Paris What to Expect on Your First Trip
Paris the French capital, is one of Europe’s perennially popular destinations and has some of the biggest name attractions of any European city.
Whether your perfect base in Paris are a 5 star Paris hotel choose something memorable for your stay.
Choose the neighbourhood that works best for your trip. Arty Montmatre, the laid-back left bank or something further out on the Metro line they all have their advantages. A self-contained Paris apartment all offer something - decide what is important to you before making a booking.
Here are some suggested starting places for a first time visitor to Paris. The extensive, reliable and cheap metro makes it easy to get around Paris regardless of where your hotel is located
Remember to hold onto your wallet tight, especially when the hoards descend on you trying to sell the usual tourist junk at popular locations such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre|Notre Dame Cathedral.
Montmartre
In the north of the city Montmartre is the traditional artists, bohemian quarter. The steep streets are a challenge but the reward is making it to the huge Sacre Coeur Cathedral. From the cathedral are stunning views across the heart of Paris to the Eiffel Tower. Montmartre is also home to the famed red light district and the Moulin Rouge, offering a blend of gimmicky and genuine places of interest.
Champs-Elysees
Although an attraction in itself, the long and wide Champs-Elysees boulevard is often a pleasant departure from the more built up areas of the city. Tourists are unlikely to find a cheap Paris hostel along here, however. However the Hotel George V Paris’s premier 5-star establishment
At one end of the Champs-Elysees is the Arc de Triomphe: one of the city’s must-sees, honoring the soldiers that fought in France’s wars. It can also be an amusing place to watch cars carefully navigating the bizarre Charles de Gaulle roundabout (nicknamed L’Etoile, or star), one of the world’s worst roundabouts. As a predestrian avoid death and take the underpass.