Paris Hotels

Paris presents many faces to each visitor. Artists revel in its theatres, museums, cultural expositions and architectural feats. Social butterflies flutter in and out of cafes, clubs and live for exciting nightly jaunts.

What's best about Paris is the size, it's compact with much of the major attractions including the Eiffel Tower closely linked. In a city steeped in colourful history, discoveries are meant to be made in every corner!

Attractions

The Eiffel Tower is the city's claim to fame, the unmistakable landmark of Paris. At the centre runs the River Seine dividing Paris into two sections with twenty arrondissements or districts found on the left (Rive Gauche) and right (Rive Droite) banks. The dazzling historical buildings and boulevards, delightful epicurean fare , and the Parisiennes' penchant for haute couture!

Visiting Paris in springtime is a great chance to see the gardens in full bloom and the atmosphere is bustling with concerts, street fairs and other outdoor events. In summer, the banks of Seine turn into mini-beaches with sunworshippers resting on lounging chairs enjoying the sun.

There is much more to see in Paris apart from the Eiffel Tower. All roads meet at the grand Arc de Triomphe, the busiest point of the city. For those wanting the finest sampling of world's art, the d'Orsay and Louvre museums are a must!

It is best to explore beyond the tourist path for you are likely to discover something within those charming streets, flea markets and cafes.

Events

Every summer, Paris holds a variety of shows around the city, from public squares, streets and parks to opera houses and castles welcoming amateur and professional musicians.

Fete de la Musique, around June, celebrates music in all forms and is open to anyone.

On the sporting arena, together with Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the US Open, the French Open is one of the four events that together are known as the tennis ‘Grand Slam'. The tournament starts around last week of May onto June, has become the most highly prized clay court title in the world and one of the biggest sporting events in France.

Tour de France is part of France's heritage, traditionally ending in Paris, attracting hundreds of local and international cyclists in a battle for dominance over 2,175 gruelling miles (3,500km) every July.

The most important national holiday, Bastille Day on July 14th commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution with ceremonies, dancing, parties and balls all over the city.

Climate

• Spring (March to June) 4 - 20°C; days get longer, flowers begin to bloom and pleasant conditions start

• Summer (June to September) 13- 24°C; dry, humid, sweltering heat

• Autumn (September to December) 5-21°C; chill starts to set in as days get shorter

• Winter (December to March) 1-7°C; occasional snow falls and the weather gets bleak