Paris

Paris, the capital of France, ranks consistently as one of the most liked cities in the world. The Cradle of Paris is Ile de la Cite, a small island in the middle of the Seine River. Paris then first developped along the river, and from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower or the Place de la Concorde to Notre-Dame, its evolution and its history can be seen from the river. The central portion of the banks form a very homogeneous ensemble and makes for a fine walk. The banks of the Seine are UNESCO World Heritage Site. The right bank of the Seine is dominated by the large perspectives due to the avenues designed by Haussman in the 19th century. The most prominent of them is the one extending from the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe, through the Champs Elysees, France most famous avenue. By contrast, the Montmartre quarter, perched on a steep hill, with its narrow streets, staircases, gardens, and even a vineyard, has retained some traits of a village. Paris truly deserves her nickname of the City of Light. Many of the monuments are even more beautiful illuminated at night than during the day.