Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Paris- World's most romantic city!


Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, is - with 2.2 million people living in zone 1 (Central Paris) and another 9.9 million people in the suburbs (la banlieue) - 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 historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light (la Ville Lumière), it is the most popular tourist destination in the world.
Places of Interest..
Right Bank
The Avenue des Champs Ély-sées, a broad thoroughfare running generally northwest-southeast, forms the axis along which lie some of the Right Bank's most famous landmarks. At its western end is the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon I to commemorate his victories and finished in the late 1830's. The body of an unknown soldier from World War I lies in a tomb beneath the arch.
At the Champs Élysées' eastern end is the Place de la Concorde, one of the city's largest and most impressive squares. It was the site of the guillotine during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. In the center of the square stands the ancient Egyptian Obelisk of Luxor.
To the east, along the river, are the Tuileries Gardens, an excellent example of formal landscaping. With sculptured shrubbery and flower beds, the Tuileries are among the most popular outdoor spots in the city.
Left Bank
On the western part of the Left Bank is the Eiffel Tower, to many the outstanding symbol of Paris. From the top there is a magnificent view of the city. Opposite the Eiffel Tower, across a large formal garden called the Champ de Mars, is the French Military Academy. Nearby is the Y-shaped building that houses the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Perhaps the most well-known part of the Left Bank is the Latin Quarter. This area got its name from the Latin-speaking scholars and students who lived here many centuries ago. The Latin Quarter holds some of France's chief educational institutions, including the Sorbonne and other institutions of the University of Paris.
Outside Paris
About 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Paris is the palace of Versailles, a former royal residence. The palace, built by Louis XIV, is the supreme monument to the wealth and power of the French monarchy. Much of the palace has been restored. It houses a museum of French history, featuring portraits and period furnishings. In addition to the palace there are superb formal gardens and the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, châteaus built as retreats for the royal family. The palace grounds constitute a large forested park.

2 comments:

Ire said...

Interesting. You were there recently or plan to go?

Atul Jain said...

well yah i plan to go there in some time.. have you been there..?