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Paris is well known for its idyllic parks - a leisurely stroll or walk through one of the well-manicured, pristine and often quaint gardens is a must. The New York Times describes the hidden gardens of Paris, however of the ones in plain sight, there truly are too many to list. Let's therefore focus on some of the major parks and gardens found throughout the city.
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In a celebrity-obsessed society where the mention of Paris conjures thoughts of a certain over-exposed pop heiress, this website was created exclusively for all things Paris, Definitely France. Why focus on the City of Light? It is cosmopolitan yet old-fashioned, rich with cultural history yet progressively modern, and most of all, beautiful and charming in the eyes of any tourist.
For most people however, a trip to Paris can seem far out of reach - even while keeping cheap Paris travel tips in mind. This is where familiarity can also help set the mood, and set the stage for your next or very first trip. It is these popular movies over the last decade that help bring Paris to life.
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It goes without saying that one of the top museums to visit during your stay in Paris is the renowned Louvre, home of course to the Mona Lisa.
Originally a fortress, the Louvre museum has been at its location since 1793. What's more, it boasts 6 million visitors every year.
What can you do to help make your visit the best it can be? Consider the following hints and tips, from the ideal times to visit, which entrance to use, and places to eat nearby if you don't want to eat museum food.
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You are going to Paris and one of your must-see sights has to be the Eiffel Tower! It is one of the most recognized structures in the world but it is also a way to distinguish a tourist from a Parisian. How so?
Travel on the Metro (line 6) towards Place Charles de Gaulle, and when you do not see a single person glance out the window at the famed tall structure, you know you are amongst locals.
Here are some things to consider before your first visit to the famed monument!
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The long awaited Sex and the City movie was a hit with a special edition DVD
available. And its sequel has already been released!
The popular HBO series ran for 6 seasons, with the 2-part finale partly filmed in Paris. For those who didn't watch the season finale - here is a quick recap, along with details of where Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) adventures took her in the City of Light.
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France is home to the world's largest cycling race, le Tour de France, which has had its fair share of triumphs, struggles and controversy. The race is held each July, making its way through the French countryside to finish along the Champs-Elysées in Paris.
If you're going to be in Paris in the summer of 2010 to watch the final stage, here are some pointers you should know.
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A trip to Paris may seem suited for jet setters, the adventurous, and surely the wealthy. In actual fact, visiting Paris can be a reality and relatively easy on the pocketbook.
Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when planning your Parisian vacation.
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This past May 16, 2009 was the 5th annual The Night of Museums, not only in Paris, but across Europe when 2,000 museums opened their doors on this Saturday evening as a free, social event for everyone.
Organized by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, 130 museums in Paris will participate including the Louvre, the Rodin Museum (pictured) and the National Gallery of the Grand Palace to name a few. This is a special event when you'll be able to roam some of the world's finest museums until 11:30 PM or midnight!
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Paris let its hair down every July to August with its own version of Californian beaches called Paris Plage. Large, potted palm trees, truckloads of sand, beach chairs and umbrellas are transported to the city's Right Bank, and in an all-night major set-up, are carefully arranged along the Seine. Throw in street entertainment, games for kids, and food, it's a fun event for all.
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Each year since the year 957, the Foire du Trône brings country fair attractions and amusements to Paris in the 12th arrondissement. One of the largest country fairs in France, it was originally a place where merchants and vendors would meet farmers to trade commodities such as rice and grain. Today, it can be compared to amusement parks in North America, with rides, arcades, games, and rollercoasters. What sets it apart is the type of food available - move over cotton candy!
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For the 2nd year in a row, Paris City Hall and the Paris Tourism Office have launched an initiative to make the city more friendly to tourists. Last year, the mayor of Paris handed out leaflets at the Eiffel Tower. The leaflets described a charter on how to treat tourists visiting the city. Now, the theme has shifted to a more proactive agenda with the slogan of "Paris Smiles for You!"
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As you admire monuments and the architecture the city has to offer, it's easy to forget there's a stunning attraction high above the ground, viewable from everywhere - Paris rooftops!
It probably doesn't sound that exciting - but as you can see from these photos taken from an apartment window within the 16th arrondissement (thanks, Lise!), the views are beautiful and very visually interesting. Imagine seeing this view every day!
Check out these prime locations (aside from the Eiffel Tower) where you can climb some stairs or take an escalator to view the mystical Parisian rooftops.
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The City of Paris, in partnership with advertising company JCDecaux, has launched one of the most advanced public bicycle program in recent times.
There are over 1,400 stations throughout the city where bicycles are available. It's claimed that one is never further than 200-300 meters from one of these stations. What's more, there are now even dedicated cycling lanes on some streets.
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During your Paris vacation you will likely not be renting a car and driving, as you will inevitably have to drive through one of the infamous roundabouts that aren't for the faint of heart. (think 5-6 lanes of traffic but without any car lanes). Instead, opt for taking the Metro or walking - which are in fact the primary ways that Parisians get around.
One of the most important things to get upon your arrival is a map of the city, but not just any map like the single-page one offered at your hotel. You will need the Paris Pratique (par arrondissement) - in other words Practical Paris by Neighborhoods.
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Every spring the Paris Marathon brings close to 30,000 determined individuals to the City of Light to run 26.2 miles through the charming streets and right by - yes, even the Eiffel Tower.
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The Orsay Museum is another must-see in Paris, much like the Louvre.
Located on the Left Bank with a commanding view of the Seine River, the Orsay Museum is home to the masterful impressionist work of Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir among countless others.
Here are some useful tips and hints on how to get there, the ideal section to start your visit, a nice place to have lunch, and a great place to take some souvenir snapshots.
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During your visit of historic sites and walks along cobblestone streets, it is important to recognize that Paris is also a developed, modern city. West of the city, reachable by Metro or RER train, is La Défense - the city's major business center. Why would you want to venture to a business district full of skyscrapers, home to some of the major corporations of France?
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