around Paris...

 As you walk around Paris's many neighbourhoods, let yourself be led by your nose In Cyrano de Bergerac's country, even if you don't speak the language your nose can appreciate its multitude of scents .

Paris has been described as the joy of living in a myriad of littde things: the scent ofa cup of coffee and croissants in the morning."elegant women in grey suits smiling in the streets, the smell of hot bread,"the pungent smells in the food markets, the bouquet  of a bottle of wine shared each friends "the trail of mythic perfumes waiting over the doorsill of luxury boutiques Rke incense in houses of worship in a country that believes only in life .

Paris is the mingled scent of books and bouquets of flowers and the baked goodness ofdildrensaftermoon snadsin theaty'spublic gardens The exquisite chocolate spicy scents of the latest pastry shops and the savoury deliciousness of Michelin-starred restaurants and impromptu picnics in park squares. It is the mineral fragrance that wells up in the foyers of Haussmannian buildings and from the alcoves of palace hotels, and the scent of the precious intimacy of its boutique hotels. And,always,Paris is the odour of the city's wooden benches and the frivolity and cheerfulness of its neighbourhoods. 

Here in the most visited and celebrated city in the world, Parisians have a carefreeness that has transformed Pere Lachaise cemetery into the largest park in the city. Paris has always known how to live and laugh. The only thing you no longer find is that nostalgic scent of dusty museums, which have all been renovated at great expense. 

Officially opened in 1836 after several years of construction, the large and impressive Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris's most recognisable and most symbolic landmarks. Located at one end of the famous Champs Elysees, it is at the heart of Place Charles de Gaulle. It was the biggest monumental arch in the world up until 1938, and there have been several imitations of the iconic archway around the world. Standing 50 meters tall and 45 meters wide, the splendid arch was originally built to remember those who lost their lives in battle during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It now commemorates all people that have died for France in conflicts. Underneath there is an eternal flame and the country's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

View of Champs Elysees from Arc de Triomphe, Paris.

Close-up of Arc de Triomphe, Paris.

Aerial view of Are de Triomphe from the Eiffel Tower, Paris.

Triumphal Arch at the end of Champs-Elysees street before sunset, Paris.

A long and famous street in the heart of Paris, the 

magnificent Champs Elysees runs for just under two 

kilometres. It finishes at the Arc du Triomphe. It is 70 

metres wide and lined with a tempting array of shops, boutiques, delicatessens, theatres, and cafes. It is named after a mythological place for Greek fallen heroes, which is rather fitting given that the annual military parade takes place here each July. Part of the iconic street passes through a lovely park-the Jardin de Champs Elysees. Here one can find the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais, several monuments, a theater, and more.

Champs-Élysées at night, Paris.

Champs-Élysées evening stroll, Paris.

Perhaps Paris's most famous sight, the proud and looming Eiffel Tower can be seen from many parts of the city. 

Interestingly, it was never intended to be a permanent  Parisian fixture! Constructed in the late 1880s and named after the lead engineer, it was originally built as a grand opening at the World's Fair of 1889. It is now used as a communications tower and tourist attraction. Visitors have a choice of three different levels to explore, and the lower two can be accessed by either elevator or stairs. The views from the upper observation deck are incredible and there are also restaurants and shops to tempt guests.

View from the Eiffel Tower (level 3) at night, Paris.

Eiffel Tower, as seen from Montparnasse Tower, Paris.

View from Eiffel Tower, Paris.

Eiffel Tower at night, Paris.

Beneath the Eiffel Tower, Paris.

A natural island in Paris's famous River Seine, Île de la Cité can be found right at the heart of the beautiful city. Connected by several bridges, including the city's oldest bridge, Pont Neuf, it is a terrific place to take a stroll and admire the abundance of historical architecture. Sights  include the magnificent Notre Dame de Pa..

The Place Dauphine, Ile de la Cite , Paris. 

Perhaps Paris's most famous sight, the proud and looming Eiffel Tower can be seen from many parts of the city. 

Interestingly, it was never intended to be a permanent 

Parisian fixture! Constructed 

Night view of Castle Conciergerie located on the west of the

Île de la Cité, Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle as seen from approximate position of the Palace gateway. Paris.

Interior of Sainte-Chapelle located on Île de la Cité, Paris.