短篇英语美文摘抄（一）
巴黎文化
Ah, beautiful Paris. For centuries this city has attracted the admiration of the world. The allure and charm of Paris captivate all who visit there.
Where can you discover the charm of Paris for yourseIf. Is it in the legacy of all the French rulers who worked to beautify their beloved city? Is it in the famous castles, palaces, statues and monuments? Can you it in the world-class museums, such as the Louvre? Perhaps Paris' allure lies in the zest and style of the Parisians.
When you visit Paris, you don't have to spend all of your time visiting museums and monuments. They are certainly worthy of your time, but ignore them for a day. First take some time to look around and experience life in Paris. You'll find it charming.
Take a stroll along the Seine River. Browse through the art vendors colorful paintings. Peek through delicate iron gates at the well kept gardens. Watch closely for the French attention to detail that has made France synonymous with good taste. You will see it in the design of a doorway or arch and in the little fountains and quaint balconies. No matter where you look,you will find everyday objects transformed into works by art.
Spend some time in a quiet park relaxing on an oid bench. Lie on your back on the green grass. When you need refreshment, try coffee and pastries at a sidewalk cafe. Strike up a conversation with a Parisian. This isn't always easy, though. With such a large international population living in Paris, true natives are hard to find these days.
As evening comes to Paris, enchantment rises with the mist over the riverfront. You may hear music from an outdoor concert nearby classical, jazz, opera or chansons, those French folk songs. Parisians love their music. The starry sky is their auditorium. You can also hear concerts in the chateaux and cathedrals. In Paris the Music never ends.
Don't miss the highlight of Paris evening: eating out. Parisians are proud of their cuisine. And rightly so; it's world famous. Gourmet dining is one of the indispensable joys ofliving. You need a special guidebook to help you choose one of the hundreds of excellent restaurants. The capital of France boasts every regional specialty, cheese and wine the country has to offer. If you don't know what to order, ask for the suggested menu. The chef likes to showcase his best dishes there. Remember, you haven't tasted the true flavor ofFrance until you've dined at a French restaurant in Paris.
After your gourmet dinner, take a walking tour of the floodlit monuments. Cross the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in the city. The most famous landmark of Paris looms up in front of you the Notre Dame Cathedral （Cathedral of Our Lady）。 Stand in the square in front of the cathedral. Here, you are standing in the center of France. All distances are measured from the front of Notre Dame. Every road in France leads to her front door. All French kings and leaders have journeyed here to commemorate important occasions and give thanks. Notre Dame is the heart ofParis and the heart of France.
Your visit in Paris has only just begun. You've just started to discover the charm ofthis old city. May the rest of yourjoumey be unforgettable. When it is time to leave, you will go reluctantly. You will say with the French, "A bientot, Paris, a bientot!" （See you again soon, Paris!）
英语美文翻译：
啊，美丽的巴黎！几个世纪以来，这个城市赢得了整个世界的崇拜。巴黎的**与魅力吸引了所有到此游玩的人。
你在哪里可以找到巴黎对你的吸引力呢？是否是在历任的法国统治者们在美化他们所钟爱的城市时所留下来的遗产里？还是在那些有名的城堡、皇宫、雕像和纪念碑里呢？你能否在世界一流的博物馆，例如卢浮宫中找着呢？或许巴黎的**力在于巴黎人的特殊品味和风格。
当你到巴黎游玩时，别把时间全都花在看博物馆和纪念碑上面。它们当然很值得你花时间去参观，但今天先忘掉它们。首先来四处看看，并体验—下巴黎的生活。你会在其中发现它的迷人之处的。
沿着塞纳河漫步吧。浏览艺术家们丰富色彩的绘画，透过那些精致的铁门，向内**那些精心照看的花园。仔细留心法国人对于细节的留意，这使得法国成为“好品味”的同义词。你可以在门廊或拱门以及小喷泉和古怪有趣的走廊的设计上发现这一点。不管你往哪里看，你都会觉得日常物品已经变成了艺术品。
花些时间，在一个安静的公园里面的旧板凳上轻松地休息或是躺在青草地上。想吃点心的时候，尝尝路边咖啡店的咖啡及点心。你也可以找一个巴黎人展开一段会话，但这也