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Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Time Business News
Paris vs. The French Countryside: Which Should You Choose?
Paris and the French countryside each offer travelers a completely different experience, yet both are essential to understanding the true essence of France. If you are planning your journey and wondering whether to explore the romantic streets of Paris or the serene beauty of the French countryside, this guide will help you decide which will best suit your travel style and interests. The City of Light is often the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to France. Paris is known for its art, architecture, history, fashion, and culinary experiences that attract travelers from around the world. Paris is home to some of the world's most recognized landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Strolling along the Seine River, exploring Montmartre, or wandering the streets of Le Marais offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the city's unique charm. Paris offers a rich cultural experience with its world-class museums, art galleries, and historic architecture. You can explore masterpieces at the Louvre, admire Impressionist art at the Musée d'Orsay, and enjoy performances at the Opéra Garnier. Paris is a paradise for food lovers, with its bakeries, cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants offering exquisite French cuisine. Shopping in Paris is equally remarkable, with boutiques and designer stores lining the Champs-Élysées and smaller, independent shops found in various neighborhoods. Paris offers a bustling, energetic city experience, with a variety of activities and attractions to fill your days and nights. Whether you prefer lively cafes, nightlife, art exhibitions, or shopping, the city has something for every traveler. While Paris offers an energetic city experience, the French countryside provides a peaceful and authentic view of France. The countryside is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation, nature, and immersion in local culture. From the lavender fields of Provence to the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux and the picturesque villages of Alsace, the French countryside showcases the diverse landscapes and beauty of the country. It offers travelers the chance to explore quaint villages, castles, and natural wonders at a relaxed pace. In the countryside, you can discover authentic French life, with local markets, traditional cuisine, and family-owned wineries. Engaging with local artisans and exploring small towns like Annecy, Colmar, or Sarlat offers an insight into the region's traditions and daily life. The French countryside offers opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking in the French Alps, cycling through vineyards, and exploring the coastal beauty of Brittany and Normandy. These experiences allow travelers to connect with nature and enjoy activities beyond typical sightseeing. If you seek a slower pace of travel and a break from the busy crowds, the countryside offers tranquility and the chance to truly unwind while exploring France. Paris is ideal for travelers who enjoy museums, art galleries, shopping, and fine dining, offering a bustling city environment filled with endless activities. The French countryside, in contrast, is perfect for those looking for relaxation, outdoor activities, and authentic local experiences away from large crowds. Cost and Accommodation While Paris offers luxury hotels and boutique accommodations, it is generally more expensive than the countryside, where travelers can find charming bed-and-breakfasts and family-run inns at more affordable rates. Paris has excellent public transportation, making it easy to explore the city without a car. The countryside often requires renting a car to navigate between towns and attractions, allowing flexibility and freedom in your travel schedule. Your choice between Paris and the French countryside depends on your travel preferences and what you wish to experience during your visit to France. Love art, architecture, and history Prefer an active travel schedule with many attractions Enjoy fine dining and shopping Are visiting France for a short duration and want to experience its iconic highlights Choose the French countryside if you: Prefer a relaxed travel experience Want to explore nature and outdoor activities Seek authentic cultural experiences with local communities Enjoy visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations Combining Paris and the Countryside for the Perfect France Trip For many travelers, the best option is to experience both Paris and the French countryside. Starting your journey in Paris allows you to explore its world-famous attractions before venturing into the countryside for a more relaxed experience. Many france travel packages are designed to include both city and countryside experiences, allowing travelers to enjoy the best of France within a single trip. Whether you choose to visit Paris, the French countryside, or both, planning your trip well in advance will help you make the most of your journey. Researching transportation, accommodations, and activities will ensure a smooth travel experience. For travelers seeking a seamless experience, consider exploring a curated france tour package to help you experience the best of Paris and the French countryside without the stress of planning every detail yourself. Paris offers travelers a vibrant city filled with iconic landmarks, rich culture, and endless activities, while the French countryside provides a peaceful escape filled with scenic beauty and authentic experiences. Both destinations are worth visiting, and choosing between them depends on your travel style and what you wish to experience in France. If you wish to explore France through well-crafted paris france trip packages or a paris vacation tour package while ensuring a smooth and enriching experience, consider connecting with trusted travel partners. For a journey that combines the best of Paris and the French countryside with personalized service, TourOn remains an excellent choice for your next adventure in France. Author Bio Reethika is an aspiring content writer with a strong passion for the tourism and travel industry. Though a fresher, she possesses excellent knowledge of global destinations, travel trends, and audience engagement strategies. With a natural flair for storytelling and a deep curiosity about different cultures, she creates informative, inspiring, and well-researched content that sparks the wanderlust in every reader. Eager to grow and contribute meaningfully, she is committed to delivering high-quality content that connects with travelers and adds value to the industry. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Saba Yemen
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Saba Yemen
Paris opens river Seine for public swimming for first time since 1923
Paris - Saba: French authorities have lifted a century-long ban on swimming in the River Seine, allowing residents and tourists to swim starting Saturday. Three outdoor swimming areas have been set up in central Paris — near the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the National Library. Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the initiative aims to improve quality of life amid rising summer temperatures due to climate change. The swimming spots are supervised, include changing rooms, sunbathing areas, and are free to access for capable swimmers. Water quality will be continuously monitored throughout the summer. French Sports Minister Marie Barsac said, 'Everyone should be able to swim in the Seine starting this summer.' Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Muscat Daily
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Paris reopens Seine River for public swimming
Paris, France – France's capital Paris reopened the Seine River to swimmers on Saturday for the first time in over a century. AFP news agency said dozens of swimmers were present for the opening at 8am (0600 UTC/GMT), diving into the water under the watchful eye of lifeguards. The move is part of the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics and comes amid sweltering temperatures across Europe, including France's second-warmest June since records began. Outdoor pool zones Paris authorities have created three outdoor pool zones, complete with changing rooms and showers and supervised by lifeguards. The pools are located opposite L'île aux Cygnes (Swan Island) near the Eiffel Tower, close to Notre-Dame Cathedral and opposite the Bibliotheque national de France. The swimming zones also have beach-style furniture, offering space for 150 to 300 people to sunbathe. Access to the pools will be free of charge until August 31. A statement from the city government said water quality will be continuously monitored. Authorities said lifeguards would assess visitors' swimming abilities, particularly due to strong currents, an average depth of 3.5 metres (11 feet) and boat traffic. Why was swimming banned? Bathing in the Seine was officially banned in 1923, primarily due to health risks from pollution. The river has historically been contaminated with high levels of bacteria, such as E. coli and enterococci, from sewage overflows, industrial discharge, and urban runoff. These pollutants pose significant risks of illness for swimmers, including skin infections and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, strong currents, boat traffic, and debris in the river create hazardous conditions for bathers. Despite being illegal, swimming was still practised until the early 1960s and there have been several attempts to remove the ban. In 1988, then-Paris mayor and future president Jacques Chirac first advocated for its reversal. Why lift the ban on bathing? Authorities promised ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics that the water in the Seine would be cleaned up to allow athletes to compete in its waters. Around US$1.6bn was spent on improving water quality, which officials promised would benefit not just the Olympic athletes but residents and tourists for years to come. A massive underground storage tank was created to hold wastewater and prevent untreated sewage from entering the river during heavy rain. Wastewater treatment plants were also upgraded. During the games, the river hosted the triathlon swimming legs and open water swimming events. However, the swims weren't without controversy, as some athletes fell sick afterward. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has said that cleaning up the Seine for the Olympics was part of a broader effort to adapt the city to climate change and enhance quality of life. 'Everyone should be able to swim in the Seine starting this summer,' said French Sports Minister Marie Barsacq when the move was announced in May. Ahead of Saturday's launch, French President Emmanuel Macron praised the work undertaken to open the swimming zones, writing on X that it was a 'source of pride for the country'. DW
See - Sada Elbalad
05-07-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Paris Reopens Seine for Public Swimming After 100 Years
Israa Farhan For the first time in over a century, Paris has officially reopened the Seine River for public swimming, marking a historic milestone in the city's urban renewal and environmental efforts ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games. On Saturday morning, dozens of swimmers dove into the river at 8 a.m., under the supervision of lifeguards, inaugurating the newly designated bathing zones along the iconic waterway. This development is part of Paris's Olympic legacy and comes during one of Europe's hottest summers on record. Three supervised swimming areas have been created across the capital, strategically located opposite the Eiffel Tower, near Notre-Dame Cathedral, and across from the French National Library. Each site is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style seating, accommodating between 150 and 300 visitors. Public access to these zones will remain free until 31 August. Swimming in the Seine was banned in 1923 due to severe pollution from untreated sewage, industrial waste, and urban runoff, which caused high levels of dangerous bacteria such as E. coli. For decades, health risks and strong river currents kept the water off-limits to the public despite multiple attempts to lift the ban. Ahead of the Paris Olympics, authorities committed €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) to an ambitious river clean-up project. Investments included a vast underground stormwater basin to capture overflow and upgrades to wastewater treatment systems, aimed at dramatically improving water quality for athletes and the wider public. During the Games, the Seine hosted triathlon and open water swimming events, reinforcing the government's commitment to long-term waterway restoration. While a few athletes reported illness after competition, officials confirmed continuous water quality monitoring is now in place. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo called the Seine's reopening a step toward climate adaptation and urban livability. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the achievement as a point of national pride. As Paris confronts climate challenges, the revitalized Seine now offers a rare urban oasis, an emblem of sustainability, public health, and Olympic ambition. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
NDTV
12-06-2025
- NDTV
Video Shows Paris Streets Littered With Garbage: "Smells Kinda Funky"
Paris, often dubbed the "City of Love," has been romanticised for centuries. Its stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and picturesque Seine River have captivated artists, writers, and lovers alike. The city's reputation as a hub of romance and passion has been fueled by iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. However, a recent Instagram video by Filipino travel vlogger Gracie has sparked controversy, showcasing a gritty side of Paris that contrasts with its usual romanticised image. The footage reveals streets littered with garbage and human waste, leaving many travel enthusiasts shocked and sparking debates about cleanliness and public apathy in major tourist destinations. "Look where you're touching. Paris is breathtakingly beautiful! I mean I've been to Paris over 3 times and I keep falling in-love with it. The architecture, the history, the magic? It's real. But I'd be lying if I didn't say it also smells kinda funky, and the streets can be really worth the trip? Absolutely. Just… maybe don't romanticize it too much," the post read. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gracie| Food & Travel Tips (@doitforicecream) Some social media users pointed out the hypocrisy, highlighting how Indians are often criticised for similar issues, and questioned the double standards surrounding cleanliness and civic sense. One user wrote, "Yes Paris is beautiful but not that clean ! Look up to the sky and hope you don't step on anything." Another commented, 'So hatred for India is very obvious. When Indians says, India is dirty and clean based on where you go and travel then no one will support even though India is 5 times bigger than France but when this same this happens in Paris so everyone is defending. "OH, IT DEPENDS WHERE YOU VISIT" Hypocrisy." A third said, 'Every country has a good and bad side.. But they only defame India." A fourth added, "I studied their one summer and it's rough and dirty and sometimes scary, but man, the culture and experience left a mark. Great city and culture."
