Paris Holidays & Holidays in Paris - France
Paris is unique for its blend of the traditional and modern, chic and romantic and common and high society features which allow any visitor to find a part of Paris that makes them feel welcomed and warm.
From the popular tourist attractions such as the splendid Arc De Triomphe and magnificent Eiffel Tower, to the humble local market stools and vivacious cafés and restaurants, to the delicious pastries and full-bodied coffees, everything about Paris indicates care, romance and precision.
Whatever you endeavour, Paris will fulfil your needs and leave you desperate for more!
View all our holidays to Paris
Where Is Paris?
According to style, Paris is the heartbeat of the world! The Capital of France, Chic Paris is situated to the north of France, and is the home of 2.15 million Parisians.
Paris Local History
Celtic Gauls known as the Parisii founded Paris towards the end of the 3 rd Century BC. Julius Ceasar and the Roman army occupied Paris in 52AD.Later, in the 2 nd Century AD, Christianity was introduced, and in 508 AD, Frankish king Clovis I united Gaul as a kingdom and made Paris his capital, naming it after the original Parisii tribe. In the 12th century, construction began on the cathedral of Notre Dame. Believe it or not, the Louvre started life as a riverside fortress around 1200.
The Renaissance of the 1400s saw the arrival of some of the city's signature buildings and monuments. During Louis XIV reign as King from 1643, Paris was nearly bankrupted thanks to his policies of battling and building at every possible opportunity!. This led to an uprising of Parisians on 14 July 1789 and the storming of the Bastille prison, resulting in the French Revolution.
In more recent times, Paris was occupied by the Nazis in 1940 and remained under Germany's control until 25 August 1944. After the war, Paris began the rebuilding programme that has seen it rise as one of the world's hotbeds for creative talent in the fields of gastronomy and fashion and prompted its modern sense of liberalism.
Paris Attractions
To say that Paris has a wide array of attractions would be an understatement! From the extravagant yet informal Lourve Art Gallery, to the grandiose gothic Cathedrale Notre Dame and empowering spectacle that is the Arc De Triomphe, the sights never stop in the City of light!
Other recommended establishments include the notorious Catacombes, located 20 metres underground and well known for it's ghoulish assembly from the bones of the exhumed from Paris's overflowing cemetries in 1785. If this notion scares you, why not soak up some culture with a visit to the Musee d'Orsay, which displays France's national collection of paintings, sculptures, objects d'art and other works produced between 1848-1914, including the fruits of the impressionist, postimpressionist and art nouveau movements. Also recommended is the Saint Chapelle, a gothic 13 th century chapel, the Cite des Sciences at de L'Idustrie, a fascinating insight into the world of science via the use of ‘hands-on' exhibitions, and of course, the landmark that symbolises Paris, the romantic Eiffel Tower!
Paris Shopping
Paris may be famous for it's chic, modern boutiques, home to such legendary names as Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, but it also has a more traditional and entertaining shopping experience to offer.
Some of the most tempting experiences are to be found delving thorough the small cluttered shops inhabiting Paris many back-streets, which sell local products; everything from clothes; to books; food; wine; pottery; and antiques.
For a more modern shopping exhibition blended with 19 th Century style, try the exuberant arcades of the passages of the 2nd and 9th arrondissements. The main shopping district, Les Halles, is where you'll find the submarine shopping complex of the Forum des Halles. All shopping desires are fulfilled here; you will find everything from music stores to tailored garments, served with graceful French hospitality.
Paris Restaurants
A visit to Paris is simple not complete without bearing witness to the lesson in world-class gastronomy that is it's restaurants. The glorious Champs-Elysées presents an array of impressive establishments, and, despite impressions, caters for lighter budgets as well as the bourgouise.
Why not venture to the EL'Espadon, a bastion of tradition, where you can forget your troubles and relax within the walls of this prestigious "palace" with its abundant silver, crystal, fresh flowers and trellises. Recommended is the pan-roasted langoustines or a "mosaic" of sea bass spiced with mustard seeds, complimented by perfect presentation and service.
Alternatively, swing by to the Lasserre, a rare surviving breed of le grand restaurant à la Française. Lasserre merits special mention due to it's minute precision; from its harmonic piano music to it's ambient soft lights to it's lavish glowing silver, all of which soothe you through a wonderfully indulgent evening. Uniquely,Lasserre's features a retractable roof, so, weather permitting you can literally have the stars shine down on you as you dine.
Paris Cuisine
Cuisine in Paris can be summed up in one word-indulgence! From the early morning butter laden croissant, to the rich, aromatic accompanying coffee, Parisian cuisine awakes the taste buds and enlivens the senses.
Local café's dotted throughout Paris entice you in with their flavoursome scent's, pressuring you to sample an exquisite éclair au chocolat (chocolate éclair) or brioche (yeasty sweet breakfast bread) whilst you sup freshly brewed coffee and gaze over the day's newspaper. Although these delicacies were originally created as morning pick-me-ups, there are now commonly consumed throughout the day.
As mentioned previously, high cuisine does not necessarily mean high expenditure to enjoy them. Neighbourhood street markets contain selections of fine cheeses and charcuterie to match that of any high-priced restaurants. Sandwich making is a Parisian art-form, where the use of fresh, warm, crusty baguettes or the dense, chewy Pain Pôilaine perfectly compliment the rich cheeses, crispy garnishes and finely sliced meats for a wonderful taste experience.
Paris Bars & Clubs
Like any modern city, Paris offers a wide selection of stylish modern bars and drinking establishments, but, unlike others, there is still a high emphasis accompanying food. Take Le Fumoir for example, situated in Central Paris.
Originally set in a candlelit library scenario, this effortlessly chic bar offer sumptuous food and perfect wines, with appropriate friendly service, and allows bookings for any day of the week, and the most efficient, yet not rushed at all, service.
For the distinctive individual, the perfect institution is the Exclusive champagne bar in the Trocadero Dokhan's hotel, pres de l'Arc de Triomphe.
This establishment simply screams sophistication, effusing neo-classical décor with antique furnishings, evoking visions of centuries past. This splendour almost makes you forget why you visited in the first place – to indulge in some sophisticated socialising! Breakfasts and lunches are served in the daytime, giving way to candlelit dining at night. Furthermore, opt for the opulent Thusday wine or champagne-tasting evenings, which are hosted by experts who will instruct you through the procedure and give you insight into the factors that embody a high quality tipple.
Cosmos Tourama Holidays in Paris & France
Use our search bar above to view our current selection of holidays and tours to Paris & France
