Regional Information
Paris
At a Glance
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: 2.15 million
Language: French, English widely spoken
Local Time: Irish and UK time +1 hour
Voltage: 230V – continental adaptors purchased in Ireland / UK can be used
Flight Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Climate: Paris is at its best during the temperate spring (March to May) and autumn months. In winter, there are all sorts of cultural events to tempt the visitor, but school holidays can clog the streets. August is usually hot and sticky, and it is also when many Parisians take their yearly vacations.
Overview
Long considered the paragon of style, Paris is the most glamorous city in Europe. It is at once deeply traditional – a village-like metropolis whose inhabitants continue to be notorious for their hauteur – and famously cosmopolitan. While such contradictions and contrasts may be the reality of any city, they are the makings of Paris: consider the tiny lanes and alleyways of the Quartier Latin or Montmartre against the monumental vistas from the Louvre to La Defense; the multiplicity of street markets and old-fashioned pedestrian arcades against the giant underground commercial complexes of Montparnasse and Les Halles; or the aristocratic wealth of the grand quarters against the vibrant chaos of the poorer districts. At times, Paris can feel inhumanly magnificent, the arrogance of its monuments encompassing the chilly pomp of the Pantheon, the industrial chic of the Eiffel Tower and the almost spiritual glasswork of the Louvre pyramid. Yet it also operates on a very human scale, with exquisite, secretive little nooks tucked away from the Grands Boulevards and very definite little communities revolving around games of boules and the local boulangerie and cafe.
Highlights
Eiffel Tower - The tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen. It is the tallest structure in Paris and possibly the most recognized symbol in the world. It is the most visited monument in the world; 6,428,441 people visited the tower in 2005.
The Louvre Museum - It is the largest, oldest, most important and famous art gallery and museum in the world. The Louvre has a long history of artistic and historic conservation, from the Capetian dynasty until today. The building was previously a royal palace, and is famous for holding several of the world's most prestigious works of art, such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, The Virgin and Child with St. Anne, Madonna of the Rocks and Alexandros of Antioch's Venus de Milo.
The Arc de Triomphe - This is a monument that stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly the Place de l'Etoile, at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. It is the linchpin of the historic axis (L'Axe historique) leading from the courtyard of the Louvre Palace, a sequence of monuments and grand thoroughfares on a route leading out of Paris. The monument stands over 51 meters (167 feet) in height and is 45 meters (148 feet) wide. It is the second largest triumphal arch in existence. Its design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus; The Arc de Triomphe is so colossal that an early daredevil flew his plane through it.
Notre Dame - Probably the most famous Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame is a superb example of the Rayonnant style. Two massive Early Gothic towers crown the western facade, which is divided into three stories and has doors adorned with Early Gothic carvings and surmounted by a row of figures of Old Testament kings. The single-arch flying buttresses at the eastern end are notable for their boldness and grace. Its three great rose windows, which retain their 13th-century glass, are of awe-inspiring beauty. Notre Dame de Paris is French for "Our Lady of Paris", meaning the church in Paris dedicated to the Virgin Mary. While a major tourist destination, it is still used as a Roman Catholic cathedral.
Getting Around
The city is easily accessible by foot. The Paris subway system, called the Metro, is one of the wonders of the city, part of its folklore, and a tourist attraction in its own right. It can whisk you across town in minutes, in safety and comfort. There are over 14,000 taxis in Paris, but like in big cities everywhere, when it rains they all disappear!
Health/Security
Visitors to France will be pleased to know that the drinking water is safe in many areas, although many travellers do choose to buy bottled water instead because they are unaccustomed to the taste of French water. Paris is essentially a safe city but has a reputation for young pick-pockets especially in crowds and on the Metro during high tourist season. Generally, tourists should take the precautions they would in any major city. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or leaving belongings unattended.
Passport/Visa
France is a member of the EU; therefore no visa is required for Irish / UK citizens.
Useful Contacts
Irish Embassy: 12 avenue Foch, 75116 Paris
Tel: + 33 1 441 76 700, Fax: + 33 1 441 76 750
Web: www.embassyofireland.fr
British Embassy: 18bis rue d’Anjou, 75008 Paris
Tel: + 33 1 44 51 31 00, Fax: + 33 1 44 51 31 27
Web: www.ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en
Local Emergency Services: Police: 17 / Fire: 18 / Ambulance: 15
Calling Paris from Irl / UK: 00 + 33 + 1 + the number
Calling Ireland from Paris: 00 + 353 + area code + the number
Calling the UK from Paris: 00 + 44 + area code + the number
Local Tourist Office: 25, rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris
Tel: + 33 8 92 68 3000 (0.34 €/min)
Useful Websites
www.roughguides.com
www.lonelyplanet.com