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Sam asked:


My gf and I are going back to Paris in Nov 07. We are looking for a different hotel than last time and have found the Artus (gf saw it in Elle magazine).

The pictures in Elle / on the website are much nicer than the candid pictures on Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d194278-Reviews-Artus_Hotel-Paris_Ile_de_France.html).

Since its renovation, are the hotel rooms similar to the official website (http://www.expedia.co.uk/pub/agent.dll?qscr=dspv&flag=l&itid=&itdx=&itty=&from=f&foop=0&hwrq=&htid=53532&spsh=&spsi=&crti=4&nfla=1) / tripadvisor pictures or are the advertised pictures a bit misleading?

Thanks in advance.

PS If you have any recent pictures Id be grateful if you could send them to me / link me to them.

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Sam asked:


My gf and I are going back to Paris in Nov 07. We are looking for a different hotel than last time and have found the Artus (gf saw it in Elle magazine).

The pictures in Elle / on the website are much nicer than the candid pictures on Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d194278-Reviews-Artus_Hotel-Paris_Ile_de_France.html).

Since its renovation, are the hotel rooms similar to the official website (http://www.expedia.co.uk/pub/agent.dll?qscr=dspv&flag=l&itid=&itdx=&itty=&from=f&foop=0&hwrq=&htid=53532&spsh=&spsi=&crti=4&nfla=1) / tripadvisor pictures or are the advertised pictures a bit misleading?

Thanks in advance.

PS If you have any recent pictures Id be grateful if you could send them to me / link me to them.

Create a video blog…instantly.

Jen W. asked:

Although many people like to compare New York City to Paris, the City of Light stands in a class all its own in regards to world-renowned attractions, picturesque scenery, and entertainment options. As its many must-see sights fill up your itinerary and the cultural weight of this cosmopolitan wonder begins to overwhelm, don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the amazing beauty that surrounds you every step of the way from your Paris apartment rental to the cobblestone streets of the Champs-Élysées.Paris abounds with spectacular sights that are always simply breathtaking no matter how many times you have stepped foot inside the city limits. The Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur are just a few of the wonders that will leave you spellbound with their sheer beauty and prestige. Consider the endless stream of museums, galleries, restaurants, shopping boutiques, and cozy cafes that are also waiting for you around corner, and it is easy to see why no vacation ever seems long enough in lovely Paris.

With so much to see and do, it is easy to bury your head in a map and make your way from one attraction to another without ever truly appreciating the history that surrounds you every step of the way. You may be walking to the Arc de Triomphe down the Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue in the world, and not even notice the distinct ambiance and significance of that restaurant to your left or the romantic nature of the lights all around you. While Paris certainly stands above other vacation destinations for its unique, one-of-a-kind attractions, there is more to this city than visiting every museum and art gallery that the guide books dictate is a “must-see.”

As a city that prides itself on its distinct atmosphere, the only way to truly experience Paris is by staying directly in the middle of the action and close to all the lively nightlife, laid-back cafes, and quaint restaurants. It is in these places where you can surround yourself with Parisians and get a taste for what life in the city is all about beyond the tourist attractions. If you want the run-of-the-mill getaway, then follow everyone else to the nearest hotel. But if you want a totally unique, completely personalized vacation that leaves ordinary by the wayside, then consider a Paris apartment rental.

Hotels are great for touring the sights since the front desk can give you directions and you can follow the other packs of travelers around the city. However, any guide book or local can guide on your journeys, so you actually aren’t getting more out of a hotel than a place to sleep at night. In complete contrast, Paris vacation rentals allow you to live as if you’ve been in the city for years and are convenient to not only the tourist attractions, but also the local hot spots and hidden treasures that you won’t read about beforehand. As others experience the Paris everyone has written about, you can experience the Paris that exists behind the tourist veil.

Even if this is your first trip to Paris, you certainly want to come back with glamorous tales that extend beyond the Eiffel Towel and the Louvre. Escape down a hidden alley in Montmarte, aimlessly wander around the Latin Quarter, or try out a secret restaurant that your local neighbor recommends. No matter what you have imagined for your dream getaway to Paris, you can make it more your own and infinitely more memorable when you live like a local in a vacation rental. About as off the beaten path as you can get in Paris, it is the ideal accommodations choice for anyone who wants to experience the City of Light on their own terms.

Andre Brue asked:

You are planning on staying a few days or more in Paris for vacation or business trip?You can experience Paris as a Parisian does!

www.Paristay.com offers you a large variety of elegant, modern furnished apartments for rent. All of them are very well located, near Le Louvre, l’Ile de la Cité, la Tour Eiffel, Saint Germain des Prés, les Champs Elysées, and more others world-famous landmarks.

As a tenant, you have the opportunity to live in this exciting city combining Parisian charm with modern facilities and all the comforts of your own home.

Renting out furnished apartments in these locations means you can walk out anytime and visit prestigious exhibitions at Le Louvre , enjoy a cup of coffee at the Champs Elysées, shop in the chic boutiques Haute Couture.

Furnished rental apartments in Paris are the ideal option for visitors: They offer you a lower cost than hotel rooms in the same locations and similar standard.

Furnished rental apartments in Paris also offer you more space, independence and privacy compared to hotels that charge the similar rate.

Furnished rental apartments in Paris offer you the luxuries of a hotel room with the privacy of home. All apartments are fully equipped with internet connection, cooking facilities, washing machine, dishwasher…offering you further savings on your laundry and eating-out bills.

Furnished apartments have the extra space that allows you to conduct undisturbed business meetings, to organise a party with friends, or to spend relaxing time in your living room, watching television or listening music.

If you are planning on using Paristay to book your short term apartment in Paris, here are few things to know:

Apartment reservation is only effective after you’ve made a down payment of the rent and also signed and sent across the signed contract. You will need to pay a security deposit before checking in at your apartment. Security deposits vary from 1week to 2 months rent depending on the duration of your stay. This security deposit is refundable and returned to you if there has been no damage to the apartment. An inventory is done before giving you the keys at check-in. A check-out inventory is done before you give the keys back.

Come to Paris with Paristay and stay in a rental furnished apartment, you’ll feel like staying in the warm atmosphere of a close friend’s apartment!

Rachel Harding asked: One of the favorite city destinations in Western Europe noted for its romantic appeal is Paris,it sits on the banks of the river Seine and is also known as the City of Lights. Paris short stays of a few days, often over a long weekend are the normal way to see it,most people promise to return as so much they wanted to see will have been missed.This city is also equally well known for its gothic architecture and markets; the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre must not go unmentioned. Fortunately for tourists, Paris has a first rate transportation system,there is an excellent underground system called the Metro which runs regular trains into the city center and is very easy to understand.

You can’t miss the Eiffel Tower, mainly because it’s over three hundred meters high,it can be seen from any point within the city and the superb views just can’t be matched by those looking at it from the ground. In the evening the illumination means it can be seen for many miles,guided tours are available where the patriotic tour guides give you an in depth history and an insight to what it is to be French.

A walk along the Champs Elysees is essential when you visit Paris it will present you with many famous designer shops and good restaurants. This is an up-market area that attracts thousands of tourists each day,the exclusive five star hotels situated in this more select part of the city might be out of most visitors price range.

A trip to would not be complete without a visit to the Louvre museum. It houses over three hundred thousand exhibits but not all of them are ever on display at the same time. The problem is a Paris short stay will only ever provide a glimpse of what can be seen here; with the likes of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to view in addition to some of the finest collections of art in the world. Paris has always been a magnetic destination for artists, chances are that you will have the opportunity to see a number of famous paintings whilst you’re visiting.

Of course, Napoleon commissioned the construction of the Arc de Triomphe, another Paris landmark, the names of his generals engraved upon it to honor them and his troops. It also features an observatory to take in surrounding views,it stands in the place where the city’s main avenues begin including the Champs Elysees.

This city has a huge variety of places to visit, many of these have not even mentioned here; these are however, the most popular with regular tours arranged, many of which are either free or at a subsidized cost. A Paris short stay vacation will probably be best suited as just a taster of the city; anything else on your to see list can wait for your next trip.

Marty Davis asked: Europe has a great history and lots of different museums, and France is no exception where they are dotted all over the country, but there are an incredible amount of museums in Paris itself that you can visit.Probably one of the most well known French Museums in Paris is The Louvre, which is famous for the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinchi and this place can take at least a day or more to get round to see all the exhibits and you need a pair of walking shoes for this one!  But the popular Musee d’Orsay situated in the former Paris railway station on the left bank of the River Seine picks up where The Louvre leaves off and features mainly French art.

The Palais de Tokyo is another popular museum especially with the younger generation and situated in an art-deco palace holding only temporary exhibitions, it is open until midnight and has become known as the most creative and fun museum in Paris.

But you can also get to visit a traditional home of one of the famous artists or authors, like the home of Victor Hugo who wrote The Hunchback of Notre dame, or seeing Honor Balzac’s house where he made it a place of refuge and it even had an escape hatch to get away from the debtors that he owed money to, which is now part of the Musee du Vin wine museum.

Or for a completely different scene, why not visit the Musée Cernuschi with its collection of Asian art, or the more modern Fondation Le Corbusier who became a pioneer in modern design and dedicated time to plans for providing better living conditions for people living in crowded cities.

There are lots of museums that are dedicated to famous artists and sculptors such as Musee Rodin and the Picasso Museum, but to step back in time and get a feel for how some of them lived and worked a visit to the Musee Bourdelle or the Gustave Moureau museum is well worth the time.

However, just in the city of Paris there are lots of museums dedicated to specific topics, such as the Musée des Egouts or Paris Sewers Museum, where you go beneath the city to discover their history and how they work, or you have the catacombs, which are again underground.

But keeping above ground, there are other museums in Paris dedicated to specific themes like the Musée de la Musique, dedicated to music and musical instruments that even has a Stradivarius violin and the Musee de la Poste, dedicated to the French Postal Service.  Or perhaps you have an interest in dolls, as the Musée de la Poupée is all about dolls and their history, plus they even do valuations and repairs to antique dolls and teddy bears.  The Musee du Vin is dedicated to the French past-time of wine and wine making and here you can even have wine tasting sessions and enjoy a meal in their restaurant.

Paris has such a wide variety of museums for all the family to enjoy like going inside a decommissioned submarine, visiting the air and space museum and going inside a Boeing 747 or Concorde or going up the tower at the Notre Dame Cathedral to see the gargoyles.

There is so much more on offer than just the traditional art scene and you could spend months just visiting museums, without even contemplating any other monuments and landmarks in Paris, which is another major part of the French History that this incredible city is so proud of.

Yet we would like to point out that all the museums are closed for at least one day of the week and this is usually on a Monday or Tuesday, for instance The Louvre is closed on a Tuesday and therefore other popular museums get exceedingly busy on this day.

Also at certain state run museums you can gain free entry on the first Sunday of every month, however, if you do decide to choose this option, be prepared for the large crowds and long queues, especially at some of the more well known and famous museums!  But one option for jumping the queues is to purchase a Paris Pass that gains you entry into more than sixty different museums and attractions.

But we have found that you really do need to plan in advance exactly where you wish to go, otherwise you will definitely run out of time, mind you, this could be a good excuse for returning to Paris on another holiday in France!

Gaizka Pujana asked:

The Louvre in general is a must, of this I’m sure many concur, but it’s a big place and without specific recommendations one can quite literally spend weeks there.The Winged Victory of Samothrace stands tall and proud protecting the staircase and entry to the Olympia Room, home to the department of Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities, much as she may once have stood proud on the island of Smothrace an offering from the people of Rhodes to memorialize a second century BCE Victory. The female figure of Victory is balanced on the prow of the ship with her drapery billowing behind her, highlighting a strong masterful torso, her right hand is cupped in order that all will hear her announcement in the theatre of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods which when in situ she overlooked.

Standing at nearly three and a half meters tall, she was sculpted in the round from one piece of Parian Marble with her arms and wings created separately, the Winged Victory of Samothrace captivates her audience, and moving away from her is like removing oneself from a spell. Once you have seen her you will never forget her, and whether you where a sculpture fan before or not, you will, in one moment, understand what beauty is.

Highlighting the Winged Victory as the must see spot of Paris is of course an incredibly precise choice and really, the entire of the department of Roman, Greek, and Etruscan antiquities is an absolute must when visiting Paris; as are the Egyptian Antiquities; oh, and the Islamic art truly requires a visit but then we have returned to the same problem; a whole week must be dedicated to the Louvre alone, and let’s not forget she is just one of Paris’s hundreds of Gems.

The Louvre is quite literally the most visited museum in the world with over six million visitors per annum. It opens every day except Tuesdays, from 9am to 6pm with the exception of public holidays, and remains open to 10pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. Located on the right bank of the Seine river, it is accessible by all means of public transport. Accommodation in the vicinity is no problem and as it is at the heart of the city it’s a very good option to choose as your base. Paris is not a cheap city to stay in but it is certainly full of quality and luxurious options. Of course there are hotels in abundance with decent ones starting at around $100 per night; but many travelers have been opting in recent years for private apartments. A private apartment will be rented out by the week and will come fully furnished and with a fully equipped kitchen. The move towards self catering is largely due to people’s desire for space and privacy, both of which are hard to find in a hotel unless you are in a suite. For the other end of the budget, hostels can be found for around $25 for a bed in a dorm.

Pius Victor Ephenus asked:

Paris is an old city full of intrigue with a long history; it’s location straddling the banks of the river Seine make it a beautiful city to visit. For most people visiting Paris, a short stay is often the way they first see the city; you will however, discover that more time is required to fully appreciate what it has to offer.It is known for its wonderful buildings, style, excellent food and wine; the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre must not go unmentioned. Visitors to Paris as well as its citizens can travel around Paris easily; the Metro underground train network will probably be the main method as it runs regularly and reaches every part of the city.

No visit would be complete without a trip to the top of the almost 1,000 feet tall Eiffel tower; it can be seen throughout most locations around the city. Illuminated at night it dominates the city’s skyline; it is possible to take organized tours which tell the story of the Tower and the history of France.

A walk along the Champs Elysees is essential when you visit Paris; if you want to see famous, designer label shops and the restaurants, this is the place. When you visit this region of the city you will see it is a much more select area; top class hotels are found here, although if you want to stay at a more reasonably priced hotel, they are available outside of the city center.

The city’s famous museum, the Louvre is huge and worth a visit if you have the time; with almost a third of a million exhibits, you will not be able to see everything in one trip. It would be easy for anyone on a Paris short stay vacation to spend all their time here; some of the world’s most important art collections including the infamous Mona Lisa are on display. Paris has attracted world famous artists for hundreds of years; painters like Monet and Picasso spent many years here and a large number of their art works can be seen in Paris today.

Paris is also the home of the equally famous Arc de Triomphe which Napoleon had constructed in the early part of the 19th century; it provides visitors with a wonderful photo experience because it contains the names of every one of his generals. Many people do not know that an observatory was included in the design which affords great views of the surrounding area; in particular those obtained along the lanes that lead from it.

You will not be at a loss for places to visit whilst in the city; these are however, the most popular with regular tours arranged, many of which are either free or at a subsidized cost. Unfortunately, short stays in Paris can be demanding on visitors; what you aren’t able to this time will have to wait for another occasion.

Stephen Morgan asked:

Paris is one of those places you never forget. From having spent some time there as a young student on holiday the memories are quite vivid and long-lasting.From being a typical student and partying too hard with the resultant monumental hangover and trying to recover on the steps of Sacre-Coeur. Spending time in quiet reflection at such locations as the “Jeu de Paume.” Trying to get your head around the weirdness and wackiness of the likes of Dali, Magritte and Picasso after having savoured the serenity And peace of the likes of Monet and Camille Pissarro.

Paris certainly has a wide variety of life. Yes France may have its socioeconomic problems like everyone else but like others they manage. You can find it quite easy to forget about the worries and strains of everyday life in certain parts of Paris.

Life in Paris has the ability to marry successfully the new with the old. Alongside the dignity and Splendour of the more established Paris you have the bustling vibrancy of the new.

You have in Paris, some of the world’s most beautiful buildings and some of the most striking pieces of modern architecture. Just down the street from Elegance and Splendour you have buildings covered in bullet marks and fading plaster that obviously haven’t been looked at since 1945.

Yet stop and ask the typical Parisian why this is and certainly with regards to the fading plasterwork and bookmarks and like the madrilenos asked about some of Madrid’s fading glory they are just as likely to shrug their shoulders and indicate that there are actually more important issues in the world.

Who is to say they are wrong and indeed in a great many cases they are not.

But back to why I like Paris.

The answer lies with the fact that with the minimum of effort everyone is catered for in Paris. Whilst the majority of us relax among some of the most beautiful urban parkland to be found or gazing at some of the most stunning architecture, the more “high brow” amongst us can visit some of the worlds finest museums and art galleries.

From the mighty splendour of the “Musee de Louvre” (the world’s largest museum everyone please note) to some of the more obscure but no less worthy museums such as the “Musee Carnavalet”, and the “Musee National du Moyen-Age”, Paris has something for everyone. Relax and chill in some of the most beautiful parkland in the world such as “Le Jardin du Luxembourg” or “Le Garden des Tuileries” whilst your art loving partners browse the world famous artefacts of the Louvre!

For the religiously inclined amongst us there is the awesome splendour of Notre Dame and for the sheer natural view of Paris there is always the steps of Sacre Coeur in Montmartre which is where we came in if I am not too mistaken.

Yes there is something for everyone in Paris.

Daniel Jowssey asked: As the old song says, Paris is at its best in springtime, even if it is sometimes a little wet. In winter Paris has all sorts of cultural events going on, while in summer the weather is warm and lazy – sometimes sizzling. In August, when Parisians flee for the beaches to the west and south, many restaurateurs lock up and leave town too, but this is changing rapidly and you’ll find considerably more places open in summer than even a decade ago. Things can get a bit hectic around Bastille Day and towards the end of the year so reservations at this time are a good idea.One of the favorite attractions in Paris is the Paris Dinner Cruise. The Bateaux Parisiens is a boat cruise through Paris with views of the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. You will hear a singer, violin music and other musicians on this dinner cruise. The dinner cruise is spectacular for everyone. The food is divine and views of Paris are amazing. Because the boat has openness with transparent enclosures, everyone sees everything. A trip to Paris and a diner cruise is just what you need for a wonderful night of romance.

Romance and cheap holidays to Paris might find you in the famous Le Lido De Paris. The remarkable nightclub is one that you can visit for a show or a show and dinner. Le Lido De Paris is one of the finest nightclubs you will ever have a chance to experience. If you like the cabaret shows, Le Bal Du Monlin Rouge is a fantastic place to see a show. Cheap holidays to Paris cannot get any better than this. You are in for a treat when you plan your nights at a show or a dinner cruise in Paris.

The best way to get a full look at Paris in one day is with the full day tour of Paris. The shuttle will take you to the highlighted areas of Paris to give you a feel of the city before you venture out on your own. The tour takes you to Louvre Museum, where you are introduced to the main rooms at the museum. Later, you will find yourself at the Eiffel Tower for lunch. Here you can take some time to explore the tower. Then you travel to the Notre Dame Cathedral where you will see a beautiful sight. The river ride is a great way to see areas you would not see if you were walking the streets of Paris.

Cheap holidays to Paris will leave you with nothing but fun and excitement. Disneyland Paris is fun filled time for the family or for anyone. You are never too young or to old for Disneyland. Spend the entire day having fun and remember what it was like to be a kid. Parents have more fun than the kids do sometimes. If you need some relaxation, you might find some other areas of Paris just as delightful.

The markets throughout Paris are the perfect way to enhance your cheap holidays to Paris. Everyone loves to shop and the markets have something for everyone. You will find something that amuses or amazes you. Paris has an area of interest around every corner. If you thought the Louvre Museum was exciting on the day tour, you might want to head back there and spend some leisurely time seeing the other parts of the museum that you might not have seen. There is always something to do in Paris whether it is romantic or for family fun.