英語經(jīng)典美文誦讀100篇：068.paris, a romantic capital
[00:12.00]Ah, beautiful Paris. For centuries this city has attracted the admiration of the world.
[00:19.00]The allure and charm of Paris captivate all who visit there.
[00:24.31]Where can you discover the charm of Paris for yourself?
[00:28.43]Is it in the legacy of all the Fre”nch rulers who worked to beautify their beloved city?
[00:35.11]Is it in the famous castles, palaces, statues and monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower?
[00:42.04]Can you find it in the world-class museums, such as the Louvre?
[00:46.86]Perhaps Paris’ allure lies in the zest and style of the Parisians.
[00:52.21]When you visit Paris, you don’t have to spend all of your time visiting museums and monuments.
[00:59.05]They are certainly worthy of your time, but ignore them for a day.
[01:04.09]First take some time to look around and experience life in Paris. You’ll find it charming.
[01:11.20]Take a stroll along the Seine River. Browse through the art vendors’ colorful paintings.
[01:17.74]Peek through delicate iron gates at the well-kept gardens.
[01:22.13]Watch closely for the French attention to detail that has made France synonymous with good taste.
[01:29.56]You will see it in the design of a doorway or arch and in the little fountains and quaint balconies.
[01:35.89]No matter where you look, you will find everyday objects transformed into works by art.
[01:42.98]Spend some time in a quiet park relaxing on an old bench. Lie on your back on the green grass.
[01:50.76]When you need refreshment, try coffee and pastries at a sidewalk cafe.
[01:56.09]Strike up a conversation with a Parisian. This isn’t always easy, though.
[02:01.88]With such a large international population living in Paris, true natives are hard to find these days.
[02:09.46]As evening comes to Paris, enchantment rises with the mist over the riverfront.
[02:15.53]You may hear music from an outdoor concert nearby: classical, jaz, opera or chansons,
[02:22.78]those French folk songs. Parisians love their music. The starry sky is their auditorium.
[02:31.15]You can also hear concerts in the chateaux and cathedrals. In Paris the Music never ends.
[02:39.05]Don’t miss the highlight of Paris evening: eating out. Parisians are proud of their cuisine.
[02:46.92]And rightly so; it’s world famous. Gourmet dining is one of the indispensable joys of living.
[02:54.86]You need a special guidebook to help you choose one of the hundreds of excellent restaurants.
[03:01.28]The capital of France boasts every regional specialty, cheese and wine the country has to offer.
[03:07.92]If you don’t know what to order, ask for the suggested menu.
[03:11.97]The chef likes to showcase his best dishes there. Remember,
[03:16.68]you haven’t tasted the true flavor of France until you’ve dined at a French restaurant in Paris.
[03:23.68]After your gourmet dinner, take a walking tour of the floodlit monuments. Cross the Pont Neuf,
[03:30.79]the oldest bridge in the city, to the Ile de la Cite.
[03:34.91]The most famous landmark of Paris looms up in front of you: the Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Lady).
[03:43.98]Stand in the square in front of the cathedral. Here, you are standing in the center of France.
[03:50.93]All distances are measured from the front of Notre Dame. Every road in France leads to her front door.
[03:58.62]All French kings and leaders have journeyed here to commemorate important occasions and give thanks.
[04:05.58]Notre Dame is the heart of Paris and the heart of France.
[04:10.44]Your visit in Paris has only just begun. You’ve just started to discover the charm of this old city.
[04:18.41]May the rest of your journey be unforgettable. When it is time to leave, you will go reluctantly.
[04:25.89]You will say with the French, “A bientot, Paris, a bientot!”(See you again soon, Paris!)
