By Guest Contributor: Frank Lee of Artful Club  , he works at Rebates Zone, you can follow him @franklee84

Why We Love Paris

If one were to begin with the reasons to love Paris, then it could be a never-ending list. The history and culture of Paris have been well-documented in fact some of it has been immortalized in the literature of the world whether it is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo or Alexandre Dumas’ epic in the form of The Count of Monte Cristo. The way Paris blends traditions with modernity is second to none, the way Eiffel Tower has become a cultural icon is a testament to this, and it doesn’t need to be reminded to anyone that Paris is the fashion capital of the world.

To say that there are only a finite number of reasons why we love Paris would be a great injustice to this majestic city, however, there are some reasons which are more important than others. This is a list of some of the most important reasons why we love Paris to bits.

The River Seine

Paris is one of the cities where a river runs through its heart. The banks of river Seine have been used by travelers for centuries to explore the city on foot. River Seine and the history of the city of Paris go hand in hand as this was the route which has been used by traders, invaders and migrating tribes throughout history. Even today, anyone who goes on to explore the city on foot will find a large number of playgrounds, benches and other activities for leisure along the banks of the river. The sunset cruises are a delightful way of exploring the city.

Bridges

The River Seine in Paris is covered by some 37 bridges which connect the two sides of the city. Each one of these bridges has its own unique style and history and many of these have been celebrated and engrained in popular culture, for example, the Bir-Hakeim bridge has been extensively featured in the popular Leonardo DiCaprio film Inception. Any one of these 37 bridges is bound to take you through new adventures and discoveries which may not have even considered possible.

Bakeries and Pharmacies

Paris is a city which is best explored on foot and when you explore this enchanting city on foot, you’re bound to work up an appetite and you may feel that your feet have developed a sore from all the walking. However, there is nothing to be afraid of as help is always available at hand. Paris is full of bakeries and pharmacies so you’re never a few minutes away from either one of these two. These amazing pastries and sandwiches will keep you going and the medications will help in treating your headaches and blisters. If you’re looking for discounts on eatables then you should go no further than Groupon.

Navigation

Paris is one of the bustling metropolitans in the world and it’s still a relatively easy place to navigate as compared to many of its counterparts in other parts of the world. Although there is one person, Georges-Eugene Haussmann, who deserves all our appreciation because it was his vision which completely transformed the city and organized it into a much more systematic place which was not only easily navigable but also a sight to behold. Today, there are a number of options to travel in Paris including Metro, buses, rented bicycles and foot of course. Many of the metro stations are works of art in their own right and you’ll probably miss a few buses if you stand there appreciating the fine artwork.

Art and History

Paris is often considered the culture capital of the world and there are many reasons why the city deserves this title. Though the Louvre is the most popular one among tourists but the city boasts of the existence of 153 museums in its limits. If we move a little further from the Mona Lisa, there is so much to explore and cherish in the city, for example, the Musées Carnavalet is an excellent place to get a glimpse into the history of the city. One pro tip is that many museums allow free entry on the first Sunday of the month so you may want to plan your trip accordingly.

Live Music

Paris is much more than sights. A great part of the city deserves to be experienced with closed eyes and enjoyed with the ears. There are impromptu concerts happening everywhere almost every day of the year. The diversity of this can be seen from the fact that you might get to hear a full classical music ensemble on a street corner and French rap on the nearest metro station. The evenings are especially a great time for the lovers of music to wander in the streets of Paris.