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PARIS
The Beacon of Sophistication 
The French mastered the art of living, and their capital showcases it with the utmost sophistication. While the Louvre may be the world's unparalleled museum and the Eiffel Tower one of the most recognized landmarks, what has made Paris the world's most visited city is precisely that French art de vivre. The real draw is the city itself, its elegant boulevards, charming cafes and markets, glamorous boutiques, fine dining, the Seine, romantic visions, and of course, the art. Paris is pure hedonism, which is why becoming a flâneur is as important during a visit to the city as seeing any particular sight. Sit at a café or bistro for a café crème and croissant, window-shop, grab a baguette at a market, have an aperitif before dinner, and indulge in haute cuisine. Paris is in many ways the perfect city, so who can blame it for seeming self-absorbed, self-important, perhaps even narcissistic? While many outside visitors often diagnose its confidence as a superiority complex, Paris in reality is a very open and welcoming city. Its multicultural population has given it a revived creative energy, with traditional French chefs experimenting with global cuisines, young designers following international trends but incorporating a certain French touch, and a new generation of musicians placing the French language into cosmopolitan sounds. So a stroll through Paris is following the footsteps of artists, intellectuals, philosophers, and lovers... It is finding architectural gems, an enticing café or shop, and exquisite corners down Montmartre, Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Bastille... In short, Paris is the beacon of sophistication and the joys of city life. 
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Hotels & Hostels
The city's best design, boutique, charm, and luxury hotels, as well as cheap hostels with easy online booking at special rates.
All of the best, special, and hip places to stay are
HERE (Paris Hotels & Hostels Guide)>>
Sights & Activities
The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and all of the city's must-see landmarks, classic and modern art, striking architecture and ancient sites,
street life, daytrips, and tours -- it's all
HERE (Paris Sightseeing Guide)>>
Cafés & Restaurants
The café was invented in Paris, and no visit to the city is complete without sitting at one of the tables outside Café de Flore or
Café Marly. The city was also the founder of haute cuisine, and star chefs Joël Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Alain Senderens,
and Alain Ducasse turn their restaurants into destinations. Find out more HERE (Paris Restaurants Guide)>>
Bars & Clubs
Head to trendy Rue Oberkampf and step into the now legendary Café Charbon for a drink followed by dancing at Nouveau Casino
down the same street.
Rub shoulders with familiar faces and celebrities-to-be at Bar du Plaza Athenee or Le Paris Paris, or just feel like one at VIP Room.
Find out more HERE (Paris Nightlife Guide)>>
Body & Soul
The world's first modern spa opened almost a century ago in Paris' Champs Elysees. That space was renovated in 2005 and today's
Gerlain offers personalized facials, imperial massages, Shiatsu, and rejuvenating treatments.
That's all on the second floor, because the first is reserved for its fragrances, all surrounded by golden mosaic tiles on the walls.
Stéphane Jaulin, one of its former contributors, has opened his own space, L'Appartement 217.
This "organic only" beauty spa reinvigorates the skin with deep tissue massages, soothing hand massages, and even provides diet advice.
More recently, designer Anne Fontaine opened a new spa in the basement of her boutique located in one
of the city's most fashionable streets. Her signature treatments go by the names of cotton, silk and wild bamboo, with linen and silk providing
the core materials in the treatments.
The main ingredient at 32 Montorgueil is chocolate. This urban retreat located near Les Halles offers a specialty facial
treatment essentially made of chocolate that is said to be miraculous for wrinkles.
Exquisite products and a variety of treatments are also offered at the funky
La Bulle Kenzo day spa, with several special massages lasting between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Both men and women can also get the most innovative treatments at the stunning, ultra-luxurious
Dior Institut at the Plaza Athenee,
whether it's at the sauna, in the VIP rooms, or in the fully-equipped fitness center where a personal coach can offer tailor-made workouts.
Shopping
As home to the world's greatest fashion and design, Paris turns anyone into a shopaholic. Grand old department stores are big draws,
while Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré display the latest luxury creations. In between, pass by traditional markets,
wonderful antiques
and bookshops, and quirky fashion boutiques.
See our selection of Paris' major shopping destinations HERE (Paris Shopping Guide)>>
Gay & Lesbian
Find out the true meaning of "Gay Paree." The French capital has become one of the gayest cities in the world,
with the Marais as arguably the most attractive gay quarter anywhere. But you don't need to be confined to that beautiful historical
district to enjoy the openness of the city's gay life. All of Paris is welcoming and one of today's major gay destinations.
Find out more HERE (Paris Gay Guide)>>
How to go from Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport to the center of the city and back, how to get around using public transportation, and city map HERE (Paris Airports & Transportation Guide)>>
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