Visit Paris-Isle-of-France for Luxury, Romance, History and Culture
Whether it is your first of tenth visit to Paris and the Île-de-France region, there is always something new to discover in this diverse, beautiful region. The Île-de-France, also known as the Isle-of-France, is primarily made up of the metropolitan area surrounding Paris and is often called the Région Parisienne by the French. Paris is a vibrant, exciting city and, apart from being the capital of France, it is the 6th largest economy in the world and is home to the regional offices of several Fortune 500 companies. With an estimated population of 2.2 million in the city and exceeding 11 million in its metropolitan areas, its ethnic make up is as diverse as New York City, London or Los Angeles, California.
For those looking for self catering apartments to rent, Paris is home to many that are located near much of the city’s offerings. A hub of art, history, music, fashion, politics, science, education and media, it is no wonder why the “City of Light” is the most visited tourist destination in the world. This may be likely attributable to many factors: the food, the culture, the museums, the shopping, the ambiance, the history, the architecture and the feeling of love that overtakes you the moment you arrive and does not dissipate until long after you have returned home. From Paris bed and breakfasts to elegant Paris self catering holiday homes, the options for comfortable, luxury accommodations are nearly as abundant as the many things to see and do in this beautiful city.
The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, which are subdivisions of the commune of Paris. This is important to note because when asking for directions, oftentimes a person will describe a location first by using its arrondissement. For example, La Place de la Concorde is located in the 8th arrondissement, right bank. Although what often brings people to Paris is the Eiffel Tower, there are many other landmarks and attractions that welcome visitors from every corner of the world, including La Musée du Louvre, Le Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame de Paris, shopping along the Champs-Élysées and walking along the river Seine. These tourist draws, along with romantic sidewalk cafés, art galleries and a great public transportation system that brings everything within reach, are among the many reasons people continue to reserve Paris self catering holiday homes and come back again and again.
Travelling around Paris is most easily done on the Métro, bus or bicycle. Indeed many take taxis to and fro, but they are costly and your ability to mingle with Parisians is limited. The Métro was designed for the tourist in mind. Easily understood signs light up as the car enters the station, indicating precisely where you are and which major landmarks are at each station. Lodgings in Paris can be costly, but visitors can experience significant cost savings by opting for one of the many self catering apartments to rent Paris has to offer. Those looking for a romantic retreat may also want to consider Paris bed and breakfasts. Either of these options will provide comfort and convenience, particularly with the well-designed public transportation system that will easily deliver you to your destinations around the city.
No time is a bad time to visit Paris. Although it can be rather chilly in winter, it still retains the same charm as it does during high season, which commences in April.
