WELCOME TO THE LOIRE VALLEY & BURGUNDY
World-renowned chteaux and fine wines may be the two most obvious reasons to visit the Loire Valley and Burgundy, but theyre only the tip of the iceberg. This region is home to one of the largest concentrations of cave dwellings and some of Europes finest medieval architecture. When youve had your fill of chteau gawking and vineyard hopping, make some time for roads less travelled: go underground to discover the Loires ancient troglodyte culture; or spend a week exploring Burgundys medieval churches, abbeys and walled towns.
Vineyards near Beaune, Burgundys viticultural capital
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LOIRE VALLEY & BURGUNDY HIGHLIGHTS
French Renaissance architecture at its finest and fanciest.
EDUCATION IMAGES/UIG/GETTY IMAGES
Picturesque town nestled into cave-riddled cliffs.
ATLANTIDE PHOTOTRAVEL/CORBIS
Home to some of Burgundys most extraordinary white wines.
BON APPETIT/ALAMY
PARIS
Eiffel Tower at dusk
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PARIS
If ever a city needed no introduction, its Paris a trend setter, fashion former and style icon for centuries, and still very much at the cutting edge. Whether youre here to tick off the landmarks or seek out the secret corners, Paris fulfils all your expectations, and still leaves you wanting more.
Getting Around
Driving in Paris is a nightmare. Happily, theres no need for a car. The metro is fast, frequent and efficient; tickets cost 1.70 (day passes 6.70) and are valid on the citys buses. Bikes can be hired from 1800 Vlib (www.velib.paris.fr) stations; insert a credit card, authorise a 150 deposit and pedal away. Day passes cost 1; first 30 minutes free, subsequent 30 minutes from 2.
Parking
Meters dont take coins; use a chip-enabled credit card. Municipal car parks cost 2 to 3.50 an hour, or 20 to 25 per 24 hours.
Discover the Taste of Paris
Le Marais is one of the best areas for eating out, with its small restaurants and trendy bistros. Dont miss Paris street markets: the March Bastille, rue Montorgueil and rue Mouffetard are full of atmosphere.
Live Like a Local
Base yourself in Montmartre for its Parisian charm, if you dont mind crowds. Le Marais and Bastille provide style on a budget, while St-Germain is good for a splurge.
Useful Websites
Paris Info (http://en.parisinfo.com) Official visitor site.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/paris) Lonely Planets city guide.
Secrets of Paris (www.secretsofparis.com) Locals blog full of insider tips.
Paris by Mouth (www.parisbymouth.com) Eat and drink your way round the capital.
For more, check out our city and country guides. www.lonelyplanet.com
TOP EXPERIENCES
Eiffel Tower at Twilight
Any time is a good time to take in the panorama from the top of the Metal Asparagus (as Parisians snidely call it) but the twilight view is extra special (www.toureiffel.fr).
Muse du Louvre
Frances greatest repository of art, sculpture and artefacts, the Louvre is a must-visit but dont expect to see it all in a day (www.louvre.fr).
Basilique du Sacr-Coeur
Climb inside the cupola of this Montmartre landmark for one of the best cross-city vistas (www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com).
Muse dOrsay
Paris second-most-essential museum, with a fabulous collection encompassing originals by Czanne, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh and more (www.musee-orsay.fr).
Cathdrale de Notre-Dame
Peer over Paris from the north tower of this Gothic landmark, surrounded by gargoyles and flying buttresses (www.cathedraledeparis.com).
Les Catacombes
Explore more than 2km of tunnels beneath the streets of Montparnasse, lined with the bones and skulls of millions of Parisians (www.catacombes.paris.fr).
Cimetire Pre-Lachaise
Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust and Jim Morrison are just a few of the famous names buried in this wildly overgrown cemetery (www.perelachaise.com).
Canal St-Martin
Join the locals for a walk or bike ride along the tow-paths of this 4.5km canal, once derelict but now reborn as a haven from the city hustle.