Paris Family Adventure

Paris is the cosmopolitan capital of France and - with 2.2 million people living in zone 1 (Central Paris) and another 9.9 million people in the suburbs (la banlieue) - is one of the largest cities in Europe. Located in the north of the country on the river Seine, Paris has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historical associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light, it is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Central Paris is officially divided into 20 districts called arrondissements, numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral from the centre of town. Each arrondissement has its own unique character and selection of attractions for the traveler.

One of the best value and most convenient ways to see the sights of Paris is with the Paris Museum Pass (previously known as Carte Musées et Monuments), a pre-paid entry card that allows entry into over 70 museums and monuments around Paris. Those there are too many to list, highlights include: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Père-Lachaise Cemetery, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and the Picasso Museum.

The Hotel d�Aubusson, a 17th century stately home, was entirely re-designed to meet the present-day requirements of our guests. Cleverly renovated, this hotel and its solid oak 17th century porte-cochere remain true to their by-gone days. Despite its generous proportions, the front lobby with its tiled floor and warm palette of colours radiates a genuinely friendly atmosphere, enhanced by the immediate vicinity of �Caf� Laurent�. The inner courtyard, set up like a real conservatory, echoes the babbling of a discreet water feature. The Hotel d'Aubusson invites connoisseurs to appreciate the quality of the decor elements, all of which are testimonies of its long history: The stone slabs shiny with the patina of time, the original beams, the Versailles parquet floors, the antique furniture, the monumental fireplace made of Burgundy stone and, as expected from the hotel�s name, the genuine Aubusson tapestries embellishing the reception rooms. Some of the 49 suites of the Hotel d'Aubusson have kept their original beams and feature canopied four-poster beds. All are spacious, well insulated against noise, and fitted with an individual air conditioning system. Each is equipped with a private bar, a broad mahogany work desk, 2 telephone/fax/modem points, a flat screen LCD television / DVD player with satellite connection, an alarm clock, a hair dryer, a towel rail, an American wall socket, a magnifying mirror, luxury traditional-style taps, its own safe, and a magnetic access key card. With a wifi connection over the whole building and a 24 hour room service, everything has been planned for the comfort and pleasure of today�s travellers. In the reception rooms adorned with antique Aubusson tapestries, the crackling of the log fire in the Burgundy stone fireplace will take our guests into a mythical world of splendour and leisure.

Located in the center of the city within the Palais de Justice complex on the Île de la Cite, La Sainte Chapelle (Holy Chapel) is a small Gothic chapel constructed in the Rayonnant style. Built by King Louis IX from 1238-1244, the chapel housed holy relics from the Passion believed to be Jesus' Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Cross. These items were purchased from the Byzantine emperor Baldwin II in 1239 for a huge sum of 135,000 livres (the church cost 40,000 livres to build) due to the King's desire to elevate France as the leader of Western Christianity. La Sainte Chapelle provides visitors with a spectacular visual experience, since the entire upper tier of the chapel is surrounded by enormous stained glass windows.

Climbing the 387 steps to the top of this masterpiece is well worth the effort for the spectacular view. Construction of the first great Gothic cathedral began in 1163 and was largely completed by 1212. The rebuilding of the two transept gates in 1270 marked its completion. The west face is adorned with three richly decorated doorways and crowned with two 69-meter (226-foot) towers. The cathedral is busy at the best of times; especially on Sundays, when much of the building is closed to visitors.

The Latin Quarter adopted its name from the early Latin speaking students that lived there and has been inhabited since the early Middle Ages. You will generally find artists, intellectuals, and others who have adopted a Bohemian lifestyle. This area include various Paris landmarks like the Musée de Cluny, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Muséum National d'histoire Naturelle, and the Jardin des Plantes. At the heart of Latin Quarter, as its symbol, stands famous University La Sorbonne . It's a vibrant neighborhood with both historical buildings and fine shops. At night, enjoy the smoky pubs and jazz clubs.

Built between 1764 and 1790, this impressive building was commissioned by King Louis XV in honor of Saint-Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, who had cured him from a mysterious illness. It was completed just before the French Revolution, when it was changed from a church to a secular mausoleum for great men of France. Today, visitors admire this early example of Neoclassical architecture, the resting place of famous writers and philosophers such as Emile Zola, Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, the scientists Pierre and Marie Curie, and Andre Malraux, a minister under Charles de Gaulle. The architecture of the façade is recognizably inspired by the Roman Panthéon. The dome, 83 meters high (272 feet), resembles the dome of the St. Paul's Cathedral in London and that of the chapel at Invalides, also in Paris. The monument de! dicated to Diderot just before entering the crypt is particularly striking, decorated by magnificent frescoes of Saint-Genevieve.Open daily from 9.30am

The ground on which the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Palais du Luxembourg stand was originally the site of a Roman camp. In 1257 the Chartreux religious order bought the land and built a monastery here and later princess regent Marie de Médicis had the palace built in 1615. This is one of Paris' favorite gardens. Sensitively and very prettily laid out, it is wonderfully popular with students and residents in Paris' Latin Quarter. Children can go on pony rides, play on swings and sail their toy boats on the octagonal pond. A much-loved and popular meeting place.Open daily from 7.30am

Founded in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon, King Saint-Louis' Chaplain, la Sorbonne is famous around the world. At its humble beginning, 16 students of Theology studied there. Now thousands of students strive to perfect their expertise in every field of study. The chapel is the only building that remains of those ordered to be built by the Cardinal of Richelieu, headmaster of the university in 1626, who was buried in the chapel. University activity was suppressed during the French revolution by a decree in 1791, but the university was re-established by Napoléon in 1806. Beginning at the end of the 19th Century, a new Sorbonne was created through the additions of the Palais Académique, the Grand Amphithéâtre and the Grande Bibliothèque during a massive reconstruction project. Today, the Sorbonne continues to welcome the best students and researchers from France and around the world to work and learn together! There is no entry fee to visit the University.

Founded in 1949, Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches charters a fleet of 14 boats available for a wide range of events and activities. Their lineup includes 9 tour boats and five restaurant boats, of which four are available for receptions and events. The event boats can hold 60-550 diners or up to 800 people for cocktail parties.

French dining is fun, and this cozy restaurant drives the point home. Light colors, woody interiors, an amazing set of lights and comfy seating contrast with the Spanish wall hangings, while immaculately dressed waiters serve you with great finesse and politesse. Meals are light and simple; try any of the salads, for they won't let you down. For a heavier lunch, go in for the steaks. If you just don't want to bother with the menu, ask for the dish of the day – it's a delectable ensemble of aperitif, entrée and dessert. Bon appétit!

Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300 meters (984 feet) it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built; many considered it an eyesore and wanted it pulled down, but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs, and elevators take visitors to the magnificent view at the top.

This vast complex was founded in 1675, at Louis XIV's request, to take in French ex-servicemen and handicapped war veterans - from whom it gets its name, "Invalides." It was the first French hospital-turned-home to be built entirely for soldiers. The building is adorned with a pretty classical façade, a delightful little garden, a large courtyard and an impressive esplanade. As well as the hospital - in which a hundred or so disabled ex-servicemen are still cared for - the complex also houses the église du Dôme, Saint-Louis des Invalides, the Musée de l'Armée, the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération and the Musée des Plans-Relief.

Nearly 2.5 million visitors each year come to see the largest collection in the world of impressionist artwork, found in the splendid Musée d'Orsay. The building itself, called the Gare d'Orsay, was built for the World's Fair of 1900. During World War II, it was used to welcome freed prisoners. Once the train station (the Gare) fell into disuse and the adjacent hotel closed down in 1973, the building was threatened with demolition. However, it was decided to instead transform the building's function to house a collection of art from the second half of the 19th Century. It was inaugurated in 1986 under the governance of François Mitterand. The principal gallery of the ground floor, 138 meters long (453 feet) and 32 meters tall (105 feet), is a reminder of the building's history. Among the masterpieces in this gallery are the scandalous Enterrement à Ornans by Gustave Courbet and the Glaneuses by Jean-François Millet. Fans of impressionism should head directly up to the fifth floor, where works by the greatest masters of this genre are hung in galleries 29 to 48. In order of appearance, these include La Classe de danse by Degas, Still Lifes by Manet such as L'Asperge, Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Renoir, and La Gare Saint-Lazare, La Cathédrale de Rouen or the Nymphéas by Claude Monet. Works by Van Gogh in gallery 35 and Cézanne in 36 follow, the small galleries 37 and 38 contain pastels by Degas, and galleries 43-44 are devoted to Gauguin's paintings of Tahiti. Decorative arts are located a few flights down, worth visiting notably for the impressive collection of Art Nouveau. While on this floor, don't miss the terrasse Rodin, where L'Homme qui marche is located, and worth taking the time to appreciate. For a short rest to help absorb this astonishing collection, visit! the Café des Hauteurs on the third floor or the restaurant on the sixth floor. Also don't forget to check out the beautiful Hotel Le BelleChasse, which is walking distance from here. -Aurélie Pichard.

This place is popularly called the intellectual and new fashion district. This neighborhood is filled with art galleries, antique stores, cafés and restaurants. Saint-Germain-des-Prés also has popular places like the Deux Magotscafé, Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp. And not to forget the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Church of Saint Germain des Prés), built back in the 6th Century. The area has the money, style and sophistication, as well as a mix of the very best in the arts, philosophy and politics.

L' Espadon Bleu whisks you away to a warmer, gentler climate. Perhaps it is the softly lit, pale yellow and green décor. Or maybe the freshness of the seafood which tricks you into believing you're in the Mediterranean. Whatever it is, renowned Chef Jacques Cagna has done well with his only seafood restaurant. For starters, try the tuna feuilleté and tomato confit or shellfish ravioli, and follow up with any kind of fish. No matter whether it's a buttery sole meunière, a simple grilled sea bream, or juicy swordfish infused with rosemary, it promises to be a delight. -Barbara Diggs

Commonly known as the Beaubourg, this distinctive building was commissioned in 1968 by the then President Georges Pompidou, and opened in 1977. Most Parisians were initially shocked by its unconventional "inside out" architectural style: air conditioning, escalators and elevators are all on the outside, giving the interior unparalleled freedom. Extensively refurbished in the late 1990s, the center is home to the Musée National d'Art Moderne, the Brancusi Atelier and a huge public library (Bibliothèque Public D'Information) as well as temporary exhibitions, cinemas, and other attractions. Hours vary for individual attractions.

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, signaled the beginning of the French Revolution. It was a highly symbolic event: the prison only held seven prisoners. Once the building had been demolished, the stones were used to build the Pont de la Concorde (Concorde bridge). The signs of this turbulent part of history are engraved on the square. The paving stones of the Boulevard Henri-IV follow the former walls of the prison, and the July Column in the center commemorates the Parisians killed during the uprisings of 1830 and 1848. Formerly a place of violence and crime, this area is now home to trendy bars and cafes, and a modern opera house. A ball, held on the night before July 14's public holiday, marks the anniversary of the Revolution.

A relatively recent addition to the city of Paris, the Opéra Bastille is a round building, located right at the Place de la Bastille. It is one of the most modern buildings in Europe. Originally created to make opera more accessible to the masses, the Opéra Bastille holds both ballet and opera performances. Operas are in French as well as in other languages. The building also has a bar and a restaurant.

Surrounded by shady arcades that shelter beautiful boutiques, this square, situated in the heart of the Marais, is one of Paris' unmissable sights. The square is perfectly symmetrical, measuring 140 meters (459 feet) by 127 meters (416 feet). Stone and brick houses, whose almost identical façades are all crowned by steep slate rooves, border its quasi-rectangular shape. Designed by Henri IV, it used to be the favoured sight for duels. Famous people also lived in the area, including the Cardinal de Richelieu and the writer Victor Hugo.

This Romano-Byzantine basilica overlooks Montmartre, one of Paris' most picturesque districts. Its distinctive dome rising up over the rooftops, the basilica offers the perfect vantage point from which to survey the city. Inside, the mosaic of Christ and the crypt are of particular interest. Commissioned by the Catholic Church, construction began in 1875 under the watchful eye of architect Paul Abadie, and was finally completed in 1914. Admission to the basilica is free.

Why does the Place du Tertre swarm with mediocre artists clamoring to paint your portrait? As is often the case in Paris, it's Baron Haussmann's fault! But for once, the baron did some good along with the damage when, by razing many working-class neighborhoods in central Paris, he unwittingly encouraged the development of Montmartre (which had been annexd to Paris in 1860). Around 1880 began the transformation of the Butte (Hill) from a country village into the home of hordes of artists and other marginalized folk who no longer had a place in Haussmann's grandiose central Paris. At the foot of Montmartre cabarets thrived - up top on the Place du Tertre, an unimaginably (to us) intense period of artistic activity took hold. The Place saw movements from Impressionism to Cubism to Fauvism to Surrealism come and go, right up to the eve of World War I, such greats as Renoir, Picasso, Braque, Dufy, Cézanne, Manet, and Toulouse-Lautrec painted here and, often, kept studios and living quarters in the adjacent streets. These days, despite the oppressive, constant tourist crush on the square, one can still discover that old-time Paris feeling here - not to mention the fact that some of the current painters aren't too bad at all!

This Parisian brasserie is more than a century old and is known for the generous portions of authentic food that it serves. If you are a seafood fan, you will be naturally drawn to this place and feast on oysters, seafood platters, beef Bearnaise, apple tarts and more. It is considered a favorite hangout amongst artists and writers.

Only a few people know that the third largest museum worldwide used to be the main residence of French kings and emperors for six centuries. The Old Fortress was erected in 1190 under the reign of King Philippe Auguste to protect the kingdom from the invasion of northern tribes (the Vikings). During the 14th Century, the palace was extended under Charles V and became from time to time a royal residence. The greatest changes in the original palace were made under King François I. The medieval Grosse Tour was destroyed and replaced by a sumptuous palace, still considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. In 1594, Henri IV decided to build a passage between the Tuileries Palace and Louvre Palace, still known as the "Great Gallery." The "Cour Carrée" was part of a vast program conducted under Louis XIII and Louis XIV to embellish the king's residence and is a symbol of the classical period. After Louis XIV moved to Versailles, the Louvre knew a static period. The most recent construction is the Glass Pyramid erected by Leoh Ming Pei under French President Mitterrand, which is now the main entrance to the museum. With 35,000 pieces and a surface of about 68,746 square meters (740,000 square feet), the Louvre cannot be taken in in one day.  -Aurélie Pichard

Situated right in the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis and created in 1564 at the same time as the Palace of the same name (which was later destroyed), it was redesigned in 1664 by architect André le Nôtre, who was responsible for the layout of its paths, its symmetrical flowerbeds and its terrace overlooking the Seine. As delightful as ever, the garden is perfect for strolling and relaxing in (there are even donkey rides!). From 21st June until 25th August every year the garden plays host to a fun fair whose big wheel gives visitors a fabulous view over Rue de Rivoli. The garden is also home to the Orangerie and the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume.

Founded in 1903, this majestic tearoom is definitely worth a visit, maybe two in fact. Try the chocolat african, the piece de résistance of the hot chocolate menu. Angelina is also known for its other specialty the mont blanc - a muffin-like concoction made up of sugar, milk, butter and chestnut paste. They also serve salads, sandwiches, and quiche. Word has it that you get better service around teatime than in the morning, when hordes of tourists descend on the place.

The main axis of the city - it is part of the layout of Paris. The right bank indicates the northern part of the capital, the left the southern side; it is west of this bank that the elegant Saint Germain-des-Prés district is to be found. The Seine is spanned by 36 bridges, one of the most beautiful being the Pont Alexandre III. It is also lined by the most prestigious buildings in Paris, including the Grand Palais and the Invalides. An original way of viewing these sites is to embark on one of the many pleasure boats stationed close to the Alma Bridge.

Follow the Rues de Castiglione and de la Paix to one of the most famous squares in Paris. Intricately linked with the history of France, since its creation in 1685, this architectural jewel was commissioned by King Louis XIV and designed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart. The arcades of the exquisitely fronted mansions that surround the square form a sort of intimate salon in the heart of the capital. Not surprisingly, it was adopted by Paris' aristocracy. Prestigious banks and the emblems of French elegance still cluster around the Austerlitz column that Napoléon erected. Labels of luxury such as Chaumet, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Guerlain, Chanel rule the roost. While you're here, stop at the Ritz hotel or the Palais de l'Élysée (the President's residence). Yes, this really is the home of luxury, elegance and power.

Opéra Garnier, named after the architect who designed it in 1862, was immortalized by writer Gaston Leroux in his Phantom of the Opera. The architecture is a mixture of baroque, classical, Greek and Napoléonic styles. Adorned with mosaics, the foyer has a cupola decorated by painter Marc Chagall and an impressive Rococo staircase, which leads to the theater's magnificent reception rooms. Outside, four stone statues represent allegories of Music, Lyric Poetry, Lyric Theater and Dance. Since the opening of the Opéra Bastille, the Opéra Garnier has concentrated on dance.

Many remarkable art galleries and boutiques are found on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, an avenue of upscale commerce in Paris. For art enthusiasts, a walk down this avenue becomes a truly memorable experience. The galleries, which are mostly concentrated between Place St-Phillipe-du-Roule and Avenue de Marigny, offer some of the most exceptional work by contemporary artists and beautiful French furniture. This avenue also supports Paris' reputation as a world center for fashion as many famous designers such as Guy Laroche, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, and Chanel maintain boutiques here. A walk along the avenue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, filled with impressionist art and pulsating fashion, is guaranteed to leave an impression.

Since its opening in 1832, Le Pharamond has been popular for its regional French cuisine: Home-Made Foie-Gras, Grilled Vire Andouille (Specialty Sausage). Let's not forget the house specialty, the Tripes à la Mode de Caen. Both locals and tourists adore this place, as it reminds them of Normandy. It has been a meeting-place for many intellectuals and politicians like Clemenceau, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, the Général de Gaulle, François Mitterrand, Moshe Dayan, Yul Brynner, Lino Ventura, and Coluche. The décor is rich and beautiful with mirrors and mosaïques, and this will get you in the mood for some fun and romance. Pharamond also has small VIP rooms for people who wish to spend some quality time.

Tired of Paris, the Sun King (Louis XIV, who enjoyed likening himself to Apollo, God of the arts, peace and the sun) commissioned architects Louis le Vau and Jules Hardouin to build the château of Versailles in 1668, on the site of his father's small hunting lodge. It became the largest palace in Europe, accommodating up to 20,000 courtiers at a time. Charles Le Brun, the painter, designed the interior, whose highlights include the Royal Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. The Grand Trianon (1687) and the Petit Trianon (1762) are also in the park. The former, built in stone and marble, housed Louis XIV's mistress, while the latter, a small manor house, was home to Louis XV's mistress.

Originally known as place Louis-XV, this square was created between 1755 and 1775 by the architect, Gabriel. Renamed Place de la Révolution in 1792, a guillotine was installed and 2800 executions took place including that of King Louis XVI. Louis-Philippe christened it Place de la Concorde in 1830. The Louqsor obelisk, a gift from the Viceroy of Egypt to King Charles X of France, has been standing in the center of the square since 1840. The eight statues representing France's largest cities and the two fountains were also added at this time. The square is home to one of Paris' most prestigious hotels, the Hôtel Crillon.

Stretching for two kilometers (one mile) and lined with trees, les Champs-Élysées has become the center for festivities and official parades. It is a magnet for tourists and for the multitudes who enjoy evenings spent strolling along the broad and picturesque avenue. The many cinemas, cafés, and restaurants tempt visitors to rest their legs for a few hours, tired from walking by the designer boutiques, banks, and embassies also situated in this chic neighborhood. The avenue was originally created in 1667 by André Le Nôtre, Louis XIV's gardener, in order to improve the view from the Jardin des Tuileries. The avenue was lenghtened at the end of the 18th Century, to run from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

The arch is a site of memories, current events and celebrations. The lists of the dead will move you. And the cars that drive around the monument will terrify you! Standing in a direct line between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense, the monument links the past with the present and offers amazing views. A truly impressive landmark, 50 meters (164 feet) high and 45 meters (147 feet) wide, Paris would not be Paris without it! Open daily from 10am.

The décor, conceived by Philippe Starck, of sober functional interiors contrasts with the rich dishes offered here - a thousand and one combinations are possible as you can choose the sauce to accompany your meal. Chef Alain Ducasse takes foreign ideas (notably Chinese and Japanese) and reworks them to give them a French twist. Results include half a Glazed Roast Duck with a Béarnaise Sauce, and a Grilled Vegetable Chow Mein. There is even a valet-parking service. The super-chic Avenue Montaigne is just seconds away. Booking is imperative in this very popular place.