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This article was originally published in dentevents, October 2000. Thank you to Terri Slough, RDH, Editor of dentevents for permission to publish this in Paris In Sites. Do visit http://www.dentevents.com/

Destination... Paris France

LindaThalm
2005-12-02 17:05:37

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Paris is the world's number one dream destination on the planet. This is confirmed by over 20 million satisfied visitors annually.

It is the capital of France and it's largest city. Paris is a vision, with its slate roofs and changeable skies dappled by subtle light ranging from grey to blue.

Paris owes its name to the Gallic tribe called the Parisii, who established themselves on the Ile de la Cité some 2,200 years ago. They were conquered by the Romans in 58 B.C. who renamed their city Lutèce.

Since a visit to the Champs Elysées is essential for all visitors, it is also an idea to stop by the Paris Tourist Office, to pick up free maps and Paris events' brochures. Combination passes for the national museums and monuments are available too.

Paris' famous métro makes getting around the city is easy. Its mostly underground network of lines is fast, efficient, safe, clean and low priced.

A 'carnet' of 10 tickets for 58 FF, is cheaper than single tickets and are available at any métro station. Combination tickets can be had for one or several days, for just the center or for the entire Ile de France area.v

The first-time visitor to Paris will want to see the Champs Elysées, the Arch de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower for sights. For culture and life, see Le Louvre, le Musée d'Orsay and Montmartre.

But Paris's 'hidden' and often unknown treasures abound. No matter where you stay in Paris, you will usually find walking the best way to really experience the city.

The Musée de Marmottan (Paris 16), with Claude Monet's water lilies is the best alternative to a trip to Giverny. This fall's season also includes a big show of the Mediterranean, depicted by France's most famous artists. This is at the Grand Palais.

The centrally located, but lesser known Musée de Cluny at the corner ...