Some of the Highlights of the City of Light and Deauville
Paris
Imagine Paris and you think romance. You imagine Edith Piaf’s Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien as your soundtrack as you meander around the iconic architecture and traditional bistros, the smell enticing Parisians and tourists alike as it wafts through the city. The truth is, Paris is the most romantic place on earth, but there’s a whole lot more to it.
The Louvre
Unquestionably one of the finest art galleries in the world, The Louvre has been welcoming people through its doors since 1793. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, the building was extended over the years and in 1989 the large pyramid rising from the Cour Napoleon serves as the main entrance.
Home to works by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and of course the Venus De Milo, the museum is a place you simply have to visit during your lifetime.
Deauville
If it’s the city you want to escape, there are worse places to visit than Deauville. Regarded as the Queen of the Norman beaches, and just a short drive out of the capital, the town is a fashionable holiday resort for the wealthy.
The town has a population of around 4,000 and was once home to Yves Saint Laurent before his passing in 2008. Hosting an international film festival every year as well as being home to a race course, harbor, marina and five-star hotels, there’s plenty of chance to lap up the luxury.
The Casino Barriere is also a stunning piece of architecture. Built in 1912, the casino boasts an 18th-century-style theatre, inaugurated by none other than Nijinski, and is host to the French Poker Series Grand Final in January. The casino floor offers over 350 machines to play as well as plenty of gambling rooms with Blackjack, Craps and Poker all available if you fancy testing your poker skills and picking up some extra spending money.
Notre-Dame de Paris
The Notre-Dame cathedral is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and one of the most recognisable church buildings in the world.
Taking almost 200 years to build, the cathedral is a must see on any trip to the French capital. It features stunning sculptures and stained glass that show the heavy influence of naturalism, and was one of the first buildings to arched exterior supports.
Caveau de la Huchette
Providing the people of Paris with an unforgettable night for over 60 years, this medieval cellar has been a jazz club since 1946 and inspired the creation of the infamous Cavern Club in Liverpool.
Seen as one of the must visits and a key part of Parisian nightlife, the club is a hive of great music with live music kicking off at 10pm daily. During the revolution in 1789 this place was once known as the Cave of Terror because of the executions that took place there but now is a home to future greats that have seen Count Basie, Memphis Slim and Art Blakey all take to the stage.
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