The capital and largest city of France has been called 'the city of lights', 'the fashion capital of the world', and of course, 'the city of love'. It is one of the world's most popular city destinations, one of the most romantic places in the world, and has a lot of must-see places.
What to do:
Take in the sights, but do not restrict yourself to the usual tourist hotspots. Try out a street cafe. Visit a wine store. Take a back road. Paris can be enchanting no matter where you go. This is not to say you should ignore landmarks like the Eiffel tower, Musee d'Orsay, and The Louvre. Check out the markets and the parks, and just soak up the atmosphere of this magical city.
Where to stay:
Hotel De Crillon: This hotel is an elegant 18th Century luxury situated in the world famous Place De La Concorde in the heart of Paris. It is designated as a historical monument, and is only a few steps away from the Champs-Elysses, the Faubourg Saint Honore shopping area, and all major museums. Although it is a very old building, it was updated in 2001 to include modern amenities, and will undergo renovation from October 2012. The hotel's 147 rooms offer free wi-fi internet access and magnificent views of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower proudly visible from a luxurious bubble bath. It offers a fitness room, and a winter garden courtyard, and its Les Ambassadeurs restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Paris. Rates are from $700 to $3,600 a night.
Le Meurice: Le Meurice has an unrivalled location opposite the Tulleires Garden, and is a short stroll from Le Louvre in Central Paris. With 7 floors, and 160 rooms all beautifully decorated and each soundproofed with air conditioning, wi-fi, multiple telephone lines, and cable television. Non-smoking rooms are available on request, and there are 5 specially adapted rooms to accommodate the physically-challenged. Their honeymoon package which includes breakfast, airport pick-up (or drop-off), and champagne starts from 910 Euros.
Travel Requirements: Nigerians require a valid passport and schengen visa to go to France. Visa applications can be made at the French Embassy in Abuja, as well as the French Consulate in Lagos.
French Consulate
1, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive,Ikoyi
Lagos, Nigeria.
French Embassy
37 Udi Street,
Off Aso Drive,
Quartier Maitama
Abuja, Nigeria.
Website: www.ambafrance-ng.org
Getting There: Air France has direct flights from Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja