Paris, France travel guide

In northern europe, Paris isn’t always blessed with sunshine – although a warm spring shower can feel as typically Parisian as any other experience in the city. Before planning your visit, take a look at the paris weather that you can expect, season by season:

Containing part of the ‘Le Marais’ district of Paris, the third arrondissement is small but well worth exploring. It contains some of the oldest parts of Paris, the Paris Conservatory and the Temple, and much more besides:

Coffee in Paris (and elsewhere in France) is not a drink to be consumed in large quantities through the day, but is enjoyed in small cups at specific times. Never ask for a cappucino in the morning! Finding the best coffee houses in Paris is not easy, but is certainly worthwhile – here is some guidance:

Part of the Latin quarter, and once home to the great French philosophers such as Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, the sixth arrondissement has long had a reputation as being the intellectual centre of Paris. The FrenchAcademy – great protector of the French language – is found here. Explore the Jardin du Luxembourg, Pont Neuf and the other attractions of the 6th:

Heartland for music halls, the ninth arrondissement in paris includes the Olympia and the Folies Bergere, and also the Paris Opera – famous setting for the Phantom of the Opera. Before enjoying the musical experience, visit the Galaries Lafayette, one of the most famous department stores in Paris:

Once settled by the Romans – hence the name Latin quarter – the fifth arrondissement is on the left bank of the Seine. It includes the Pantheon and the Thermes de Cluny. Apart from the ancient attractions, the Jardin des Plantes is a ‘must-see’ attraction, a very impressive botanical garden:

The fourth arrondissement is the place to visit the unmissable Pompidou Centre and its magnificent art collection, and the historically important ‘Hotel de Ville’ (city hall). There is also much more to explore, including some particularly good ice-cream…

The seventh arrondissement is home to the most famous Paris landmark of all – the Eiffel Tower. The appeal of the Tour d’Eiffel is hard to define – an enormous structure constructed from steel girders hardly sounds like the ingredients for successful architecture – but you will love it as much as the millions that have visited before you:

One of Paris’ best loved highlights, L’Eglise de la Madeleine, is found in the eighth arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine, along with the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais de l’Elysee, and the Théatre des Champs-Elysées. Too much to see? Visit the eigth arrondissement:

Is Paris more famous because of the great buildings, the shopping, or the romance? It truly is the city of romance – but why? And more important, where should you go for that special Paris romantic moment? There are plenty of possibilities to share a special moment: