Shopper's Delight

Whether one envisions buying half of Paris, or simply enjoys the wealth of window-shopping opportunities, Parisian shops are an integral part of the city’s cultural characteristics, and make it the crucial destination for the discerning consumer.

Paris is a shopper’s dream, of course, and the “glitterati” will feel quite at home in the Haute Couture shops found on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. Top quality shoes, bags, and leather goods are the province of Rue du Cherche-Midi and rue de Grenelle in the 6th. Truly trend-setting fashions may be seen in the shops on Rue Etienne Marcel and Place des Victoires bordering the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. Some of the better-known emporiums of Haute Couture and jewelry include – Cartier, Celine, Chanel, Chaumet, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Piaget, Yves Saint Laurent, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Paris is a paradise for shopping; there is no doubt about, for rich and for poor, Paris is the place. Everywhere one turns there are colors, textures, shapes and scents.The most luxurious and therefore expensive shopping streets in Paris are the rue du faubourg saint-honore, where the glitterati of Paris fashion has to be found.For the younger generation les halles is the place, where many of the city’s most innovative designers are also located. Lately, the avant-garde design found in a new location - the area behind the Bastille. Rive Gauche is the place to go for a wide selection of designer shopping’s (rue du Four, Rue de Rennes) and some good discount stores.Another must see is the buying rage in the Marais, oldest part of Paris, with cute streets crammed with wonderful boutiques, imaginative gift shops and the most mouth watering delis in the capital.

For a pleasurable and mainstream shopping experience, shoppers should check out the plethora of colossal department stores in Paris. Two of the most famous rivals, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, may be found side-by-side on Boulevard Haussmann, carrying designer, brand name and private label merchandise. La Samaritaine, is a five-store complex which prides itself as the one where “on trouve tout”. Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville - BHV, located in the 4th, is better known for practical commodities, such as furnishings, do-it-yourself supplies, lighting and auto parts, though they do stock a decent selection of clothing and accessories. Le Bon Marché, department store, earns top marks from both shoppers and food lovers, with its adjoining food halls and roof garden.

There are a growing number of supermarkets to be found throughout the city, catering to the changing pace of Parisian lifestyles. These types of grocery stores are referred to by various names, such as superette (a really small version), supermarché, or hypermarché, and they include brands such as ED, Franprix, Leader Price, and Monoprix. In addition to dairy, produce, grocery, household staples and toiletries, most of these stores also carry a selection of wines and some other spirits. Nevertheless, traditionally-minded Parisians still prefer to buy much of their food from specialty stores, such as bakeries butcher shops, cheese shops, etc. A decided advantage to shopping at most specialty stores is that the bread, pastries, cheese, or pâtés have been created on the premises with the loving care of skilled artisans.

Basilique Du Sacre Coeur

The ‘Basilique du Sacre Coeur’ is positions at the top of butte Montmartre. To get here one can climb the endless steps, or take a cable car. The basilica and the beauty of the landscape draw thousands of visitor’s everyday. To find an “original” souvenir, one can go to the neighbor Place du Tertre where one will find many caricature artists.

Basilica in Paris, devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a famous landmark atop the Monometer, from which it tower above the city. Built during 1875 -1914 by subscriptions as a votive offering after the Franco-Prussian War, it was consecrated in 1919 after World War I and has a patriotic as well as religious symbolic significance. Designed by the architect Paul Abadie, the basilica is a huge and harmonious edifice in the Byzantine-Romanesque style. Behind its tall dome rises a bell tower 276 ft high.

The Sacré-Coeur Catholic basilica was constructed at the end of the 19th century at the top of the Montmartre hill in Paris. Its famous white pastry like architecture is dominating the city. The Sacré-Coeur is a holy place and a flagship of Catholic devotion to the Holy Virgin in Paris. It pull towards itself many pilgrims from all over the world and has a large network of affiliated churches .The Sacré-Coeur has been represented many times by the Montmartre painters near-by on Place du Tertre.

The principal frontage, with the broad bronze doors, is framed equestrian statues of Louis Saint and Jeanne d' Arc. She opens on a square which dominates the town of Paris and makes it feasible to welcome a splendid sight on the capital.Inside, the apse is adorned with an immense mosaic of 475 m signed of Luc-Olivier Merson, representing the Trinity and the devotion of France to the Sacred Heart.Many statues also decorate the vaults. The basilica of the Sacred Heart is one of the Parisian monuments most famous and most visited.

It was decided to establish in front of the Basilica, a public garden inclined repurchasing the 50 meters of difference in level between the boulevard and the hillock and to largely open this public garden on the boulevard by cutting down the block of houses which masks the aspect of it. The study of the venture was entrusted to Jean Formigé, who with the assistance of Bévière, draws up a great project of inclined garden, leading by slopes and embranchments simply laid out, initially with a large water tower, then with the esplanade which precedes the Basilica.

The basilica of the Sacred Heart was born from the wish of the catholic church of expier the “revolutionary crimes” of the insurrectionary movement of the Commune and to wash the defeat of France at the time of the war of 1870 against Prussia.

In rise, Abadie took as a starting point the church of style romano-Byzantine of Saint-Face-of-Périgueux, which it itself restored. The Sacred Heart, entirely built out of white stone, comprises four domes encircling a vast cupola which culminates to 94 Mr. a bell-tower; high of 94 m contains a large bell melted in 1895.

But, as one walks a few meters away from the core tourist area, one discovers very quiet and charming spots, quite unexpected in such a large city as Paris.

By Anil Gupta

Paris Kid's Zone Guide

Paris can be a fun city for kids or teenagers who are history lovers. They will love visiting Versailles, Les Invalides military museum where galore, cannons, mortars, armor, swords, daggers, souvenirs from Napoleon’s time, including his hat and sword are exposed, and even the Egyptian section of the Louvre, where children flock to see mummified cats. Science lovers can’t miss the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie at La Villette which as so many special events and exhibitions for kids. They will also be thrilled by the Palais de la découverte’s planetarium. Another enthralling museum, particularly for teens, is the Pasteur Museum.Intimately set in his former home, the museum boasts impressive display of Pasteur’s most famous experiments. If they like animals take the kids to the Jardin des Plantes’ Natural history national museum the permanent exhibitions are amazing and there are great temporary exhibitions too. The Centre Pompidou has a children’s atelier on Wednesdays and Saturdays. And of course, kids will love getting on top of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. An Unusual place to visit is the Sewers museum where a part of Victor Hugo’s Misérables took place. Guided tours are organized in foreign languages only in summer.

As far as open air activities are concerned, the Bateau-mouche tour on the Seine is great fun for kids. Also check out the Bois de Boulogne, a huge park at the West border of Paris also called the “main lung” of Paris. The Jardin d’Acclimatation, at the northern edge of the park, is for children, with a zoo, an amusement park, and a narrow-gauge railway.

Kids will never be starved for entertainment in Paris. There is the magnificent Disneyland Paris, spread across 1,500 acres, and it is sure to win any red-blooded child’s heart. Both kids and adults will also immensely enjoy a tour along the Seine River. A great one for sight seeing, this tour is unique in a lot of ways. For one, during the tour the child would get to see the entire overview of the beautiful city of Paris. Sure to kindle nostalgia in adults and unbounded excitement in kids. A visit to Notre Dame, should not be ruled out either, if not for anything else but for its breath-taking size and beauty.

On the Right bank one could take a stroll through the Jardin de Tuileries while savouring heaps of ice-creams or ride on a donkey back or even attend marionette shows depending on the little prince or princesses’ mood. On the Left Bank, one can go to Jardin du Luxembourg to enjoy the same kind of fun. If Puppets are fun for any child, then catch a puppet show anywhere in Paris as they are a great tradition in the city. Don’t let any child miss the wax museum at Musée Grevin, which is known for being the number one waxworks’ museum in Paris.

And yes, has one come to the fashion capital of the world and the child is still attired in those normal clothes? There are many fashion shops specializing in children’s clothes and also a lot of fashion houses have separate outlets for kids. In fact, Paris holds so much enjoyment for the tiny tots, that for once tourist will be glad to have taken the children along for the holiday.

By Anil Gupta

The Wonder That Is Disneyland

It is a very common belief that no time is perfect that today discover the magic of Disneyland Resort Paris. The time has come. Visualize an enchanting kingdom filled with fantasy and a world full of make-believe characters - these dreams come true at Disneyland® Park where there are five make-believe lands to enjoy. Unearth a place so magical that young and old alike will remember it for ever.

Treat the whole family to a fabulous break at Disneyland Resort Paris, including the Walt Disney Studios Park where one can discover a magical world of fun and adventure. The Paris Disneyland is a better theme park than the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Disney has learnt from Disneyland, WDW's Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland and has fashioned something rather special in Disneyland Paris. Besides being actually the largest Park of the four, it has a number of small little paths and hidden corners on much the same lines as those which imbue the Californian park with such charm. The rides are, of course, technologically more recent. It has also achieved a European flavor.

Disneyland Paris is divided into five themed areas inside the park, and the Disney Village just outside of the park. In the same way as in any other theme park, there are must-see attractions at Disneyland Paris to reflect on while preparing to say bonjour to Monsieur Mickey. There are favorites of each and every visitor, but there are some standard places that shouldn’t be missed. As soon as one enters there is the Main Street, where the traditional charm of small-town America is brought to life. Jump aboard the Disneyland Railroad for a trip of the park, but one can get off at any of the three train stops - Frontierland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. While Main Street certainly deserves a stroll, the choice of hiring an old-fashioned car to cruise the street is also available. However there are positive chances that both kids and adults will be eager to get to the rides.

One place to begin is the adventure in dreamy Fantasyland at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. This part of the park is a perfect binding of American Disney and European style, with thatched cottages, gabled windows and cobblestone paths. After visiting with the famed beauty, pursue the stories of childhood favorites Peter Pan, Snow White and Pinocchio while going from one ride to another. Lines are rarely long at the classic it’s a Small World, and the carousel should be visited in the evening, when it’s illuminated.
Discoveryland gives a new twist on Americas Tomorrowland, paying homage to heroic visionaries of yesterday, including H.G. Wells. Upon entering this area of the park, make your first stop Space Mountain as it is the most thrilling Space Mountain of any of the Disney parks.

Adventureland is where one can go on the Indiana Jones backward roller coaster. The classic Pirates of the Caribbean where visitors ride through caves and tunnels amid pirate fights and swashbuckling victory parties. An even soother experience can be found at the Le Passage Enchanté d'Aladdin, recreating the story of Aladdin’s journey with animated scenes.
Frontierland is as close to the old Wild West as it gets in Paris. With one staying in one of the park’s Western-themed hotels is quite nearby. Disney characters a feature offered at various hotels in the Disneyland is a sure heartwinner. Either way, after a day at Disneyland Paris sweet dreams of bliss in the heart of France are certain.

By Anil Gupta

Chateau de Vincennes

Bois de Vincennes is one of the favourite places the Parisians like to spend their time at. The park is located south-west from the centre of the city and boasts its branchy trees. Besides, there are three lakes, one with a boating station where visitors can rent a boat and make a small “voyage” on the lake. Many come to the park for a picnic and spend most of their time lying on the green grass and chatting. There are also a “Four Seasons” park, a zoo, a Buddhist centre and a summer attraction park found at Bois de Vincennes.


At about 1150 king Louis VII bought the forest and built a hunting lodge here. Next king built a bigger manor, then there was a small temple erected... this way each monarch added something new that suited his tastes and ambitions most: defensive constructions, rooms, living and non-residential premises etc. It was a royal residence and a royal prison, a fortress and military barracks. It was the symbol of oppression and power. Much of the work to enlarge the castle was done during the 14th century. One of the things that was added to the castle at the time was its well-known donjon, remarkable for its looks, size and history. The structure is the largest among the Medieval European donjons. Construction of the donjon started in 1340 by Philippe VI, the first of Valois, then continued by his son, and finished by his grandson Charles V Le Sage. The castle became the residence for the royal family of Valois, just like Versailles was the residence for the Bourbon dynasty.


Starting from the 16th century, during religious wars between the Catholics and the Protestants, this small country castle, which by the time had turned into a huge well-reinforced stronghold, served as a shelter for the nobility, most of whom, however, preferred Castles of the Loire. In the 17th century royalties lost their interest in Vincennes as a country residence, but, to make some use of it, they turned Château de Vincennes into a state prison. Many famous people were imprisoned in it. Marie de' Medici started construction of the new classic-style pavilion and settled there with her son, future king Louis XIII, during her regency. In the end of the 17th century there was the Queen's pavilion added to the construction and this way the whole architectural ensemble got two wings (the king's and the queen's).


The beginning of the 18th century brought another change in the castle's “specialization”, and for the next 20 years it served as a royal porcelain manufacture. Then the king wanted to sell it but those who lived and worked there strongly opposed to this decision and the castle stayed a symbol of royal powers, which was then, during the revolution, distorted into the royal tyrany. During the times of the Napoleon its main function was to defend, and the castle turned into a fortress. After this time of great battles and glorious victories there were barracks founded there, for some time the castle also served as military headquarters. Napoleon III turned the Bois de Vincennes and its château into a public park.

By Tatyana Kogut

What to see first in Paris?

Paris is considered to be the romantic capital of the world and a trendsetter in fashion, culture, food and art. Sited on the river Seine, the City of Lights combines the old with the new. History, culture and innovation come together in a collage of landmarks, museums and pieces of history. The city of love has more than 2,400 years of tradition, history and secrets yet to be discovered. Here are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions for the traveler:


The Eiffel Tower is an emblem of the city of Paris and France in general. Throughout time it has inspired many generations of artists worldwide. It offers the best view over Paris as well as an architectural delight.



Chateau de Versailles former residence of King Louis XIV “le roy soleil” has been the scene of numerous historical events like the signing of the famous peace treaty that ended the First World War in 1919.



The Paris Catacombs previously used to store remains of the inhabitants that did not find a place in the Paris cemetery form a walkway many kilometers long. A maze of dark long tunnels that still hold the bones of millions of Parisians.


Sacre Coeur Cathedral watches over the city from it highest position. Some of the best views of Paris can be taken from its dome. Looming over Montmarte, the Cathedral draws the attention of millions of tourists and many artists with spectacular sunset sights.



Notre Dame Cathedral inspired many works of art like Victor Hugo's “Hunchback of Notre Dame” that made it the most famous in French gothic art.



Arc de Triomphe guards the eternal flame and tomb of the Unknown Soldier and is engraved with names of generals and major victories in the revolutionary period. From the to visitors have an excellent view over landmarks like Champs Elysees, Louvre Palace, or Grande Arche de la Défense.



The Louvre holds some of the most impressive collections of art, following a timeline of developing culture throughout history.