Luminous Paris: art, bistros and iconic neighbourhoods
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The Ville Lumiere is synonymous with romance, haute cuisine, fashion and art. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre with the Mona Lisa, Montmartre and Notre-Dame (under restoration) make it the most visited city in the world.
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April-June and September-October. Avoid August when Parisians are on holiday and many shops close.
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CDG 25 km away with RER B (35 min, 11.80 euro) or taxi (50-55 euro). Orly 14 km away with Orlyval. Gare du Nord for Eurostar from London (2h20).
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Metro (16 lines) - the most extensive in Europe. A carnet of 10 tickets or a weekly Navigo. RER for the sites outside the centre (Versailles, airports).
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Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris (1889), 330 m tall. Spectacular at night with the light show.
Louvre
The most visited museum in the world with 35,000 works. The Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo.
Musee d'Orsay
Impressionist and post-impressionist art in a former railway station. Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh.
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Croissant, Baguette, Croque-Monsieur, Soupe a l'oignon, Steak-Frites, Crepes, Macarons, Eclair.
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Septime (Bastille): innovative bistronomy, book ahead. Chez L'Ami Jean: homely Basque cuisine. Paul Bert: the perfect steak. La Tour d'Argent: historic, luxurious, famous for its duck.
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Marais: trendy, gay-friendly, with Renaissance architecture. Montmartre: bohemian and romantic. Saint-Germain: intellectual and literary. Bastille: lively and less touristy.
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Versailles (40 min by RER C): the most sumptuous royal palace in Europe. Giverny: Monet's garden. Mont Saint-Michel (3h30 by train): the island-abbey.
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The Louvre is free for under-26 EU citizens. The Paris Museum Pass for the most visited museums. The metro runs until 00:30 (01:30 at the weekend). Beware of the bracelet scams at Montmartre.