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Paris, capital of France and provincial capital of the Ile de France region, originating on the banks of a curve of the Seine, is strategically important not only for transport and trade for the whole European continent, but also as one of the most important metropolises in the world and a political and economic centre of undisputed national and international importance.
Paris has many prominent hills. The highest and probably the most famous of these is Montmartre 130 metres ( 426½ feet ) above sea level.
The city of Paris, as we know it today, is the result of major urban restoration work carried out in the middle of the nineteenth century when what was virtually a maze of tiny streets and precarious wooden houses was transformed into one of the most majestic cities of the modern era, with wide boulevards and thoroughfares that cover the entire city.
The urban planning and the morphology of the land 'oblige' the city of Pairs to remain within practically immoveable boundaries. This has led to the creation of a phenomenon, typical of Europe's oldest city, known as muséification (or "museumification"). Due to strict town planning laws, no large buildings can be constructed within Paris' urban area. Therefore, much of the infrastructure and many financial institutions have been constructed in the suburbs. Paris is sub-divided into 20 arrondissements and it can certainly be said that each one has its own specific character that is well worth discovering.
These are some of the largest and most famous districts (Arrondissement) in Paris:
Champs-Elysées:
Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the largest streets in Paris. Famous for its variety of shops and its characteristic cafés, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous streets in the world. The arrival and diffusion of large chain stores has, in recent years, changed the character of the street to a certain extent. However, the Parisian local council is setting up restrictive measures to impede the authentic character of one of the most beautiful streets in the world from disappearing entirely for purely commercial interests.
The Champs-Elysées is about 2 kms (1.25 miles) in length. It stretches from the 8th arrondissement to the northeast and Place de la Concorde to the east as far as Place Charles de Gaulle to the west where the majestic Arc de Triomphe stands. Some of the main sights in this area are: Theatre Marigny, the Grand Palais and the Eliseo which is the President of the French Republic's official residence.
Check the availability of a B&B near Champs Elysées.
Avenue Mointagne:
Situated in the 8th arrondissement, this is where to find luxury shops and the most prestigious brand names like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Givenchy. It is an annual stop-off for serious shoppers, especially during the sale period.
Place de la Concorde:
At the foot of the Champs-Élysées, originally called Louis 15th Square, site of the infamous guillotine and the Egyptian obelisk which is the oldest monument in Pairs.
L'Opéra:
Situated in the 9th arrondissement, this is the area that surrounds the Opéra Garnier, better known as Opéra de Paris. L'Opera is one of the areas with the greatest number offices and homes. Some of the city's largest shopping centres are to be found here.
Find a B&B near L'Opéra.
Montmartre:
The hill of Montmartre is in the 18th arrondissement. This is where one of the monuments that is a symbol of the city is situated, the Sacré-Coeur. Montmartre has always had an artistic vocation and indeed, is a favourite with artists from all over the world who come here to find inspiration from the scores of exhibition centres, galleries, artistic workshops and literary cafés that are full of charm and that bohemian atmosphere that has made the area so famous.
Book a B&B near Montmartre.
Les Marais:
It stretches over the 3rd and 4th arrondissement. Its fame is due to its large gay and Jewish communities which have given it the reputation of being a culturally open and multi-faceted part of the city.
Check the availability of a B&B near Marais.
Place de la Bastille:
It is spread among the 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements. This is one of the most historically important neighbourhoods not only in Paris, but in the whole of France, because of the events connected with the siege of the Bastille that took place in 1789 and formally marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
Find a B&B in the Place de la Bastille area.
Quartier Latin:
Running between the 5th and 6th arrondissements, it is famous for its lively atmosphere and numerous characteristic bistros. The Latin Quarter is also the area of first class cultural and educational institutions. This is the site of the famous Sorbonne University and other important education centres of national and international fame.
Check the availability of a B&B near Quartier Latin.
Montparnasse:
Situated in the 14th arrondissement, this neighbourhood is full of art galleries, theatres and cafés. It is one of the most important Metro stations in Paris from where all parts of the city are easily reached. This is also the site of the Tour Montparnasse, France's highest skyscraper that reaches 210 metres (689 feet) in height and from where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
Book a B&B near Montparnasse.
Among Paris' most important and most famous monuments and attractions we would mention:
Notre Dame, considered to be the best example of French Gothic architecture even though the current structure was created by the work and collaboration of several architects over the centuries.
Book a B&B in the Notre Dame area.
The Eiffel Tower, considered the symbol of Paris. Situated in Champ de Mars, it is one of the highest structures in the city. It is one of the most visited sights in the world standing at 324 metres (1063 feet) including 24 metres of antenna. Inside the Eiffel Tower there are various bars and shops and even 2 restaurants. It is however the view of the city that can be had from the top of the tower that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
Look for a B&B near the Eiffel Tower.
The Arc de Triomphe dominating Charles de Gaulle Square, is visible from the Champs Elysées and visually leads to the Louvre. This triad of monuments has been historically identified as the 'Axe historique'.
Check the availability of a B&B in the Arc de Triomphe area.
The Sacré-Coeur was built after the Franco-Prussian war and is one of the most majestic basilicas in the world. It is built in solid travertine extracted from the Chateau-Landon region. This travertine gives it its characteristic white colour that has stood up to the test of time.
Book a B&B near the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
An apparently unusual spot, not on the classic tourist trail, is Paris' Monumental Cemetery. It is well worth a visit to admire the cemetery and its beautiful tombs.
Euro Disney is one of the main attractions not only for Pairs but for the whole of Europe seeing as it is the only place in the continent where children can meet the authentic Disney characters.
Of course it is impossible to forget the numerous important museums in Paris lead by the Louvre and followed by the Georges Pompidou Centre that is home to the National Museum of Modern Art, the Cluny Museum and the Orsay Museum, to name just a few.
Look for a B&B near the Orsay Museum.
Every year Paris puts up millions of tourists and offers a wide and varied range of accommodation choices. There are hotels, guest houses, rooms for rent and self-catering apartments all over the capital. Often however, during the period of highest request, finding a hotel in the centre of Paris can be like a treasure hunt, not to mention the huge jump in prices during high season. Youth hostels and camp sites offer different possibilities for young travellers and tourists with few requirements.
An alternative, practical and cheap option for sleeping and staying in Paris is Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Staying in a Bed and Breakfast in Paris also has the great advantage of allowing visitors to live, feel and experience first hand the authentic Parisian atmosphere.
Waking up to the chiming of the bells of Notre Dame, to the perfume of a freshly-baked baguette or the sweet scent of chocolate croissants is priceless. Being welcomed by the owners of the house, being guided through the choice of the best, most characteristic restaurants in Paris, standing out on flower-filled balconies and enjoying the enchanting view of the roofs of Paris, all this means truly catching the spirit of this wonderful city.
B&B in Paris can be rooms, bedrooms, charming lofts or studio apartments that offer hospitality and breakfast in a family atmosphere at a good price.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Paris is in every arrondissement so that all areas of the city are catered for from the city centre to the peripheries. There is Bed and Breakfast accommodation that is specifically suitable for those who need to reach Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport.
There is a wide selection of hundreds of high quality Bed&Breakfast in Paris that stand out for their attention to detail, warm welcome and absolute discretion.
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