Paris Accommodation & Cheap Lodging

Welcome to the fabled "City of Lights" or "City of Love". Paris is certainly both and has always been considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. Whether an artist, a businessman or a tourist, you will enjoy the long walks from Montmartre to the Quartier Latin. Going through some of the finest Roman and medieval monuments, sooner or later you will end up at a cafe, standing on the Pont Neuf Bridge or exploring a vintage fashion shop in the Marais district.

Like New York or London, Paris is incomparable. As soon as you start exploring the world's most visited city, you'll feel like you are going through an open air museum. You won't see much of the capital's Celtic roots, but you will be able to admire its architectural splendours which go back to the 13th Century, when the imposing Cathedral of Notre Dame started to be built. At that time the swamplands forming the Marais district were drained and the Sorbonne University opened its doors. But it was during the Renaissance, in the 16th century, that Paris' grandeur was created. Versailles became Louis XIV's headquarters, whose lavishness opened the doors to the French luxury goods industry. And in the 19th Century, Napoleon appointed Baron Haussmann to develop modern Paris, with its long boulevards, beautiful buildings and great parks that still make the city unique today. No wonder Paris is internationally renowned for its defining neoclassical architecture and its influence in fashion and the arts. Going by foot is the best way to explore the city's districts, its old centres, cemeteries and great parks. It's busy, with thousands of tourists, but the city has managed to keep its real authenticity, with places like Montmartre, a good start for a tour, or the crowded Champs-Elysées with its legendary promenade. Those who fancy a trendier atmosphere, districts such as Le Marais, Quartier Latin or the quaint Canal St-Martin are the right places to be. If you like art galleries, museums or famous cabarets such as Folies Bergères, Paris has everything to meet your dreams. It's not as intense as London or New York, yet the combination of its historical heritage and its unique French touch makes this destination one of a kind.

Paris top attractions are certainly the Eiffel Tower, originally a "temporary" construction for the 1889 Universal Exposition the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte and the massive cathedral Notre Dame. A walk from Place de la Concorde towards Champs Elysée is also a must as well as the world famous Louvre museum. But there is obviously much more to explore.

Père Lachaise The largest cemetery in Paris and reputed to be the most visited in the world. A huge and peaceful park and now home to many who have enriched French life over the past 200 years. Address: Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 20th Arr.

Jardin du Luxembourg The garden of the French Senate which is also a large public park. A recommended place to relax and savour the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the rich palace garden.

Musée d'Orsay This is the place for art and artefacts from the Middle Ages and Impressionist eras with leading collections. Originally a railway station and the building itself is worth a visit.

Musée des Arts d´Afrique et d´Océanie Not as popular as Orsay or Louvre, yet worth a visit. A mix of world-class exhibitions of African and Pacific art.

Le Marais Situated on the right bank (3rd and 4th Arr.), this is a trendy district with beautiful architecture from the 17th century. There are also many museums, art galleries and historic sites such as Paris' oldest square Place des Vosges where you can find Victor Hugo's residence.

Montmartre One of the most popular historic areas with the Sacré Coeur Basilica on the top of the hill, the highest point in Paris. It's also famous for the cafés and studios of many great artists.

Versailles Near Paris, this is where King Louis XIV built his palace in the 17th century. For those who love Renaissance architecture, don't miss it! The palace has recently been renovated and you can enjoy nice walks in the beautiful gardens.

Bateaux Mouches One of the most relaxing, and romantic ways to view some of the city's oldest and most majestic historic monuments is to get a ride on the famous and unique long-boats leisurely plying the Seine.

Paris Restaurants
Paris has a huge range of eateries. Each place has its own particular atmosphere and style whether recipes are local or from all over the world. However Paris is internationally renowned as the capital of gastronomy. In Paris, you must differentiate between restaurants, bistros or brassieres. A bistro is usually small, featuring simple fare, sometimes with entertainment. A brassiere serves hearty meals along with beer and wine, usually cheap and with a liquor and coffee bar. It is the right place to test the high-quality products and delights of traditional French cookery thanks to the talented and creative chefs. Parisian restaurants are real ambassadors of good taste, offering superlative ingredients – including premium wines and cheeses – enriching the experience. But don't worry, there are good places for all budgets. Whether it's a restaurant, a bistro or a brassiere, you'll be able to enjoy a real culinary feast with gourmets from all over the world!

Paris Bars & Nightlife Paris' night life offers you lots of trendy and popular bars serving all kinds of drinks with a good mix of people, music and sometimes live DJs. Paris has an intense and diversified night life. From high-tech dance clubs to mellow jazz haunts, there is always something that fits your mood. Also try the famous cabaret venues for a great dose of vibrant entertainment!

Paris Cafes Start your day in one of Paris' many cafés with a delicious croissant and an espresso or relax with an afternoon tea or have an aperitif with friends. Many cafés are part of bistros, brassieres or act like bars, featuring great music and a wide range of drinks.

Paris Stores and shopping streets
Shopping in Paris means famous designers and luxurious brands. But you'll also find more affordable brands matching your budget in the huge department stores or many popular neighbourhoods. There are famous gastronomical establishments for gourmets too.

Right Bank – 1st & 8th Arrondissements As a suggestion, you could start at Le Carrousel Du Louvre, a diverse underground shopping precinct adjoining the famous museum. Whether you're looking for music, gifts, perfumes or clothing, you'll find a number of well-known stores that deliver quality merchandise and ease of purchase.

Les Grands Boulevards (Hausmann) In the 1st and 2nd Arrondissements, this is undoubtedly the most popular shopping area, home to prestigious department stores such as Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.

Les Halles and Marais Les Halles is similar to London's Covent Garden, located in the city centre, right between the Louvre and Notre Dame.

Champs-Elysées This tourist strip has lots of fast food chains, banks, airline offices, cinemas and malls such as the futuristic Drugstore Publicis near Arc de Triomphe or Gallerie Marchande des Champs-Elysées near Georges V station.

Along the Seine River One of the most charming shopping activities in Paris consists of walking along the rows of bookstalls perched against the parapet of the Seine River.

Le Bon Marché This is the oldest and most prominent retail establishment, the top destination for fashion and style. Designer apparel for men and women, cosmetics and house wares comprise the major departments, with an impressive food hall!

Galeries Lafayette The most spectacular department store with its unique stained-glass dome. You will find the most prestigious designer and cosmetics labels and the largest European space entirely devoted to men's fashion.

Printemps Hausmann Like its rival Lafayette, it's distinguished by amazing architecture and has everything - women's, men's, and children's fashions. It's a modern and trendy store.

Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville BHV is a little less trendy, yet definitely worth mentioning. It has a good range of house wares and home improvement items as well as useful and beautiful domestic goods.

Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt This world renowned flea market on the northern part of Paris attracts over 70 000 Parisians every weekend to find terrific bargains from vintage clothing to antique furniture.