotels in Paris city centre.  Here’s a guide to Paris’s Second arrondissement so you can learn more about whether the Second is where you want to be!

It is unlikely that you’ll spend much time here in the 2nd as a tourist, but if you choose a hotel in this here, you’ll be in the pulsing heart of Paris’s finance center. Home to Paris’s Bourse (stock exchange) and the CAC 40 index of France’s top listed companies , the 2nd arrondissement is also widely noted for its prospering  fashion and journalism industries, as well as its general atmosphere of business.

What You Need To Know :

What’s Good :

You’ll hardly see tourists here, meaning that the people-watching will be authentic: Paris’s business men and women going to lunch, stressed out traders rushing to work, journalists meeting sources over coffee for the next big scoop . You will also be close to the exquisite 19th “galleries,” a tradition when the Duke of Orleans decided to rent out his garden to shops in the late eighteenth century. These “galleries,” akin to early shopping malls, have glass windows and tiled floors, are still in use now . Visit for a nostalgic and enchanting glance at Paris’s 19th century past.

Why You Don’t Want To Stay :

This is not an especially with-it part of Paris by any means, and while there are lots of places for lunch in the area , geared toward those with an expense account, nightlife just isn’t here . However, with the Marais in the fourth arrondissement only a short distance away, there’s not much to worry about. In addition, near the eastern end of the arrondissement , you may run into a few prostitutes looking to ply their trade, but don’t worry – it’s safe, if seedy, and nevertheless you’re likely to encounter far fewer than in comparable sections like Rue St. Denis or the Pigalle area.

What To Do:

If you’re interested in finances , pay a visit to the Bourse, or Stock Exchange, for a look at France’s economic heart. Or check out the Galleries – the Gallerie Vivienne is considered the best-preserved, with geniune and beautiful nineteenth-century decor, an amazing mosaic floor, and elegantly high end shops. In contrast, the Passage Choiseul is more “authentic,” catering to business men and women on their way to work, and selling newspapers and offering services like shoe-shining to harried traders at the nearby Bourse.

Places To Eat:

Cafe Etienne Marcel, on Rue Etienne Marcel, is a trendy Costes brothers place – less expensive than most of their others – with a menu to match. Or have a drink or two at Harry’s New York Bar on Rue Danou, reputed to be the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, and a hangout of Hemmingway. While Harry’s isn’t cheap by any means, it’s nevertheless a wonderful hangout for those wanting the elegance and decadence of Art Deco bohemian expatriate life. And, of course, a bloody Mary mixed to perfection.

Where To Shop In The Second :

Brentano’s, on Avenue de L’Opera offers an outstanding selection of English-language and art books. And, of course, the Galleries are filled with fascinating shops . Stroll in and out of some of the delightful galleries, looking at the many wonderful shops on offer, and consider buying boutique clothes and far more at all of them.

Paris’ Second Arrondissement

You are nearly there – Paris, the fabled City of Lights! You can hardly wait to start your journey. You’ve gotten your discount flight to Paris, France , now you’re assessing some seemingly fantastic offers on hotel accommodation for Paris, France. Where you are staying in the city is always an important consideration for luxury or cheap accommodation in Paris, France even if you are looking at hotels in Paris city centre.  Here’s a guide to Paris’s Second arrondissement so you can learn more about whether the Second is where you want to be!

It’s not likely that you’ll be spending much time in the 2nd as a tourist, but if you choose accommodation in this here, you’ll be in the pulsing heart of Paris’s financial center. Home to Paris’s Bourse (stock exchange) and the CAC 40 – France’s top listed companies, the 2nd arrondissement is also widely noted for its thriving   fashion and journalism industries, as well as its general atmosphere of business.

What To Expect :

What’s Good :

You’ll hardly spot any tourists here, meaning that the people-watching will be strictly French : Parisian business people going out to lunch, harried traders dashing to work, journalists meeting sources over drinks for the next big scoop . Visitors will also be close to the sublime 19th “galleries,” a tradition when the Duke of Orleans decided to rent out his garden to shops in the late 18th . These “galleries,” akin to early shopping malls, have glass windows and tiled floors, are still in operation now . Visit for a nostalgic and enchanting glance at Paris’s 19th century past.

What’s Not Great :

This isn’t an especially with-it part of Paris by any means, and while there are lots of places for lunch in the neighborhood, geared toward those with an expense account, nightlife is lacking. However, with the Marais in the fourth arrondissement only a short distance away, there’s not much to worry about. In addition, near the eastern end of the arrondissement , you may run into a few prostitutes looking to ply their trade, but don’t worry – it’s safe, if seedy, and nevertheless you’re likely to encounter far fewer than in similar sections like Rue St. Denis or the Pigalle area.

What To Do:

If you are a financial type, visit the Bourse, or Stock Exchange, for a look at France’s economic heart. Or check out the Galleries – the Gallerie Vivienne is regarded the best-preserved, with authentic and gorgeous nineteenth-century decor, a magnificent mosaic floor, and elegantly high end stores . In contrast, the Passage Choiseul is more “authentic,” catering to business men and women on their way to work, and selling newspapers and offering services like shoe-shining to busy traders at the nearby Bourse.

Where To Eat:

Cafe Etienne Marcel, on Rue Etienne Marcel, is a stylish Costes brothers joint – less costly than most of their others – with a menu to match. Or have a drink at Harry’s New York Bar on Rue Danou, reputed to be the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, and a hangout of Hemmingway. While Harry’s isn’t cheap by any means, it’s nevertheless a wonderful hangout for those wanting the elegance and decadence of Art Deco bohemian expatriate life. And, of course, a bloody Mary mixed to perfection.

Places To Shop:

Brentano’s, on Avenue de L’Opera offers an excellent selection of English-language and art books. And, of course, the Galleries are filled with great shops . Stroll in and out of some of the delightful galleries, looking at the many wonderful shops on offer, and think about buying boutique clothes and far more at all of them.

You’re nearly there – Paris, France’s glistening capital city! You can hardly wait to get there. You’ve gotten your discount flight to Paris, France , now you are trying to decide between some great looking specials on Paris hotels . What arrondissement you are staying in is always an important consideration for choosing a Paris hotel even if you are looking at hotels in Paris city centre.  Here’s a guide to Paris’s First arrondissement so you can learn more about whether this area of Paris is where you want to be!

Paris: The 1st Arrondissement

Paris’s first arrondissement is filled with the sort of elegance and grandeur that centuries’ worth of visitors have imagined when thinking of Paris, the City of Lights . Splendid boulevards, high-end fashion , and manicured parks overlooking the silken Seine River are all found in this neighborhood, a district mainly of office space and tourist sites. Les Halles, Paris’s bizarre take on a shopping mall, can be found here as well.

What To Expect If You Are Staying In The First :

What’s Good About The First :

Spending time in Paris’s First has many advantages . When you stroll beneath the nineteenth-century arches of the Rue de Rivoli arcade, you will be following in the steps of generations of dandies and duchesses: vanished members of Paris of long ago . You’ll be near some of Paris’s most exquisite tourist sites – the Tuileries garden to Chatelet -site of the Comedie Francaise, where Moliere once produced his plays – to the fabulous Musee de Louvre. And the shopping, on the elegant Faubourg Saint Honore, is unrivalled!

Here’s The Bad :

While during the day in the First Arrondissement provides access to some of Paris’s top sights within a few moments’ walk, the business-like character of the area means that nightlife, by contrast, is limited within the arrondissement. So unless you go to the Les Halles/St. Denis area there’s not much to do. Les Halles/St. Denis’s low-budget pleasures may appear slightly seedy to tourists over the age of twenty-one (that said, the section bordering the Les Halles mall is consistently nice – a good place to stop after watching a movie in Les Halles’s enormous cinema, which presents many US and English films in their original languages. But avoid going towards Rue St. Denis/Blvd. Sebastopol unless you’re consciously seeking that sort of milieu.) Furthermore, this area can get very touristy – especially around the otherwise lovely Rue de Rivoli.  So watch your wallet and control your buying impulse for souvenirs until you’re a bit further off the beaten path.

What To See:
Sites and sights abound in the First. Take a stroll down the Faubourg Saint-Honore, where nearly every top fashion house of the world has a presence. Visit the Louvre or Tuileries Gardens near the Place de Concorde, see a play at the Comedie Francaise in the Chatelet area.

Eating Spots :
Finding good authentic French food is difficult in the First , but finding delectable desserts is not. Angelina, on Rue de Rivoli, has lost some of its legendary elegance, but the aging-grande-dame feel of the place makes the yellowed mirrors and creaky chandeliers worth seeing on their own merits. Plus, their famously rich hot chocolate and Mont Blanc desserts are some of the best in Paris. For a more current hotspot, Cafe Marley in the Louvre offers views not only of the museum’s art, but also of Paris’s current celebrity scene. For good food, the area right around Les Halles has a number of good brasseries, but, as said earlier, the area closer to Rue St. Denis and Sebastopol has a slightly seedier character – not at all dangerous, but nevertheless unsavory.

Where To Shop :
If the exclusive shopping of the Faubourg Saint Honore is a bit out of your desired spending range, go to the Les Halles mall. A surprisingly beautiful, art nouveau-inspired underground city (complete with street names, a swimming pool, park, and more), Les Halles proves that even Paris’s malls have a particular Parisian flair. While the area around the mall is useful for super-cheap (think 3-5 euro) clothes and shoes, the mall itself has much higher quality merchandise at reasonable prices.

You’re nearly there – Paris, France’s glistening capital city! You can’t wait to land. You’ve gotten your flights to France , now you are considering some great looking deals on hotels in Paris . What neighborhood you are staying in is always an important consideration for Paris hotels even if you are looking at hotels in Paris city centre.  Here’s a guide to Paris’s First arrondissement so you can learn more about whether this neighborhood in Paris is where you want to be!

Paris: The 1st Arrondissement

Paris’s 1st arrondissement is filled with the sort of elegance and grandeur that centuries’ worth of tourists have imagined when thinking of Paris, the City of Lights . Broad boulevards, haute couture, and manicured parks overlooking the dreamy River Seine are all found in this arrondissement , a district primarily of office space and tourist sites. Les Halles, Paris’s weird take on a shopping center , can be found here as well.

What To Expect :

The Good :

Spending time in  the first arrondissement has many benefits. When you walk beneath the nineteenth-century arches of the Rue de Rivoli arcade, you will be following in the footsteps of generations of dandies and duchesses: vanished remnants of Paris of a bygone era . You’ll be near some of Paris’s most beautiful tourist sites – the Tuileries garden to Chatelet -site of the Comedie Francaise, where Moliere once produced his plays – to the world-class Louvre . And the shopping, on the elegantly understated Faubourg Saint Honore, is unparalleled !

Here’s The Downside:

While during the day here provides a visitor with access to some of Paris’s finest sights within a few moments’ stroll , the business-like nature of the area means that nightlife, by contrast, is limited within the arrondissement. So unless visitors go to the Les Halles/St. Denis area there’s not much to do. Les Halles/St. Denis’s cheap pleasures may appear slightly seedy to travelers over the age of twenty-one (that said, the area bordering the Les Halles mall is very nice – a good place to stop after watching a film in Les Halles’s enormous cinema, which presents many American and UK films in their original languages. But avoid going towards Rue St. Denis/Blvd. Sebastopol unless you’re consciously seeking that sort of milieu.) Moreover, this area can get extremely touristy – especially around the otherwise lovely Rue de Rivoli.  So watch your purse and control your buying impulse for souvenirs until you’re a bit further off the beaten path.

What To Visit:
Sites abound here. Take a stroll down the Faubourg Saint-Honore, where nearly every famous fashion house of the world has a store . Visit the Louvre or Tuileries Gardens near the Place de Concorde, see a play at the Comedie Francaise in the Chatelet area.

Places To Eat:
Finding good authentic French food is difficult in the First , but finding excellent desserts is not. Angelina, on Rue de Rivoli, has lost some of its former elegance, but the aging-grande-dame feel of the place makes the yellowed mirrors and creaky chandeliers worth seeing on their own merits. Plus, their famously rich hot chocolate and Mont Blanc desserts are among the best in Paris. For a more recent hotspot, Cafe Marley in the Louvre offers views not only of the museum’s art, but also of Paris’s current celebrity scene. For better food, the area right around Les Halles has a number of good brasseries, but, as said earlier, the area closer to Rue St. Denis and Sebastopol has a slightly sketchier character – not at all dangerous, but nevertheless unsavory.

Shopping Spots :
If the high fashion of the Faubourg Saint Honore is a bit out of your budget , head to the Les Halles mall. A surprisingly beautiful, art nouveau-inspired underground city (complete with street names, a swimming pool, park, and more), Les Halles proves that even Paris’s malls have a Parisian flair. While the area around the mall is useful for really cheap (think 3-5 euro) clothes and shoes, the mall itself has much higher quality at affordable prices.

You are nearly there – Paris, the fabulous city of lights! You can’t wait to land. You’ve gotten your Paris flights, now you’re assessing some great looking specials on a bunch of Paris hotels. What neighborhood you are staying in is always an important consideration for cheap or expensive hotels in Paris even if you are looking at hotels in Paris city centre.  Here’s a guide to Paris’s First arrondissement so you can learn more about whether the First is where you want to be!

Paris: The First Arrondissement

Paris’s first arrondissement is filled with the elegance and grandeur that centuries’ worth of visitors have imagined when thinking of Paris, France . Imperial boulevards, exclusive fashion shops , and precisely maintained parks overlooking the silken River Seine are all to be found in this neighborhood, a district primarily of office space and tourist sites. Les Halles, Paris’s weird take on a shopping center , can be found here as well.

What You Need To Know :

What’s Good :

Spending time here has many benefits. When you stroll beneath the nineteenth-century arches of the arcade Rue de Rivoli , you will be following in the steps of generations of dandies and duchesses: vanished citizens of Paris of another time. You will be near some of Paris’s most notable tourist sites – the Tuileries garden to Chatelet -site of the Comedie Francaise, where Moliere once produced his plays – to the fabulous Louvre Museum . And the shopping, on the elegantly understated Faubourg Saint Honore, is unrivalled!

The Downside :

While during the day in the First provides you access to some of Paris’s finest sights within a few moments’ stroll , the business-like character of the area means that nightlife, by contrast, is limited within the arrondissement. So unless you go to the Les Halles/St. Denis area there’s not much to do. Les Halles/St. Denis’s low brow pleasures may appear slightly seedy to visitors over the age of 21 (that said, the area bordering the Les Halles mall is consistently nice – a good place to stop after seeing a film in Les Halles’s enormous cinema, which presents many US and UK movies in their original languages. But avoid going towards Rue St. Denis/Blvd. Sebastopol unless you’re consciously seeking that sort of milieu.) Moreover, this area can get extremely touristy – especially around the otherwise lovely Rue de Rivoli.  So watch your wallet and control your buying impulse for souvenirs until you’re a bit further off the beaten path.

What To Do:
Sites abound in the First. Take a walk down the Faubourg Saint-Honore, where nearly every famous fashion house of the world has a store . Visit the Louvre or Tuileries Gardens near the Place de Concorde, see a play at the Comedie Francaise in the Chatelet area.

Places To Eat:
Finding good French food is almost impossible in the First , but finding outstanding desserts is not. Angelina, on Rue de Rivoli, has lost some of its former elegance, but the aging-grande-dame feel of the place makes the yellowed mirrors and creaky chandeliers worth seeing on their own merits. Plus, their famously rich hot chocolate and Mont Blanc desserts are among the best in Paris. For a more contemporary hotspot, Cafe Marley in the Louvre offers views not only of the museum’s art, but also of Paris’s current celebrity scene. For better food, the area right around Les Halles has a number of good brasseries, but, as said earlier, the area closer to Rue St. Denis and Sebastopol has a slightly seedier character – not at all dangerous, but nevertheless unsavory.

Where To Shop In Paris’s First Arrondissement :
If the haute couture of the Faubourg Saint Honore is a bit out of your price range , go to the Les Halles mall. A surprisingly beautiful, art nouveau-inspired underground city (complete with street names, a swimming pool, park, and more), Les Halles proves that even Paris’s malls have a particular Parisian flair. While the area around the mall is useful for really cheap (think 3-5 euro) clothes and shoes, the mall itself has much higher quality items at affordable prices.

You are nearly there – Paris! You can hardly wait to get there. You’ve gotten your flights to France , now you’re looking at some wonderful sounding offers on a bunch of Paris hotels. What arrondissement you are staying in is always an important consideration for Paris hotels even if you are looking at hotels in Paris city centre.  Here’s a guide to Paris’s First arrondissement so you can learn more about whether the First arrondissement is where you want to be!

Paris’ First Arrondissement

Paris’s 1st arrondissement is filled with the sort of elegance and grandeur that centuries’ worth of visitors have imagined when thinking of Paris, France’s capital city. Refined boulevards, exclusive fashion shops , and manicured parks overlooking the dreamy River Seine are all found in this neighborhood, a district primarily of office space and tourist sites. Les Halles, Paris’s unusual take on a shopping mall, can be found here as well.

What To Know :

What’s Good About The First :

Spending time in Paris’s First has many benefits. When you walk under the 19th arches of the Rue de Rivoli arcade, you’ll be following in the footsteps of generations of dandies and duchesses: vanished citizens of Paris of long ago . You’ll be near some of Paris’s most beautiful tourist sites – the Tuileries garden to Chatelet -site of the Comedie Francaise, where Moliere once produced his plays – to the world-class Musee de Louvre. And the shopping, on the elegant Faubourg Saint Honore, is without peer !

The Bad :

While daytime in the First Arrondissement provides a visitor with access to some of Paris’s top sights at a few moments’ walk, the business-like character of the area means that nightlife, by contrast, is limited within the arrondissement. So unless visitors go to the Les Halles/St. Denis area there’s not much to do. Les Halles/St. Denis’s low-budget pleasures may appear slightly seedy to those over the age of twenty-one (that said, the section bordering the Les Halles mall is actually nice – a good place to stop after catching a film in Les Halles’s enormous cinema, which presents many American and British films in their original languages. But avoid going towards Rue St. Denis/Blvd. Sebastopol unless you’re consciously seeking that sort of milieu.) What’s more, this area can get very, very touristy – especially around the otherwise lovely Rue de Rivoli.  So watch your wallet and control your buying impulse for souvenirs until you’re a bit further off the beaten path.

What To Do:
Sites and sights abound here. Take a walk down the Faubourg Saint-Honore, where nearly every famous fashion house of the world has a presence. Visit the Louvre or Tuileries Gardens near the Place de Concorde, see a play at the Comedie Francaise in the Chatelet area.

Where To Go To Eat :
Finding non tourist food is hard in the First , but finding superb desserts is not. Angelina, on Rue de Rivoli, has lost some of its mythic elegance, but the aging-grande-dame feel of the place makes the yellowed mirrors and creaky chandeliers worth seeing on their own merits. Plus, their famously rich hot chocolate and Mont Blanc desserts are among the best in Paris. For a more recent hotspot, Cafe Marley in the Louvre offers views not only of the museum’s art, but also of Paris’s current celebrity scene. For better food, the area right around Les Halles has a number of good brasseries, but, as said earlier, the area closer to Rue St. Denis and Sebastopol has a slightly seedier character – not at all dangerous, but nevertheless unsavory.

Where To Shop In The First :
If the exclusive shopping of the Faubourg Saint Honore is a bit out of your price range , head to the Les Halles mall. A surprisingly beautiful, art nouveau-inspired underground city (complete with street names, a swimming pool, park, and more), Les Halles proves that even Paris’s malls have a particular Parisian flair. While the area around the mall is useful for really cheap (think 3-5 euro) clothes and shoes, the mall itself has much higher quality items at affordable prices.

Once you’ve gotten your flights to France or gotten that great Paris travel or vacation or hotel deal, you can take a deep sigh of relief.  Now’s the time to have fun, focus and explore.  You’ll soon see why Paris is the world’s top tourist destination.  Dijon, a short trip from Paris, is one such gem in France’s tourism crown.

Many North Americans are familiar with the funny Grey Poupon mustard commercials. When it comes to Dijon mustard, Grey Poupon is probably the most recognizable brand .  However, there is much about where this mustard originates from that folks don’t know . Beyond the influences of catchy condiment advertising is a region of refined culture and intriguing history.

Situated between France’s border with Switzerland and Paris , is the quaint little city of Dijon.  It was here that combinations of white wine and grape juice produced the uniquely flavored mustard now know around the world as Dijon mustard.  Naturally, you will wish to grab an original jar of Dijon mustard to take back home, but what else can be seen here?

Architecture of Dijon

Falling in line with many neighboring regions of France, Dijon has some inspiring architecture as expressed in its churches. Often referred to as the “town of a hundred spires,” this quaint locale is home to an amazing collection of churches and other religious buildings. Among these inspired structures is the La Chapelle de Elus, or Chapel of the Elected Representatives. Construction on the Chapelle began in 1738.  A tour of its interior presents an array of elegantly complex designs.  The intricately sculptured walls provide an air of refinement as you make your way through the lightly colored halls.

Shopping in Dijon

Dijon offers outstanding shopping , a wonderful place to get gifts to give to your friends and family after returning from your vacation in France . Here, you can find one of the famous Galeries Lafayette department stores. Located at 41, rue Liberté, this massive retailer offers a variety of items.  The La Toison d’Or is a second option for shoppers. There are also wonderful cafes, fashionable boutiques and decadant chocolate shops. Dijon only adds to the incentive to find cheap flights to France so that you can spend more of your vacation money on shopping and gourmet treats!

Tour Philippe le Bon

The Tour Philippe le Bon, or “Good Philip’s Tower” stands at 46 meters and encircles the Dukes of Burgundy. The oldest portions of this tower date back to the 14th century. A trip to the top of the tower provides you with a breathtaking picture taking opportunity. All around, the town of Dijon is before you.  Buildings range from the mundane to the dramatically pointed steeples and finely rounded domes of churches.  Altogether creating an interesting skyline.  The ancient palace was demolished then later rebuilt in the seventeenth century, and currently acts as Dijon’s town hall. Many of the palace’s significant rooms, such as the vast reception halls and grand kitchens, were transformed into fine art museums.

Wine With Your Dijon?

Dijon, the capital of Burgundy lies in close proximity to the famous vineyards of Burgundy. Wine enthusiasts must visit the Cote de Nuits and the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot. The wine cellars here date back to the 12th century, and when it is warm outside, these Burgundian wine cellars provide a lovely, cool tour after roaming outside, taking in the beautifully vibrant vineyards. It goes without saying, no tour to Dijon would be complete without the obligatory wine tasting as you explore the cellars.   

The Route des Grand Crus, or “Road of the Great Wines” runs through this area. Most famous of the wine produced are high quality red wines. As you can see, getting your hotels in Paris, France chosen and cheap flights to Paris, France in hand is just the beginning, Dijon and the rest of France beckon!