Paris has an extensive domestic rail network with 6 main train stations in the centre, and 2 stations in the suburbs that have TGV links (Marne la Vallée-Chessy and the Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport). Gare du Nord is the Eurostar terminus. Trains between Paris and Ebbsfleet run around 30 times a day Monday-Friday, and 40 times a day Saturdays and Sundays.
Eurostar
trains between St Pancras International and Paris have average journey times of 2 hours, 15 minutes, making travel by highspeed rail very popular and convenient. Paris in spring is a famous time for tourists to visit, and autumn and Christmas are also good to book tickets for, with the Montmartre Wine Festival.
Paris is known as “the city of love”, ideal for a romantic getaway or as a family, and world-famous for its quality foods, especially wine and cheeses. It has an estimated 30 million visitors every year. There are about two thousand hotels to choose from, such as Le Bristol (known to be one of the best hotels).
According to a survey of 1400 visitors to the city, Paris hosts the best cuisine in Europe; it is also full of many historical and beautiful sights to see, with 2000 years of art and history. One of France’s most famous and respected chefs, Pierre Gagnaire, owns a restaurant in the city; another popular restaurant is Ratatouille close to the Grand Boulevards subway.
Points of Interest
The Eiffel Tower
See over 40 miles across Paris. The Eiffel Tower, known as the symbol of Paris- a tower built of iron on the Champ de Mars, inaugurated on 31 March 1889 and it was built by Gustave Eiffel. It attracted around 2 million visitors the first year and almost 6 million annually today. It is 986 feet tall and has 704 steps to the second level, where a lift takes visitors to the top and with a view of over 42 miles of the city (clear weather).
The Arc de Triomphe
Also known as "Place de l'Étoile", it is a symbol of the French nation, as it links old and new Paris.
The Chateau de Versailles
The stables at Chateau de Versailles Grande Écurie du Château de Versailles. Jules Hardouin-Mansart (Superintendent of royal works) originally designed the two twin buildings to accomodate the King's 600 horses. The building’s construction began in 1679 and was completed in 1683.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Near the River Seine, the famous cathedral is from the Gothic period.
The Grande Arche de la Fraternite
A monument in the business district of La Defense to the west of Paris.
Sainte-Chapelle
A place of religious symbolism built in the second half of the 13th century by Louis IX.
Museée du Louvre
Commonly known as just “The Louvre”, it is the most visited and one of the oldest, largest, and most famous art galleries and museums in the world. It was originally a royal fortress.
The Panthéon
Now no longer used for religious purposes since the new government ordered that it be rededicated as a ‘Temple to Reason’, it is a mausoleum for the greatest French intellectuals.
Châteaux de Malmaison
Also known as “the Palace of Malmaison”. Built in the 18th century, it has been owned by wealthy families; the name derives from Norman times.
Musée Galliera
Also known as the Paris Fashion Museum, with over three centuries of fashion, and an extensive collection of 90,000 pieces.
Musée de la Musique
Situated within Cité de la Musique, in the heart of the Parc de la Villette. With 1,000 instruments and art objects with rare pieces such as the tortoise guitar, an octobass and a crystal flute, also instruments dating back to the 17th century.
Attractions
Watch Moulin Rouge live - the world’s most famous cabaret show including the legendary Cancan dance.
Private horse and carriage rides along the grand avenues and past the city’s monuments.
Avenue Montaigne for shopping, where Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Gucci all have boutiques.
Aquarium Tropical de la Porte Dorée, with 350 different species and over 5,000 animals.
The Stade de France located in the Saint Denis area just outside of Paris, in the Ile de France region, which was built for the FIFA world cup wherein France defeated Brazil.
Aquaboulevard Water Park- the biggest water park in Europe, with great water slides like the Aquaplouf which is 80 metres in height and beautiful tropical surroundings, the water park is suitable for all ages and has many other activities such as a massive sports complex including tennis courts, squash courts, a complete gym, and a fitness centre amongst numerous other facilities.
Casino Barrière d'Enghien-les-Bains, the first casino to open in France in 1901 and rebuilt 10 years later with an additional theatre. For its 100 year anniversary in 2001, slot machines were installed and an atrium was further added when the casino had another complete makeover in 2005.
Davy Crocketts Aventure, suitable for both adults and children, based around the outskirts of Paris: an adventure theme park where activities take place- for example, the trees move from one fixed point to another starting from only 1 metre off the ground and reaching up to 25 metres.
Destination
Strasbourg Main Attractions - Strasbourg Main Attractions
Historical Museum
Located in the city's historical centre, the museum shows Strasbourg and Alsace's rich history.... Strasbourg, France
LAncienne Douane
Translating as the ?Old Custom?, the medieval building dates from 1358 and was the house of the port and taxes authorities. It now hosts a good restaurant serving Alsatian specialties.... Strasbourg, France
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Recommended also because of the architecture.... Strasbourg, France
Orangerie
A classical park containing a small free zoo featuring and an excellent playground for young children.... Strasbourg, FranceStrasbourg, France
Palais de Rohan
The Palais Rohan is one of the most important buildings in the city of Strasbourg. Palais de Rohan has house three of Strasbourg's most well known museums; the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts.... Strasbourg, France
Stockfeld
Early 20th century garden city built in the south-east of the Neuhof (southern part of the town).... Strasbourg, France
The European district
Where the Council of Europe's seat (?Le Palais de l'Europe?) built by Henry Bernard in 1977,the European Court of Human Rights built by Richard Rogers in 1995 and the European Parliament built by Architecture Studio in 1999.... Strasbourg, France
Zoological Museum
Famous for its bird collection, it is the oldest in France.... Strasbourg, France