The magic roundabout
Paris 75008
+33 1 5537 7377
Review © 2007, Wcities
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The magic roundabout |
Place Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile Paris 75008 +33 1 5537 7377 |
The arch is a site both of memories and current events and celebrations. The lists of the dead will move you. And the cars that drive around the monument will terrify you! Standing in a direct line between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense, the monument links the past with the present and offers amazing views. A truly impressive landmark, 50 metres high and 45 metres wide, Paris would not be Paris without it! Admission is EUR7. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Manrocker.com |
 Photo: Upali - උපාලි |
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 Photo: John Hunt |
![Arc de Triomphe photo by E.²[Against Censorship]²](pictures/3029_13.jpg) Photo: E.²[Against Censorship]²  |
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 Photo: Antonio Cesar Negreiros |
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The city's symbol |
Colline de la Garde Marseilles 13006 +33 491 13 4080 |
Topped by a monumental gilded bronze statue of the Virgin and Child - added in 1870 - Marseilles' distinctive basilica dominates the city from its highest point of 154m. Formerly used as a look-out post and important city fortification (François I had a fort built here in 1524), the hill on which it stands - Colline de la Garde - became a popular place of worship and pilgrimage with the building of this Romano-Byzantine-style basilica. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church was built on the site of the first chapel erected here in 1214. Today's basilica, designed by Espérandieu, formed part of major building work undertaken during the Second Empire and was consecrated in 1864. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cyneyret |
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 Photo: Dominique Pipet |
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Overlooking Paris |
35 Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre (Rue de la Bonne) Paris 75018 +33 1 5341 8900 http://www.sacre-coeur-montmar... |
This Romano-Byzantine basilica overlooks Montmartre, one of Paris's most picturesque districts. Its distinctive dome rising up over the rooftops, the basilica offers the perfect vantage point from which to survey the city. Inside, the mosaic of Christ and the crypt are of particular interest. Commissioned by the Catholic Church, construction began in 1875 under the watchful eye of architect Paul Abadie, and was finally completed in 1914. Admission: (basilica) free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Timo Adam |
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 Photo: Huiyi Tang |
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 Photo: Vito Manzari |
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Seaside idyll |
G.R. 98 Marseilles 13008 |
The first inlet you come across after Les Goudes appears to have been chiselled out of the rock face. From the roadsteads, look out over the majestic sea which leads the eye on to countless panoramas of Marseilles and the host of little islands. Close by are the islands of Jarre and Jarron, and a little further out you can see the island of Riou from where the sea stretches out into infinity. This is a beautiful waterfront spot, carrying the spirit of an old fishing village. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: yvan sansamat |
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Oasis of tranquility |
Esplanade Charles-De-Gaulle Boulevard Sarrail Montpellier 34000 |
This wide promenade extends from the Place de la Comédie up to the rose-coloured Corum building. Trees and fountains welcome those seeking to escape the summer heat or bustle of the city centre. The far end of the esplanade looks out across the northern district of the city and the stairs leading up to the roof of the Corum offer an even wider panorama. On the west side of the esplanade is the Musée Fabre while to the east is the museum's pavillion and the Champ de Mars gardens - within this space are several contemporary statues (notably Baldini's Le Vent) as well as classical ones. The mini-train and horse-drawn carriages also use the esplanade as their point of departure for tours of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Spranger |
Garden with childrens' play area in the Croix-Rousse district |
Cours du Général Giraud Lyon 69001 |
This garden is a little island of greenery, on the edge of the Croix-Rousse area, just a few metres from the church of Saint Bruno. It is one of the nicest walks starts at passage Gonin leading up from quai Saint Vincent by the Rhône. It crosses the slopes of Croix-Rousse where you will undoubtedly see the many cats living around there. The passage leads to the garden's entrance near a playground. From the garden, there is a splendid view of the Fourvière hills and the banks of the Saône. Of course, at night, the view is even more beautiful when the city is all lit up. This garden is also the venue for music and cinema festivals where music from all over the world is played on Th evenings usually and films are shown in the open air free-of-charge on Sunday nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: M. Roland-Gosselin |
Popular park in the heart of the city |
Montée du Chateau Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 +33 (0)4 9392 8282 (Tourist Information) |
Situated on the hill between the old town and the harbour, this park is a big favourite with locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by a typically Mediterranean backdrop of pine trees, carobs, figs and aloes, the park's impressive waterfall, children's play area, breathtaking views over the city, medieval ruins and Maritime Museum are all part of its appeal. Get here on foot, by car or take the lift from Rue des Ponchettes at the foot of Bellanda Tower. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tuula Toivio |
Gardens, amphitheatres & museums on this historical hill |
Avenue du Monastère de Cimiez Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6000 |
The parkland extends over the hill of the chic residential Cimiez district, presenting a different scene at every turn. It features a little olive grove, Roman amphitheatres and a monastery garden, which together make up a stroller's paradise. The olive grove and amphitheatres provide the perfect setting for hosting the annual Nice Jazz Festival and folk fairs. The archaeological museum is also worth visiting, especially in view of the fact that Cimiez, formerly Cemenelum, was the heart of Nice in antiquity. Admission is free, except for special events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carrie Anna |
 Photo: Elizabeth Strangways |
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The French City |
Parvis de la Défense Puteaux 92800 |
With buildings such as the CNIT (Centre National des Industries et Techniques) or the Grande Arche, the architecture of the La Defense complex is definitely futuristic. Over 1,000 major blue chip companies, 15 out of 50 of the world's largest, have set up their head offices here. La Defense also houses one of the largest shopping centres in Europe - the Quatre-Temps has over 250 shops. The promenade on the square (a vast concrete slab that makes up its base) exhibits contemporary sculptures by famous artists, such as Calder, Miro and Takis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vanna Santoro |
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 Photo: john langley |
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 Photo: Y o h a n n © |
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Seaside village |
Avenue de la Madrague-de-Montredon Marseilles 13008 |
Across a landscape of bare rock radiating a warmth of colours, you will reach the seaside village of Les Goudes in the far south of the ciy. The path you follow belongs to an age gone by and opens out onto a sweeping view of Marseilles with the Vieux-Port in the distance. This unusual panorama gives the area a character all its own, and a feeling of being at one with the sea where you can enjoy invigorating walks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: NATHALIE BLAEVOET |
 Photo: Chris Rooney |
 Photo: Pierrine Samec |
Peaceful hideaway near the town |
Corniche Kennedy Marseilles 13007 |
In order to reach the shores of Malmousque, turn off the coastal road and follow Chemin de Boudouresque and Rue de la Douane. This area, with its inlets and beach huts is a hideout for informed bathers and fishermen seeking a little peace and quiet. The tranquil setting offers a beautiful view of the sea and surrounding islands, only a few moments away from the hub of the town. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fred PASCAL |
Skyscraper à la New York |
33 Avenue du Maine Paris 75014 +33 1 4538 5256 http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com visite@tourmontparnasse56.com |
Even for locals, the Montparnasse tower offers a fairytale view of the city - accessible thanks to Europe's fastest lift that whisks you to the top in just 38 seconds. From here, 200m up, or from the bar/restaurant on the 56th floor, the panorama extends for miles. Situated above Montparnasse station, which serves the west of France, the tower is home to offices and businesses. Just by the restaurant is an exhibition that traces the history of Paris since 1858. Admission: around EUR8.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lucia Soto Carreira |
 Photo: L.M. Oliver |
 Photo: Mario Sobrino Plaza |
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Coastal splendour |
G.R. 98 Marseilles 13008 |
For those captivated by the calanques, the rocky inlets that define Marseilles' coastline, Morgiou can be found betweeen Sormiou and Le Sugiton in the far south of the city heading towards Cassis. Starting from Luminy University car park you can enjoy long walks through the wild and uncultivated landscape, until you reach one of the most beautiful views of the calanques, with their turquoise waters and little chalets perched on the rocks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gilbert |
 Photo: Jean-Michel Just |
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A place for reflection |
Chemin de la Nerthe Marseilles 13016 |
Take the 7km walk to the small chapel of Notre-Dame de la Nerthe, re-named Notre-Dame de la Galline from the Provençal word for "hen". The Chemin de la Nerthe, set amid an enchanting pine grove at the foot of the hill, leads you up to a captivating view of Marseilles' roadways and islands. The chapel is still a site of pilgrimage where, on 8th September, worshippers come to venerate the Madone à la poule - a sculpture of the Virgin and Child belonging to the 14th Century, depicting the baby Jesus sitting on Mary's lap and carrying a white hen. Built in the 11th century, the chapel was restored in 1985 and houses a collection of thanksgiving offerings going back to the 17th Century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Felix Beck |
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A panoramic walkway |
1 La Promenade de Peyrou Montpellier 34000 |
This long, raised promontory extends out from the city centre towards the Arceaux district. From this high point the view extends from the Mediterranean to Pic St Loup and beyond towards the gorges of the Herault to the north of the city. A historic site from where the canons of Louis XIII bombarded the city during the siege of 1622, the Peyrou was also a place of execution during the revolution : the guillotine replacing the statue of Louis XIV. Today the site is much calmer and enhanced by continually changing flower beds and majestic magnolias. A perfect spot for a summer stroll beneath the shade of the many trees while admiring the swooping flight of martins. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jan de Wal |
 Photo: Anne |
A lonely peak that looms over the garrigue |
Cazevieille Montpellier 34270 |
Clearly visible from the centre of Montpellier, 25 km away, this isolated peak dominates the surrounding bush. A path leads up the south face to the summit for a spectacular view over the region. A small chapel as well as an observation tower are perched among the rocks and above the north cliff are dedications to climbers who have met their death on the north face. The valley north of the peak is home to some of the region's best known vineyards and well worth a visit. From Montpellier, take the D986 marked Ganges and then turn off to Casevieille. Drive through the village to the parking area from where the path leading up the peak can be found. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Louis Oudot de Dainville |
 Photo: mamichata |
 Photo: Szymon Stoma |
 Photo: Ben |
The Venice of the Languedoc |
Sète Montpellier 34200 |
Nestled between the sea, the Etang de Thau and the Mont St Clair, the town of Sète was established in the 17th century. Wander down the canal bordered by colourful houses to the Vieux Port. Home to one of the largest Mediterranean fishing fleets, the town has a huge range of restaurants in which you can sample their catch. For a view over the town and its surrounds, climb up to the top of the Mont St Clair. You can also visit the Cimetière Marin, where the author Paul Valery (1871-1945) is buried, or the Centre Georges Brassens (1921-1981) dedicated to the memory of the famous singer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jana Hettler |
 Photo: www.davidtett.com |
No gondolas |
Port de Suffren Paris 75007 +33 1 4418 0803 http://www.vedettesdeparis.com/ comm@vedettesdeparis.com |
It's okay if you can't go for a cruise on river Seine in a gondola but then who wants an arched black boat in Paris? Your guided tour lasts a whole hour on the intoxicating Seine. Take in the lovely breathtaking sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, with or without your loved one. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: pepa espinoza |
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