What to see in Paris France on a 5 days visit

Paris - "The city of lights" got it's nickname in 1828 when it began lighting the Champs de Elysees with gas lamps, and continued to keep the name, as it is considered, to be the most lit city in Europe. This beautiful exciting city, that draws visitors from all over the world, should be visited leisurely, enjoying all it has to offer, but if five days is all you can stay, here my favourites.

1. The Champs Elysees is one of the most beautiful boulevards in the world, stretching from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, it encompasses some of the most memorable shopping areas, having a large varity of fashion stores; the best places to dine -with a choice of restaurants; and many of the top hotels right in the midst of all the excitement. Whether you shop, dine or stay on the Champs de Elysees, it is worth spending time just browsing thru all it has to offer.

2. When you get to the Place de la Concorde, spend some time in the Tuileries Gardens es Tuileries, which stretches along the banks of the Seine, where one can enjoy the beautiful statues, flowers and cafes.

3, Leaving the gardens it is a short walk to one of the greatest Museum in the world - The Louvre. First it was a Royal fortress, then a residence of kings, and it is now the largest Museum in the world, with over 35,000 works of Art in eight departments. Due to its vastness, it is best to know what you wish to visit rather than trying to see it all. Among its many outstanting features is the Pyramid, in the main courtyard, surrounded by three smaller pyramids, it is also the entrance to the Museum.

4. Notre Dame Cathedral dominates the Seine and Ile-de-la-Cite. Originally built as a Temple to Jupiter - in the fifth century - it has been rebuilt many times over the years and has been used for many purposes.
a. The Crusaders prayed here before leaving on their holy wars;
b. it was pillaged during the French Revolution;
c. Napoleon crowned himself Emperor here and his wife, Josephine Empress, and In 1768
geographers decided all distances in France would be measured from Notre Dame. But it
is the art of the Gothic Cathedral, not its history, that draws visitors.
a.The west front contains 28 statues representing the Monarchs of Judea and Israel;
b.Three portals depict - the Last Judgment, the Madonna and Child,
St Anne and the Virgin Mother.
For those strong enough to climb the 387 steps to the top of the towers there is a magnificant view of Paris.

No visit to Paris would be complete without visiting "La Rive Gauche" - the Left Bank, which is actually on the southern bank of the Seine River. It is the smaller part of Paris, and has always been associated with the artistic part of the city, the place where artists, painters and famous writers called home.

a. Here one can visit Montparnasse, a haven for artists, filled with cafes and bars.
b. The Latin Quarter, long associated with the student life in Paris
c. Sorbonne University and other educational institutions.

The Left Bank is known for good inexpensive places to eat and a variety of night clubs - which cater to the people who live there.

Among the many attractions on the Left Bank, the Eiffel Tower, ranks at the top of the list and is the most easily recognized structure in the city, as well as the most visited. It is open 7 days a week, all year from 9am - with two ways for visitors to acces the tower; use the steps, although they do not go to the very top level; or use the lift, which is the only way to the top leve,l and which allows access till 11pm daily or midnight in the summer.

Enjoy a night to remember with a visit to the top of the Eifel Tower and dinner at the58 Eiffel Tower Restaurant; then take a lamp lit cruise along the Seine River passing beautiful art works, under the bridges and along the banks; then take a walking tour of Paris's illuminated squares and monuments; and finish off at the famous Moulin Rouge in Bohemian Montmarte; where world-renowned showgirls and french cancan dancers will entertin you.

Other evening venues are; the Lido de Paree dinner and carbaret show on the Champs Elysees; the Crazy Horse Show with the cities sexiest leggy dancing girls and Les Paradis Latin in the Latin Quarter of St Germain-des-pres, whose theatre is transformed into a magical garden full of surprises and gaiety.