France
Cities
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Paris
Few cities can rival Paris. It consistently ranks among Europe’s top three destinations, and for many of us it remains the most beautiful of them all. Much of Europe’s architectural heritage was lost during the Second World War, and many cities never fully recovered their former splendour. Paris, by contrast, came through largely intact, and more than eight decades later it still feels like a small miracle. This is a city that rewards curiosity. You could spend months here, or return year after year, and still stumble upon new corners worth discovering. Put the guidebook away now and then, wander without a plan, and let the side streets surprise you. When to go If you want more than the Louvre and the classic sights and hope to experience Paris the way Parisians live it, avoid August. It is the traditional holiday month, when much of the city leaves town and some businesses shut entirely. The gay scene feels it too: even the most popular bars and clubs can be half-empty or closed. Le Marais: the heart of gay Paris The Marais, a historic quarter in the 4th arrondissement, is the centre of gay life in Paris. Its charming, narrow lanes are steeped in centuries of history, and you’ll find a dense cluster of gay bars, plus plenty of gay-friendly restaurants, cafés and boutiques, almost all within easy walking distance of one another. Flirting, Parisian style Parisian men have a reputation for being hard to read. Show your interest too openly and you may come across as overeager. Our advice: don’t overthink it. There’s no need to study the local codes. Be yourself, flirt your own way, and don’t take the occasional Parisian aloofness personally. Locals also tend to go out in groups, so Paris is often more fun with friends, by day and by night. Pride The highlight of the year is Paris Pride, known in France as the Marche des Fiertés LGBT, held every summer.