Wines in France

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.

Steps from the Champs-Elysées, with private terraces that command all Paris; 17th-century tapestries, lovingly restored; and a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces, Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury service in the City of Lights.

Omnipresent in the press, one of the most talented French chefs, Pierre Gagnaire, is highly acclaimed by international food critics. His Paris restaurant (he also opened one in New York and in Tokyo) was awarded a third star by Michelin in 2007 and ranked third best restaurant in the world by British magazine Restaurant, calling its chef "France's Genial Culinary Magician." If haute cuisine is an art, Pierre Gagnaire is a virtuoso. Accommodating the most exquisite ingredients with the most surprising flavors in unexpected combinations, the chef delivers on his promising menu. Praised dishes include, the Faux Vol-au-Vent et Champignon Sauvage (crawfish in a Pouilly-fuissé reduction served with wild mushrooms), the Turbot et Friseli (roasted turbot served with lettuce velouté), the Fricassée de Homard Bleu (blue lobster), and the Ris et Rognon de Veau (calf sweetbread in papaya and walnut juice). Indulge in dessert with the Neuf Dessert de Pierre Gagnaire, a selection of nine desserts.

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.

Steps from the Champs-Elysées, with private terraces that command all Paris; 17th-century tapestries, lovingly restored; and a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces, Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury service in the City of Lights.

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!

Tradition, prestige, and a legendary past set the Ritz Paris apart from other palace hotels. In 1898, Cesar Ritz created an exclusive luxury hotel where comfort, gastronomy, and service were accorded the highest priority. Located on the beautiful Place Vendome, the Ritz is in the heart of Paris, within walking distance to many historical monuments and fashionable shopping areas. Among the elegantly appointed rooms and suites are ten renowned specialty suites, including the Coco Chanel, Windsor, and Imperial. Located on the beautiful Place Vendome, the Ritz is in the heart of Paris, within walking distance to many historical monuments and fashionable shopping areas.

Steps from the Champs-Elysées, with private terraces that command all Paris; 17th-century tapestries, lovingly restored; and a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces, Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury service in the City of Lights.

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!

Ordre de la Légion d'Honneur was founded in 1802 by emperor Napolean, to reward those who were the most loyal in terms of "honor and country." To house the administration of the Order, in 1804 he bought the Salm Mansion, located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area. The main attraction here remains the collection of medals and objects linked to Napoléon, including personal belongings and tributes. Permanent and temporary exhibitions about the Ordre are organized, and display paintings and valuable objects.

Covered sewers were introduced in Paris by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1850. Des égouts de Paris or The Sewers museum is one of its kind, which honors the sewer system of Paris. There was a time when the sewers ferried tourists on carts and boats. The 'gallery' of the sewers is adorned by pipes, sewer cleaning equipment and statues of sewer workers. There is also a gift shop and theater to add to the excitement of the visit. Des égouts is quite an attraction in Paris and for all those engineering fanatics this is a must-visit.

Steps from the Champs-Elysées, with private terraces that command all Paris; 17th-century tapestries, lovingly restored; and a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces, Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury service in the City of Lights.

The Disneyland Resort Paris offers an astonishing array of activities to keep visitors busy throughout their stay. Hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightclubs, live entertainment, and sports facilities are all part of the Resort in case enough time is left after the main attraction: Disneyland Park, where families can enjoy already-famous and brand-new rides, and meet their favorite Disney characters for an autograph and a picture. Disney characters also roam Walt Disney Studio Park, where attractions demonstrate what happens behind the scenes to create favorite Disney movies, such as animation techniques, special effects and stunts, or live-action shooting. To round out the day and continue into the night, Disney Village of the Disneyland Resort offers even more attractions, including a games arcade, a concert venue, a nightclub, a cinema showing new releases, and an IMAX theater. 68 restaurants, found throughout both Parks and Disney Village, offer fast-food o! r sit-down service, ice cream and pizza parlors, to experience a variety of world cuisines. Special events, ticket packages, and shows throughout the Resort and throughout the year make Disneyland a spectacular destination anytime.

Known worldwide for its vast tangle of tracks, both covered and open air, Rollerparc Avenue is the perfect place for thrillseekers: patrons take their pick of skateboarding, rollerblading, riding BMX, or scootering! Specialized tracks accommodate visitors from the age of 5 and range in difficulty to professional level. Other points of attraction on the site include a gift shop, a snack bar, classes and workshops, and remarkable industrial-style architecture featuring giant frescoes. Entrance EUR10, 10+ yrs; EUR8, 10- yrs.

Ironically Pont Neuf, which in English means "New Bridge" is one of the oldest bridges which stretches across the river Siene. Standing at the western point of the Îlele de la Cité—island of the city, the bridge connects the left and right banks of Paris. The bridge was officially inaugurated in 1607, by King Henry IV. The attraction and specialty of Pont Neuf is that, it was one of the first to have pavements. Parisians love to socialize and hang out here, and hence there is no doubt that the bridge is one of the most visited spots in the city.

A popular attraction and a famous landmark, Port des Champs-Élysées offers tourists a scenic view and a glimpse into some significant historical sites. An enjoyable way to see the city, tourists can rent one of the tour boats and sail through to various landmarks. The Pont Alexander III is one of the important sites. A symbolic structure, this bridge features a 107-meter (351-foot) wide arch. Visitors can also take a look at some vintage boats harbored at the port.

A popular attraction and a famous landmark, Port des Champs-Élysées offers tourists a scenic view and a glimpse into some significant historical sites. An enjoyable way to see the city, tourists can rent one of the tour boats and sail through to various landmarks. The Pont Alexander III is one of the important sites. A symbolic structure, this bridge features a 107-meter (351-foot) wide arch. Visitors can also take a look at some vintage boats harbored at the port.