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The river Seine runs through Paris, contributing to the city's international reputation as a place of romance, beauty, and enjoyment. All along the river you can find wonderful parks, bistros, cafes, and a wealth of local shopping and marketplaces where all sorts of products can be found. From locally grown food to artisans and more, the Seine can truly be described as the lifeblood of the city.
To get around Paris most easily and conveniently, it helps to understand how the city is laid out and structured. The city is divided into twenty different and unique districts, each with its own special highlights and attractions. If you look at a map of Paris you will see the districts numbered one through twenty, beginning with number one in the middle of the city and spiralling outward until you reach number twenty. This is perhaps the most useful kind of map you can obtain for your visit to Paris; there are numerous web sites where you can download a copy as well as more detailed printed versions available from various vendors in and around the city.
Even if you have never heard of these districts in Paris, you have most certainly heard of the many wonderful sights and locations within them. For instance, in district number one you will find the heart of Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, and the Palais Royal. It would be easy to spend several days in this district alone!
Moving on to other noteworthy districts in Paris, number four is where you will find the beautiful and historic Notre Dame Cathedral. Long recognized as one of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe, it is still an active church as well as a primary attraction for visitors to Paris. You can explore Notre Dame using one of many self guided tour routes offered, or take an organized tour complete with an expert and knowledgeable guide. Expect large crowds if you go in the peak tourist season of the summer and smaller crowds in the off season of the late fall and winter.
The Eiffel Tower is another Parisian landmark that is well known throughout the world and is one not to be missed when you visit Paris. This amazing structure dates back to 1889 when it was completed by builder Gustave Eiffel. It was not always viewed as a landmark, however, and was nearly slated for destruction in 1909. However, because it served as a tremendously important telegraph antenna it was spared. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is memorable, but can also be time consuming if you want to go up into the tower itself. There are no reservations or advance tickets offered for ascending the Eiffel Tower; everything is on a first come, first served basis so visitors often arrive early and spend long hours in line. Those who stick it out, though, rave about the experience and take home many wonderful memories.
Paris is such a large and busy city that there are three different international airports serving its needs. Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the most famous of these, followed closely by Orly International Airport. Beauvais International Airport is much smaller than the other two, yet is conveniently located near the city. There are multiple transportation options to and from all of these airports, including subways, trains, buses, taxis, and light rail, just to name a few. Some airlines even offer shuttle services to and from the airports, as do many of the hotels in Paris as well.
Wiki:- Paris
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