How To Pass A Day In Paris.

Getting To Paris:

Most international airlines use Paris's major hubairport, Paris Charles De Gaulle (code- CDG), which is 26kmNorth East of the centre. Quick, free shuttle bus to theairport train station with easy rail connections tocentral Paris (about 40 minutes).

There are also regular airport express buses (45 minutes)to various destinations. Reasonable (if not exactlywonderfully low) prices.

Getting Around In Paris:

The most charming of Paris' public transport options, theunderground Métropolitain (and its sister system, the RER),is a simply massive network. No matter where you are, chances are there's a metro station within a few blocks.

Likewise, the public bus system covers everywhere, but itshours are laughable and don't even try to hop aboard onSunday or a holiday. The Noctambus network takes over in the heavily trafficked areas once both the underground andthe day buses go to sleep.

Métro stations are marked with an "M" or with fancy"Métropolitain" lettering designed by Art Nouveau legendHector Guimard.

The first trains start running around 5:30am, and the lastones leave the end-of-the-line stations (the "portes deParis") for the center of the city at about 12:15am.

Hold onto your ticket until you pass the point markedLimite de Validité des Billets on the way to the exit. Donot count on being able to buy a métro ticket late atnight; some ticket windows close as early as 10pm.

Stay away from the most dangerous stations at night(Barbès-Rochechouart, Pigalle, Anvers, Châtelet-Les-Halles, Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est). Ifconcerned, take a taxi.

Where To Stay:

Hotel Manufacture -8 RUE PHILIPPE DE CHAMPAGNE - 75013Paris
Located in the Gobelins district in the South of Parisjust minutes from the Pantheon, this is the perfect hotelfor business people and visitors seeking charm andquality.
This elegant establishment, decorated with taste andstyle, is a pleasant blend of the past and modern times

Where to eat:

Brasserie Lipp
151 blvd Saint Germain, 6e, metro Saint Germain des Prés.Politicians rub shoulders with intellectuals and editorswhile waiters in dinner jackets serve pricey à la carte dishes at this old-time, wood-panelled café- brasserie.

What To See:

Don't forget to buy the Michelin Map no. 10 (PARIS1:10,000) - an excellent map showing every street andalleyway.

Eiffel Tower. This towering edifice was built for theWorld Fair of 1889, held to commemorate the centenary ofthe French Revolution.

Notre Dame. Built between 1163 and 1345 on the Ile de laCité, the original Roman core of Paris. One of a string offamous Gothic cathedrals in northern France, built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries
Louvre Museum. A museum since 1793, the Louvre started asa royal palace. It has recently (1982-97) been completely- and radically - renovated, vastly improving it. Worthvisiting even if you do not have time to
Arch De Triomphe. Built in the early nineteenth century tocelebrate the victories of Napoleon's 'Grande Armée'.Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with eternal flame, underneath.

Where To Shop:

Christian Dior: 30 Avenue Montaigne, 75008
Loius Vuitton. 54 Avenue Montaigne, 75008
Emporio Armani.149 Boulevard Saint Germain, 75006
Valentino. 17-19 Avenue Montaigne, 75008
Gucci. 2 Rue du Fbg St. Honore, 75008

Entertainment:

Batofar

What looks like a mild-mannered tugboat moored near theimposing Bibliothèque Nationale de France is a rollickingdancing spot that attracts some top international DJ talent. It's open 6pm to 2am Tuesday to Sunday

Rex Club

This huge club is indisputably the hottest place in town for techno and attracts Paris' top DJtalent. It's open 11pm till dawn Wednesday to Sunday.