Lisbon to Paris Along the Coast

About Lisbon

A naturally beautiful city which is surrounded by and set on seven steep hills (though some say eight!), Lisbon overlooks the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Characterized by its laid-back atmosphere, Lisbon is known for vibrant culture, history, and architecture as well as for its picture-perfect panoramas.

A naturally beautiful city which is surrounded by and set on seven steep hills (though some say eight!), Lisbon overlooks the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Characterized by its laid-back atmosphere, Lisbon is known for vibrant culture, history, and architecture as well as for its picture-perfect panoramas.

Lisbon’s neighborhoods are comprised of steep, narrow streets which accommodate its hilly landscape, and the city’s old-world trams and cable elevators connect them. Today, Lisbon is a city of approximately 546,000 residents and is part of a metropolis which comprises close to 3 million inhabitants. Because of Lisbon’s strategic location, it has, historically, been an important seaport for trade between northern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Originally known as “Olisspo” after Ulysses, one of the heroes of Greek mythology, its name was changed to “El Lisbon” by the Muslims in the 8th century. In 1147, Lisbon was conquered by the Christians and, in 1255, was declared the Portuguese capital. Lisbon’s glory came in the 15th and 16th centuries when it was the center for discovery expeditions to the New World. The Manuelin style of architecture, named after King Manuel I who financed spice trade between India and Africa, developed during this period. A large earthquake in the mid-18th century destroyed most of the buildings from that time, though there are two remaining Manueline style structures - the iconic, 16th century Belem Tower (Torre de Belem), originally built on the edge of the river to protect the city, and the Jeronimos Monastery. The monastery, which was badly damaged from the earthquake but survived, is covered with white marble and stone carvings which glorify Portugal’s pioneering maritime discoveries. Inside, there are tombs and sculptures of kings and two of Portugal’s greatest heroes, Vasco de Gama, the explorer, and Luis de Camoish, Portugal’s national poet. Both structures are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. The medieval Castelo De Sao Jorge fortress stands at the top of Alfama hill, the largest of the city’s seven hills. The castle is built on 5th century Visigoth foundations as well as 9th century Moorish foundations. In the 12th century, after capturing the city from the Moors, Alfonso Enrique added to the structure. From the castle, there is a spectacular view of the city, the river, and the enormous suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril. Another famous look-out point which offers spectacular views is Edward VII Park, named after Britain’s monarch who visited the city in 1903. It is the largest park in Lisbon and extends uphill from Marques de Pombal Square to an open pavilion at the top. Alfama is the heart and soul of Lisbon - a neighborhood dating back to medieval times with a maze of cobbled alleys, hidden courtyards, charming squares, and houses with colorful tiles and iron-railed balconies. It is located at the foot of the castle and is a fun place for a stroll as well as to enjoy the city’s many fado restaurants which serve local specialties and offer fado-style music. The Terreiro do Paco (also known as Praca do Comercio), is located on the riverfront, and is known as one of the most important squares in Lisbon. It served as the royal palace for two centuries prior to being destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Today, it is a pedestrian square from which you can reach the Tagus River. The Chiado and Bairro Alto districts are two archetypal Lisbon neighborhoods. Chiado is trendy with its celebrated cafes, bookshops, boutiques, and theaters, including Lisbon’s opera house. Bairro Alto is the center of the city’s nightlife with its many pubs, clubs, and bars. The LUX club is one of Lisbon’s most famed nightclubs and, with its total capacity of over 3000, has been a favorite spot of the rich and famous. Actor John Malkovich, who shot a movie in Portugal and fell in love with the club, is now a partial owner. The famous restaurant, Bica do Sapato (“the tip of the shoe”), is located adjacent to the club. Luis de Camoish Square, named after the national poet, connects the two districts. Avenida Da Liberdade, the "Portuguese Champs-Elysées,” is a wide boulevard with tall trees and dozens of statues lining it as well as an Egyptian pillar dedicated to Portugal’s independence. The business center of Lisbon, the street is also lined with hotels, banks, cinemas, and international brand stores. Further down the boulevard is Rossio Square with its statue of Dom Pedro IV (who was both the King of Portugal and the Emperor of Brazil) and 2 French- style fountains. Lisbon is home to world-class museums. The Museu Caloute Gulbenkain is located in a lush park and is one of the city’s gems. Much of the museum’s collection came from a wealthy Armenian oil magnate, Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, who endowed his vast, outstanding private art collection to Portugal before he died in 1955. The National Museum of Ancient Art is Portugal’s national gallery which houses a large collection of 15th and 16th century paintings, as well as Oriental, European, and African art. The National Tile Museum, Museu Nacional do Azulejo, houses a unique collection of decorative tiles, known as azulejos, and it traces tile-making from its Moorish and Spanish influences through the rise of Portugal’s unique style. The MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology - which is housed in a converted power station on the waterfront, is an outstanding new cultural center in Lisbon. The 12th century Lisbon Cathedral, located near the Alfama district, is Lisbon’s oldest and most famous church. Originally a Romanesque cathedral, the structure was destroyed in the earthquake and today it blends architectural styles. Its two bell towers are a beautiful part of the city’s skyline. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Monument of the Discoveries, is located on the banks of the Tagus River estuary– the place from which ships departed for maritime discovery voyages. Designed by 2 Portuguese architects, it is a massive structure in the shape of the prow of a ship which celebrates the Portuguese explorers who established the country’s seafaring prominence. In the interior of the 170-foot high tower, there is an exhibition about the history of Lisbon, and the monument’s viewing platform offers spectacular views. The 1988 World’s Fair Expo was held in Lisbon, and the entire eastern part along the river was renovated and became a showcase for the city’s new and modern architecture. There is a new complex called Park of the Nations (Parquet das Nacoes) which includes the Oriente train station and the Vasco de Gama shopping mall. There are two large towers designed as a giant sail, and the Oceanarium is a huge, popular aquarium with over 8000 sea animals. A train transports visitors between attractions. The village of Sintra is a 30 minute train ride from Lisbon and is a not-to-be-missed day trip. Sintra was a royal resort, and it is home to extraordinary palaces, a Moorish castle, a semi tropical garden, and scenic views. With its combination of captivating tradition and modern touches, Lisbon is a popular destination – and city that many tourists long to return to! 

About Tomar

Tomar, with its distinct medieval character, is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in Portugal. Tomar is known as the Knights Templar City because it had served as the seat of the Order of the Knights Templar from 1118 to 1308. In fact, it is the world’s most important center of Templar history, and its well-preserved castle and church reflect the town’s rich history.

Tomar, with its distinct medieval character, is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in Portugal. Tomar is known as the Knights Templar City because it had served as the seat of the Order of the Knights Templar from 1118 to 1308. In fact, it is the world’s most important center of Templar history, and its well-preserved castle and church reflect the town’s rich history.

Tomar boasts the famous 12th century monastery, the “Convent of Christ” (Convento de Cristo in Portuguese) - a former Templar stronghold which was turned into the Knights of the Order of Christ and played an important role in the seafaring activities during the Age of Discovery. The Castelo do Tomar (Castle of Tomar), dating back to the times of the Reconquista, is part of the convent complex and is also considered an important historic and architectural landmark. The castle was part of the fortifications built against attacks by the Moors. The castle and convent, with their elaborate exterior and interior frescos and cloisters, reflect Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural features and are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The 15th century Tomar Synagogue has been well-preserved and is one of the two synagogues in Portugal that date back to the pre-expulsion era. The synagogue served as a place of worship, a school, and a court for the prosperous Portuguese Jewish community until it was closed in 1496 following the edict of expulsion by King Manuel I. Following the expulsion of the Jews, the synagogue was turned into a prison, and, in later centuries, served various functions, including a wine cellar, warehouse, and a hayloft. Located in the Tomar’s historic city center, the synagogue now houses a Jewish museum. The 16th century enormous aqueduct, Acqueduto dos Pegoes, is a famous landmark with its many beautiful arches and other outstanding architectural features. Originally built to supply water to the Convent of Christ, it has become a city icon and a popular destination for breathtaking views and photo opps. The Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes is one of the oldest parks in the area and was the place of initiation into the knightly order. The park is full of large oak and cedar trees as well as beautiful landscaping. Tomar’s charming old town has a well-known town square, lovely boutiques and cafes, Saint John’s bell tower, and the famous Renaissance Ponta Velha Bridge over the Nabao River. In modern Tomar, the downtown area is pedestrian-only and is a pleasant place to stroll with its fresh produce markets, charming cafes, and lovely shops.

About Porto

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is an ancient city, yet one that is young and vibrant in spirit. A coastal city located on the northern bank of the mouth of the Douro River, it is home to historical sites - baroque churches, bell towers rising over the city, magnificent Art Nouveau style buildings, and narrow alleys studded with bookstores and antiques- as well as a vibrant night life, great shopping, cafes, excellent restaurants, and the Port lodges which feature the outstanding local Port wines. Porto is also known for its laid-back vibe and its beauty - charming homes along the banks of the river, romantic spots, and picturesque bridges which connect its two sides.

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is an ancient city, yet one that is young and vibrant in spirit. A coastal city located on the northern bank of the mouth of the Douro River, it is home to historical sites - baroque churches, bell towers rising over the city, magnificent Art Nouveau style buildings, and narrow alleys studded with bookstores and antiques- as well as a vibrant night life, great shopping, cafes, excellent restaurants, and the Port lodges which feature the outstanding local Port wines. Porto is also known for its laid-back vibe and its beauty - charming homes along the banks of the river, romantic spots, and picturesque bridges which connect its two sides.

Portugal derives its name from the city of Porto. Originally a Celtic hamlet called Cale, the Romans added the port and established a settlement on both sides of the river, naming it “Portus Cale” which eventually became Portucale and gave the name not only to the city, but to the nation of Portugal. The Moors ruled briefly during the city’s early times, but Porto came under Christian domination in 1092. Porto became an important port city in the 14th century, and, during the early 19th century, it came under British rule during the Peninsular War. Grapes have been grown in Portugal since ancient times, and the Romans, who inhabited the area for over 500 years, starting from the 2nd century BC, planted vineyards and made wine on the Douro River. During the era of Portugal’s prosperity, after the establishment of its kingdom in 1143, wine became an important export. Port wines started to be produced and exported later- in the 2nd half of the 17th century. Ribreira (riverside) Square is Porto's oldest district, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Located on the river bank, the old town is a maze of narrow, winding alleys dotted with cafes, workshops, and small shops with elegant, Art Nouveau style facades. There are beautiful squares which are popular meeting places for the "tripeiros" – the name given to the residents of Porto. The facades of the old merchants' houses facing the river are painted in many colors, and the many restaurants and cafes along the river are popular with both locals and tourists. You can cross the river on a rabelo boat along the promenade – one of the colorful boats that had been used to transport port wine down the river and now serve as pleasure boats. Other Porto highlights include the 14th century São Francisco Church, with its lavish baroque interior and ornate gilded carvings, and the palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock exchange, which was built to impress potential European investors. The Clerigos Tower is an ornate bell tower which rises above the city and has become a city icon. It offers panoramic views of the city, which are well-worth the 225 step climb up! The Sao Bento train station, with its entrance hall composed of 2000 decorative ceramic tiles, recounts highlights from Portugal’s history, the royal dynasty, wars, and the development of transportation. The tiles, painted blue and white, are spectacular. Located on the ruins of a 16th century Benedictine monastery, this is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Avenida Los Aliados, a spacious boulevard and the beating heart of the city, is lined with busy cafes and impressive public buildings. With the growth of Porto as a financial center in the late 19th century, this area was transformed, and its buildings reflect the influence of the Parisian architects who arrived in the city at the time. The City Hall, in particular, is one of the most magnificent buildings on the boulevard. The 12th century Se Do Porto Cathedral is built on a hill in the historic center of the city. This Romanesque monument is one of the city’s oldest. The Church of San Francisco Igreja De Sao Francisco, known as the 18th century baroque sailors' church, is one of the most spectacular in Portugal. Though its origins are Romanesque, it was transformed with Gothic architecture and elements of the Baroque style. Porto’s main shopping street, Rua Santa Catarina, is lined with boutiques, international brands, and a lively, young atmosphere. You’ll find trendy cafes, including the legendary Majestic, which opened in 1921, and boasts impressive Art Nouveau design, mirrors, and sculptures – and a star-studded patron list. Another city highlight is the gorgeous Lello Bookstore, one of the most outstanding bookstores in Europe. More than a century old, the bookstore boasts Art Nouveau facade and a neo-Gothic interior design with carved wooden walls, stained glass windows, and a magnificent red staircase. Thinking of Hogwarts? Lello is said to have served as the inspiration for it. (JK Rowling had once lived in Porto!) Near the center of the city is a park called Crystal Palace. Though the original Crystal Palace, built in 1865, no longer remains, the park is home to magnificent gardens, charming architecture, fountains, a wonderful view of the river, and a modern public library. Porto’s exceptional Museum of Modern Art, known as the Serralves Museum, is the foremost museum of its kind in Portugal. It is located on the grounds of the Serralves Estate, which also includes a park and a villa. Porto is a vibrant cultural city. It embodies a combination of the old and new, impressive history and avant-garde urban renewal – in short, a popular destination with its lively nightlife, outstanding wine culture, and breathtaking beauty!

About Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region, is home to the iconic Catedral de Santiago de Compostela which is, according to tradition, the burial place of the biblical James the Apostle who brought the gospel of Christianity to the Iberian Peninsula. For centuries, each pilgrim’s journey culminated with reaching the city and entering the cathedral. In fact, Santiago de Compostela is considered the 3rd most important site of medieval Christianity – taking a back seat only to Jerusalem and Rome. The city’s Old Town, where the cathedral is located, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region, is home to the iconic Catedral de Santiago de Compostela which is, according to tradition, the burial place of the biblical James the Apostle who brought the gospel of Christianity to the Iberian Peninsula. For centuries, each pilgrim’s journey culminated with reaching the city and entering the cathedral. In fact, Santiago de Compostela is considered the 3rd most important site of medieval Christianity – taking a back seat only to Jerusalem and Rome. The city’s Old Town, where the cathedral is located, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

The cathedral originally dated back to the 9th century, but was destroyed by the Muslims at the end of the 10th century. It was rebuilt in the 11th century and then expanded and renovated over the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. It has magnificent carved facades which open to the medieval walls of the Old Town, and is a combination of late Baroque styles including numerous towers and statues. Its high ceiling is considered an architectural wonder. Around the cathedral is Palacio Gelmirez, the bishop's palace, and Hotel de los Reyes Catolicos is an inn established by Spain’s Catholic monarchs, specifically by King Fernando and Queen Isabella, to shelter pilgrims and the sick. Today, it is part of Spain’s National Tourism Paradores which serves visitors to the area. The Raxoi Manor (Pazo de Raxoi) is an 18th century neoclassical palace near the cathedral which today houses the seat of the city council and the regional government. Santiago de Compostela is both elegant and sophisticated. Though studded with monasteries, churches, and palaces as well as other well-preserved Gothic architecture, the city is vibrantly alive with many modern attractions, as well. The small streets are full of restaurants, boutiques, and bars that are fun to get lost in, and the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporanea is a center for bold contemporary art located in a spectacular modern building.

About Oviedo

Oviedo is the capital city of the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. Oviedo contains a very rich architectural history, with many buildings dating back to the early medieval period. Many of the building projects were undertaken during Alfonso II`s (791-842) reign and Ramiro I`s (842-850) reign.

Oviedo is the capital city of the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. Oviedo contains a very rich architectural history, with many buildings dating back to the early medieval period. Many of the building projects were undertaken during Alfonso II`s (791-842) reign and Ramiro I`s (842-850) reign.

About Santander

The port city of Santander is the situated on the north coast of Spain. The bars and restaurants of the old town are popular with tourists, as well as the El Sardinero beach a couple of kilometers away. Main sights include : The Cathedral of Santander; The Palacio de la Magdalena, eclectic style, English influenced, built in 1909 by public subscription as a gift for the Spanish Royal Family; Santander has a great tradition and cultural activity, with events that play an important role in cultural and social life of the city. UIMP is a major international summer university and organizes large festivals of music and dance.

The port city of Santander is the situated on the north coast of Spain. The bars and restaurants of the old town are popular with tourists, as well as the El Sardinero beach a couple of kilometers away. Main sights include : The Cathedral of Santander; The Palacio de la Magdalena, eclectic style, English influenced, built in 1909 by public subscription as a gift for the Spanish Royal Family; Santander has a great tradition and cultural activity, with events that play an important role in cultural and social life of the city. UIMP is a major international summer university and organizes large festivals of music and dance.

About Bilbao

The city of Bilbao is the capital of the Biscay province, and, located at the mouth of the Nervion River, is one of the five largest ports in Spain. Though it is the economic center of the heavily industrial Basque Country, Bilbao has abundant natural beauty with parks, lush landscapes, and proximity to stunning coastlines. It is also known for its outstanding architecture and dining scene and, in recent years, has become a vibrant, revitalized city.

The city of Bilbao is the capital of the Biscay province, and, located at the mouth of the Nervion River, is one of the five largest ports in Spain. Though it is the economic center of the heavily industrial Basque Country, Bilbao has abundant natural beauty with parks, lush landscapes, and proximity to stunning coastlines. It is also known for its outstanding architecture and dining scene and, in recent years, has become a vibrant, revitalized city.

Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which was designed by the famed Frank Gehry and has become the architectural symbol of the city due to its unique architecture, including over 33,000 titanium plates on its exterior. Inaugurated in 1997, the museum, with its unique avant-garde and futuristic look, put Bilbao on the world tourism map, attracting about 1 million tourists a year to see its modern and contemporary works. Thanks to the museum, the shipyards were taken out, the river was cleaned, and international architects built additional spectacular projects, including the airport that looks like a bird and the white Zubizuri Bridge (“White Bridge”), designed by Santiago Calatrava, that crosses the river. Other architectural highlights in Bilbao include the subway, designed by Norman Foster, and  Alhondiga, a fascinating building that had served as a warehouse and has been transformed into an art and entertainment center with a library, cinema, auditorium, bars and restaurants- all designed by French architect Philippe Starck. The Puente de San Anton, the famous 14th century bridge, is another of the city’s icons, and Mercado de La Ribera is one of the most beautiful historic markets in Spain. The Palacio de la Diputacion (Delegation Palace), the seat of the executive branch of the government, is designed in royal baroque style and is famous for its stunning stained glass windows. Bilbao is also home to a wide variety of museums, such as the Euskal Museoa and the Arkeologi Museo which present collections from centuries past, and performing arts halls such as the Euskalduna Palace. Bilbao’s historic old city, dating back to the early 14th century, is full of narrow and interesting cobblestone alleyways with small shops and a collection of bars, restaurants, and wine bars. And be sure to partake of the dining scene in Bilbao- diverse and outstanding, you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants alongside family-run restaurants, all offering a range of mouthwatering Basque cuisine.

About Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France. The city's titles are "La Perle d'Aquitaine" (The Pearl of Aquitaine), and "La Belle Endormie" (Sleeping Beauty) in reference to the old center which had black walls due to pollution. Nowadays, this is not the case. In fact, a part of the city, Le Port de La Lune, was almost completely renovated. Bordeaux is the city which has the highest number of preserved historical buildings in France, except for Paris. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century.

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France. The city's titles are "La Perle d'Aquitaine" (The Pearl of Aquitaine), and "La Belle Endormie" (Sleeping Beauty) in reference to the old center which had black walls due to pollution. Nowadays, this is not the case. In fact, a part of the city, Le Port de La Lune, was almost completely renovated. Bordeaux is the city which has the highest number of preserved historical buildings in France, except for Paris. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital. Bordeaux wine has been produced in the region since the 8th century. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century.

About Sarlat la Caneda

Sarlat-la-Caneda, or simply Sarlat, is a commune in southwestern France. Sarlat is a medieval town that developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin. The medieval Sarlat Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sacerdos. Because modern history has largely passed it by, Sarlat has remained preserved and one of the towns most representative of 14th century France. The center of the old town consists of impeccably restored stone buildings and is largely car-free.

Sarlat-la-Caneda, or simply Sarlat, is a commune in southwestern France. Sarlat is a medieval town that developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin. The medieval Sarlat Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sacerdos. Because modern history has largely passed it by, Sarlat has remained preserved and one of the towns most representative of 14th century France. The center of the old town consists of impeccably restored stone buildings and is largely car-free.

About Orleans

Orleans is a city in north-central France. Orleans is located in the northern bend of the Loire, which crosses from east to west. Orleans belongs to the vallee de la Loire sector between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, which was in 2000 inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city offers many sights, including the Gallo-Roman town-wall on the north side of the cathedral (4th century AD) and along the rue de la Tour-Neuve; The Hotel Groslot, built between 1550 and 1555; Many historical houses and mansions can still be admired in the city center which is one of the largest in France due to the great importance of the city until the 20th century.

Orleans is a city in north-central France. Orleans is located in the northern bend of the Loire, which crosses from east to west. Orleans belongs to the vallee de la Loire sector between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, which was in 2000 inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city offers many sights, including the Gallo-Roman town-wall on the north side of the cathedral (4th century AD) and along the rue de la Tour-Neuve; The Hotel Groslot, built between 1550 and 1555; Many historical houses and mansions can still be admired in the city center which is one of the largest in France due to the great importance of the city until the 20th century.

About Paris

Stunning, magnificent Paris… here are just a few of the names used to describe the city: "The City of Lights", "The City of Love", "The City of Bridges", and "The City of Fashion." 

Stunning, magnificent Paris… here are just a few of the names used to describe the city: "The City of Lights", "The City of Love", "The City of Bridges", and "The City of Fashion." 

The special atmosphere in Paris is influenced not only by its vibrancy, places of entertainment, restaurants and cafes, theaters and cinemas, museums and historical sites, fashion houses and shops, but, first and foremost, by the architectural planning of the city which was implemented about 150 years ago and completely changed the face of the city. In the second half of the 19th century, France was ruled by Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. During his reign, he, together with his emissary, Baron Haussmann, transformed the overcrowded and neglected medieval Paris into a modern, beautiful city. Their massive urban renewal planning included wide, long boulevards connected by spacious squares, with each boulevard wide enough for a 6-horse chariot to maneuver easily. They built large public parks, theaters, opera houses, and public transportation lines, including the first Metro, which was inaugurated in 1900. They also installed underground sewage and water systems. The Place de l’Etoile (Star Square) is one the most famous squares in Paris. It surrounds the Arc de Triomphe, which was built during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, and its gates include national symbols as well as the names of more than 500 officers who fought in the ranks of Napoleon's army. Beneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Following the death of Charles de Gaulle, the square was renamed Place Charles de Gaulle. Concord Square is another of Paris’ most famous squares, and, at its center, there is an Egyptian obelisk. This was the location of the guillotine during the French Revolution. As the excavations for the city’s Metro were taking place, a new raw material was discovered - hard, cream-colored limestone. Baron Haussmann gave instructions that houses were to be built exclusively from this limestone, and the facades of the houses were to be uniform in style. As a result, the streets and boulevards in Paris have a special character - cream-colored stone with black slate roofs, and elaborate iron forges on the balconies. The city’s architecture fits in well with its huge range of attractions. Be sure to notice the decorations at the entrance to the Metro stations. At the beginning of the 20th century, artist Hector Guimard designed these entrances in the Art Nouveau style that dominated Europe at the time. The River Seine, which flows through the city and into the English Channel, has been the lifeblood of the city since Roman times. There are many bridges that cross the Seine, connecting its right bank to its left bank. Paris is surrounded by a ring road, known as the Boulevard Peripherique, which is almost 20 miles long and marks the city’s boundaries. The cities outside the ring road are not part of the Paris municipality but are part of a huge metropolis that is approximately six times the population of Paris itself with 2.2 million inhabitants. Because of the traffic congestion in Paris, it is best to visit the city by train or Metro rather than by a private car. The Metro lines are efficient and easy to navigate, including to the nearby international airports – Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements) that are arranged in a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city. The first district is the heart of Paris, and it includes the Louvre Museum and the island: "Ile de la Cité," home to the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. A fire broke out in the cathedral in 2019, and it is still undergoing renovations.  Ile de la Cite is also home to the "Sainte- Chapelle", a renowned church with magnificent stained glass windows. Paris, also known as, "the City of Art," has a rich heritage of culture and art. The Louvre, the most famous museum in Paris, was founded over 200 years ago in what had formerly served as a palace. While the Mona Lisa, gifted to King Francois I by its painter, Leonardo da Vinci, at the beginning of the 16th century is one of the museum’s main highlights, the museum is home to many extraordinary collections of art of all types and includes magnificent gardens, as well. Other outstanding museums in Paris include the Musee d'Orsay, the Picasso Museum, the Musee de la Orangerie, and the Pompidou Center. Wandering through Paris, many visitors are inspired by the city’s romantic atmosphere – its parks, riverside promenades, the sidewalk cafes, and the many stores displaying beautiful clothing and objects- from the world’s most luxurious brands to more affordable options. As darkness falls, the city’s buildings and boulevards become illuminated, giving off a special aura. Be sure to see the daily light show at the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower has been a Paris icon since it was erected in preparation for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair celebrating 100 years since the French Revolution. Within 10 minutes of dusk, the tower shimmers with golden lights and beacons. The flashing hours vary according to the seasons, and you can check the current hours on the tower’s website, One simply cannot describe Paris without discussing its cuisine! French cuisine is, of course, renowned, and Paris offers exceptional culinary experiences. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming cafes and patisseries, you can indulge in some of the most delicious dishes, pastries, wines, and cheeses. If you are a foodie, do not miss the market tours – they are unforgettable! For good reason, Paris – the city of art, history, culture, lights, fashion, and cuisine – has been and continues to be one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations!