Pirolli Bryan - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Paris

Inspire / plan / Discover / experience

g

key to main icons

key to maps

g

t A boat cruising along the Seine

g

t Taking a break in the Square Jean XXIII

Sweeping, tree-lined boulevards and beautifully manicured parks. World-class museums and cutting-edge haute cuisine. The inspiration of countless artists, writers and philosophers, Paris is a city that speaks to the soul. Whatever your dream trip to Paris includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect travel companion.

The birthplace of the French Revolution, Paris is steeped in history. From the Gothic magnificence of Notre-Dame, through the Napoleonic opulence of the Opra Garnier to the elegant modernity of the Eiffel Tower, the citys landmarks are a testament to its enduring status as a political and cultural powerhouse. Art is everywhere: lose yourself in the galleries of the Louvre and marvel at the Impressionist masterpieces in the Muse dOrsay, or visit Belleville to view the ever-changing street art on Rue Denoyez. Pariss renowned food scene is equally rich, with an enticing array of boulangeries and bistros that reflect each neighbourhoods local flavour. Stalls overflow with fresh produce at the March dAligre, while La Cuisine offers the opportunity to learn to cook your own French classics.

The citys charms extend beyond its centre and its well worth heading to Versailles to experience the royal splendour of the palace and gardens. Alternatively, escape the crowds and play flaneur for the day at the Bois de Vincennes or Bois de Boulogne, exploring their winding trails, stately chteaus and serene boating ponds.

Compact enough to travel easily around, Paris can still overwhelm with the volume of unmissable sites on offer. Weve broken the city down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and comprehensive maps. Add insider tips, and a need-to-know guide that lists the essentials to be aware of before and during your trip, and youve got an indispensable guidebook. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Paris.

Admiring art in the Muse du Louvre

Irresistible macarons, a ptisserie favourite

The cobbled streets of Montparnasse

g

Its soaked in history. Its steeped in culture. Its a gourmets delight. Ask any Parisian and youll hear a different reason why they love their city. Here, we pick some of our favourites.

t The most iconic symbol of Paris. Some people scale its full height while others view it from a distance, but no one forgets the first time they see the .

Discover Reasons to Love Paris

t Parisians caffeinate in style. Centuries-old cafs are the place to sit and stir the perfect espresso as you smell the caramel scent of roasters wafting through the city.

Discover Reasons to Love Paris

Playing flaneur

t Parisians invented the concept of the flaneur, an aimless wanderer. Whether its the , theres always a reason to put one foot in front of the other.

Discover Reasons to Love Paris

Muse du Louvre

t Home to the Mona Lisa, the houses over 30,000 works from across the ages. Its easy and recommended to get lost in its seemingly endless galleries.

Discover Reasons to Love Paris

Notre-Dame

t This massive is a textbook example of Gothic architecture. The dramatic twin bell towers dominate central Paris, while inside light floods through its celebrated rose windows.