The City of Light, Art, and Extravagance

A world class metropolis as intensely urban as New York City, with the highest population density in Europe, yet within its peripheral highways you can hardly find signs of urban blight. This is the most meticulously planned city anywhere, an achievement that has won Paris the title "the most beautiful city in the world".

 Cultural Paris: Louvre, Orsay, and Luxembourg

 World's largest and most important museum (Louvre), the world's largest collection of impressionist art (Orsay Museum), these identify Paris as the Western world's foremost cultural city. No other country has amassed as much art or has put as much importance on art as France. Besides, France's largest royal palace - Louvre - astonishes even
 without its priceless collections.

 

 The Louvre, with the adjoining Tuileries Gardens occupy a huge strip of land in the center of Paris' right bank. On fine spring days stylish Parisians are out in force strolling in the vast formal gardens, sunning on the perfectly clipped lawn, or reading in the shade on the many public lounge chairs. The Louvre is a sight to behold - astonishingly vast, ornate, and imposing - while the glass pyramid addition balances the formality of the palace with light and airiness. Inside are miles of grand halls filled with priceless sculptures and paintings; some canvases are as tall as a 3 story building.

 The Luxembourg Garden is smack in the middle of Paris' left bank ("Latin Quarter"), a neighborhood of intellectuals, academics, and politicians. Designed by a queen who grew up in Florence, this formal Italian garden is the favorite playground of left bank Parisians, especially toddlers who sail remote-controlled boats in the big water basin. This sunny, perfectly manicured park away from the hustle-bustle of the city is also our favorite spot to relax and people-watch.

 Belle Epoque Paris

 

 The "Belle Epoque" was the era in the 19th century when Paris assumed its present character with graceful boulevards, grand vistas, and gigantic monuments. It was an era when Paris was the world's capital of prosperity and sophistication. Although now identified with the USA, automobiles and movies were invented in France during the Belle Epoque.

 

 Arc de Triomphe is a great stroke of urban planning. The main axis of Paris from the Louvre extending westward - the famous Champs Elysees avenue - terminates at this magnificent monument. Twelve avenues radiate outward from the arch, creating grand vistas from twelve directions. Eiffel Tower needs no introduction, but it is remarkable that since this pioneering steel skyscraper was built a century ago, others have tried but none have succeeded in creating a more elegant one. Its high design quality has remained timeless.The Opera House (Garnier) is the signature Belle Epoque masterpiece. The neighborhood around it is the high fashion district of Paris, but this is also where we've encountered snotty attitudes from locals.