The appeal of Italy is enduring, countless travellers have been charmed by its mountains, art, landscapes, people and food.

You could ski and walk in the Alps then travel to Venice to explore its waterways before discovering the vineyards and Renaissance art and architecture of Tuscany, enjoying Florence and perhaps the famous Palio in Siena.

The capital, Rome, is the perfect city-break destination whilst on the coast head to Sorrento and its big-city-neighbour, Naples, where you will be able to visit Pompeii, join the wealthy on delightful Capri and climb Vesuvius.

If its volcanoes you seek you’ll find these and much, much more on the delightful island of Sicily (click here to access the seperate and comprehensive Sicily Travel Guide), where you can walk on Mount Etna’s still-active slopes or embark on a cultural journey around some of the world’s most important ancient sites.

Italy has something for everyone and needs more than just one visit to discover its secrets.

The major attractions in Paris get over 23 million visitors each year. With the city’s numerous museums and monuments in the grand ‘City of Lights’, all of these attractions offer somethings special. Visit them and experience the French culture.

Eiffel Tower

This is one of the most recognisable monuments in the world, and it is a stunning piece of architecture to behold. You can take a lift to the top for a broad and very spectacular view of Paris. The Eiffel Tower alone attracts over 6 million visitors a year.

Arc de Triomphe

Climb to the top for one of the best views of Paris. No quite as high as the Eiffel Tower! But since the city is relatively flat, the panoramic view on this level is actually better. The arch attracts over one and a half million visitors every year.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is most probably the world’s most famous art museum,and venue to the world’s most famous work of art by Leonardo da Vinci, the”Mona Lisa”.
The museum was established way back in 1793. It is one of the oldest museums in the whole of Europe. Its amazing collections span centuries.

Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou features a wonderful collection of modern art within its creatively designed building. It also features a cinema, concerts and children’s activities. The Centre attracts 5.5 million visitors annually.

Cite des Sciences at de l’Industrie

An interesting ‘hands-on’ science museum that attracts over two and a half million visitors each year. It features many wonderful exhibits including anatomy and biology etc.

Musee d’Orsay

This museum is not as big as the Louvre, but its Impressionist collection is one of the best in the world. The museum is housed in what was once a rail station and it has the atmosphere and character which reflect this. The Musee d’Orsay attracts over two million visitors per year

Paris & Northern France Tourist Information Guide

Paris is the city of eternal romance. You’ll never be short of things to do here with dozens of unmissable sights and of course Disneyland® Paris Theme Park to visit.  Beyond this vibrant city, some of the best sandy beaches in France lie in Picardy, whilst Champagne boasts beautiful unspoilt countryside. Eurocamp Independent’s guide to Paris Tourist Information includes links to the best campsites in Paris, with details of Paris tourist attractions and sightseeing suggestions to make the most of your holiday experience.

Eating out in Paris

While you are in Northern France, try to eat where the locals do. Search out the cheaper restaurants away from the obvious tourist spots. For picking up some specialities in Paris head to the flea markets, or to Fauchon on Place de la Madeleine for wonderful foodie treats.

Restaurants need not be expensive and every ‘quarter’ has its reasonably priced bistros. Many restaurants in Paris are closed on Sundays and during August. Cafés are a Parisian institution and the obvious places for a break from sightseeing. Best known for pavement cafés are the boulevards such as the Champs-Elysées, but more atmospheric cafés are to be found on the Left Bank.

Paris Sightseeing and Culture

Must see locations and information for tourists visiting Paris:

The Eiffel Tower
Built in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition.  A lift runs to the top and there are a number of restaurants and souvenir shops on the two lower platforms.

Notre-Dame
This is the oldest and one of the most beautiful parts of Paris. The cathedral has been the centre of Parisian life for eight centuries.

Louvre Museum
Built in 1546 as a palace for François I, the Louvre now contains over 400,000 works of art, including the world famous painting of Mona Lisa.

Place De La Concorde
Spanning 8.5 hectares, this is one of the world’s most impressive squares.

Theme park fun
Don’t miss Disneyland® Paris, Parc Asterix and Nausicaa Sea Life Centre, all in this region.

Parks
Most parks within the city are formal, and you cannot therefore sit on the grass. There are plenty of seats though and many parks (such as the Champ de Mars and the Jardin de Luxembourg) provide children’s entertainments such as puppet shows.

Boat Trips
A good way of seeing the sights, many of which stand on or near the banks of the Seine. ‘Bâteaux-Mouches’ (open or glass top boats) run regularly from near the Pont de l’Alma (right bank).

Concerts
There are many classical concerts, often in the better known churches, including Notre-Dame on Sunday evenings. There are concerts every day at the ‘Auditorium des Halles’, and experimental modern music can be heard at the Pompidou Centre.

Opera
There are two Opera Houses – the ‘Opéra de La Bastille’ (Métro Bastille), built in 1989 to commemorate the Bicentenary of the French Revolution and the ‘Opéra Garnier’ (Métro Opéra), a traditional building with magnificent decoration, particularly in the great staircase and foyer.

Theatre
See the press for details of performances. ‘Cafés-théâtres’ and informal club-type theatres, can be very enjoyable if you understand any French. Theatres tend to close for the month of August.

Jazz Clubs
Another typically Parisian institution. Good ones in the Latin Quarter, including ‘Caveau de la Huchette’ (Métro St. Michel), also ‘La Paillote’ (Métro Odéon).

Shopping in Paris

Whether it’s shopping for delicacies or for fashion, Paris is a dreamland for all. Parisian food shops and markets can be interesting even if you do not wish to buy. Flea markets (‘Marchés aux Puces’) are very much a feature of Paris at weekends. The most famous (and therefore quite expensive) is at the Porte de Clignancourt on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Others are at the Porte de Montreuil, the Place d’Aligre (Métro Ledru Rollin) and the Porte de Vanves.

How to get to Paris and Northern France

Take a short sea crossing to Calais with a drive of about 4 hours to Paris, or take a longer crossing to Caen, leaving a drive of between 2-3 hours depending on your site.

Transportation and Travelling around Paris

The underground (Métro) system is certainly the most convenient way to get around Paris as it is quick, efficient and relatively inexpensive. Tickets can be bought in books (‘carnets’) of 10, and there is a standard price for all journeys, but check your ticket applies to all zones that you wish to travel to.

The same tickets are used on the buses and the métro. Within Paris, one ticket is now sufficient to cover any journey. In the outskirts, two tickets may be required for longer journeys.

All taxis have a display panel on the roof and are only allowed to pick up from ranks (‘stations de taxi’). Rates are shown in each cab.

Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark. It is located on the island of Sjaelland, one of several larger islands (there are 482 islands in total) and a peninsula that make up the Kingdom of Denmark. Although Danish is the official language, nearly everyone speaks perfect English. Visit these tourist attractions to experience the history and culture of the 800-year old capital city of Denmark.

City Museum of Copenhagen

Learn about the physical development of the city of Copenhagen from the Middle Ages to the present day at the City Museum. Exhibits include a permanent collection of 18th and 19th Century paintings, Copenhagen Underground, which examines Copenhagen’s infrastructure, and half-size models of houses and streets from Copenhagen’s past. Guided tours are offered and there is a museum shop and cafe.

Royal Naval Museum

Located in the Christianshavn section of Copenhagen, the Royal Naval Museum boasts a collection of 400 ship models of varying sizes. These ship models along with photographs, engravings, paintings, artifacts and instruments dating to the mid 17th Century illustrate the history of shipbuilding in Denmark. Wander around the museum on your own or take a guided tour.

Rosenborg Castle

Located on the small island of Slotsholmen (Palace Island), Rosenborg Castle was the summer retreat of King Christian IV during the 17th Century. It is an example of the Dutch Renaissance style and was opened to the public 1838 as a museum. It features a collection of tapestries, furniture, paintings, and decorative arts original to the palace. The Royal Crown Jewels are housed in vaults in the basement of the castle and the gardens are worth a visit as well.

Christiansburg Palace

Also located on Slotsholmen is Christiansburg Palace, home of the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court. It is also where the prime minister’s office is located. Some sections of the palace are open to the public such as the Royal Reception Rooms, and guided tours are available.

The current palace was built in the 18th Century. Below it are the remains of the first castle and home of the founder of Copenhagen, Archbishop Absalon, which date to the 12th Century. Other attractions on the island include the Royal Carriages and Stables Museum, the Royal Arsenal Museum, The Royal Library, the Theater Museum, and the Palace Church.

Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory

Founded in the late 18th Century, the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory is famous for its Flora Danica porcelain and blue and white patterned Christmas plates. Originally a privately owned factory, it nearly went bankrupt and was rescued by the royal family, who owned it for nearly a century before it reverted back to private ownership once again. Guided tours are available along with exhibits of early porcelain pieces. Visitors can tour the workshop studios where the porcelain is hand painted, and classes in hand painting porcelain are also offered.

Tivoli Gardens

Built in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is located in the center of Copenhagen near City Hall Square. Tivoli Gardens is worth a visit, especially at night. Set within a large garden, it is one of oldest amusement parks in the world–complete with rides, a theater, concerts, and restaurants. At night, the lights adorning the trees, shrubs, and buildings are lit up, giving Tivoli Gardens a magical glow.

Carlsberg Brewery

The Carlsberg Brewery is a twenty-minute bus ride from the center of Copenhagen. Carlsberg is the most well known name in beer in the country of Denmark. Through a self-guided tour, exhibitions, and an observation deck, visitors can learn about the beer making process and enjoy a sample at the onsite pub. The brewery is owned by the Carlsberg Foundation, and is a major supporter of Danish arts, antiquities, culture and design.