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There are cities that exude ‘joie de vivre’. Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, is one of them. Parties and music come as naturally. The boldest architecture can be found here and there, dotted between neighbourhoods that are like villages in their own right, with individual customs and traditions. Rio is the place to discover Carnaval, to experience Capoeira while finishing the evening, drink in hand, on a hotel terrace overlooking the sea.


How do I get to Rio de Janeiro?

All the information you need on flying to Rio with AIR FRANCE is available at the end of this feature.


Time out

As you would expect, Corcovado Mountain attracts many visitors, and with good reason. Breathtaking city views can be had from the platform next to the open-armed statue of Christ. Although the classic way to journey up the hill is by car or bus, the most magical way to travel is by helicopter. Flights depart from the base of Sugarloaf Mountain for a 10 minute ride including a sumptuous tour of this natural wonder and a “magical” return journey over Copacabana beach. Experience all the legends of the city from above in a few seconds. Helisul - Pão Açucar- Av. Pasteur, 520 - Praia Vermelha – Tel: + 55 21 2542-7895
– from € 85.



Getting to know the city

Copacabana beach is undisputedly the place to go to become a seasoned Brazilian. Take note: going to the beach in Brazil involves much more than a towel placed on the sand. It is a way of life, often family-focused, with its own codes and rules. It would be unthinkable to venture into the section reserved for gays if you do not belong to their community. The same is true for areas reserved for young people from the favelas who do not really tolerate tourists. To help you understand these codes, Carlos (http://sambacarlos.free.fr), a young local guide will accompany you when you first arrive (around  € 20 for two hours). A French-speaker, he is a never-ending source of knowledge on the origins of Rio and the history of its neighbourhoods. It is a good idea to stay in touch with him for when you later visit the city-centre. His address book is unique.



Love art

One of the most reputable creators in Brazil is without doubt Oscar Niemeyer, who is now over 100 years old. If you appreciate the city’s cathedral, the product of his immense talent, go to the Mac (Contemporary Art Museum) to appreciate his sense of design. One look is enough to take in the sense of curves and balance. At 16 metres high, with a dome on 3 levels and an airborne access ramp that takes you inside the building, it is a feast for the eyes. Mirante da Boa Viagem, Niterói, Tel: + 55 21 2620-2400 - www.macniteroi.com.br
 

Creative crossroads

Rio revels in its status as a cultural and creative capital. For example, in Ipanema you will find Gilson Martin (Rua Visconde de Piraja, 42 à Ipanema - www.gilsonmartins.com.br). This designer of fine leather goods uses all the symbols of Rio for his designs on bags, wallets and cases. Discover an original mix of colours and styles in an unusual boutique where every piece is unique.
 

Escape

In Tijuca, the last great urban forest, that is home to over one hundred native species. A guided tour takes place every day at 10 am at the main entrance to the park. Explore with a fully trained guide who will explain all about the species and allow you to better understand the richness of this special place. Contact Michelle Ramdoui, a French woman who has lived in Rio for years. Tel: + 55 21 8869-2119 - mramdam@yahoo.fr

Eating out

Try Marius, the fashionable restaurant that devotes its talents to seafood.
The lively decor is very nautical and with a sand covered floor, so a great atmosphere is guaranteed. Here, you can eat as much as you like, the buffet includes crab, lobster and oysters. It’s a pleasure for your taste buds against the permanent backdrop of a furious samba beat. This is a fine establishment on Copacabana where it is always a good idea to book in advance. Av. Atlantica, 290 – Copacabana – Tel: + 55 21 0707 9001 - http://www.marius.com.br
 

Listen

Finding good music in Rio is like learning to breathe. It’s natural. Lapa is without doubt the most musical neighbourhood in the city with bars where local bands play every night. Owned by one of the best Brazilan guitarists, Zé Paulo Becker, “Semente” (Rua Joaquim Silva 138 in Lapa) is well worth a visit. Other great places to try include the Centro Cultural Carioca (Praça Tiradentes) which is a little further away. In Botafogo the Trapiche da Gamboa (Rua Sacadura Cabral 155, Gamboa – Tel: + 55 21 2516 0868 - www.trapichegamboa.com.br) and not forgetting the Bip Bip (Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50, Copacabana) in an area less than 20 m², it is a real hotspot for samba and bossa-nova. 

► How do I get to Rio de Janeiro?

AIR FRANCE runs 12 flights a week to Rio departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Choose from a daytime flight in an Airbus A330 (AF 444: departs at 10.30, arrives at 17.00)* or a daily night time flight in a Boeing 747 (AF 432: departs at 23.20, arrives at 05.20 the next day).


*AF 444: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 29 March to 14 June and from 8 to 20 September :
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 15 June to 6 September and from 21 September to 23 October.