No 18: Enchanted by Paris

We continue our series of the top 20 destinations of readers. By ALEC FIELD


Ever since my first visit to this wonderful city, I have always experienced that same sensation when landing at Charles de Gaulle airport, arriving in Paris is an awesome occasion.

From my favourite hotel near the Place du Chatelet, I can look down on the busy Parisian traffic and then across the Seine to the Conciergerie, that sinister looking building where Queen Marie Antoinette spent her last days before an appointment with the guillotine.

The Place de la Concorde has the oldest monument in Paris at its centre, the granite obelisk from the temple of Ramses II in Egypt. Take a stroll along the Champs Elysees, and see the majestic Arc de Triomphe surrounded by 12 boulevards that draw you towards it, and looking down on you the Eiffel Tower, that symbol of Paris, and recently celebrating its 200th anniversary.

Next a visit to Les Invalides and the impressive final resting place of Napoleon. For the best panoramic view of Paris, a climb up to the basilica of the Sacre Coeur where you will be rewarded with a most welcome cooling breeze.

And now it's Sunday, my last day, and the highlight. I'm standing amid the crowds gathered along the Champs Elysees for the final stage of the Tour de France, now we can hear the helicopter that means the peleton is fast approaching, the atmosphere is suddenly electrified, "regardez", here they come.

Getting there

Return economy class airfares ex-Auckland to London, return eurostar ticket to Paris and three nights accommodation at the Cervantes Hotel from $3155 a person share twin. Contact Flight Centre.

Getting around

The easiest way to get around Paris is by the metro which runs from 5.30am to 12.30am. Maps are available at subway stations. Tickets can be bought in books of 10 at stations and tobacconists. They must be validated before boarding. Buses also offer a good service and offer the benefit of scenery.

Things to see and do

One of the joys of the city is that most of the fabled sites are within walking distance of each other. Among the favourite are the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Les Invalides, the Latin Quarter and Musee d'Orsay. And, of course, some fantastic museums featuring some of the world's best works of art and food to die for (who would pass up the chance to eat authentic French cuisine anyway?)

Franceguide

* The Herald asked readers where they would most like to go, and to tell us why. The results are in, and the countdown begins, with the number one place revealed on January 13. All the entries selected go into the draw to win $3000 worth of travel from Flight Centre to help them to get to their dream destination.