The legend of Paris was shaped by unconventional artists, architects, writers and poets, painters and outcasts who found their place in the world right here. Who does not dream of travelling to this undisputed capital of the world?
A Legend Equal to Reality
Many people travel to Paris to finally confront the legend with reality, which in this case certainly will not disappoint anyone. On the contrary—it surprises and delights at every turn, and even exceeds the boldest expectations. It is an unceasing source of inspiration, attracting not only the elite but also globetrotters who may grow bored with any place, but never with Paris—here they feel at home.
Travelling today is not tiring—the flight from Warsaw takes approximately two hours, and it is also possible to find really interesting seasonal flight deals to Paris. Everyone can easily find information on airline websites or price comparison sites. It is often cheaper before and after the holiday season, while Paris takes your breath away in spring and autumn.
A Few Must-See Places
Where should you begin exploring the legendary city? It is not easy to decide. In fact, even landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport makes an impression and amazes visitors with its monumental halls and kilometres of terminals stretching seemingly without end. The Musee d'Orsay is an absolutely essential stop when visiting Paris. It is a paradise for lovers of the art of the second half of the 19th century and the Fin de Siecle. There are so many outstanding works here that it is difficult to single any out—somewhere in a side room, you may unexpectedly come across a collection of works by Degas, while a self-portrait by Van Gogh hangs modestly in a row with other paintings.
Most tourists head to the top of the Eiffel Tower—the lift travels from the bottom all the way to the top, although it is possible to cover most of the route on foot. Anyone who chooses such an excursion forgets all the effort involved upon reaching the summit, when they look from above at the network of narrow streets and corners in the panorama of Paris, intersected by the blue ribbon of the Seine. A similar view can be admired from the steps of the eclectic Sacre-Coeur Basilica, located on Montmartre hill—the artists’ district. Montmartre itself looks charming from Notre Dame Cathedral, made famous by Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
Paris—the City Where Anything Is Possible
It is also worth discovering the lesser-known face of Paris—uncrowded places whose beauty can be savoured during long walks. This is how you reach the Latin Quarter and visit the Panthéon, where all those who served the Republic are buried, including Maria Skłodowska-Curie. A little outside the city stands the Palace of Versailles—a residence of Louis XIV, tempting visitors with its richness and grandeur.
That is not all, merely a drop in the ocean of outstanding places and delights offered by this mythical city—an ever-awake witness to exhilarating emotions, champagne-fuelled celebrations, world-class successes and, at times, equally spectacular downfalls. It is from the latter that true Parisian art is born.