La Villette Park

La Villette Park    For the architecture alone, you should not miss visiting this ultra-modern museum. All glass and stainless steel, bridges and suspended walkways, transparent escalators and elevators, this museum has been designed so that you feel like you are in a "city of the future".

The "Parc de la Villette" is located between the Porte de la Villette and the Porte de Pantin. It is the largest Park Intra Muros of Paris. The place accomodates a complete urban project: * the city of sciences and industry,  * the city of the Music,  * the Large Market,  * the room of spectacle of the Zenith.  Located on old the abbatoirs of Paris, the Park of the Villette is an active space, a new district of meeting, culture and leisures. Place of exhibitions, documentation, communication and search, the City presents the largest scientific, technological projections of our time. Using the most recent techniques of audio-visual and data-processing communications, it proposes multiple and complementary activities and offers a new way of learning, of listening and of being moved so that each one remains an actor of the future world.   The Design   For the architecture alone, you should not miss visiting this ultra-modern museum. All glass and stainless steel, bridges and suspended walkways, transparent escalators and elevators, this museum has been designed so that you feel like you are in a "city of the future".   What to see   The permanent exhibition is called "Explora". This exhibit is divided into 3 main themes : - Water as a major link between the universe and life that's why the Cité des Sciences is surrounded by water. - Vegetation coming in three bio-climatic - Light, source of energy of the livingworld,illuminates the exhibition space of permanent exhibitions thanks to two rotating cupolas. The Cite des sciences allows the visitors to touch and play with various subjects of experiences such as sounds, robots, computer science, expression and behaviour, oceans, energy, light, the environment, mathematics, space. With its interactive computers, multimedia displays, videos, holograms, animated models and games, this museum permits the visitor to "explore" and discover. An example of the chaos theory is displayed by a wheel of glasses rotating below a stream of water and the control of motion is entirely unpredictable. Do not miss the hydroponic plants as well as the flight simulator.   Other activities at the Museum   You can also discover the planetarium, the Cinema Louis Lumiere which plays a short stereo-scopic film at 11:30am, 2pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 4:30pm., and other exciting exhibits are the Geode, Argonaute, Cinaxe and the park itself.  There are also several cafés.   The Argonaute   Discover a real 1957 french military submarine in which you can clamber about and discover masses of facts about underwater transportation.   The Geode and the Cinaxe   The Geode shows films shot on the 180o Omnimax system, while the Cinaxe combines 70mm film shot at 30 frames a second with seats that move.   The Park   Besides the permanent exhibits, throughout the park, you can discover the temporary exhibits which talk about history and philosophy as well as science. Walkman guide in English is available at the counter in the main hall, and includes details of the architecture, explanations for Explora and the soundtrack for the Planetarium shows. The city of the Villette it is also: 1 The Park Designed by Bernard Tschumi the park is organized in three systems: the buildings or Madnesses mark the site and its reference marks, circulations give him which combine two perpendicular galleries, surfaces: 7 ha of meadows and sports grounds. 2. The Grande Halle  Old Market of cows of the cattle market of the Villette, it is reconverted since 83 in general-purpose room and can accomodate more than 15 000 people 3. The Zenith Inaugurated in 1984 it is particularly devoted to the variety and the rock'n'roll. 4. The theatre of the Villette Ancien house of the Stock Exchange it accomodates primarily contemporary authors. 5. the City of the Music. Built by Christian de Portzamparc like a contemporary village. It accomodates in the western part the Academy Higher Main road of Music and Dance of Paris as well as the Museum of the M.   Practical Information   How to get there Metro line 5 or 7: Porte de la Villette, Porte de Pantin Bus : PC Opening Open every day from 10am to 6pm, on Sunday: from 10am to 7pm Closed on monday, 1st May and 25th December Fees: - Explora Full price: 7,50 euros Reduced : 5,50 euros Free under 7 - Planetarium Explora +3 euros supplement - Cité des Enfants : 5 euros for anyone. - Géode : full fee: 8,75 euros reduced fee: 6,75 euros - Cinaxe Full price : 5,20 euros Reduced : 4,50 euros You can also buy a daily pass.

The Orsay Museum

The Orsay Museum    The Orsay museum may not be the massive size of Louvre, but its Impressionist collection is among the best in the world. The museum is housed in a former rail station, and has the atmosphere and personality to match. The Musee d'Orsay attracts more than 2 million visitors annually.

History   Built in the year 1900 by Victor Laloux, this train station was meant to service the Orleans line. Unfortunately, the line ceased because the platforms were not long enough. After being used for a variety of purposes, the whole building was entirely refitted inside and transformed into an art museum covering the period from 1850 to 1914, with an area of 50 000 m2. The conversion of this abandoned train station, the Gare d'Orsay, into the Musee d'Orsay marked a major advance in the reorganization of the different collections. The museum is devoted to all art forms from the second half of the 19th century (painting, sculpture, architecture, music and items trom everyday life). Significant Impressionist and neo-lmpressionist works are on display, as well as the creations of the more conservative academic school that was also known as Pompier in France. Art-Nouveau objects and blue-prints complement the collections.   Design   The giant, 32-m-high (102-ft) and 140 m-long (450-ft) main hall of the station, artfully surrounded by a delicate iron construction enabling the abundant use of glass, was deserted by all, except for the rats. By the 1960s, the dilapidation had progressed to the point that Orson Welles chose it as a backdrop for his filming of Kafka's The Trial. And in 1971 it was finally decided to tear the building down. Fortunately, this did not occur and during Georges Pompidou's term of office as president, the idea of transforming the train station into a museum first emerged. His successor, Giscard d'Estaing, eventually gave the go-ahead for the time-consuming and expensive renovations. The work began in 1980. Some 270 million US dollars flowed out of the taxpayers' pockets before President Miterrand could proceed to ceremoniously dedicate it.   The Collections   The collection is made up mostly from the late works of the Louvre and the Impressionist paintings from the nearby museum Jeu de Paume. You can also find works from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth, chronologically bridging the Louvre and the Pompidou Center. Displayed on the ground floor, are earlier works devoted to sculpture with Dance. The hall has two rows of smaller rooms which are filled with works by Daumier, Millet, Rousseau, Corot and peasant paintings. In the last room, you can find such works by Courbet. And if you like Monet, there is a room dedicated to him. Other artists are present such as Bazille, Delacroix, Puvis de Chavanne, Degas and Gustave Moreau. And if you are a fan of Oriental Art, you will enjoy the ingeniously designed gallery. On the second floor you can see such popular art of the nineteenth century and rooms with furniture and decoration by well-respected "fin-de-siecle painters" (Monet, Pissaro, Renoir, Degas, Sisley and Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec). The building is extremely large and much works have been taken out of reserve stock to fill out the displays. It is advised to start on the ground level with the Impressionist painters and then take the escalators to the upper floor to see the Impressionists and their successors.    Practical information   Where can you find the Musée d'Orsay Next to the Palace of the Legion of Honour, on the quai Anatole France and across the rue de Bellechasse, is the old Orsay station.  How to get there Metro line 12: Solférino, Assemblée Nationale Bus : 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 94. RER C : Musée d'Orsay Opening Tuesday to Sunday open 10am - 6pm Tursday open until 9.45pm Sunday : 9am-6pm. Closed on Mondays, January 1st , May 1st, December 25th. Fees Full fare : 7 euros special price: 5 euros Sundays : 5 euros Free the first sunday of each month Free below 18 years old

Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain

Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain    The aim of the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain is to present the work of living artists around the world and to promote a wide range of contemporary art from painting and sculpture to photography and video.

Founded in 1984 and established since 1994 in Paris in a building designed by the architect Jean Nouvel and surrounded by a garden created by the artist Lothar Baumgarten, the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain is situated at 261, boulevard Raspail in the heart of Montparnasse. The aim of the Fondation Cartier is to present the work of living artists around the world and to promote a wide range of contemporary art from painting and sculpture to photography and video.  Its activities are focused on organizing exhibitions in France and abroad, building up and enriching its collection with new acquisitions, and regularly commissioning works from artists. With Nomadic Nights it has enlarged its programme to include theatre, music and dance activities held to coincide with the exhibitions. Ever since it was founded, the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain has varied its programme so as to include both one-man shows and group or thematic exhibitions. Each of these projects is carried out in close collaboration with the artists concerned.   Practical Information   How to get there Métro: lines 4, 6, stations Raspail, Denfert-Rochereau Bus: 38, 68 RER B: Denfert-Rochereau Exhibitions Every day, except Monday, from 12 am to 8 pm Entrance fee: 5 euros Reduced rate: 3.50 euros (students, under 25s, old-age pensioners and Amis des Musées card-holders) Free admission (not including Nomadic Nights): Circle of Friends, under 10s, ICOMs and the unemployed Nomadic Nights Every Thursday at 8.30 pm (except special evenings) Entrance fee (including entrance to exhibitions): 5 euros.  Reduced rate: 3.50 euros

Bibliothèque Nationale de France

Bibliothèque Nationale de France    The National Library is an institution going back to 1368, housing the largest collection of geographical maps in the world along with 12 millions printed works and 250 000 manuscripts.

The Bibliothèque Nationale de France was first a royal and later an imperial library before becoming a national institution. Its mission is to collect and conserve all works published, whatever the media, with the purpose of making them available to researchers and professionals. Under french law, publishers must deposit several copies of the works they publish in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.   History   Following the decree issued by Francois 1er in 1537, this obligation was gradually extended from books alone to cover all works printed in France (periodicals, engravings, posters, musical scores, etc.). In 1925, other media and technical processes (photographs, films, phonograph records, etc.) were added to the list. After a long wandering through the royal palaces, in 1570 the library finally settled down in Paris in the Richelieu edifice. In 1868 the Printed Papers great reading room built by the architect Labrouste was inaugurated. Since 1992, the submission of computerized and multi-media documents has also been required. These legal deposits have substantially enriched the library's collections and give publishers, authors and artists the assurance that their works will be preserved for posterity. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France is at the core of an exchange and cooperation network that includes libraries and research centres in France and abroad. Due to the regular, rapid growth of its collections and the development of research in general, the library at the rue de Richelieu site outgrew the building some 25 years ago and has been hard-pressed to fulfill its various missions. In 1988, it was decided to build a new facility in the 13th arrondissement in Paris, now called the François Mitterrand site. With this new building and 3600 reading units, the capacity of the library is significantly increased.   Collections   Since the XV th century's invention of printing, thanks to the obligation of deposit as well as trades and donations the Printed Papers Department owns about 12 millions books, among them two copies of Gutenberg Bible. The new library François Mitterrand consists of : - reading rooms open to a public which had long been unable to use the Bibliothèque Nationale in Rue de Richelieu (open to all visitors 16 years old and over). This level opened december 1996. There are 1600 available reading units with open access to a collection of 180 000 volumes. - the research library (opening october 1998). 2000 seats reserved for the consultation of all collections acquired through legal deposit (10 million volumes : collections of books, periodicals and audiovisual documents). Among the specialized collections soon to be reorganized at the Richelieu site : - The Geographical Maps (1st collection in the world) - The world richest collection of engravings (12 millions) and photos (2 millions).  - 250 000 manuscripts including the Dead Sea Papyrus and medieval psaulm books with painted works such as Carolus Magnus and Louis IX's ones. - 600 000 coins and medals. - Antiques - Music and performing arts.   Practical information   How to get there Metro: line 14, Grande Bibiliothèque, line 6, "Quai de la Gare"  Bus: 62, 89. Opening Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: noon to 7 p.m.

paris

Paris

Paris is the capital city of France. It is situated on the River Seine, in northern France. The City of Paris has an estimated population of 2,153,600 within its administrative limits. Paris is an area of unbroken urban growth that extends well beyond the administrative city limits and has a population of 9.93 million. A commuter belt around the urban area completes the Paris metropolitan area that, with its population of 12 million, is one of the most heavily populated areas in Europe. An important settlement for more than two millennia, Paris is today one of the world's leading business and cultural centre, and its influence in politics,education,entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. The Paris Region is France's foremost centre of economic activity. With 500.8 billion EU (US$628.9 billion), it produced more than a quarter of the gross domestic product (GDP) of France in 2006. The Paris Region hosts 36 of the Fortune Global 500 companies in several business districts, notably La Defense, the largest purpose-built business district inEurope. Paris also hosts many international organizations such as UNESCO, the OECD,the ICC and the informal Paris Club. Paris is the most popular tourist destination in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. There are numerous iconic landmarks among its many attractions, along with world famous institutions and popular parks "Modern" Paris is the result of a vast mid-19th century urban remodelling. For centuries it had been a labyrinth of narrow streets and half-timber houses, but beginning in 1852, the Baron Haussmann's vast urbanisation levelled entire quarters to make way for wide avenues lined with neo-classical stone buildings of bourgeoise standing; most of this 'new' Paris is the Paris we see today. These Second Empire plans are in many cases still in effect, as the city of Paris imposes the then-defined "alignement" law (imposed position defining a predetermined street width) on many new constructions. A building's height was also defined according to the width of the street it lines, and Paris' building code has seen few changes since the mid-19th century to allow for higher constructions. It is for this reason that Paris is mainly a "flat" city.

Assemblée Nationale - Palais Bourbon

Facing the Luxor obelisk this neo-classic palace (18th) houses one of the two chambers of the french parliament.

The frontage of the French Assembly, built by Poyet in 1804 and completed in 1807, matches the Madeleine church. The frontage of the courtyard opening on the other side is typically 19th century, with its vast colonnade framing high windows. Interior: the Royal Drawing Room and the Library are decorated in the Romantic style, and hung with paintings by Delacroix. The aristocratic quarter built at the end of the "Ancien Regime" runs into Boulevard Saint Germain .   History   The National Assembly or Congress known as the Bourbon Palace, was built by 4 different architects. Ordered by the Duchess of Bourbon daughter of Louis the XIVth and Madame de Montespan the first work began in 1722, by Giraldini, and was completed in 1728 by Lassurance, Gabriel and Aubert. Bought by Louis the XVth to ornate the Place de la Concorde it will later be joined by the Hotel de Lassay next door. Confiscated under the Revolution it will be used as the meeting place of the Council of the Five Hundreds then to host the brand new Ecole Polytechnique from 1794 to 1804.   The Surroundings   Do not leave until you have taken a look at some of the buildings, such as the number 78, rue de Lille, the Hotel de Beauharnais, with its Egyptian-style portico added in 1803, has beautiful Empire style interior decoration. Number 64, rue de Lille, the Hotel de Salm (1784), headquarter of the Legion d'Honneur, shows the return to the Classical style towards the end of the 18th century - in its triumphal archway, and ionic porticoes. At the far end of the courtyard is a semi-circular pavillion with simple window decorations which make you forget the austerity of the neo-classical frontage.   Practical information   How to get there Metro : line 12, Assemblée Nationale RER C : Musée d'Orsay Opening hours Visits on Saturdays 10h00, 14h00, 15h00. No visit allowed when the Assembly sits. Fees Free. Identity papers required.

La Défense

The 21 st century skyscrapers business district erected outside the western city-limits of Paris was recently enriched by the spectacular Grande Arche.

The Financial District   This business district is like a futuristic universe where form and content meet in beauty : active and lively during the day, deathly silent at night. Not just office buildings, but a variety of things to see. Besides the different international trade fairs, exhibitions, concerts or theatrical performances that take place in the CNIT or on the roof of the Arche, you can find a wide variety of restaurants, stores, and outdoor shows. And, for several years, on June 21st, the official Holiday of Music "Fête de la Musique", La Défense hosts a great music festival that includes all sorts of side shows using light and water.   History   "La Défense", whose lines can be followed to the Arc de Triomphe, along the Champs-Élysées to the Obelisk on Place de la Concorde, over the Tuileries gardens to the Louvre's Cour Carrée, assuming that the weather is clear and the air free of polluting fumes. This new business district is in the form of a group of towers more than 30 storeys high, which can be seen for several miles. A kiosk on the ground floor provides information on each of these Defense's ultra-modern architectural gems. From every last minute detail, the designers have paid attention to the surface decoration, and have not ignored modern artists either. Sculptures, mosaics and fountains keep the eyes busy and break up the monotony.    La Grande Arche   Six kilometres out from the Arc de Triomphe at the far end of the Voie Triomphale, has put La Défense high on the list of places to which Paris visitors must pay homage. Created by a Danish architect, Johan-Otto von Spreckelson who won a competition called by the President Mitterrand, this hollowed-out cube, weighing 300,000 tons, 110m (352 ft) high and 70 meters (225 ft) wide (The whole of Notre-Dame cathedral would fit in its frame), was entitled "La Grande Arche". This monument, dedicated to Fraternity, is built of concrete with a facing of Carrara marble and grey granite. On the esplanade are works by Takis, fountains, luminous signals and statues by Mirò. Various ministries have their offices in the massive supporting pillars, the human rights commission (Fondation des Droits de l'Homme) and major corporations have their office there.  The Arche also includes a large exhibition hall. Seated up above on the terrace one can admire the impeccable success of its perspective, whose lines can be followed to the Arc de Triomphe, along the Champs-Élysées to the obelisk on Place de la Concorde, over the Tuileries gardens to the Louvre's Cour Carrée, assuming that the weather is clear and the air free of polluting fumes.   Practical Information   How to get there ? Metro line 1 : La Défense RER A : La Défense Opening Open daily : The 1st April to 30th september 10 am to 8 pm  Tha 1st Otober to .0st March 10 am to 7 pm Fees Access to the roof terrace Adults: 9.00 euros Children, Students: 7.50 euros Free for children up to 6 years old

Les Invalides

Invalides Paris - The major dome of Paris hosting Napoleon's ashes is part of a majestic hospital ordered by the Sun-king.

In 1670, founded a hospital for his invalid soldiers, the King Louis XIV adopted plans by Liberal Bruant and the work started in 1671 and was finished in 1676. This hospital could house up to 4000 patients.   Design   The principal facade, which stretches on both sides of the immense semicircular-arched doorway, whose pilasters lie on statues of Mars and Minerva, Warring Valour and Armed Wisdom, by Guillaume Coustou. On the pediment there is a statue of Louis XIV on horseback, by the same Coustou a story with three large bay windows surmounts the main entrance. All of these openings are in the form of semicircular arches. The entrance is flanked by two doors under bulls'-eyes. The arch of the pediment, the tops of windows, and the bulls'-eyes windows are adorned with garlands and cable moulding. The sober blocks of buildings are given rythm by the openings, the higher ones smaller than the lower arched bays on the ground floor and rectangular bays on the three higher floors. A cornice emphasizes the third, and gable windows adorned with sculpted weapons border the roof. Two pavilions frame the facade. In front of it lies a garden enclosed by ramparts a la Vauban, lined with 17th and 18th century cannon. Created by Robert de Cotte between 1704 and 1720, beyond the garden extends the large esplanade.   The Invalides   Beneath the dome lies two churches : one for the soldiers, and the other intended as a vault for the king but now containing the mortal remains of Napoleon. The Esplanade leads from the Quai d'Orsay through a formal garden to the the majestic facade of Les Invalides. In an arch above the large central portal is an eques- trian portrait of the Sun King supported by Prudence and Justice. Behind this is the splendid cour d'honneur which now houses the Army Museum in its east and west wing.   Practical information   How to get there ? Metro line 8 : Latour-Maubourg, Varenne, Invalides RER C : Invalides Buses : 32, 63, 93 Opening The museum is open every day of the year except on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25 - as well as the first monday of every month. October to March 31st included : from 10 am to 4:45 pm, April to September 30 included : from 10 am to 5:45 pm June 15 to September 15 included: the Dome church including the Tomb of Napoleon I are open from 10 am to 6:45 pm Fees: - normal price: 8 euros - reduce price: 6 euros - free for children under 18 years old

Stade de France

This masterpiece of technology was built for the 1998 Football (soccer) World Cup with 80 000 covered seats.

The role of the Stade de France is to host France's major sporting events in three main sporting disciplines : football (soccer), rugby, athletics. The organisation in France of an event on a worldwide scale - the last Football World Cup of the century that was held in 1998 - made the construction of these major facilities possible.  Designed by the architects Macary -Zublena - Regembal - Costantini and built in 3 years, it will be operated over a period of 27 years by the Consortium Bouygues - GTM - Entrepose - SGE, this is no typical stadium. This stadium enables France to host major sporting events and music concerts. Its 80 000 capacity (seated and covered) is equivalent to the population of Avignon. With a level of comfort superior to that of existing stadiums and equipped with facilities unequalled in France, it is set to be an exceptional arena hosting far from ordinary events. It is adapted to companies and opened 365 days a year. A total of 1 750 000 spectators are attending every year forty or so events. 35 sport events (30 football/soccer meetings including 20 home club fixtures or, failing this, visiting clubs 5 rugby meetings) and 5 large concerts or other kinds of cultural events.   An exceptional venue   The Stade is also able to play a role within the corporate relationship strategies of companies. Companies organising PR events can entertain clients in superb surroundings, hiring a private box or organising conferences, trade exhibitions or seminars in the stadium's indoor facilities. Open every day of the year, the Stade de France offers several shopping and restaurant areas. Regular events are also held on the esplanade. After a few years of opening, the Stade de France is already figuring high on the list of tourist attractions, as a showcase for both French architecture and technology. On average the site receives 250 visitors a day, already fulfilling its future role as an exceptionally welcoming venue.   Practical information   How to get there By car: take the Paris-Lille A1 motorway exit Saint-Denis-Centre. A86 motorway exit Saint-Denis la Plaine RER D, (station) gare Stade de France - St Denis RER B, (station) gare La Plaine-Stade de France. Metro Line 13, station St denis - Porte de Paris Bus 256, bus-stop avenue du President Wilson Bus 302, bus-stop Cornillon Opening Every day, except events, from 10 am to 6 pm

Champs-Elysees

The triumphal way which leads to the Arc de Triomphe.

The glamour of the Champs-Élysées, particularly its upper end, may not be quite what it was, dominated as it is by airline offices, car showrooms, and bright lighted shopping arcades. But there's still the Lido cabaret, Fouquet's high-class bar and restaurant, and plenty of cinemas and outrageously priced cafés to bring the punters in. At Christmas time, this is where the fairy lights go, and on December 31st everyone happily jams in, in their cars, to hoot in the New Year. The new landscaping project has removed the avenue's side lanes where cars used to prowl in search of parking spaces, and now pedestrians have an equal share of the avenue's width, with shade from more trees. Cultural centers, deluxe hotels and other activities that participate in the tradition and prestige of the Champs-Elysées are encouraged to return by the municipality. The stretch between the Rond-Point roundabout - whose Lalique glass fountains disappeared during the German occupation - and Concorde is bordered by chestnut trees and municipal flower beds, pleasant enough to stroll among, but not sufficiently dense to muffle the squeal of accelerating tyres. The two massive buildings rising above the greenery to the south are the Grand and Petit Palais, with their overloaded Neoclassical exteriors, rail station roofs and exuberant flying statuary. They house a number of museums and the Grand Palais is the address for major cultural exhibitions, curtailed at the moment due to major restoration works. On the north side, combat police guard the high walls round the presidential Elysee palace and the line of ministries and embassies ending with the US in prime position on the corner of place de la Concorde. On Thursdays and at weekends you can see a stranger manifestation of the self-images of states in the postage stamp market at the corner of avenues Gabriel and Marigny.   Practical Information   How to get there Metro line 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12 or 13: Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile, George V, Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau, Concorde RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile

Chateau de Versailles

The Sun-king palace in Versailles is half an hour by train from Paris

The largest in Europe, the palace of Versailles housed 20 000 nobles. It was the center of the French monarchy until the 1789 revolution which overthrew King Louis the 16th. Its facade on the park, 70 meters long hall of mirrors, the king and queen luxurious apartments and the Le Notre French style park owe the palace of Versailles a universal reputation as the perfect incarnation of French classicism. The palace of Versailles was copied many times by monarchs throughout Europe during the 18th century. Versailles can be reached in half an hour by train from Paris. We recommend you the "Grandes Eaux Musicales", a fountain and music show in the marvellous setting of the park.   The Castle   The Chateau proposes two itineraries: either a guided tour or not. Apart from the state apartments of the king and queen and the Galerie des Glaces (the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed to end World War 1), which you can visit on your own, most of the palace can only be viewed in guided groups, and whose times are much more restricted. Long queues are common. Unfortunately, only a small part of the palace can be visited : the State Apartments of the King and Queen, and the Hall of Mirrors. The worst time to visit the Chateau is on Sunday when the entrance fee is reduced and the queues are interminable. A guided tour, for an extra charge, takes you in the King's Private Bedroom, the Royal Opera, and the rooms occupied by Madame du Barry. And, for a little more, you may visit the pavilions of the Grand and Petit Trianons. Don't set out to see all the palace in one day for it's not possible. Quite apart from the size, tours of both Mme du Barry's apartments and of the Dauphin and Dauphine's apartments take place at the same time : 2 pm.   History   One of the most visited monuments in France, amongst the three most visited, is the Palace of Versailles. Wanting to escape the busy life in Paris, and to keep the nobility under his control, Louis XIV built this chateau in which he set up home and installed the government. Louis Le Vau was commissioned to renovate and extend an old hunting lodge, Le Notre created the gardens from swamp land, and Mansart masterminded the hydraulic display of the fountains. Beginning in 1664, the construction of the château lasted virtually until Louis XIV's death in 1715. the Palace of Versailles was never meant to be a home, kings were not homely people. Second only to God, and the head of an immensely powerful state, Louis XIV was an institution rather than a private individual. His instability, comings and goings, were minutely regulated and rigidly encased in ceremony, attendance at which was an honour much sought after by courtiers. Versailles was the headquarters of every arm of the state. After the death of Louis XIV, the château was abandoned for a few years. Then Louis XV moved in in 1722. It remained the residence of the royal family until the Revolution of 1789, and at this time the furniture was sold and the pictures dispatched to the Louvre. Thereafter it fell into ruin and was nearly demolished by Louis-Philippe. And in 1871, during the Paris Commune, it became the seat of the nationalist government, and the French parliament continued to meet in Louis XV's opera building until 1879. The restoration only began between the two world wars. The many buildings attached to the castle form a small town. The whole complex is a magnificent monument. The garden facade is 575 metres long with various annexes dotted here and there in a park which is several kilometres in both length and width. The park shows the skill of Le Notre in making good use of the natural resources on the site.   The Park   If you just feel like taking a stroll, the park is free (except on Sunday) and the scenery is better the further you go from the palace. There are even informal groups of trees near the lesser outcrops of royal mania : the Italianate Grand Trianon, designed by Hardouin-Mansart in 1687 as a "country retreat" for Louis XIV, and the more modest Greek Petit Trianon, built by Gabriel in the 1760s. More charming and rustic than either of these is Le hameau de Marie-Antoinette, a play-village and farm built in 1783 for Louis XVI's queen to indulge the fashionable Rousseau-inspired fantasy of returning to the natural life. The park is extremely large. If you find that you cannot manage them by foot, a small train shuttles between the terrace in front of the castle and the Trianons. There are also bicycles for rent by the Grand Canal, itself a good fifteen minutes' walk across the formal gardens, and boats for rent on the canal.   Not to be missed   After you have had a chance to take a look at the Chateau and the gardens, do not leave without taking a walk in the town, where everything leaves the visitor overwhelmed by the excellent taste, as well as the power and wealth, of the man for whom it was all built.   Practical Information   How to get there ? RER C : Versailles Chantiers, Versailles Rive Gauche. Bus : 171 Opening November to March: 9am to 5pm. April to October: 9am to 6pm. Closed on Monday

Eiffel Tower

Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The Eiffel Tower remained the highest monument in the world until the construction of New York's Chrysler Building in 1930.

History   In 1889, when the Tour Eiffel was completed, it was the tallest building in the world at 300m. The Tour Eiffel was originally built as a tempory structure to commemorate the centenary of the Revolution. And since, the Eiffel Tower has become an enduring symbol of the city of Paris. The Tour was originally built for the 1889 Exposition. This steel construction defied all traditional rules in architecture. It is now the television transmitter for the greater Paris region.  The Tour selected by a competition which was won by Gustave Eiffel, an engineer who had experience of constructing high level railway viaducts. In the public eye, the tower had many mixed opinions, celebrated and loathed in equal measure. Throughout its construction, the residents became convinced that it would collapse, and Eiffel had to reassure them personally. The author Guy de Maupassant left Paris permanently to avoid looking at its 'metallic carcass' but others who espoused more self-consciously modern views championed the tower: Seurat and Douanier Rousseau were among the first to paint it, in 1889 and 1890 respectively. On a clear day, it is possible to see Chartres Cathedral from the high level viewing platform. There are three floors. The first is at 57 m., the second at 115m., and the third at 276 m. The top of the aerial is 320 m. above the ground. And on a nice day, you an see from the top of the platform, the whole of Paris and even the distant suburbs. The 12,000 steel girders are held together by 2,500,000 rivets to produce a smooth, curving profile. Its functional elegance heralded the dawn of Industrial Art, and has met with much sarcastic comment from more conservative observers ever since it was finished in 1889. And in 1986 the external night-time floodlighting was replaced by a system of illumination from within the tower's superstructure, so that it now looks at its magical best after dark.   Practical Information   How to get there METRO : Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Ecole Militaire RER : Ligne C - Station Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel BUS : 42,69,72,82,87 TAXI : Station Quai Branly, Pilier Ouest Opening From January 1 to June 18: 9:30 am - 18:30 pm (11:00pm via lift) From June 19 to August 29: 9:00 am - midnight  From August 30 to December 31: 9:30 am - 18:30 pm (11:00pm via lift) Last admitance 1 hour before closing. Fees: Stairs - all visitors: 3,80 euros under 25 years old : 3,00 euros Adults Lift to 1st platform 4,10 euros Lift to 2nd platform 7,50 euros Lift to 3rd platform 10,70 euros Children Lift to 1st platform 2,30 euros Lift to 2nd platform 4,10 euros Lift to 3rd platform 5,90 euros

The Louvre

Arguably the world's most famous art museum, the Louvre's most popular piece is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." It was established in 1793, and is one of the oldest museums in Europe. Its collections spans from the birth of great civilizations up to the 19th century. A whopping 6 million tourists visit the museum each year.

History   The Louvre was built by Philippe Auguste in 1204 and was originally the royal castle and later transformed by Charles V between 1364 and 1380 and was entirely rebuilt from the time of François I to the 19th century. Once upon a time a palace of French kings and princes, the Louvre is today the Palace of Arts and holds one of the richest museums in the world. Its collection, which ranges from Egyptian art of 5000 BC to nineteenth-century work, is divided into seven departments: Oriental and Islamic Antiquities; Egyptian Antiques; Greek, Roman and Etruscan Antiques; Painting; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; as well as Graphic Arts.   Mitterand's contribution to the Louvre    In 1981 President Mitterrand initiated a rehabilitation project called Le Grand Louvre. The visible part of this iceberg like building-site, being the Glass Pyramid designed by famous architect Ieoh Ming Pei, opens the outstanding perspective toward the Grande Arche de la Défense with the Arc de Triomphe in the middle. The Pyramid gives now access to the main entrance, letting a delightful golden light filter through the glass surface illuminating the floor below.    What's new   The huge renovation of Le Grand Louvre which started in 1983 leads to an increase of 22 000 square meters. The basement is now occupied by the remains of the medieval castle originally a big keep part of the defensive wall built under Philippe August in 1190 which have been excavated and displayed below the Cour Carrée. Under the glass pyramid leading to the main entrance of the Hall Napoléon starts the shopping gallery leading to several restaurants and cafeterias of the Galerie du Carrousel under the reversed pyramid. The Aile Richelieu is fully accessible to wheel-chair visitors. Temporary exhibits are displayed below the pyramid in the Hall Napoléon and in Aile Richelieu and Aile Sully.  To help you find your way, the three wings are colour coded. Each level is also colour coded and divided into ten sections and each room is numbered. In 1993 the Museum celebrated the bicentenary of its opening, and an extension to the Richelieu Wing opened to celebrate the event. The upheaval this has caused will affect the building through the decade, so changes and closures are expected.    Inside the Louvre   This is one of the greatest art collections in the world. The core collection was formed by François Ist, and added to by Henri II and Catherine de Medicis. The Old Master collection was developed by Louis XIV and important Spanish and Dutch works acquired by Louis XVI. Most painting lovers come to view the exceptional collection of European paintings which range from I400 to I900. The Grand Gallery running along the south of the building is a stupendous piece of design which showed the world what a picture gallery should look like. Pierced by large windows, its walls are hung with some of the finest works of the Italian Renaissance. On this level is also the Spanish collection and the large scale nineteenth-century French paintings. On the upper level artists from northem Europe are well represented, along with earlier paintings from the French school.   Not to be missed   After spending around 2 hours, you can become acquainted with some of the most famous paintings in the world. For example, try to interpret the enigmatic smile of Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, or admire the perfect proportions of the Venus of Milo (Sully wing). Michelangelo, Bellin, Donatello and Maillol are some of the great sculptors also represented here.   "Carrousel du Louvre"   The other major development is underground - a vast space stretching from the Hall Napoleon, the main entrance to the museum, beneath the Pyramid to beyond the Arc du Carrousel. Known as the "Espaces Carrousel du Louvre", its central crossroads, place de la Pyramide Inversee, is fed with daylight through an inverted pyramid, a smaller model of the Pyramid. From the Hall Napoléon, shops, restaurants, exhibition spaces - and bits of the old fortress's outer defences - make up the cold, classy and commercial "Carrousel du Louvre" gallery. Beyond are several auditoriums and conference halls, car and bus parking areas and new premises for the Louvre's research department, unique in the world for having its own particle accelerator to examine subatomic bits of works of art and archeological finds. Before this subterranean complex was dug out, archeologists discovered Stone Age tools, remnants of an Iron Age farm growing lentils, peas, fruit and cereals, a house dating from 300 BC, a fourteenth-century manor house complete with wall-paintings and garden, and Catherine de Medicis' unfinished Tuileries   Palace   There will be direct access to the "Espace Carrousel du Louvre" from the metro and from place du Carrousel. The virtue of the new parking spaces will be to clear Rue de Rivoli and place du Palais- Royal of the lines of coaches disgorging their passengers into the Louvre.   New Projects   New galleries are being planned in the coming years for Italian painting and sculpture, for the vast collections of Egyptian and Greek art, for works by the Etruscans and sculptures from the northern countries. With its seven sections, the Musee du Louvre is colossal in size, and owns an extroardinary number of works of art. About 28,000 are on display, which is a mere 5% or so of the Louvre's treasures, most of which are being kept in storage in the cellars.   Surroundings   After crossing the Place du Carrousel, take a look at the new Louvre built by Percier and Fontaine under the first Empire, and then by Visconti and Lefuel under the second. It is here, in Napoleon's Courtyard, that we see the most famous sign of the great Louvre's redevelopment, the pyramid by the Chinese-American architect leoh Ming Pei. Placed in the center of the courtyard, this object 21.65 m high with a 35.40 squaremeters base, employs the most modern techniques for the use of steel, glass and aluminium. Its proportions were calculated in accordance with the Golden Number laws. The pyramid gives acces to the new spaces in the museum, which have been entirely rearranged starting from this single, central entrance. We finally reach the old Louvre via the famous Cour Carrée, which possesses remarkable architectural elements; the facade by Pierre Lescot; works by Lemercier including the Clock Pavilion.   Organized Tours   There are several tours possible depending on the time you have available. You can wander about in leisurly fashion through the art of various countries and centuries : you can make a closer examination of a specific artistic style that interests you in particular, or take one of the official tours that are ottered in various languages. A multilingual brochure as well as a plan of the museum are available at the entrance free of charge. And before leaving the neigbourhood, take a look at the two other special museums. The first is the Musée des Arts Décoratifs ; it displays art-works and furniture from the Middle Ages to the present. A little further, is the Musée des Arts de la Mode, with costumes and cloth from the 16th to the 20th centuries.   Ptractical information   How to get there Metro line 1 : Palais-Royal, Louvre. Buses : 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 67, 68, 69, 72, 75, 77, 81, 85, 95. Opening Thursday to Sunday : 9am - 6pm Monday and Wednesday : 9am - 10pm Closed Tuesday Limited display and temporary exhibitions in Hall Napoleon Wed to Mon 9am-10pm. Fees Permanent collections and temporary exhibitions (Richelieu, Sully and Denon) 7,50 euros from 9am to 3pm. 5 euros after 3pm and all sunday long. The ticket of entry to the museum also gives access to all the temporary exhibitions, except for the exhibitions of the Napoleon hall. Temporary exhibitions of the hall Napoleon 7 euros Ticket twinned 11,50 euros of 9pm to 3pm 9,50 euros after 3pm and all sunday long the twinned ticket gives access to the permanent collections and all the temporary exposures of the museum.  The ticket remains valid all the day, even if the visitor leaves the museum temporarily

City Tour: The best of Paris in 3 1/2 hours

You will be escorted by our driver-guide who will take you for a leisure guided ride of Paris. This is surely the best way to discover Paris in the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus. During this tour you will learn about the history of Paris and admire the major attractions of theCapital City: Champs-Elysees, The Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Trocadero*,Opera Garnier, Invalides, Concorde Square, Notre-Dame Cathedral*,Vendome Square, Montmartre* (Sacred Heart, Place du Tertre), Louvre,Madeleine Church... * About 15 minutes each time Clients' feedback:  I have just returned from my trip to Paris with my mother and the mini bus tour was fantastic so keep up the good work. Many thanks. Christine (March 19th 2007)  Bonjour! Thank you very much for the wonderful trip! The driver guide speaks as English as Russian very good, he was very attentive to us, so we have a lot of impressions about your amazing city! Once more thank you. Best regards. Darya (February 25th 2007)  Our day in Paris with your guide Rozenn, was absolutely wonderful! Rozenn was friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable and she made the day a truly memorable one for my parents and me. Since we only had one day to tour Paris we were very pleased with your recommendation of a private guided tour of the city, incorporated with our desire to see the d'Orsay Museum. Rozenn's extensive knowledge of French art and history (as well as her superb driving skills) made the day not only extremely interesting, but a learning experience as well. After spending almost 11 hours with Rozenn touring the city, we left Paris feeling like we had seen everything possible in one day without feeling rushed at all and we would highly recommend this experience to anyone - first time visitors to Paris like my parents, and repeat visitors like myself. Thank you to you, Rozenn, and Paris Trip for such a memorable experience. Sincerely, Linda (September 26th 2006)  Just like to express thanks and appreciation for the arrangements and the people who escorted us on the tours..all went well and we enjoyed Paris immensely - Thank you !! We both caught bad Flu and so were unable to go on the dinner cruise, ( spent Friday sleeping all day !!) a real loss as it was something we were looking forward to.. both of us are really ill, as you can imagine our 12 hour flight home was sheer hell.. Anyway, thank you again and we will contact you again on our next trip to Paris! By the way, the lady guide to Versailles was really excellent, did a great job and she made the Day even better - please extend our thanks to her. Kind regards. John & Kate (June 20th,2006)

THIS TOUR WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 25TH AND JANUARY 1ST Season: All year round Scheduled days: Daily Departures: From 8:30 am or 1:30 pm Duration: Approximately 3, 1/2 hours  Pick up point: From your accommodation in Paris Return point: To your accommodation in Paris

Barcelo Atenea Mar - 4* - Barcelona

Rs.4,820 to Rs.11,122 per room

Barcelo Atenea Mar - 4* - Barcelona   

The Barcelo Atenea Mar is a design seaside property in a new area of Barcelona. The hotel is 15 minutes by car from Rambla Catalunya and it's very well communicated with the city centre by subway. This hotel provides bright and spacious rooms with the best views in town. Do not forget to visit the hotel's restaurant where enjoy original author cuisine or local dishes as well.Hotel Details

Barcelo Atenea Mar - 4* - Barcelona

Paseo Garcia Faria 37 - 47, Barcelona, Barcelona 08019

The Barcelo Atenea Mar is a design seaside property in a new area of Barcelona. The hotel is 15 minutes by car from Rambla Catalunya and it's very well communicated with the city centre by subway. This hotel provides bright and spacious rooms with the best views in town. Do not forget to visit the hotel's restaurant where enjoy original author cuisine or local dishes as well.

Business facilities

• Conference Rooms*
• PC for Guests

*May incur an additional cost

Disabled facilities

• Limited accessibility

Hotel facilities

• Room Service*
• Air Conditioning
• Currency Exchange
• Laundry
• Parking*
• Porter
• Safety Deposit Boxes
• Wi-Fi*

*May incur an additional cost

Leisure facilities

• Gym
• Steam room

Room facilities

• Air Conditioning
• Cable television
• Climate Control
• Connecting Rooms
• Daily housekeeping
• Double shower/WC
• En-Suite Bathroom
• Free Internet access
• Telephone*
• telephone in bathroom
• Television
• Wake-up calls
• High speed internet connection
• Work desk with lamp
• Modem Access*
• Hairdryer
• Mini-bar*
• Iron & ironing board
• Safe free of charge*
• Separate Hanging Closet
• Private bathroom with bathtub
• Private bathroom with bath/shower
• Heating
• Refrigerator
• Hairdryer (on request)
• Iron (on request)

*May incur an additional cost

Restaurant

• Restaurant: The hotel features a restaurant serving mediterranean cuisine.

Bar

• Lobby: The hotel has a coffee shop for light meals and drinks.

Children policy

• Children welcome

Cancellation policy

• Cancel free of charge up to 24 hrs before check-in, else first night rate

Pets policy

• Dogs welcome

Check-in time: 14:00 Check-out time: 12:00

Local Attractions

• Barcelona Airport: 16.2 Kilometre
• Vila Olimpica
• CCIB and Forum
• Plaza Catalunya: 3.9 Kilometre
• Ramblas
• Sagrada Familia: 3.3 Kilometre
• Mar Bella Beach

Location

• Nearest airport: Pratt
• Nearest train station: Arc De Triomf. 1 km
• Nearest metro: PobleNou - 1km and Selva de Mar - 500m
• Nearest bus station: Number 41 . 2 minutes walking

Credit cards accepted by hotel

• American Express
• Bancomat
• Carte Bleue
• Dankort
• Diners Club International
• Eurocard
• 4B
• JCB
• Maestro
• Mastercard
• Tarjeta 6000
• Visa
• Visa Electron