Paris

The City of Lights earned its name not without reason. Paris is awake all through the night. Paris' turbulent variety of subcultures and moods is perhaps best witnessed on a night out. Experience a younger, edgier nocturnal scene, or a classic night at a cabaret or jazz show, you are sure to have a memorable evening out. You can have more information on what to do in Paris at night, here.

Marais, Oberkampf, and Gambetta are some of the dynamic nightlife destinations crowded with pubs and nightclubs, while Vendome spells opulence in terms of chic establishments like the Ritz bar frequented by Ernest Hemingway! Ready to party?

From Lutetia to Napoleon's Empire, from the declaration of the Republic to the Paris Commune: Paris was right at the heart of events that marked French history and shaped it presently. Paris was inhabited by the Parisiis, a Celtic Gaul tribe in the 3rd century BC. Realising the strategic importance of the city owing to the river Seine affording numerous trade opportunities, Julius Caesar conquered the territory in the war of Lutetia in 52 BC. Thus was established the Roman city of Lutetia. This era saw the grandiose of Roman architecture as baths, palaces and theatres were built. Christianity was introduced in the second century AD. Roman rule continued till the 5th century, when the Franks invaded led by Clovis I. Paris was made the capital city, named after the Parisii tribe that inhabited centuries ago.

Visa and Master Card is widely accepted in hotels, restuarants and shops, though only few places accept American Express. Carry smaller denominations in Euros especially for public transport.

Paris is essentially a luxury destination, however you can tailor your daily expenses factoring in your budget, by making compromises here and there. A minimum of approximately EUR 60 - EUR 80 will have to be spent inclusive of public transport, entry to museums, two course meals at small cafes and a coffee/glass of wine or two. If you choose to dine at the expensive bistros, shop at the boutiques, visit the night clubs be prepared to shell out a good EUR 250 per day.

Though some banks in Paris will exchange your currency for Euros, Exchange Bureaux specialise in these transactions. A commission is usually levied for exchange depending from place to place and the form of payment. The Bureax, like CCF, display the exchange rate outside based on everyday fluctuation. If the difference between buying and selling rates is approximately 5% then the rates are correct. Numerous exchange bureax are situated in busy tourist areas. Alternatively you can withdraw Euros from 24 hour cashpoints using your international credit or debit cards.

The top things to do in Paris are Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre. You can see all the places to visit in Paris here

There are 6178 in Paris which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Paris are Prestigious Appartement Trocadero, La Chambre Parisienne - B&B, Eiffel Tower Apartment, Tour Eifel - Quai André Citroën ID 273, Two-Bedroom Apartment Champs-Elysées, Apartment Quai Blanqui. You can see all the hotels in Paris here

The packages for Paris start at INR 39193 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

The word 'cuisine' is of French origin, which is in itself saying a lot! So intricate in nature and delicate to the palate, French cuisine is more of an art form. The French have an eye for detail, which can be envisaged in the presentation techniques of various dishes.

Cheese, butter, black truffles (a type of fungi), wine, meats like veal and beef, etc. are the most commonly used ingredients to conjure a hearty Parisian fare. Breakfast is never a massive affair in Paris since the French prefer eating light. You must have the croissant, claiming its origin in France. Just in case the actual croissant doesn't appease you try the other forms of the light, flaky pastries like the Pain au Raisin (sweet custard-like filling and raisin), Pain au Chocolat (filling of pieces of chocolate) or a Chausson aux Pommes (baked with a filling akin to apple sauce). For a more savoury taste, try the French bread - baguette smothered with oodles of French Butter. The bistros and brassieres (French for breweries) serve some exquisite delicacies, which are a delight for meat and seafood lovers.

Some of the popular favourites you must try are Steak Frites (traditional steak with Frites), Huitres (oysters), Mouclade (mussels baked in cream and white wine sauce), Confit de Canard (duck confit), Beef Bourguignon (slow cooked beef stew with Burgundy wine), Chateaubriand or Filet Mignon (tender cut of prime steak pan seared in bernaise sauce), Coq Au Vin (chicken in wine sauce) or the well known Onion Soup (beef based broth, baked with onion & cheese) with Croque/Mounsier Madame (French version of the cheese grilled sandwich with ham filling). The more adventurous can try the Escargot (snails cooked in butter) or the Steak Tartare (finely chopped raw beef, marinated and seasoned) or even Cuisses De Grenouille (frog legs coated with bread and eggs!) Foie Gras or fattened duck liver, with a velvety texture and typically served with truffles, toasted bread and white wine, is a pleasure to the palate and demands a try when in Paris.

You owe it to yourself to indulge in some sinful decadence for dessert, so make sure you have room for enough. Choose from dessert soups, crème brûlée, soufflé, gauteux, madeleines, brilliantly coloured macaroons (visit Laduree, the shop that started selling these beauties) or simple ice cream (Berthillon sorbets are a must try! ) or chocolates; you will only be left craving for more!

Sample the crepes from the creperie stands while on the move. In an assortment of both sweet and savoury these ultra thin pancake like delights can make a quick snack as you amble around from one museum to another.

A visit to a Paris fromagerie will astound you at the sheer variety of cheese manufactured. Learn about cheese making techniques, the origin of ingredients while you sample some exotic varieties. Many bistros also serve other international cuisines, ranging from American to Asian. If you try the falafel on the streets, you will realise that this popular Middle Eastern dish has infiltrated the Parisian consciousness so much so that it is regarded as a local delicacy.

They say wine flows like water in Paris. Frenchie Bar a Vins or Juveniles or in just any other bistro, choose between the red, white or rose to compliment your food.
Read More

Summer, extending from June to August, is the most vibrant season for tourism. The weather is almost perfect at this time with long days of sunshine. This season tends to be the most expensive though owing to the immense footfall of travellers. So if you want to reduce costs you can visit in the Spring months between March - May, when the city seems to be reawakening. Alternatively Autumn is also a conducive time to visit, although the days are shorter, Paris is in blooming colours, with hotels offering significant discounts and offers.
Read More