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LIFESTYLE TRAVEL PARIS From a chauffeur-driven tour of Paris in a Citroen 2CV to experiencing more G-Force than an astronaut at Disneyland, Paris has it all. Discovering the secrets and charms behind the city of passion does not have to be so active however, just watching life go by in a Parisian Square and speaking to the locals will give you a fantastic insight into the magical city. They will tell you it is the capital of gastronomy, that they host the most fashionable boutiques in the world, and that their rugby team are the very best. Some of it you need to take with a pinch of salt but Paris is certainly not lacking in beauty and charisma. A leisurely glide along the meandering Seine passing some of the world’s most iconic monuments is proof of this. The Eiffel Tower leads the way past the Grand Palais towards Concorde and the Musee d’Orsay. Avenue des Champs-Elys�e and the Tuileries dominate the bank to the north with the Instuit de France to the south. The grandeur of the Louvre is next as the Seine continues under the Pont Neuf bridge on past Notre Dame, La Grand Bilblioteque and Bercy sports arena. Intimate, minimalist dining can be found all along the riverbank in eclectic, cosy restaurants and there are an abundance of upmarket haunts for those who have money to burn. Shopping districts do not exist in Paris as endless boutiques, markets and beauty salons merge into one another. Rue de Seine was once home to Paris’ creative intellectuals but now Armani, Dior and Cartier glisten from expensive boutiques into the streets. Six floors of fashion and the biggest beauty department in the world are contained under a stunning Art Nouveau dome in Printemps on Boulevard Haussman while glorious street markets frequent the Rue de Seine, selling speciality breads, pastries and meat. Panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower are breathtaking but equalled (minus the queuing) atop the Sacre Coure basilique. Alight at the Blanche M�tro station close to the Moulin Rouge and wander up the cobbled streets to Place du Calvaire. Pass romantics embracing to a busker’s musings through the Plush du Tertre and slog up the narrow staircase to the top of the church. Bar Hemmingway and Bhudda Bar are popular hangouts for Paris’ affluent inhabitants in a city awash with glitzy cocktail bars, jazz clubs and chic nightclubs to accommodate the rich and the famous. There are more affordable options for a night out in the Latin Quarter and Bastille that spring to life in the evening. Check In With around 2,000 hotels, apartments and hostels from a basic ‘place to put your head down’ to the Ritz there’s no shortage of accommodation whatevrer your budget. www.parisinfo.com Touch Down Charles de Gaulle airport is to the north-east of Paris and Orly airport is to the south. The smaller Beauvais airport further north of Paris is used by Ryanair from Dublin and Glasgow. Eurostar is the most efficient and cost effective way of travelling to Paris with tickets from �59. Ferries run regularly from Dover, Newhaven, Portsmouth, Poole and Weymouth to a host of French ports. 70 / CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES TRAVEL INFORMATION USEFUL CONTACTS www.eurostar.com |