Springtime in Gay Paris

PARIS - Spring is one of the most magical times to visit Paris. The weather is warm, the gardens are in bloom, and the parks, streets and caf�s are filled with chic Parisians enjoying the art galleries and new fashion boutiques. It's also a good time to visit the French countryside. So we invite you to discover one of the most beautiful regions in France: the Loire Valley (la vall�e de la Loire).

Le Marais and the Loire Valley actually have a lot in common. They share a great deal of history as both were home to kings of France. And their magnificent architecture attests to this. A visit to the Loire Valley is a journey back to the 15th and 16th century. You'll find some of the most majestic ch�teaux, renaissance houses and medieval fortresses in this region. Each with their own elaborate decor, ancient furniture, opulent tapestries, crafted staircases, period fireplaces, royal chambers and canopy beds, they are masterpieces of a distant era.

The gardens are as enchanting as the ch�teaux. These verdant terrains are filled with fountains and statuary, forests and streams, meticulous landscaping, and every type of flower imaginable. The Loire Valley also delights in the art of living. You can taste exceptional wines, enjoy the local produce and indulge in some regional specialties like goat cheese. Today, with the convenience of the super high speed TGV train, a trip to Tours city center in the Loire Valley takes only about an hour from Paris, Montparnasse train station. It's an ideal day trip.

But to enjoy this region, with no less than 800 castles, take a few days. Rent a car with Renault Rent located near the Cirque d'Hiver - 96 rue Amelot 75011 - Tel +33 (0)1 49 23 55 55. Ask for the Parismarais special offer, and your car will be delivered to your hotel or apartment. It's definitely the best way to travel and discover the magnificent manors.

Here's a list of the most celebrated ch�teaux not to be missed: Cheverny, Chenonceaux, Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, Chambord, Amboise Royal Castle and le Clos Luc�, Blois, Villandry, Jallanges, Rigny-Uss�, said to resemble "the sleeping beauty castle". And don't forget the royal city of Loches that boasts 2 stunning castles, one Medieval and one Renaissance.

Also save at least one afternoon to stop at Chaumont-sur-Loire on the way back to Paris. You can visit the 15th century castle and enjoy the International Garden Festival that takes place there every year from May to October. http://www.domaine-chaumont.fr/index-en.php?page=accueil&cat=1

Gay guided tours of Paris:

The association Paris Gay Village brings 15 gay and lesbian professionals together who share the same passion for the history of their city and hope to uncover the gayest and most unexpected elements. Every month with Paris Gay Village, a new guided tour led by a professional will disclose the hidden and most curious gay parts of Paris. Numerous themes are unveiled that will allow you to discover everything that the history books never dare say.

What goes on near Jim Morrison's tomb in P�re Lachaise? Who among Napoleon's generals had a weakness for soldiers? Was Louis the 15th really open to everything? Not to mention the ministers of the 5th Republic. What hidden messages can be found in the paintings of David? Which are the most beautiful homoerotic sculptures of the Louvre. Better than the Da Vinci code and more mysterious than the Phantom of the Opera, the tours of Paris Gay Village will amaze you and make you want to come back for more whether you are gay or not. The evocative hidden lives of France's historical figures not only add to France's cultural history but expand our understanding and enjoyment, like the cherry on top of the cake!

Find out more about Paris Gay Village on their website http://www.parisgaivillage.com

Paris Gai Village also offers some welcome bags including many newspapers and the Marais Maps at the Gay and Lesbian Center 63, rue Beaubourg in Le Marais. It's the best advice if you wish to find out more about reliable tours, events and meeting places to have fun and avoid the tourist traps and places that exclude your true desires.

LINK: Paris Gay Village

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For your trip to Paris and to the Loire Valley, Parismarais.com offers you a variety of unique and charming historic hotels in Le Marais, and central Paris, as well as in the Loire Valley.

Marais Hotels: Parismarais luxury 4-star category hotels

Historical hotels that Parismarais adores are the Bourg-Tibourg designed by Jacques Garcia, the designer of the Metropole Palace in Monaco, the H�tel du Petit Moulin, designed by Christian Lacroix himself, Le Pavillon de La Reine and the Marais House, which is definitely one of the most exclusive guesthouses in the world with only 4 rooms.

Parismarais provides you the opportunity to connect with the best hotels directly. You'll contact hotel staff and managers. Their job is all about creating a relationship with the client, welcoming and pampering them. Naturally they would be more inclined to furnish the best rooms to people like you. A direct client is a VIP client as far as hotels are concerned. A direct client is not some mass-market person who responds to a gigantic central hotel servicing network that will ask for a commission on their reservation later.

Moreover, you can conveniently call the hotel when you like, benefit from special offers and upgrades. You are certain to be more warmly welcomed, like a friend, and not just some anonymous number. You maintain a direct relationship with your hotel with no intermediary. You have more flexibility to change your room, change your dates and even cancel your reservation with no penalty in most cases. You can reserve the nicest rooms in the fanciest hotels in the Marais. With Parismarais.com, the client - that's YOU - is the king. And you'll be delighted with the results.

PARISMARAIS.com is a Media Partner of Paris Tourism Office, France Guide / Atout France, IGLTA and correspondent of over 100 medias in the world.

You can download for free the parismarais� maps in English, side A and B by clicking on the following links: Paris Map, Side A
Paris Map, Side B

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