Sunday, February 25, 2007

Planning a Trip to Paris?

Paris really is the city of Love. When visiting with one's "significant other," it is truely impossible not to get lost in the beauty and romance of the city. However, with the city's arcitectual wonders and incredible atmposphere, one can fall in love with Paris on a solo vacation, with friends or with family. It is a city were words can do no justice. It must be seen to be believed.

Here are some tips to help you believe!

Getting to Paris^

As of Mar. 14 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Jun. 5th and returning Jun. 14th. The price in perentheses was the previously posted price i.e. what the ticket cost 2 weeks ago.

*From:

New York City- $731 ($700) NON STOP
Atlanta- $991 ($941)
Chicago- $908 ($803)
Los Angeles- $1061 ($1038)

As of Mar. 14 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Jul. 5th and returning Jul. 14th:

*From:

New York City- $ ($994)
Atlanta- $ ($1255)
Chicago- $1108 ($961)
Los Angeles- $1213 ($1219)

As of Feb. 25 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Aug. 5th and returning Aug. 14th:

*From:

New York City- $857
Atlanta- $1098
Chicago- $1015
Los Angeles- $1198

As of Feb. 25 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Sept. 5th and returning Sept. 14th:

*From:

New York City- $547
Atlanta- $788
Chicago- $677
Los Angeles- $962

^Airfare prices are updated every weeks/two weeks.
*Prices include all taxes and fees.

Intro
First let me give you a brief overview of Paris from the Weather Channel's Destination Guide. You can view current weather in Paris as well as average weather for any time of year.
Click here for weather info and more on Paris


When the Romans took the area that is now Paris in 52 B.C., it was simply a riverbank fishing village. This might be hard to imagine now, especially since many consider Paris to be among the most beautiful cities in the world. Its wide boulevards, incomparable art collections, Gothic cathedrals, and the magical Seine have been depicted and canonized by countless artists, directors, and writers--becoming the romantic ideal by which other cities are judged. A bastion of culture, history, and intellectual pursuit, the rich tradition of this European capital pervades each of its arrondisements, or districts.
Paris has managed to retain its illustrious architecture and monuments. The French Revolution caused significant damage, but the city was spared during World War II when the German commander of Paris disobeyed Hitler's orders to destroy the capital. Consequently, today's visitors have the rare opportunity to observe historical sites restored to their original splendor. Despite the fact that Paris' foremost industry is tourism, the city is much more than a living document of European history. Paris continues to evolve and thrive as a world center: the principle city of a nation that remains an influential economic, social, and cultural leader.
The royal palace serves as the city's center, and the surrounding eight arrondisements contain most of the popular attractions. These attractions are within easy walking distance of one another, which is an ideal way to experience Paris. If walking is not feasible, public transportation is superb and visitors should not hesitate to travel by Metro, bus, or taxi.
The Seine River bisects the city into two distinct areas dubbed the Right Bank and Left Bank. The Right Bank (northern side) is an enclave of the elite, harboring fashionable, upscale districts. The area is also home to the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and numerous palaces. The Left Bank (southern side) houses government offices and districts, such as the Latin Quarter, which has historically been the playground of important French intellectuals. The Left Bank offers popular attractions as well, including the Eiffel Tower and the Pantheon.
Some attractions do lie outside the primary districts. One of the more notable haunts is Montmartre, frequented for its cafes, charming alleys, street artists, and for the Sacre Coeur--a cathdral nestled atop the highest point in the city. However, The Eiffel Tower remains Paris' most visited attraction, followed by the Louvre (adjacent glass pyramid designed by architect I.M. Pei), the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe.
Most visitors balance their stay between site seeing, touring, and plenty of shopping in the posh boutiques and various flea markets. And, of course, what trip to the incandescent city of lights would be complete without indulging in the rich gustatory pleasures of the markets, patisserie, bistros, or romantic restaurants. From its art, to its history, to its cuisine, Paris is truly one of the most enticing and visually stunning destinations in the world.

Copyright © 2004 Atevo, Inc.

Getting Around

Like most major European cities, the subway (Metro as it is called in Paris) is the easiest way to get around. The Metro is one of the best a safest subways in the world. Taxis are also abundent and safe. One should also set aside a day, or atleast half of one, to explore the city by foot. Venture into some neighborhoods and eat lunch with the locals.

Click here for a map of the Paris Metro

Where to Stay

The following hotels are all centerally located and are good options. They are not ranked in any specific order. Some cost below $100/night and some are over $300/night! I have provided links to each hotel that will give you useful information.

Paris Hotels

Also, take a look at what Tripadvisor has to say!
-m10556-r78268-Paris_Ile_de_France-Hotel-Deals.html">Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Paris

Hôtel Des Mines

Royal Magda Etoile

Idéal Hôtel

Villa Mazarin

France Albion

Hôtel Balladins Paris VIII Confort

Enjoy your visit to Paris!

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