Paris has an unrivaled reputation for being one of the most beautiful, exciting, and romantic cities in the world. Often called the City of Dreams, Paris has been a mecca for aspiring artists, writers, thinkers, and adventurers since the earliest times. Stroll down almost any street in central Paris and you pass evidence of its past in the narrow, twisting, medieval streets and awe-inspiring churches; in the ornate 17th-century Renaissance palaces that flaunt incredible wealth; in Napoleon’s classically inspired monuments; and in the sweeping tree-lined boulevards of Baron Haussmann’s 19th-century revamp of Paris.
Packed into the center of Paris are some of the greatest museums in the world, the most beautiful buildings in France, and all possible luxuries. Paris is still a vibrant, living city, the economic and cultural center of France. The creativity of today is evident in the exciting new buildings and modern painting and sculpture that sit alongside the treasures of the past. With dozens of museums and galleries, beautiful parks, stunning stores displaying world famous fashions, and irresistible cafés and restaurants, the visitor can happily wander the city.
Over the centuries, the city has played host to a procession of performing artists. Kings and nobles acted as patrons to playwrights, musicians, and actors. Today the capital still offers a vast choice of entertainment: theaters, rock venues, nightclubs, and bars-although just wandering the streets of so lively a city can be entertainment enough.