Cheap Paris Breaks

What Do You Know About the Paris Metro?

2011-02-02T15:34:00.002Z

London has its Underground and New York has its Subway. In contrast, Paris has its Metro and it is one of the best ways to navigate your way around the city. Also known as the Metropolitain, it runs a close knit network of lines all over Paris. This makes it supremely easy to get from place to place as you find your way to all the most famous (and not so famous) destinations that Paris has to offer.

It may help to know a few things about the Metro before you use it for the first time however. For example sixteen lines form the whole network, and they intersect at various places. Of the 384 stops that exist, just under one sixth of them are capable of transferring you to another line.

It makes sense to grab a map of the Metro system as soon as you arrive in Paris, regardless of how long you are staying there for. Most people cannot resist the experience of hopping on the Metro even if they could happily walk everywhere, and you may well feel the same. You can also check a copy of the map online before you go if you want to get ahead of the situation and familiarise yourself with the lines.

The network itself is very close knit and most stations are actually quite close to each other. This makes the network better to use if you are travelling over a longer distance, but it is always good to know you aren’t far away from a station. The map is easy to look at because all the lines are colour coded, so you just have to find out where it is best to change lines if you need to.

It is certainly an experience to try and navigate the lines on your own. Even if your French is a little rusty you should be able to use the colours and the names of the stations to find your route from A to B. And even if you get lost it all adds to the fun!

Heading Out to Paris for a Shopping Weekend

2011-01-04T14:21:00.002Z

Paris is well known as a popular shopping destination. No matter what kinds of shops you care to look in, Paris is a popular choice for several reasons. Firstly it is very close to the UK while still offering all the allure of another country. Secondly it has lots of shops for you to browse round. And of course perhaps most importantly of all, it also offers plenty of other activities to get stuck into while you are away.

The most important thing to remember about shopping in Paris is that it doesn’t automatically require you to have a huge budget. There are certainly plenty of expensive shops you could go to if you wanted, but on the whole you will find that there are also other more accessible shops to enjoy as well.

As you may already know, Paris is split into several areas known as arrondissements. These are just specific areas of the city and there is no doubt that many of them are home to more expensive shops than others. The trick is to pick the right arrondissements to visit, so you can look forward to shopping in places that will suit your budget.

Ideally you should consider the kinds of shops you would like to visit before you even book your weekend in Paris. If you book the first thing you see you could find yourself in the midst of the more expensive shops, and miles away from the ones that would suit whatever cash you have to spend. Needless to say, a little planning before you go is the best way to ensure you book the most suitable shopping weekend for your needs.

To give you some food for thought, try the Boulevard Haussmann to get access to many of the big department stores Paris has to offer. The Avenue Montaigne is the place to find the designer stores, should you want to go to the very top of the clothing ladder. As you can see, Paris really does have everything you could possibly want from a European shopping trip.

Taking A Look At The Montparnasse Cemetery

2010-12-03T15:21:00.001Z

Now most people wouldn’t automatically think of seeing a cemetery on their weekend away in Paris (or in any other location come to that). But in reality it is more than worth going to see the Montparnasse Cemetery, because it reveals a side of Paris you may otherwise miss out on.

It is here that so many famous names and figures from Parisienne history now lie. While cemeteries do not usually feature on lists of the best places to visit in any locale, you will find many other tourists respectfully walking around this one, purely because of the links it has with the city’s history. There are many famous people who have been laid to rest here, and some of them have a degree of fame that is known well beyond Paris itself.

For instance one of the Montparnasse Cemetery’s most famous residents would have to be Guy de Maupassant. The French writer wrote many short stories during his rather short life (he died aged 42 in 1893) and many of them are famous today. Elsewhere in the cemetery you will find the grave of Camille Saint-Saens, who composed Danse Macabre among other compositions.

The cemetery itself is an extremely large one and the prevalence of the famous residents here means that many tourists make a point of seeing it while they are in the city. The caretaker of the cemetery has a map which points out the graves of the most famous inhabitants, so you can more easily find those which interest you.

Not all cemeteries have the same depth of feeling as this one does. But as probably the most famous cemetery in Paris (if not all of France) it definitely begs a visit. Jean-Paul Sartre, Samuel Beckett and many others have all found their final resting places here.

The cemetery is easy to find as it is located in the Montparnasse area of the city. This is in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, to the south of the river and the city itself. Even if the idea of visiting a cemetery on a weekend away still feels strange, make sure you give it a try.

Planning a Weekend in Paris

2010-11-04T11:51:00.002Z

The great thing about visiting Paris is that you don’t have to book a whole week there if you don’t want to. It’s close enough to enable you to have a great time there if you only have a couple of days to spare. Imagine a long weekend spent in the French capital over a Bank Holiday for example, or perhaps just taking a day off on the Friday and travelling early so you can have three days there.

The best way to plan for a long weekend is to think about staying somewhere central. You don’t want to waste time travelling from place to place. With a well chosen location to stay in you will be just minutes from all the venues you would most like to see.

You should also think about the types of attractions you want to see. Will you be a traditional visitor with sights such as the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees on your list of places to go to? Or will you make a list of alternative and more unusual sights to see?

Whatever you want to do while you are there, it’s a good idea to have some kind of plan prior to your visit. This will enable you to ensure you can get off to the best start when you arrive in Paris. It’s fine to head for your hotel room or accommodation to freshen up and make sure you are ready to explore, but you don’t want to spend hours there trying to figure out where to go. You want to make the most of the time you have in the city, so make sure you get overwhelmed by decisions before you go, so you don’t waste time upon arrival.

This trick also means you can enjoy the build up to your break even more than you would otherwise. With so much to see and do in the city you can decide whether you will be a traditional tourist or one who goes off the beaten track. Where will you be heading to once Paris beckons you?

Exploring The Military History Of France

2010-10-05T09:33:00.002Z

Every city has some attractions that you may never have heard of until you actually arrive. But once you have seen them you wonder why they have not been better known or as famous as they should be.

One such example in Paris is Les Invalides, otherwise known as L’Hotel national des Invalides. The Musee de l’Armee is also in the same venue, so it is well worth seeing what you can of the location.

But what exactly is there to see?

The name of the location does reveal some clues as to what you can expect here. The venue was designed to be a hospital for war veterans’ way back in 1670 so it has been around for a long time. Part of it is still used for this purpose now, but it also houses a lot more that tourists can go and see as well.

It is also good value for money as one entry ticket actually covers five different venues to see. One of these is the Tomb of Napoleon I, which as you can imagine is a big draw for many people. He is not the only person to have a tomb at Les Invalides, but he does have arguably the best spot – right under the main dome itself.

The Musee de l’Armee – the Army Museum in English – has plenty to show you regarding the history of the French Army as well. In fact 2010 has been quite a year for the museum, as it signifies the end of a long program of renovation that has taken place over the space of several years. Therefore if you go now you will see the museum at its best. Look out for the saddle used by Napoleon III and some of the personal items used and owned by Napoleon Bonaparte as well.

As you can see there is a lot to enjoy here, so a full day is advisable. Don’t miss the Scale Models Museum or the Order of the Liberation Museum either; they’re all worth seeing and you will get a new understanding of the military history of France.

A View From Tour Montparnasse

2010-09-06T14:10:00.002Z

When you are visiting a city for the first time – or even if you have been there many times before – there is nothing that surpasses the view from above. The idea is to find one of the high points of the city so you can look down on it and see more than you would from street level.

We are rather spoilt for choice when it comes to Paris. There is the rather obvious prospect of the Eiffel Tower of course, but there is also the Tour Monparnasse to consider.

This is a skyscraper and while it may not be as tall as the famous Eiffel Tower, it still offers a superb view across Paris. Situated in the 14th arrondissement of the city, construction started in the late Sixties and was completed in 1972.

We should make it clear that opinions on the Tour Montparnasse have not exactly been divided over the years. While there are no doubt some people who have liked the building, there has been a definite lack of excitement and enthusiasm for it. In fact some people have said it is well worth going to the top because you cannot see the building from there!

We beg to differ in this respect. We think the journey is worth it because of the view you are allowed over the rest of Paris. See if you can spot the famous sights from the safety of the 56th floor, a floor that has been set aside for visitors. This enables you to see around all the sides of the building, giving a true 360 degree view.

The Tour Montparnasse may have been deemed ugly enough to ban all other similar skyscrapers from going up, but this has actually been a good thing. It has given us a superb view all around Paris without having lots of other skyscrapers in the way. We could still get a good view from the Eiffel Tower of course, but where else can you go up this high in the city and still see the Eiffel Tower itself?

It seems we have a lot to thank the Tour Montparnasse for after all.

Enjoy The Gardens Of Versailles For Free

2010-08-05T12:31:00.002Z

There cannot be many people around today who haven’t heard of the Palace of Versailles. But your visit to the palace should not be restricted to the building itself. The Gardens of Versailles are just as fascinating – and unlike the palace they can be explored completely free of charge. This is ideal if you are on a budget and you’d like to stick to it.

But you should be aware of one thing. The word ‘gardens’ really does not even begin to cover what you will find here. You can spend hours wandering around and seeing everything, such is the scale on show. But then they do belong to the Palace of Versailles, so perhaps the gardens should be expected to be equally as grand. They cover a total of some 800 hectares, so make sure you’ve got some comfortable walking shoes on!

Over recent years and despite a destructive storm that took place back in 1999, the gardeners here have been busy replanting vast sections of the gardens. This work is ongoing and as you will see when you pay a visit, the gardens always look stunning and extremely well kept.

If you are still trying to get to grips with how big these gardens really are, consider this – there are some two hundred thousand trees here and a total of fifty different fountains. You could wander round all day and still not see everything, such is the grand scope and scale of the place.

You can see that the Gardens of Versailles are just as grand as the palace itself. Indeed if you are intending to see both you might be better served spending one day in the palace and coming back on a nice sunny day to see the gardens. At least this way you won’t feel rushed and end up missing lots of things.

You should also make the time to indulge in a couple of the walks that are available in the gardens. The Water Walk and the Bacchus and Saturn Walk are just two of the many options you have available to choose from.

Visiting The Arc De Triomphe

2010-07-07T16:14:00.002Z

Is this the most famous arch in the world? It must surely be high up on the top ten list, although we have a feeling we’d run out of contenders once we got past the top five.

The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch, and there is a very good reason for this particular one to be there. It stands as a reminder of all the people who have fought for France over the years. It was designed in the early 1800s and was originally constructed to remember those who fell in the Napoleonic Wars. Since then it has also come to be a focus for remembrance for others who have died in other wars.

Perhaps most memorably the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which dates from the First World War is underneath the arch. But other events have also taken place in and around the Arc de Triomphe, some of which you may already be aware of.

Not everyone realises how big the arch is until they see it for themselves. But to give you an idea of what to expect, it is quite possible to fly a biplane through the arch. This was achieved by Charles Godefroy after the end of the First World War, to celebrate the end in a way people would remember. It certainly gives you an idea of what to expect if you have not yet seen the arch for yourself, doesn’t it?

The Arc de Triomphe also enjoys a prime spot in Paris. It stands at the Place Charles de Gaulle and it has countless different roads all meeting it as it stands in the middle of a roundabout. If you want to see the arch up close, don’t try crossing the road – it is far too dangerous. Instead use the pedestrian tunnel provided. You’ll be glad you did if you spend just a few moments watching the traffic trying to negotiate this crazy junction.

All in all this is one arch you won’t want to miss seeing. It is stunning from a distance and incredibly imposing from up close.

What Can You Expect Inside The Musee D’Orsay?

2010-06-07T15:27:00.002Z

If someone were to ask you to name a famous museum in Paris, the chances are high that you would opt for the Louvre. But this isn’t the only museum worth seeing in the city. There is also the Musee D’Orsay, which houses some impressive artworks that are just as worthy of seeing as those in the Louvre.

The building itself is pretty impressive, since it is housed in what used to be a railway station. Look up as you are wandering around inside and you will see the curved ceiling with various glass panels letting in plenty of light on the wonders it holds inside.

The museum itself will hold its twenty fifth anniversary in 2011, having been formally opened in 1986. Inside there are works by many famous artists that visitors to the museum always flock to see. For example you can witness the Luncheon on the Grass by Manet, Montmartre by Renoir and Starry Night over the Rhone by Vincent van Gogh. There are other paintings by these famous and revered artists in the Musee D’Orsay as well, so be sure to see them all while you are there.

You can see some sculptures here as well from the likes of Mathurin Moreau and Paul Gaughin, but the bulk of the work can be seen in its paintings. There are hundreds here to be seen, including sixty from Pierre Bonard alone. If you have an eye for good art and you know some of the famous and not so famous names from art history, you will delight in spending a day here exploring the works.

The museum itself has an enviable setting on the Seine, positioned on its Left Bank. Many of the paintings you will see inside date from around a century ago and sometimes a little more, so you are really looking back into a classic period in art history that has a lot to show you. The museum is open from half past nine until 6pm most days except for Monday. On Thursdays you can enjoy longer in the museum if you wish, as it stays open until 9.45pm.

Is It Worth Heading Up The Tower?

2010-05-07T11:21:00.002Z

Of all the attractions in all of Paris, the most famous one of all has to be the Eiffel Tower. But with all the advance publicity and the sight of it once you arrive in the city, is it really worth the effort of going up to the top?

In truth the vast majority of people who do make the trip up the tower are glad they did so. You may not be among them if you don’t have a head for heights though – after all it is more than a thousand feet tall. You don’t have to walk all the way to the top though; the stairs will only take you up so far, and after that you can rely on the lifts to get you to the uppermost level.

One of the most notable things about the Eiffel Tower is that it is open for long periods during the day and long into the night. Most of the time the opening hours are between 9.30am and 11pm, and these are extended during the height of the summer, opening earlier at 9am and staying open until midnight as well.

There are three levels in all that you can visit, and you should decide where you want to advance to before you buy your tickets. The price will vary depending on what decision you make. You can walk up to the first two levels and there is plenty to see and do once you get there. Why not stop for a bite to eat in one of the restaurants that are established on these levels? It certainly makes your time on the Eiffel Tower even more memorable.

There is arguably nothing better than heading right to the top in the lift, so you can get an amazing view of Paris from a thousand feet in the air. If you time it right you can go up near dusk so you can see the city in both daytime and nighttime.

But don’t miss out on the feeling of standing on the ground underneath the tower as well. You’ll be amazed how it feels to look up and see the Eiffel Tower stretching away above you.

Visiting The Latin Quarter

2010-04-07T11:07:00.002Z

Okay so you may have heard of it – but where exactly is it? And more to the point, what can you expect to see when you get there?

The Latin Quarter is an area of Paris rather than an attraction you can see in itself. As soon as you are there you can wander around the streets and soak up the atmosphere, as it lies within the 5th and 6th arrondissement of Paris. Perhaps the most famous sight here is the Sorbonne University, which many great names and thinkers have attended in years gone by.

But this is merely a small part of the Latin Quarter itself. The entire area provides you with a slice of history well worth exploring in more detail, so be sure to do so on foot so you don’t miss out on anything.

Another sight worth seeing is the Pantheon. No, this isn’t the Pantheon of Rome – this is France’s version. The front of the building may well remind you of Rome’s arguably more famous version, but it is the final resting place of some very different people. A Pantheon is a ‘temple of all Gods’, as the word is translated to mean. So be sure to see the French version when you are in Paris.

But perhaps one of the best delights of the Latin Quarter involves the many shops and streets which offer delectable goods to try and resist as you walk past. You may initially think of a croissant and a coffee, and indeed this is a good way to start the day. But there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby too, which serve up delights at all times of the day.

Try the Atelier Maitre Albert if you want a delectable taste of French cuisine at dinner. Alternatively there is the Coin Des Gourmets which is delightful if you would prefer an Asian style menu. There are plenty more around every corner in the Latin Quarter if something else takes your fancy too, so don’t be afraid to explore. This is part of Paris that always has something new to show you, so be sure you see as much of it as you can.

Can You Explore Paris Without Spending A Lot Of Money?

2010-03-08T10:50:00.002Z

No two people who visit Paris will have exactly the same budget to think about. For some lucky people money is no object and they can do whatever they want. But for others money is a concern, and while you want to make the most of your time in the city there may be some things they simply can’t afford.

However it doesn’t matter what group you fall into. There are plenty of things you can do without it costing you a single Euro in Paris, so let’s explore some of them right now.

You should never underestimate walking as one of the best ways to see everything the city has to offer. Apart from being free, you can also see a lot of things you may not stumble over in any other way. And walking after dark has a lot to commend it as well – seeing the city lit up is quite something.

You can also see Notre Dame since it is free to enter all week. If you want to go up inside the tower there may be a fee, but if you just want to visit the cathedral it won’t cost you anything to do so. Parisienne flea markets are another good bet if you love browsing. You will need to decide whether or not you want to buy anything but there is no charge to look and you’ll love the unique atmosphere these places provide.

Walking along the Seine is another wonderful activity that allows you to see the famous river and also the life that goes on along its banks. Watch out for the bookstalls and grab a take away baguette to enjoy while sitting on one of the benches there. You can’t beat an al fresco lunch in a setting like this.

You can even visit a beach – yes, a beach – in Paris if you visit at the right time of the year. Visit the Voie Georges Pompidou along the Seine and look for the beach during July and August. You’ll love every minute of it.

Don’t Miss The Pompidou Centre

2010-02-04T08:14:00.002Z

Most people who visit Paris will think of visiting the Louvre first and foremost when it comes to seeing some art in the city. But while the famous gallery is certainly worth a visit, you shouldn’t miss out on the Pompidou Centre either.

This is located by the river, and it is one of Paris’s most popular attractions even when compared to sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. But what can you expect from a visit there?

Well it is firmly fixated on the arts, but you don’t just get an art gallery featuring hundreds of older sights and paintings to view. This is all about modern art as well, so if you have an interest in that you may well find it more impressive even than the Louvre itself.

It was vastly renovated during the last couple of years of the 20th century, and it was closed for a period of time as a result. The overhaul was well worth it though since it was soon back to its position as one of the most loved venues to go to in all of Paris.

There are always some stunning exhibitions at the Pompidou Centre, so these will be likely to change according to when you pay a visit. You can always visit the website shortly before your trip to Paris takes place, in order to see what you will have to look at when you arrive. Many exhibitions will last for some time though, so you have a good chance of seeing quite a good range.

But more than this there is a whole other side to the Pompidou Centre as well. For example you can see a film here and test your knowledge of French at the same time. Or perhaps a concert or similar performance would appeal to you more. Whatever it is you like the most, the Pompidou Centre is sure to have a performance to suit you.

So make sure you don’t miss the Pompidou Centre when you visit Paris for any reason. There is a reason why it is one of the most popular venues of all in the city.

Get On Your Feet And Discover The Best Of Paris

2010-01-06T11:42:00.002Z

There is plenty of transport you can use in Paris if you want to get around. But the best form of transport you could use will be the one you’ll be taking with you.

A walking tour of the city is the best way to see everything if you plan it well. And you have got two main options to go for too – you can either plan a route yourself or you can book a place on a guided tour that operates in the city.

The latter is great if you want to get to know the undiscovered parts of Paris as well as the more famous ones. And don’t assume you know all there is to know about sights such as the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe either. The best walking tours will reveal all kinds of things you wouldn’t have found out from even the best guidebooks.

Most organised tours last for a couple of hours so you do get your money’s worth. They also provide a fantastic way to fill up a morning or an afternoon, and they usually finish in a good spot to enjoy some lunch or dinner too.

If you decide to go it alone you can still take some advice from those who provide these tours. Try hopping online before you visit Paris and have a look at the websites for the tour operators. You’ll find they sometimes give a partial or complete itinerary of where they go – and there is nothing to stop you following the same route yourself and taking more time over it. This is a great way to save some cash, although it doesn’t compare with finding out all the knowledge held by the tour guides.

So if you want to burn off all the calories you are likely to consume while sampling all the Parisienne food, a day spent walking around the city is the best and most entertaining way to do it. Pack your walking shoes or boots and make the most of it – you’ll love every minute!

Have You Seen The Best Of The Louvre?

2009-10-27T12:08:00.002Z

No visit to Paris would be complete unless you took in the Louvre while you are there. This art gallery and museum has some of the best displays you can see anywhere in the world – and with thousands of items to see this is really a full day experience as well.

The most famous exhibit, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, is the one that most people head for. And despite it being over five hundred years old, it attracts more attention today than it did when it was first created by this master painter. The bullet proof glass which shields it goes some way towards revealing the degree of unwanted attention the painting gets at times too.

But what else can you see here? There are other famous sights such as the Ship of Fools by Hieronymus Bosch, the Venus de Milo and a portrait of St Michael by Raphael. But among all these you will find plenty of other delights to amaze you just as much. They may not all be household names, but it is the mix of art on display here – with paintings, sculptures, sketches, statues and much more besides – that really captures the imagination.

Even if you spend the whole day in the Louvre you couldn’t hope to see it all. It’s a good idea then to grab a map as you go in and spend a few minutes marking all the areas and exhibits that you don’t want to miss. You can then see those and explore the rest of the museum as you see fit.

Of course half of the delight of the Louvre is the controversy that has popped up from time to time about the exterior of the building too. The Louvre itself is a study in classic French architecture, taking you back more than two centuries to when the museum first opened its doors.

And at the front there is the huge Pyramid that draws the eye towards the rest of the building. Whatever you might think of this, there is no doubt that the Louvre draws an opinion from everyone who sees it.

Paris is a Beach!

2007-07-16T11:26:00.000Z

16 July 2007

Not everyone wants to spend their days sun worshipping on holiday. But even the most dedicated visitor to Paris this summer will find its impressive artificial beach – Paris Plage - more than a little tempting as a haven away from its museums and galleries.

For anyone going to Europe’s capital of style, culture and romance this August, the beach is a perfect place to relax for while. It has to be one of the must-do things this summer in Paris.

August in Paris has a completely different feel to it from any other time of year. As Parisians head south for their own holidays, Paris makes an extra effort to welcome its own holidaymakers with this annual transformation of the Seine, complete with deck chairs, palm trees, parasols, floating swimming pool, aquagym, dance sessions, boules, concerts and free entertainment.

So after you have tired of the Louvre, need recovery time after a night of clubbing or want to sleep off a large meal, heading for the banks of the Seine for a bit of sun bathing is the perfect thing to do.

Paris Jazz Festival - From 16 June to 29 July 2007

2007-06-11T09:57:00.000Z

11 June 2007

What could be nicer than spending a lazy summer afternoon in the Parc Floral listening to some of the best jazz musicians in the world? The Paris Jazz Festival, now a fixture on the international jazz calendar, is held on summer weekends every year, to the delight of music lovers.

From 9 June onwards, big name international jazz: musicians who generally play gigs in some of the best clubs in New York and London will performing for fans of jazz, blues and funk at the well-known botanical garden in the French capital.

This year’s line-up includes the Sample Trio & Randy Crawford, the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, Richard Bona and Thomas Dutronc. The event in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes also attracts a number of wellbeing adepts who wish to enjoy open-air concerts in the midst of a flower-filled park. If you’ve never been to the festival, don’t miss this year’s concerts, on every Saturday and Sunday until 29 July.

Chilling out with culture: feels like the holidays!

The World's Top 50 Tourist Attractions

2007-05-21T09:07:00.002Z

1 May 2007

The Sydney Opera House has been named by Forbes Traveler website as one of the top 50 visited tourist attractions in the world. The Sydney icon came in at No. 38 with more than four million annual visitors and is the only attraction in the southern hemisphere listed.

Thirteen countries are represented in the list with the US home to 20 of the locations, followed by France and Britain with seven each.

Amusement and theme parks are the world's dominant attractions with 16 in the top 35 including all five Disney theme parks (Orlando, Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Hong Kong) and the three Universal studios (Orlando, Osaka and Los Angeles).

Times Square in New York topped the list with an estimated 35 million visitors while Trafalgar Square (No.4) was the most popular attraction outside of North America.

Paris featured seven attractions, the most from any one city.

Forbes Traveler excluded shopping centres and religious pilgrimage sites, such as Mecca, from the list. Although some religious sites, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Vatican, were included for their cultural significance.

The top 10
1. Times Square, New York
2. Memorial, Washington D.C.
3. Disney World, Orlando
4. Trafalgar Square, London
5. Disneyland, Los Angeles
6. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
7. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
8. Disney Resort, Tokyo
9. Notre Dame, Paris
10. Disneyland, Paris

Paris Museum Gets Renovation to Restore Forgotten Touches

2007-02-20T11:26:00.000Z

Two decades ago, France transformed an abandoned railway station into a glittering museum for Impressionist masterpieces. Now, the Orsay Museum is getting another overhaul - to resurrect forgotten architectural details of the original train depot.
The museum on the banks of the Seine River is shrouded in scaffolding and netting as experts paint it, rebuild corroded metal marquees and restore pollution-stained stonework.

The touchups on the facade are part of a broader renovation that will cost upward of euro12.4 million (US$16 million). Instead of just cleaning up the stones, researchers have gone on a search for the building's roots.

For its opening in 1986, architects painted the building's metal accents in pale blue-green, giving the museum its unusual look - a mixture of imposing stone and delicate metalwork.

But recent laboratory tests showed that the metal accents were in fact painted in beige and wood hues when the original train station opened in 1900. At that time, architects generally tried to hide the metalwork -- viewed as functional, but not pretty - by painting it to blend in with the stone.

When the scaffolding comes down in May, the museum will have restored that lost color scheme.

"In 1986, the operation was to prove that we could transform a train station into a museum, and put a museum for 19th century art inside," Benjamin Mouton, the chief architect for France's historic monuments, told reporters Tuesday. "Today, (the challenge) is putting a bit of the train station back into the museum."

The station, with an attached hotel, was built by architect Victor Laloux for the 1900 World's Fair. During World War II, it became a mailing center for sending packages to prisoners of war. Later it temporarily housed a theater troupe and an auction house.

In 1977, President Valery Giscard d'Estaing gave the order to turn Orsay into a museum. Today, with 3 million visitors a year, it is one of Paris' most popular tourist attractions, showcasing art from 1848 to 1914 and holding a treasure trove of works by Monet, Degas, Manet, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Cezanne. The museum will stay open during the renovations.

After overhauling the facade, the museum will refurbish a gallery that holds large paintings by French master Gustave Courbet to improve the lighting, museum director Serge Lemoine said. The current blend of artificial and natural light covers the works with a glare.

Officials also plan to set up a new gallery of animal sculptures upstairs, near the huge clock that is a remnant of the old train station. They will also improve visitors' access and enlarge gallery space.

The museum has steadily acquired more works over the years - today it has 79,783, compared to 47,172 in 1986 - and it is running out of space. Down the line, Lemoine said, the museum is interested in buying nearby buildings so it can expand comfortably.

For more information visit The China Post

Asiana to Fly to Paris

2007-01-25T16:48:00.002Z

Korea and France have agreed to allow multiple airlines to operate the Seoul-Paris route, enabling Asiana Airlines to fly to the French capital.

The Ministry of Construction and Transportation said late Wednesday night that the two governments decided to allow two carriers from each country to operate the route and to increase the frequency of flights next year. The agreement was made during aviation talks held at the Kwachon Government Complex in Kyonggi Province.

The decision came as Korea agreed to France’s demand that Korea accept the EU community clause, under which France can designate an airline of any other EU member country as its national flag carrier.

France insisted on the demand to protect its airline market, as France has only one national flag carrier, Air France, while Korea has two, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Air France and Korean Air _ one carrier from each country _ have operated the route daily since 1973.

According to the agreement, up to two carriers from each country will operate the route starting March 2008. Air France can select one carrier from any EU member country.

The number of weekly flights will increase from the current seven per country to 10. The added three flights are likely to be given to Asiana Airlines, according to a new standard for air route distribution. The distribution will be confirmed after discussions by a distribution committee.

An additional flight will be added in March 2010, the ministry said.

``Through the increase of airlines and operations, we expect competition among carriers to lead to airfare discounts. The agreement will also enhance travelers’ convenience by increasing the frequency of flights on the route,’’ a ministry official said.

The two nations also agreed that if Korea and nearby Asian countries form a bloc similar to the EU, Korea can designate carriers of the bloc members as national flag carriers, as France does under the EU community clause.

Visitors to Eiffel Tower Climb to Record in 2006

2007-01-19T09:21:00.002Z

PARIS, France - A record 6.7 million people visited the Eiffel Tower in 2006, most of them foreign tourists, the firm that manages the Paris landmark said on Friday.

Since the tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair, 230 million people have climbed its 1,665 steps or taken the elevators to admire the views from the 324-metre (1,063 ft) high structure, the SETE group said.

Early last year, tourism officials said they feared student protests in the city center and the 2005 riots in the suburbs of the French capital and other cities would deter visitors, but the fears were not borne out.

Visits to the Eiffel Tower rose by 300,000 last year compared with 2005, with up to 30,000 people visiting it daily on busy days, SETE said.

Tourism Paris Markets Its Own Rudeness

2007-01-15T11:09:00.000Z

A Paris tourism agency is courting British travellers by assuring them they're right about the French being rude and encouraging them to try it, too.

The Paris Ile-de-France tourism agency launched a campaign called "It's So Paris" in which Britons are taught how make the same irritated expressions and dismissive gestures, USA Today reported Monday from London.

Among the instructions on the cestsoparis.com Web site is how to feign ignorance or show lack of concern by sticking out the lower lip and raising the eyebrows and shoulders simultaneously, the report said.

The guide said visitors should master the off-putting gestures "and people will start mistaking you for a native in no time," the newspaper said.

About 3.2 million Britons a year travel to France but that number has slipped by 1 percent in the past year.

Natalie Moine, spokeswoman for the regional tourism office in Paris, said it was decided go to with a lighthearted approach after surveys showed about two-thirds of British tourists found Parisians difficult to talk to, arrogant and rude.

January Shopping Parisian Style

2007-01-09T11:02:00.000Z

Those of you thinking of joining the post-Christmas sales rush on the high street may wish to consider heading to Paris in the new year instead.

Unlike in Britain, where shops begin their sales at various different points after Christmas and the new year, the Parisian authorities decreed in 1999 that all the city's major department stores will begin their sales at the same time.

So it is that visitors can descend on such famous names as Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Au Bon Marché and BHV on January 11th, safe in the knowledge that they will not have missed any bargains.

The sales season lasts for six weeks and those that that leave their bargain shopping until mid February can expect reductions to be even more spectacular than the previous month, with many items going for 70 per cent off the advertised retail price.

If you or your other half is the shopping fanatic, Paris of course has a variety of different structures, churches and art galleries to keep those less enthused by the sales, amused.

Trams Return To Paris After 70-year Gap

2006-12-18T14:56:00.002Z

The tram, forced from the streets of Paris by the advent of the car, returned to the city Saturday. Mayor Bertrand Delanoe and Tourism Minister Leon Bertrand opened the 8-kilometre "Tramway" in the south of the French capital.

For three years work had continued on the largest construction site that Paris has ever seen. In total, the tram line cost 311.5 million euros (408 million dollars) to build.

Parisians can ride the new tram line, which runs from the southern edge of the city at the Pont de Garigliano to the Porte d'Ivry, free this weekend. An opinion poll published Saturday showed that some two-thirds (63 per cent) of Parisians were happy that the tram had returned to the city.

The Tramway has 17 stops, each four minutes apart. It is expected that 100,000 passengers will use the tram every day, double the number that travel by the overburdened bus network.

Parisian bus drivers welcomed the new tram line with a strike.

In France a total of 26 cities either have tram networks already, including Nantes and Bordeaux, are constructing one or have plans for one.

Paris During the Holidays Can be a Magical Place

2006-12-04T15:24:00.000Z

Paris in springtime inspires poets and postcards. But Christmas in the City of Light has its charms, too.

A stroll up the Champs-Elysees, all aglow for the season, is unforgettable. At the end of the broad boulevard, the Arc de Triomphe, lit by floodlights, stands silhouetted against the night sky. As the human tide on the wide sidewalks surges and ebbs past glittering shop windows, street vendors sell hot chestnuts, a few snowflakes drift down, and delectable scents rise from costly cafes.

Reminders of the season are everywhere in Paris. Festive lights line all of the main boulevards and markets are filled with colorful decorations and trinkets. In a tradition dating from the 19th century, Christmas firs are installed around the city's historical sites, alongside highways, and in public squares. Some of the trees are draped in artificial snow; others shimmer with baubles and lights.

In front of the Hotel de Ville, the town hall, ice skaters whirl around a rink. In 2004, another rink opened 187 feet above the ground at the Eiffel Tower, delivering a splendid view as you glide, slip, and slide high above.

Christmas in Paris offers more than holiday finery, though. Lines at many of the tourist attractions are shorter; particularly during the last week of the year, when many Parisians visit relatives in the provinces. The weather is usually chilly but hardly arctic - think daytime highs in the 40s, nighttime lows in the 30s. If you shop around well in advance, bargains are available for lodging and airfare.

If you're a first-time visitor, several Parisian attractions are de rigueur. Monsieur Eiffel's landmark by the Seine certainly deserves a visit, however annoying the hordes of sidewalk vendors peddling little Eiffel Towers. Dress warmly - that winter wind whips pretty fiercely across the first and second floors. But the view is breathtaking. And be sure to stop in the souvenir shop, where thousands of other little Eiffel Towers are available for purchase.

An even better view of Paris is yours from atop the Arc de Triomphe at night, looking down on the Champs-Elysees, the city's lights spread out before you. The climb up the stairs is well worth it.

Beyond Rugby World Cup 2007 - Explore Holidays' 'Explore France & Italy 2007'

2006-11-20T12:13:00.002Z

14 November 2006

As France steps up to take its turn at staging a major world sporting event, Explore Holidays has delivered a pointed reminder that there is so much more to the country beyond the game of rugby in 2007.

New chateau stays, an 'experiential Paris' programs and tours of regional France are just some of the new French travel ideas which have been merged with a host of fresh Italian touring opportunities contained within 'Explore France & Italy 2007'.

The new French chateau options include the 14th century Chateau de Gilly located near Dijon, Burgundy, and the 18th Chateau d'Artigny in the Loire Valley. Prices for Chateau de Gilly start from only 159 dollars per person per night including breakfast.

The 'chateau experience' also forms a component of the 'Noble Paris' experiential program which, based on four-day/three-nights, also includes two nights at the Chateau de Montvillargene just outside Paris.

Loire Valley- 5 Great Venues East of Tours

2006-11-07T12:01:00.001Z

The Loire Valley of France is famous for its many romantic chateaux and its wines. Here are five excellent venues to be found east of the city of Tours. They are in relatively close proximity and can be visited in a quick two days or a leisurely three by car. One can visit these sites in the order listed going in a generally easterly direction. These are all top-notch attractions, and a visit to the Loire Valley is not complete without seeing them all. Each of these chateaux have regularly scheduled guided tours.

Amboise

The impressive chateau which overlooks the Loire river from the top of a cliff was a royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries. Famous French kings and royalty were raised here, including Francois I, who later as king invited Leonardo da Vinci to live in Amboise. Leonardo spent the last few years of his life living and working close by at Clos Luce. He is buried in the small chapel of Saint-Hubert, just outside the chateau walls. At Clos Luce an interesting museum has been built. Using plans drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, a number of his machines and inventions have been constructed in modern times and are displayed.

They attest to the genius of this man who was hundreds of years ahead of his time. In the 17th and 18th century the chateau fell upon hard times and was a prison at one point. Numerous restoration projects took place over time, and these continue today under the direction of a foundation managed by descendants of the former king Louis-Philippe, who also spent time in Amboise during his reign.

Chenonceau

Perhaps the most famous of the Loire chateaux, Chenonceau spans the Cher river. It is an amazing sensation to be touring the chateau and see the rushing waters of the river pass underneath. The grounds boast two magnificent gardens, each one built by a famous lady in French history. One was Diane de Poitiers who was a mistress of king Henri II and was given the chateau by her admirer.

The king's wife, Catherine de Medici, was not happy about this and took back the chateau after Henri II died accidentally in a tournament. Not to be outdone, Catherine had the de Medici gardens constructed, and these were of course larger than the garden of Diane de Poitiers. The property has a winery as well, and one can do some wine tasting as part of a visit.

Chateau de Chaumont

This was Catherine de Medici's residence during the time that Diane de Poitiers lived at Chenonceau. After Catherine used her power to claim Chenonceau upon the death of her husband, Henri II, Diane de Poitiers did live at Chaumont for a brief period. This chateau is smaller than some of the other famous Loire chateaux, but its architectural design makes it look as if it emetged from a fairy tale. This chateau is now the property of the French government.

Chateau de Cheverny

A personal favorite of this author, the Chateau de Cheverny is unique in many ways. It is newer than some of the other famous properties, having been built in the early 17th century. Amazingly, the same family that built the chateau lives in it today. One sees many beautiful pieces of furniture, tapestries, and works of art in the magnificent rooms on the chateau tour. The property, unlike many others in the region, was not ransacked during the French revolution.

According to our tour guide there, the nearby townspeople actually helped to protect the building from destruction since the family was always kind to the local inhabitants. Of course visitors are not allowed into the residential section of the chateau, but the grounds can be visited as well. There one will find the kennel which houses about 90 hunting dogs, and they are taken out on hunts twice per week in order to keep up the old deer hunting tradition in the region.

Chateau de Chinon

The Chateau de Chinon is the largest of the chateaux in the Loire region, and it contains more than 400 rooms. In contrast to the warmth of Cheverny, however, there is little furniture and most of the rooms are empty, as the building was ransacked during the French revolution. One does get a sense of the opulence that was here, however, since both king Louis XIII and his son, king Louis IV (the 'Sun King') stayed here on many occasions. Prior to that the chateau was the residence of Charles VII, the dauphin of France in the early 15th century.

The legendary Joan of Arc came here to pledge her allegiance to him and urged him to declare himself king and fight to liberate France from the English. In recent years Chinon has become well known for its cabernet franc based wines and there are numerous opportunities nearby to sample some of these wines.

The Chateaux of the Loire are among the most popular destinations in France. Don’t miss any of these great venues if you go there. If you have additional time to spend in the area, there are other smaller and less famous chateaux nearby which can be visited, and these are impressive as well.

India Moves to Lille in 2006!

2006-10-30T11:23:00.002Z

Building upon the success of Lille as cultural capital of Europe, the tourist board aims to carry on celebrating right up to the next millennium with the ambitious project of Lille3000. Every two years, an international cultural event reflecting societies and civilisations around the world will take place in Lille and the surrounding cities.

Varied quality events with strong themes will be made for a large audience and will take place at different times of the year and for various durations, so Lille3000 will be rediscovered as fresh and exciting each time.

The first of these extravaganzas will run from October 2006 to January 2007. Called Bombaysers de Lille, the city will resemble the bustling, bright and heady streets of Bombay. On October 14 you can witness the opening party on the theme of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, one of the most important festivals celebrated in India each year.

For three months, Bombaysers de Lille will feature the very best of all things Indian through exhibitions, art shows, dance, music, literature, cinema, theatre, fashion or food and spices. Lille's 'Maison Folie de Wazemmes' exhibition area will be transformed into London's Brick Lane.

A 'free access pass' (1, 2 or 3 days/15, 30 and 45 euros) is available from tourist offices which includes free access to all the Lille3000 venues as well as tourist sites and services in the Metropolitan area and unlimited travel.

Operators planning ahead may wish to note that, while in 2006, India and, to a lesser extent, Finland, provide the themes, in 2008 it will be the turn of Eastern Europe.

London-Paris and London-Brussels Flights Generate Ten Times More Carbon Dioxide Emissions Than Eurostar

2006-10-24T14:21:00.001Z

2 October 2006

London-Paris and London-Brussels flights generate ten times more carbon dioxide emissions than Eurostar

Findings of independent research make 41 percent of travellers 'much more likely' to take the train

Poll shows 39 percent of people changing their travel habits due to worries about climate change

The YouGov poll reveals that four out of ten (39%) people have changed their travel habits in some way due to worries about climate change, including 3% of people who have stopped flying and 6% who have reduced the amount they fly. More than half (54%) say they are more concerned about the environmental impact of flying than they were five years ago. Richard Brown, Chief Executive, Eurostar, said:

'The research shows that travelling by Eurostar is less environmentally damaging than flying by a factor of ten. A Eurostar passenger generates enough CO2 to fill a Mini, while an airline passenger generates enough to fill a double-decker bus.

'Business passengers and leisure travellers are increasingly demanding factual information about the environmental impact of their travel plans, and what they can do to reduce emissions of gases which are causing climate change.

'The research provides people with an informed choice. The poll demonstrates what we are already seeing, which is a growing switch to Eurostar as people become more environmentally aware.'

The calculation that travelling by air is ten times more environmentally damaging than going by Eurostar is in fact conservative. The research points out that the additional environmental impact of the CO2 emitted during the high-altitude cruising section of London-Paris and London-Brussels flights further increases the disadvantage of short-haul air. The extra fuel burnt when aircraft are delayed in holding patterns also increases CO2 emissions.

The completion of the UK's first high-speed line in autumn 2007, with 186mph trains cutting journey times between London, Paris and Brussels by 20 minutes, will make the environmental advantages of Eurostar even more attractive to passengers.

The new line from St Pancras International will plug the UK into the growing high-speed rail network across the continent, further boosting train travel as an attractive option for business and leisure journeys.

The research also shows that travelling by high-speed rail will generate even less CO2 per passenger in future years, due to increased supplies of renewable energy and UK policies to reduce CO2 emissions.

Eurostar Claim Environmental High Ground over Cheap Flights

2006-10-16T12:33:00.000Z

Passengers who fly between London, Paris and Brussels generate ten times more emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) than travellers who go by rail, according to a study commissioned by train operator Eurostar.

The research shows that each passenger on a return flight between London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle generates 122 kilograms of CO2, compared with just 11 kilograms for a traveller on a London-Paris return journey by train. A round trip between London Heathrow and Brussels airport generates 160 kg of CO2 per passenger, against only 18 kg of CO2 for a return journey by rail.

Eurostar claim the figures are the most detailed ever produced and are based on actual passenger numbers, exact distances of rail and air routes, actual aircraft types in use on different routes, and the mix of electricity sources used by the company’s high speed trains.

Eurostar chief executive, Richard Brown, said: 'Travellers are increasingly demanding factual information about the environmental impact of their travel plans, and what they can do to reduce emissions of gases which are causing climate change.'

With journey times between London and the Continent set to be cut by 20 minutes with the opening of the line into St Pancras in autumn 2007, Eurostar say the environmental advantages of using their service will be further increased. The research also shows that travelling by high-speed rail will generate even less CO2 per passenger in future years, due to increased supplies of renewable energy and UK policies to reduce CO2 emissions.

Air Malta Launches Cut-Price Flights Offer

2006-09-19T14:20:00.001Z

Air Malta yesterday announced it is offering flights to 33 destinations for Lm15 each way, excluding taxes and charges, for the winter.

The offer, called Spread Your Arms and Fly, will provide cheap flights to countries in Europe, North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean.

Air Malta marketing and product general manager Brian Bartolo said that since the airline operates to main European gateways, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Frankfurt, Paris and Rome, the offer is expected to entice more people to travel in winter.

Air Malta's offer comes hard on the heels of major low-cost carrier Ryanair's announcement that it would start flying to Malta next month.

But Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said Air Malta's offer had nothing to do with the arrival of the low-cost airline, but was part of its overall strategy.

He said Air Malta had been offering low-cost options on certain routes for some time and the new initiative covered many more routes than the three being taken up by Ryanair. However, Dr Zammit Dimech said the arrival of low-cost airlines was an opportunity for Air Malta and not a threat.

Asked whether it was time for Government to review the airport taxes and charges - which are still high - he said Government had already indicated in the pre-Budget document that it would revise the Lm20 airport departure tax. He pointed out that since this was not paid by tourists coming to Malta, it would not have an effect on tourism.

The airline said that a substantial number of seats for travel between November and March would be on offer at the reduced prices. Tickets must be purchased by October 16 and the offer is subject to conditions.

Camping in Europe

2006-09-19T09:06:00.001Z

Camping in Europe is not the rustic and remote experience that many imagine. In Europe, campgrounds are located near cities. Tents are pitched close together, and campfires are not usually allowed. There are a surprising number of campsites sprinkled throughout Europe, and the campgrounds are rarely full except those directly on popular beaches in the middle of summer.

It is possible to set up camp wherever you decide to stop. In Copenhagen you can camp on the bus route to Tivoli Gardens. Outside Cologne, you can pitch tents on the banks of the Rhine River. In Chiemsee, right on the lake; north of Pisa, on the sandy beach; in Amsterdam, right next to the soccer stadium; at the edge of Munich for Oktoberfest; in a lemon grove outside Sorrento - with views of Vesuvius.

Each time you arrive at a new campsite, you can select your spot, park the van, pitch your tent, roll out the sleeping bags, set up the tables and chairs and then explore the campground. It is fun to get to know the nearby campers, and to figure out the next day's activities.

Yes, this is camping, but camping in relative luxury. European campgrounds are highly developed. Most include showers with hot water, electricity, places to wash dishes and a central bar/general store area where many campers gather each night. Some campsites have swimming pools, restaurants, tennis courts and playing fields. Most campgrounds near major cities and tourist sights also have good transportation from the campground to town.

Lenovo Canada to Provide Computing Equipment in 19 Maple Leaf Lounges

2006-09-12T10:55:00.001Z

Lenovo Canada and Air Canada today announced an exclusive partnership with whereby Lenovo will provide PCs in all 19 of the carrier's Maple Leaf Lounges in 13 cities across Canada as well as Los Angeles, Paris and London U.K.

Lenovo will provide nearly 100 new PCs for visitors to Maple Leaf Lounge Business Centres, increasing the number of PCs currently available by nearly 50 per cent.'Our Maple Leaf Lounges require a robust technology solution,' said Louise McKenven, Senior Director, Product Design, Air Canada.

'Our customers expect fully functioning PCs to access the internet and download files from web-based email applications. Yet at the same time, each of these PCs must withstand demanding conditions, and be impervious to viruses and malware. Lenovo was the right company to provide the technology that Air Canada needed.'

'A partnership with Air Canada was a natural fit. Both companies are committed to using technology to simplify travel and business,' said Janice Dawes, Marketing & Strategy Executive, Lenovo Canada. 'We are delighted with the opportunity to help Air Canada customers be as productive as possible throughout their journeys.'

Installation of Lenovo products into Maple Leaf lounges will be completed by the summer of 2006, with joint marketing and promotional activities to follow.

George Michael's Comeback Tour

2006-09-11T15:01:00.000Z

Back in 1982, two good-looking lads with a stash of infectious singles began to wreak havoc among pop music fans the world over...

The duo, named Wham!, took Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, better known as George Michael, to stardom (his best friend at the time, Andrew Ridgeley, was the other half of the duo). Their charisma, upbeat live performances and spot-on tunes made them an instant hit with audiences. Twenty-four years on, singles like 'Wake me up' and 'Last Christmas' are still being sung in the shower.

After Wham! split, Georgios Kyriacos emerged as a successful solo artiste whose work explores deeper shades of soul, pop and dance. The singer’s successful career spans over two decades and includes a number of hits such as 'Careless Whisper', 'Freedom', 'Jesus to a child' and the eyebrow-raising 'I want your sex'. Like his idols, Elton John and Freddie Mercury, George Michael has won every award under the sun and garnered plentiful accolades. He has sold over 60 million albums and produced a string of chart-toppers.

The British singer will be making a major comeback in 2006, touring for the first time in 15 years with his much-awaited European 25 Live tour. Avid fans Europe-wide are snapping up tickets: if you’ve managed to score any, consider yourself lucky!

He performs in Paris on the 9th and 10th or October at the Omnisports De Bercy.

China Southern Shows Off Hot New Flight Attendant Fashions

2006-08-29T10:29:00.001Z

28 August 2006

China Southern Airlines - with the largest and most technically advanced aircraft fleet in The People's Republic of China, is pleased to unveil a chic new collection of Flight Attendant uniforms that would turn heads from the catwalk of any Paris or New York fashion show.

Starting August 28th, China Southern will 'send an unmistakable message to the airline world that we have arrived on the global stage ... and we are here to stay,' said Mr. He Zong Kai, Vice President, China Southern Airlines.

Mr. He added that, 'gone are the old days of Militaristic-style uniforms of one solid color. China Southern has arrived on the International jet set and our new look is a bold statement to say this is who we are in our China Southern Airlines and we are proud of our airline and our people. And we have every right to be. The more than 40,000 staff of China Southern has worked diligently to build our airline company into one of the world's best ... now is the time to strut our stuff!'

More than 18 designs were submitted by fashion designers around the globe with the final models taken from a collection by Mr. Soh.

As part of the fashion statements of his design, the 6,000 China Southern Flight Attendants will be featured in Mr. Soh's concept to create a unique 'Oriental Culture,' one which is harmoniously blended with China Southern's unique individuality as the largest airline of China. The designer took the Orient as his canvas and molded in the aesthetic essence from the East while using functionality from Western elements to craft this charming new identity for China Southern Airlines.

China Southern's new Flight Attendant uniforms have applications of China's best woolen cloth, with shirts from famous Japanese manufacturers and imported clothing including Italian cashmere. All seven variations of Mr. Soh's work are electrostatic and wrinkle-free ... yet are waterproof and breathable.

The largest airline in The People's Republic of China for the past 27 years, China Southern Airlines connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan and as well as International service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.

Nightlife in Paris

2006-08-14T09:35:00.000Z

When planning an evening out in Paris, it is more important to decide where to go than what to do. The Champs-Elysees and Trocadero areas are full of tourists and overpriced nightspots, but if wishing to impress, may be worth considering.

Pigalle is the seedy sex centre of Paris but home to some good music venues and the Moulin Rouge cabaret, where the cancan is still performed. Montmartre is heaving in summer but the views over Paris from Sacre-Coeur are unbeatable.

Bastille is buzzing with bars and clubs but is a bit too hectic for some. The best area for an evening's cafe-hopping is the Marais district, (also the centre of the gay scene), closely followed by the increasingly fashionable Oberkampf, which suits a younger crowd.

Aeroparis

2006-05-28T10:44:00.000Z

Climb aboard the biggest hot-air balloon in the world and get a bird's-eye view of Paris from an altitude of 150 metres. Installed in the grounds of the Andre Citroen park, this tethered balloon can carry up to 30 adults or 60 children.

No need to be scared - the 22 m wide, 32 m high balloon (the equivalent of a 12-storey building) takes off gently and noiselessly. Before you set off on this unforgettable experience, don't forget to find out if weather conditions are suitable for flying.

How to Get Around Paris on the Cheap

2006-05-06T09:03:00.001Z

Paris is a huge, often confusing city, but once you figure out how to navigate through the arrondissements and how to use the metro, you should be able to find your way around fairly easily.

Steps:

1.
Buy a Paris Visite card before you leave home. Similar to the London Travelcard, this pass gives you unlimited travel on the metro and RER trains and SNCF Ile-de-France buses, as well as the bus parisiens (RATP) networks. Fares vary, depending on the number of zones you need to cover.

2.
Purchase metro tickets in a booklet, or carnet de billets, of 10. Not only will this save you money, but you won't have to stand in line for tickets as often.

3.
Walk whenever possible. Paris is a very large city, so you probably won't be able to walk everywhere you want to go, but do explore the city on foot as much as you can.

4.
Get a detailed street map of Paris that shows the city divided into its neighborhoods, or arrondissements. Also carry a pocket metro map to help you plan longer trips.

5.
Carry a French phrase book with you, and learn a few helpful phrases. This will be useful if you need to ask for directions, because it may be difficult to find an English-speaking Parisian who can help you.

6.
Take a Paris L'Open bus tour, offered at a discount to Paris Visite cardholders. Although it's not exactly cheap, it's a good way to see the city, because you can get on or off the tour as many times as you like along the way and catch a later bus when you are ready to carry on. Commentary is in English and French, and the full journey lasts two hours and 15 minutes.

7.
Ride the Noctambus line if you plan to be out late at night; this bus line covers most of Paris and the surrounding area and operates between 1:00 and 5:30 a.m.

Tips:
Two people traveling together can share a carnet de billets, so it may be worthwhile to buy one even if you are making just a few metro trips.

From the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can see all of Paris spread out beneath you. The Tower is a classic tourist trap, but it's worth the price of admission to see just how much ground you may get to cover during your stay in the city.

Did London only win Olympics Because Somebody Pressed Wrong Button?

2006-04-07T14:49:00.001Z

A senior member of the International Olympic Committee suggests that London may only have won the Olympic bid because one member pressed the wrong button.

The allegation by Israel's Alex Gilady, a member of the IOC's London 2012 Co-ordination Commission, is made in a BBC News 24 programme to be shown on Christmas Day.

Says Gilady: 'The way the vote went after the first round when Moscow was out, after the second round when New York was out, came the third round.

London was ahead, but Paris and Madrid had 33, 31 in the votes.

'Let's say what we think now happened, that one member made a mistake and voted for Paris rather than Madrid, because if he would vote for Madrid it would be 32, 32, we have to have a vote off.'

'In the vote off all the votes supporting London would go to Madrid because the fear was that Paris had a big chance to win.'

'Madrid would have won against Paris, coming to the final against London, all the votes from Paris going to support Madrid.'

'Madrid would have won. That is now what we think happened. This is what you call good fortune and good luck.'

The News 24 programme explains how during the voting there was a lengthy delay before the result of the third round ballot was announced while a Greek IOC member complained about his vote.

At the time it was thought that he had simply not voted in time.

It is now clear, however, that he did cast his vote, as all eligible votes were cast in the third round.

If an IOC member had indeed voted for Paris rather than Madrid by mistake, as alleged by Gilady, Paris and Madrid would have had to have had a run off to determine which city went against London in the final round.

Parisian Cuisine

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French cooking is one of most famous cuisines in the world, so a visit to Paris should integrate at least a visit into one of the many restaurants of Paris. The choice is huge, as well in specialities all at a wide range of price.
There are several different types of menus, offering varying degrees of selection and price -
La carte: Everything on the normal menu, usually more expensive. Main courses arrive with a garnish of vegetables.
Menu prix-fixe: Fixed-price meal, usually consists of four courses and may include wine. Look for a menu du jour (a set menu of the day), which will generally be freshest and best, and check out what those around you have ordered.
Menu degustation/menu surprise: A tasting menu, presenting you with a procession of small servings (chosen by the chef if it is the surprise menu). The simple restriction: everyone at the table must have the same menu.
Menu touristique: Uninteresting tourist food, not recommended.
Table d'hote: Traditional home cooking offered in country restaurants, Relatively cheap.

Getting around Paris

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Paris is well equipped in the area of public transport, which is administered by the state owned company RATP. The easiest way to get around Paris is by the metro (subway) which runs daily from 530am-1230am. Transportation maps are available at subway stations. Tickets can be purchased singly or in books of 10 and are available at the stations and from tobacconists and must be validated before boarding.
For those not wishing to go underground, a special tourist bus (the Balabus) operates on Sundays and holidays from April-September, circling the main tourist sites.
Car hire isn't really recommended in Paris as it can be difficult to get around and hard to find parking spaces. However for the braver ones amongst you, it is possible to hire if you wish, ideal if you want to explore further from the city or if you are driving over using the ferry.

Shopping in Paris

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Do you love to shop? Paris is a shopper's dream, of course, and the 'glitterati' will feel quite at home in the Haute Couture shops found on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. Top quality shoes, bags, and leather goods are the province of Rue du Cherche-Midi and rue de Grenelle in the 6th. Truly trend-setting fashions may be seen in the shops on Rue Etienne Marcel and Place des Victoires bordering the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. Amongst the names you will be able to find are Cartier, Celine, Chanel, Dior, Lacroix and of course Yves Saint Laurent.
An alternative to the designer buys, one of the most renowned places to find treasures in Paris is at the flea market. Paris has three main flea markets of ancient descent, situated around the old gates of the city. The origin of the name refers to the cast-off clothes of royalty which were commonplace in centuries of old, teeming with the little insects. No longer the haunts of flamboyant gypsies and petty crooks of literary tradition, they are nonetheless still a place where you should particularly guard against pickpockets. Entertaining in every respect, they are a good source of bargain treasures if you go early enough (between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.), before the massive influx of shoppers.

The Arc de Triomphe

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The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (architects Percier and Fontaine) was built between 1806 and 1808 by Napoleon I following the model of the Arc of Constantine in Rome. The two arches built by Napoleon - Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Arc de Triomphe at Etoile, were to commemorate his victories, and the grand army who had won them. The bronze horses on top of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel were taken from Saint-Marc of Venice. These were later returned after WWII.
It is composed of three arches: a big one and two little ones. The arc is 63 feet high, 75 feet wide, and 24 feet deep. The two small arches are 14 feet, 16 inches high and 9 feet wide. The big arch is 21 feet high and 9 feet wide. The arc is surmounted by a group of men on horses underneath of which, one finds the names of the battles and treaties of Napoleon.

River Seine

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It is appropriate that the centre of Paris - particularly that section gracing the Seine around Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis - features some of the city's oldest and most majestic historic monuments. For the past half-century, perhaps one of the most relaxing and expedient ways to view these sights in all their grandeur has been from the glass-covered decks of the bateaux-mouches, those unique long-boats leisurely plying the Seine, from whose vantage point millions of tourists have acquired their considerable appreciation for all that Paris has to offer. On some days, the sheer volume of this boat traffic resembles an invasion of a different kind, albeit one of camera shutters and tourists gazing in wonderment.
The River Seine cruises offer an alternative way of seeing Paris from a different viewpoint. You can even choose the dinner cruises in the evening to see the city lit up in all its splendour for a truly romantic sightseeing experience you will never forget.

Disneyland Paris

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Located 20 miles (32km) east of Paris, Europe's Disneyland is a massive complex, which includes hotels, restaurants and shops as well as the theme park. With sections such as Discoveryland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Mainstreet USA and roaming Walt Disney characters - it is highly fashioned on its American cousin. Enthusiasts however will tell you that the modern engineering of the Euro Disney makes for a better experience. A nearby golf course offers an escape for lovers of the game (and possibly reluctant parents not drawn to Disney's attractions).
Disneyland Paris is ideal for those wanting to take advantage of the Disney experience but with only a short hop across the channel.

Notre Dame

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Notre-Dame looms large over the Place de Parvis, on the Isle de la Cite, and is the most enduring symbol of Paris. Built between 1163 and 1345 the Cathedral is considered one of the of the world's Gothic masterpieces. The massive interior can seat 6,000 and it is dominated by three spectacular and enormous rose windows and a vast 7,800-pipe organ. The 387-step climb to the top of the towers is worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city and the close-up views of the famous gargoyles. The tower also holds the great bell that was rung by Quasimodo, the fictional hunchback. Opposite the North door is a museum that displays the Cathedral's history, while under the square in front of the Cathedral is the crypt that houses Notre-Dame's archaeological museum.

The Eiffel Tower

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Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) could never have guessed that it would become Paris's signature sight and attract more than six million visitors a year. It was built as a temporary structure to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution and was opened by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England. It was considered an eyesore by many and there were petitions to have it pulled down. It was saved only because it had become an important antenna for telegraphy. It towers 984ft (300m) above the Champ de Mars and until 1930 was the world's tallest building. The highest of its three levels offers a wonderful panoramic view over Paris.

When to Visit Paris

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There is no 'best time' to visit Paris; in every season the city is always alive. Summer days are spent lazing on the banks of the Seine, sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe, or idling in one of the city's many gardens or forests.

In autumn afternoons the brisk walk from the Eiffel Tower through the Parc du Champ de Mars and up to the glittering Champs Elysees is accompanied with a carpet of leaves crunching underfoot.

Winter nights induce a warm glow ice-skating in the outdoor rink at the Hotel de Ville, and in spring the passions of performers fill the air outside the Pompidou Centre and the nose is tickled with the subtle scents of flowering gardens.

About Paris

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It is impossible not to fall in love with Paris. The city's people are stylish and flirtatious, its architecture seductive, its restaurants and nightlife devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and its streets are scattered with dreams.
There is an otherworldliness to this city, where beauty and elegance are favoured over purpose and practicality. Centuries of urban development have the appearance of having being mastered by a single hand with a strong sense of balance, contrast and aesthetics. The views from the Eiffel Tower or Sacre Coeur reveal hundreds of iconic attractions for the snapshot visitor, but the best way to see this city is by tucking your map back in your pocket and allowing yourself to get lost on its streets and avenues, discovering the city for yourself.
However long you spend in Paris, on departure you will know you are sure to return.