domingo, 8 de mayo de 2016

TO PARIS!

We have decided to travel to Paris because it is a city very rich culturally. You can get lost and walk through the parks, streets, gardens, enjoy the architecture or sit on a terrace for drink coffee and think that you are in a bohemian city.  It is not a distant city, and in one word is spectacular.  And we'll tell you about our travel:
We traveled from December 20 th until January 2 th to coincide in Christmas holidays, at Christmas the atmosphere is wonderful. 
We went from the airport of Tenerife, Los Rodeos at 6:30 am and arrived in Paris about 11:45 pm, on the return trip we took the plane at Paris Beauvais-Tille Airport at 12:15 am and arrived to Tenerif at about 1:25 pm.  
We decided to stay in an apartment because hotels are very expensive in Paris center, we were in apartment Rue Saint-Roch, and we found an offer that includes apartment and free bonuses to the subway.  We only use the subway like transport. It was great!

PLACES TO VISIT
In Paris there are plenty of places to visit, the most prominent are: 
-          Torre Eiffel
The Eiffel Tower, with over a century of history, has become over time a symbol of Paris and the world's most visited monument.

-          Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame is the largest Gothic cathedral in France. Its construction lasted almost 100 years and began in the twelfth century. 

-          Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is next to the Eiffel Tower, the most representative of Paris monument. With two centuries of history the Arc de Triomphe has lived the most important moments of France.

-          Panteon
The Pantheon in Paris was the first major monument of the city. It was the first place from where you could see Paris. 

-          Les Invalides

National des Invalides was as a residence for retired soldiers of the service. Today it houses the tomb of Napoleon.
-          Opera Garnier

Opera Garnier form the National Opera of Paris. The imposing building was built by Napoleon III. 

-          Basílica of Sacred Heart
 The Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur) is one of the most important places of worship in Paris. It is located at the top of Montmartre, that is a neighborhood.


-          Sainte Chapelle
 The Sainte Chapelle is one of the most famous Gothic churches in the world. 

-          The Palace of Versailles
Declared Heritage Site. The Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous palaces worldwide. Here the end of the First World War was signed.

-          Chapelle Expiation
Chapel Atonement is a memorial built where were buried Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette after his execution. 

-          Conciergerie
One of the toughest prisons in the period.

-          Musée du Louvre
It is one of the most impressive museums in the world. Awaits La Gioconda of Leonardo Da Vinci. TINO

-          Place de la Concorde
The second largest square in France. There Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette had a tragic end to be executed by guillotine.

-          Disneyland Paris
It is a spectacular amusement park where you can see several Disney characters.

SOUVENIRS
The souvenirs can be postcards, ornaments, the most important monuments to scale, for example, key chains with urban motifs, or t-shirts daily, for example I love Paris. 
Gatronomia
As regard to gastronomic, the French cuisine is considered one of the best in the world, something that makes Paris one of the most reputable gastronomic capitals.
French cuisine is very rich and varied thanks to the quality of raw materials and the cultural diversity that has France.
Some typical dishes are:
·         Foie gras:  fattened duck liver.
·         Escargots: that are snails
·         Quiche Lorraine: Salty cake made of eggs and cream, and other ingredients such as meat and cheese
·         Crepes: cake of flour that can have both ingredients, salty like sweets. 
·         Coq au vin: Chicken with vegetables cooked in wine. 
·         Boeuf Bourguignon: Meat braised beef in red wine.  
·         Ratatouille concoction with eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and basil.

Usually they tend, lunch and dinner sooner than we are used in Spain. Most restaurants are open from 12:00am to 15:00am and 19:30pm to 23:00pm.  



As regards to restaurants, there are several typical restaurants that are very good, we have visited:

-Artisan Boulanger Patissier: In Rue Saint-Dominique 112, They serve delicious breads and desserts.

- Casa Milano: 178 Rue de Grenelle, They serve burgers, fish and chips, salads and desserts. It is ideal for lunch.

- Kozy Salon Urbain: 79 Avenue Bosquet,  here coffee is freshly ground grain, cakes, muffins, cookies and other desserts are handmade and seasonal ingredients.  

 

- Le Criée: 15 de la rue Lagrang. It is a great place to eat fish. 


FESTIVALS
-          In  January February -  Chinese New Year
-          In March may-  Foire du Trône
-          April- Paris Marathon
-          June-  is Gay pride
-          July - Lavagem do Sacré Cœur, procession in Montmartre
-          September- Ganesh festival with traditional costumes of India.
-          October-  Harvest Festival, the new harvest.
-          November- Armistice Day, celebrate the end of the First World War.
-          December- feast of St. Sylvester walks thought the les Champs Elysees.