Paris - France

Paris has a way of romancing visitors, whether the sun is shining on the café terraces of Boulevard Saint-Germain or the Seine River's gloomy clouds are shrouding Notre-Dame Cathedral. The love affair may begin with a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, followed by strolls along wide tree-lined avenues and in lavish formal gardens.

The splendor of the city entices visitors. Each quarter (neighborhood) has its own special attraction. The Latin Quarter is an enthralling maze of old pedestrian walkways and small lanes. The fashionable Champs-Élysées is alive with energy and style. Montmartre, just outside of Paris, has old-world village charm and boasts a bohemian history.

After seeing the museums and monuments, tourists should look for the small surprises, such as family-run restaurants with handwritten menus; cobblestone lanes lined with quaint boutiques; secluded squares adorned with flowing fountains; and elegant tea salons with dainty jewel-like pastries beckoning from pastry cases. Paris throws a spell of fascination in every secret corner and at all the famous sites. A single visit might spark a lifelong interest.

Many luxury hotels may be found on the boulevards near the Louvre and the Champs-Elysées, in the 8th arrondissement known as the "Triangle d'Or" (Golden Triangle) for its designer fashion stores and upmarket gourmet restaurants. Tourists like the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) because of its central position and bustling atmosphere. Montmartre is a little further away from most tourist destinations, but its old-world charm and renowned art museums make it a lovely spot to stay.