Paris is famous and much-loved for so many of its wonderful characteristics. For its rich cultural life, beauty, heritage, and eclecticism. For its food, fashion, elegance, literature, glamour and the uniqueness of its lifestyle. For the beauty of its streets, the markets, cafes, churches, galleries, beautiful parks and gardens. For its historic buildings, stunning art and architecture; both modern and contemporary. And for being boldly romantic.
No wonder then, that Paris, the 'City Of Light', is the most visited capital city in the world.
While in power, Louis XIV’s installed lanterns on every main street and residents added oil lamps and candles to their windows. Paris became known as a centre of education and ideas – inspiring philosophers, engineers, poets and scientists to settle here. As well as the increase in wattage, the innovation across the city helped it to gain the nickname La Ville-Lumière - ‘The City of Light’. For centuries Paris has been one of the world’s most important cities; recognised for the opportunities it offers for business and commerce, for study, for culture, and for entertainment.
Very few people need an introduction to the city’s well known architecture: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Louvre, Sacré-Cœur, or the well known neighbourhoods of the Champs-Elysées, Le Marais, Montmartre, South Pigalle, Bastille, Saint-Germain-des-Prés. As well as retaining the history of the city, areas of Paris are repeatedly reinventing themselves, as new generations of artists, unique retailers, the ever-growing intellectual community, art galleries and innovative restaurateurs mix with the existing cultures of the capital.
Paris’s many historic buildings, boulevards, gardens, monuments, bridges and plazas create one of the world’s grandest cityscapes. Much of central Paris was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.
In Paris, there is always an offbeat gem to discover - an abandoned elevated railway covered in flourishing flowers and trees, breath-taking canal-ways, 19th century covered passages, charming, bustling streets, flea markets, gourmet shops, neighbourhoods to explore and a dizzying array of culture to experience. Every week, there are culture, gastronomy, film, fashion, art, design, literature, tech and business events happening across the city.
Take time to enjoy the ambience, the unique food & drink, the different languages and accents. It's easy to travel around an exquisite gastronomic world here, as Paris offers a deliciously diverse range of eateries. As well as an endless supply of famous French cuisine and wine in each neighbourhood – try exquisite sweet pastries, macarons, baguettes, cheeses, oysters, steaks - expect to find Chinese, Tunisian and other African influences.
Why not use a team building event as a unique opportunity to experience the historic, resplendent landmarks of Paris, to benefit from French culture, cuisine and architectural magnificence? Paris is well known as an important centre of commerce - often named as a city of opportunity and influence.
Despite being steeped in an incredible history, Paris is a city that welcomes new concepts with open arms. No matter what time of year you visit, Paris will be sure to enamour and enchant. It remains one of the most world’s most beautiful and inviting cities, bursting with activity and lending an ageless truth to Audrey Hepburn’s saying -“Paris is always a good idea.”