Paris is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. The city to fall in love with, the place to be in love.
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The best way to start to know Paris is to find some pleasant cafe with tables outside and sit down first.
Because, nothing can't be compared with watching people passing by while you enjoy your cup of coffee with a small piece of dark chocolate and croissant, a half-moon shaped French pride for which a legend says it is made by a brave baker in Vienna during siege by the Ottoman Empire. The true origin of croissant is not known, but knowing Napoleon's habits, he found the recipe for croissant somewhere and took it with him to Paris.
French capital is declared as the home of haute couture and women who don't get fat. The city has 71 open markets where you can buy a flower for your lady, delicious pastry, fresh cheese and some fruit and well equipped stroll the city. Hedonism before everything. That's life! That's Paris! Let's start to explore the city from Concorde, the largest square in Paris.
Starting at the square and going north-west there is a famous Avenue des Champs-Elysses which leads to Arc de Triomphe, the symbol of French victory. If you continue along Avenue Charles de Gaulle you will come to La Defense with Great Arch, a cube-shaped 20th century version of the Arc de Triomphe.
Les Tuileries, the central park of Paris, stretches from Place de la Concorde to the south-east, all the way down to the Louvre museum. Its designer is Le Notre, the same man who designed Versailles park for the French kings. After walking among beautiful pools and statues, right ahead of you there's another Paris gem: the Louvre museum where Mona Lisa lives.
From there you can go further to the south-east, after a few blocks cross the river and you are on Ile de la Cite with famous cathedral Notre Dame. Cross the river again to the south and a few streets away there's Cafe Procope, a perfect place to take a break and prepare for a little bit of history.
A long time ago the city's districts Montparnasse, Montmartre and Le Marais (the most prestige address to live in 17th century) were places of bohemian life, the art, cabarets and cafes. Nothing much changed from these times; just some new faces are walking around today, while well done marketing made cabarets more attractive. Visit charming basilica Sacre Coeur situated on Montmartre, the highest point in the city, and enjoy spectacular bird view to The City of Light from the top.
To feel the 18th century Paris, times of French Revolution and Robespierre, Cafe Procope situated in 6th arrondissement, is place to go. It is the oldest cafe in Paris continuous working since it is opened in 1686.
Rue de la Huchette situated in Latin Quarter, facing the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, is one of Seine' left bank oldest streets with the highest concentrations of restaurants, mostly Greeks. For more prestige meal visit 3 Michelin star L'Arpege located in rue de Varenne run by iconic chef-genius Alain Passard.
Your need to spend some money in shopping will be welcome in boutiques on Champs-Elysées, Place Vendome, a square also known by fashionable and luxurious hotels, and in The Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, one of the most fashionable streets in the world. ■
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