Paris

Paris, the capital of France, an ideal location for Romance, Culture and excitement.

Paris is the the largest City proper and the Capital of France, is over 2,000 years old. It is located on the River Seine and includes two inhabited Islands, the Ile Saint-Louis and the larger Ile de la Cite which is the heart and foundation of the City.

The City of Paris has a tumultuous history having been invaded by many foreign adversaries; it has risen against any challenge thrust upon it with tenacious will. The City’s proud motto is “Fluctuat nec mergitur", which is Latin for "She is buffeted by the waves but she does not sink". Today, Paris is still one of the most cosmopolitan Cities in Europe, welcoming millions of tourists each year, which come for the arts, the wine, and, plainly, the ambiance of the ‘City of Lights’.

Paris has an Oceanic climate that is affected by the North Atlantic Drift, so the City enjoys a temperate climate that seldom sees enormously high or low temperatures. The average yearly high temperature is around 24 °C (75 °F), and yearly lows are inclined to stay around an average of 1 °C (34 °F). The Paris region has in recent years seen temperatures reaching both extremes, with the heat wave of 2003 and the cold wave of 2006.

Rainfall can take place at any time of the year, and Paris is known for its sudden showers. The city sees an average yearly precipitation of around 25 inches. Snow is rare, generally appearing in the coldest months of January or February (but has been recorded as late as April), and not quite sufficient to make a covering that lasts more than a day.

There are two main Airports that serve Paris, the Charles de Gaulle International Airport near the village of Roissy-en-France, which is around 23 km north east of Paris. The other is Orly Airport, which is near the Town of Orly, around 14km south of Paris.

The national rail network of Paris consists of high-speed (TGV), the express network, the RER (Reseau Express Regional) and standard (Corail) trains. Trains regularly leave for most of the major European Cities, as well as links to the Parisian suburbs. Taxis can be hailed from the street, or from one of the many stands that are dotted around the City. An illuminated light on the roof shows that the taxi is vacant. There is a night bus network (Noctambus) that has 18 lines, starting from the Place du Châtelet and heading out in different directions to the suburbs, up to 30km from Paris, direction Paris-suburbs. This service is available daily, including Sunday and public holidays, from around 01.00 am to 05.30 am with a departure every 30 minutes.

Paris and its Region of Ile de France, has over sixty Golf Courses with the majority having eighteen holes. Many of these courses are situated within a 30km radius of the centre of Paris. The Golf at Disneyland is open seven days a week, all year round, and is suitable for players of all levels, from amateur to professional. It is Located just a few kilometres from the Disneyland Park. To the west of Paris, the Golf des Yvelines course is situated amongst 90 hectares of forest, in a charming location.

If the weather permits, why not take a trip aboard the biggest hot-air balloon in the world at 22m wide and 32m high. It is located in the grounds of the André Citroen Park, on the Rue de la Montagne de la Fage.

Why not enjoy a romantic Seineriver cruise on a characteristically Parisian riverboat and take in the wonderful views of the City. Various tours are available from a one hour Promenade cruise to a dinner cruise where you’ll be able to see the SeineRiverbanks delightfully illuminated at night.

When one thinks of French cuisine, automatically, Frog legs and

Escargots (snails) always spring to mind. This is a misconception as they are rarely eaten in France nowadays. French cuisine is characterized by its extreme multiplicity and is thought to be one of the world's most sophisticated and elegant styles of catering, and is famous for both its classical ‘haute cuisine’ and regional styles. French wine and French cheese is an essential part of French cuisine, equally as ingredients and accompaniments. France is well-known for its large range of wines and cheeses.

Nightlife in Paris can be found all over the City, stylish jazz clubs, and Latino cafés, to karaoke and music bistros. If you want to dance the night away in one of the numerous clubs you’ll be spoilt for choice, with rock, afro, techno, zouk, hip-hop, salsa, rap or samba.

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