Paris

Paris, the capital of France is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Tourists all across the world visit this city to enjoy its beauty and rich sights. They visit its museums, zoos, parks and relish its famous cuisine. Paris is situated on the north of the river, the Rive Droite, which is the most famous landmark. The monuments of the proud metropolis tell of the splendor of its bygone days. Churches crowned by cupolas, magnificent churches, majestic gardens, twisting alleys and elegant boulevards bring the history of Paris back to life.

There are various places of interests in Paris including Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Bastille, Eiffel Tower, Marais, Montmartre, Les Halles, etc.

Throughout the whole world Paris stands for a wild and licentious nightlife. The city is still an Eldora do for pleasure seekers en night owls, even if the exuberance of the early days has somewhat diminished and some attractions have become tawdry tourist traps.

Paris prides itself in having more than 4,000 restaurants, to suit everybody's taste and purse. Ethnic cuisine abounds: every country in the world has a culinary outpost in the city. The French metropolis sets the tone for the whole country. It offers the very best in opera, jazz, church concerts and tours by international pop stars.

Paris sees warm and sunny summers. Winter is the rainy season, although you will find few extreme conditions, such as heavy snow showers or biting frosts.

This is one of the world's most recognizable monuments, and it is breathtaking to behold. Be sure to take the lift to the top for a spectacular view of the city. This attraction alone drew 6.2 million visitors in 2002, according to Paris Office of Tourism statistics.

The world's most famous art museum, the Louvre's most popular piece is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." It was established in 1793, and is one of the oldest museums in Europe. Its collections spans from the birth of great civilizations up to the 19th century.

The funky and hip Centre Pompidou features a wonderful collection of modern art within its creatively designed building. It also features a cinema, concerts and children's activities. The Centre attracts 5.5 million visitors annually.

This fun, hands-on science museum attracts 2.5 million visitors each year, with its cool exhibits on anatomy, biology, you name it.

This museum may not be the massive size of Louvre, but its Impressionist collection is among the best in the world. The museum is housed in a former rail station, and has the atmosphere and personality to match. The Musee d'Orsay attracts 2.1 million visitors annually.

Climb to the top for one of the best views of Paris. No, it doesn't go as high as the Eiffel Tower. But since the city is relatively flat, the vantage point at this height is actually better. The arch brings in 1.4 million visitors each year.

Notre-Dame is located in the heart of Paris and even of the country itself: Distances from the city to all parts of France are calculated from a spot at the far end of place du Parvis, in front of the cathedral, where a circular bronze plaque marks Kilometer Zero. The cathedral's setting on the banks of the Seine has always been memorable. Founded in the 12th century by Maurice de Sully, bishop of Paris, Notre-Dame has grown over the years, changing as Paris has changed, often falling victim to whims of taste. Its flying buttresses (the external side supports, giving the massive interior a sense of weightlessness) were rebuilt in 1330.

This beautiful pink marble mosque was constructed in 1922 to honor the North African countries that had given aid to France during World War I. Today, North Africans living in Paris gather on Friday, the Muslim holy day, and during Ramadan to pray to Allah. Short tours are given of the building, its central courtyard, and its Moorish garden; guides present a brief history of the Islamic faith.