Paris, Paris...

The Dutch town of Arnhem can be found in Eastern Holland on the banks of the river Nederrijn while the famous river Rhine is a bit further south. It was first noted in the latter 9th century however there is a surplus of evidence to point to the fact human habitations were in the area roughly 70,000 years back.

The town was created in the 13th century and till it became part of the 7 United Provinces of the Netherlands in 1585, it had been the stage of many power struggles. The French were next to have aspirations of Arnhem and it wasn't till the mid 19th century that tranquility came to the town. The city and surrounding region was known commonly as a idyllic region of the Netherlands.

During World War II, Arnhem was the stage of a well known battle as the advancing Allies tried to get a breakthrough into Germany. In June 1944, Allied Forces had landed on the beaches at Normandy and were heading in the direction of their eventual objective of Berlin. The adjoining area had certain major bridges crossing the Rhine which if taken intact, would enable the Allies a way into Germany.

Operation Market Garden was an airbourne assault in September 1944, to acquire the bridges but the target failed. The city was eventually liberated by Canadian infantrymen in April 1945 a month before the end of WW2.

Now, Arnhem is a major railway centre with trains going to destinations as far away as Moscow. The Burgers Zoo is one of the most well liked in Holland and here the Nation's Heritage Museum is situated just outside of the city.

The Gelredome is the home of Vitesse Arnhem and was the 1st football stadium to feature a slide out pitch. This helps more air and natural light to get to the grass.

For the visitor, vacation accommodation isn't typically a controversy with everything from camp sites to high end hostels being on the market. There are plenty of cafes and eating at restaurants is routine for locals as well as travellers.