Paris, France
Described as the most romantic city in the world, Paris is often number one on lists of the world’s best cities. With more landmarks and iconic buildings and museums than anywhere else, it’s no surprise the Paris is one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Art is a big deal to Parisians, and who can blame them? Firstly, they reside in one of the most picturesque cities of all time, full of style and atmosphere, it’s no wonder that there are so many artistes, watching the world pass by as they wait to get inspired by their surroundings. Walk through the narrow streets of Montmartre, in Paris’s 18th arrondissement and see these artists sketching in roadside cafés, conversing over pots of steaming coffee, and performing on the streets. Perhaps even more importantly, art is highly revered in Paris, which is home to some of the most impressive and famous museums and galleries in the world. The Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, the list is endless.
If it’s fashion you’re after, you won’t have to look far, as you’re in the home of haute couture. Head to the Saint-Honoré district where the most chic of boutiques operate, selling one-off creations as well as high street designer fare. Paris Fashion Week is one of the fashion world’s biggest events.
Inspiring architecture is another accolade to add to Paris’s belt. From the gothic façade of Notre Dame and the so-ugly-its-pretty Eiffel Tower to the art deco and art nouveau buildings, metro boards and road signs.
And once you’ve exhausted yourself by exploring all the treasures that Paris has to offer, you may find that the real treasure is Paris itself. The city has an enchanting atmosphere that you can lose yourself in as you stroll up the Champs-Elysée to the bustling roundabout that encircles the Arc de Triomphe. Strolling through the winding backstreets may lead to many discoveries: a subtle architectural feature, a cosy café or intimate patisserie, a stylish and forgotten art deco fountain. Whatever you find, it is likely that you will never want to leave.