0 Paris The Beacon of Sophistication

The French mastered the art of living, and their capital showcases it with the utmost sophistication. While the Louvre may be the world's unparalleled museum and the Eiffel Tower one of the most recognized landmarks, what has made Paris the world's most visited city is precisely that French art de vivre. The real draw is the city itself, its elegant boulevards, charming cafes and markets, glamorous boutiques, fine dining, the Seine, romantic visions, and of course, the art.Paris is pure hedonism, which is why becoming a flâneur is as important during a visit to the city as seeing any particular sight. Sit at a café or bistro for a café crème and croissant, window-shop, grab a baguette at a market, have an aperitif before dinner, and indulge in haute cuisine. 

Paris is in many ways the perfect city, so who can blame it for seeming self-absorbed, self-important, perhaps even narcissistic? While many outside visitors often diagnose its confidence as a superiority complex, Paris in reality is a very open and welcoming city. Its multicultural population has given it a revived creative energy, with traditional French chefs experimenting with global cuisines, young designers following international trends but incorporating a certain French touch, and a new generation of musicians placing the French language into cosmopolitan sounds. 

1. Visit the Louvre, the world's unrivaled museum.


2. See the Eiffel Tower, one of the world's most famous icons.


3. Admire the architectural details of the Notre Dame Cathedral.


4. Don't miss the masterpieces of the Orsay Museum.


5. Walk around MONTMARTRE's charming streets and go inside the SACRÉ COEUR BASILICA.


6. See the extraordinary architecture of the Centre Pompidou and its modern art museum.


7. Walk down the CHAMPS ELISEES to the TRIUMPHAL ARCH.


8. Enjoy an outdoor café in ST. GERMAIN DES PRÉS and MARAIS, and go for a night out around RUE OBERKAMPF.


9. Go for a stroll through RUE MONTORGUEIL followed by shopping at RUE DU FAUBOURG SAINT-HONORÉ and AVENUEMONTAIGNE.


10. Marvel at the architecture of SAINT-CHAPELLE CHURCH.

Look for the hotel or hostel that best matches your budget, type of trip or personality. Here you can guarantee a room but you do NOT pay anything at the time of booking. Payments are only made at the hotel and there are no booking fees. Most hotels allow cancellations with no penalty if done up to 24 or 48 hours in advance. You'll see that information at the time of booking and again in the confirmation email.