Instantly recognisable for its iconic architecture, the City of Light is a vibrant metropolis in constant change. Though perennial monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral are a must, as are world-renowned museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, there are wonders to be found on every corner. From the trendy bars, boutiques, and galleries of Marais to the artsy and bohemian feel of Montmartre to the grandiose elegance along the Seine – there is plenty for all tastes, a full range extending from earthy grit to over-the-top sophistication, but always with an emphatic and inimitable Parisian flavour
Reims is the metropolis of the Champagne-Ardenne area, and a city that celebrates art, history and the enjoyment of fine food and wine. Along with its restaurants serving the finest food and wine, it has countless art galleries and buildings of varied architectural styles. Some of them date back as early as the 3rd century, such as at the Gate of Mars, the Gallo-Roman cryptoporticus. Contemporary architecture can be seen at the Conservatoire National de Région. This city will truly leave a lasting impression.
A stay in Reims would not be complete without educating yourself about the famous sparkling nectar. Visit one of the many champagne houses based in Reims. Pay a visit to Pommery’s cellars that contain some of the most spectacular chalk carvings in the whole of champagne. Mumm, Taittinger, and Veuve Clicquot are all worth visiting too.
Notre-Dame de Reims is a Roman Catholic cathedral where the kings of France once were crowned. The most famous one was Charles VII, who had Joan of Arc at his side, in 17 July 1429. In the year 2011 this impressive structure celebrated its 800th anniversary.
Residence of the bishops and later the archbishops of Reims, this palace is now the museum of the architectural construction of the cathedral. Visitors can still see how the palace used to look during the 16th century.
The 121 metres long Basilica of Reims was built around the year 1000. It is classified as a historical monument and a Unesco World Heritage Site and was formerly attached to the monastery Abbey of Saint-Rémi of Reims.
In 43 BC, the Romans founded the capital city of the Gallic provinces on a peninsula, at the foot of La Croix-Rousse and in the area around the Town Hall and the Opera, France’s most prominent architects and artists were given a free hand in the 1990s. The result was Post-Modern glamour: a Rococo opera with a glass dome, a grand square with columns and 69 water jets.
Explore Lyon from the river Rhône and admire its heritage while the guide tells you the secrets of the city. In the evening you can have a very romantic dinner cruise. From April to October you can take a boat trip on the Rhône. Different companies operate in the evenings.
Opéra de Lyon is a must-see attraction in Lyon. Here you can take a guided tour, which is highly recommended. This is the modernized version built in 1993 of the original 1831 opera house, and is a place where the ultramodern and classical style is presented throughout the whole building, both inside and out.
There are over 5 km of walkways along the Rhône for leisure and enjoyment. Here you will find lawns, outdoor cafés, deckchairs, pools, barges, concerts and restaurants. For the more athletically inclined, a cycling track, a roller park and a fitness circuit is provided.
Plunge into the small, picturesque, yet lively world of Lyon’s traditional restaurants – the bouchons. Their menus display all the specialities from the local markets and traditional Lyon dishes. Lyon is also the capital of gastronomy and grande cuisine. The uncontested master of French cuisine, Paul Bocuse, has his restaurant by the Saone, and new chefs brimming over with creative talent abound. In Stendhal’s "Memoirs of a Tourist," he wrote: “I know one thing that you do very well in Lyon, you can eat admirably there.”
If you arrive in Nice by air, you will get straight into the city’s most beautiful avenue, the Promenade des Anglais, the Mediterranean’s Champs-Elysées. The magnificent seaside promenade runs between the luxury hotels and the beach, all in the shade of the very typical feather duster palms.
Well known for tourism as a playground for the rich and famous and with its most famous Monte Carlo Casino and museums with priceless art it is not difficult to understand why. The Formula 1 Grand Prix is another major part of Monaco, but it boast many other exciting sport events and activities too.
Founded by Phocaean Greeks 2 600 years ago, Marseille is France’s oldest town, a melting pot of peoples and cultures, and a gateway to southern Europe and North Africa. Today, the city is still dependent on the port for its revenue and is dominated by fishing boats and people selling fresh produce.
Montpellier is known for its university and a quarter of its citizens are students. The beautiful medieval area, “centre historique,” is a pedestrian haven with marbled alleys like L’Ancien Courrier. Low-set medieval buildings and churches adorn the area’s 16 squares, including the one in the city centre, Place de la Comédie.
Cannes was once a small fishing village but is today a glamorous and expensive seaside town. Cannes is the host for a very famous event every May, the Cannes Film Festival which attracts the rich and famous. The fans can see actors, celebrities, and directors up close during this joyful period. Although Cannes nightlife, casinos and high end restaurants gives a feeling of exclusivity, you will find other alternatives to suit all types of budgets.
The most beautiful, trendy and luxurious city on the riviera, Saint-Tropez. It lies on the tip of the ocean with colourful old buildings and a harbour filled with cafés and restaurants. Throughout the narrow streets and alleys you will find numerous classy boutiques, art galleries and shops of all kind. For a brush of celebrity go to Pampelonne beach, a half moon shaped white sand beach, where you will find the clubs where the rich and famous hang out.
Antibes Juan-les-Pins is the second largest town in the Alpes Maritimes and is a popular tourist destination. Here you can experience a blend of traditional customs and water sports, history and nightlife, architectural heritage and festivals.
Cannes was once a small fishing village but is today a glamorous and expensive seaside town. Cannes is the host for a very famous event every May, the Cannes Film Festival which attracts the rich and famous. The fans can see actors, celebrities, and directors up close during this joyful period. Although Cannes nightlife, casinos and high end restaurants gives a feeling of exclusivity, you will find other alternatives to suit all types of budgets.
Writers, travellers, artists, photographers, and filmmakers have tried to capture the magic of the French capital for hundreds of years. Time and time again, they have failed.
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