Paris for some, represents a city of romance, for others, the French capital is a sparkling mix of writers and artists. The city’s people are stylish and flirtatious, its architecture seductive, its restaurants and nightlife devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and its streets are scattered with dreams. It is a fascinating city on all levels – historical, architectural, and cultural.

Paris offers plenty of choice and a wide variety of lively festivals. Among these are the free, city-wide Fête de la Musique which is held on 21 June, the Festival du Film de Paris in early April and the biennial Festival d’Automne from September to December contemporary dance event. Free concerts are held within the city’s churches, during the Festival d’Art Sacré in the weeks preceding Christmas. Classical concerts are listed in the monthly Le Monde de la Musique.

Live jazz is played nightly at Le Bilboquet, 13 rue St-Benoît, 6th generally from 2200 onwards by local and international high-caliber musicians. Though there are no charges for entry, the drinks served are quite expensive. A young, unsophisticated crowd is drawn to La Flèche d’Or Café, 102 bis rue de Bagnolet, 20th, a converted station turned live music venue. Concerts run from Thursday to Sunday evenings and the music ranges from rock to blues or reggae and satirical French chansons. Chesterfield Café, 124 rue La Boétie, 8th, just off the avenue des Champs-Elysées is popular with expatriates and hosts US rock and blues bands. Major rock concerts take place at the Palais des Congrès, place de la Porte-Maillot, 17th.

Performances of classical music can be found at the many opera houses and theatres in Paris, including the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Chatelet Theatre, the Palais Garnier at the Place de l'Opéra, and the Opéra Bastille. Other theatres offering classical works are: La Salle Pleyel, le Théâtre des Champs-Elysées , and Théâtre Musical de Paris. There are other musical venues like the La Cité de la Musique, whose unique seating can be reconfigured to suit any type of musical or dance performance; Regard du Cygne, which hosts innovative performance in dance and movement by young companies, and offers student and senior discounts, a half hour before performance time; Théâtre de la Ville which features theatre, dance, and a broad range of music.

With its unparalleled historic sites and the rich art collections of the Louvre, Paris is often thought of as the most famous museum in the world. But Paris’s culture is not just about the past; the city of light also celebrates cinema and music, and the nightlife is becoming as exciting as that of London or New York. The biggest source of entertainment and wonder in Paris is the city itself. It’s full of architectural treasures, and each street, park and district has something to offer. Think of the contrast between the stylish St-Germain-des-Prés with its luxury shops and the picturesque Montmartre, with its painters in the Place du Tertre. What about stroll along the romantic Canal St-Martin or a walk down the world-famous Champs-Elysées avenue? All along the route one will find symbols of the city’s history: what was the purpose of the Eiffel Tower? Did Quasimodo really live in the cathedral of Notre-Dame? Who built the Arc de Triomphe? One can relax in the capitals notable parks and gardens - the Buttes-Chaumont, perfect for family outings, or the famous Luxembourg Gardens close to the Sorbonne University. Take full advantage of them because they are free.

About the Author

Anil Gupta recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.fr/city/fr/paris.html?aid=305255 for more information on Paris hotels.