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Far from its staid Soviet past, the cultural seat of old Russia has transformed into the “bling” capital of Europe. Even if the current economic crisis has forced the city to adjust its attitude, Moscow remains, with its luxury cars, glittering diamonds and trendy discos, the capital of excess.

Getting to Moscow:

Everything you need to know about getting to Moscow with AIR FRANCE KLM is at the end of this feature.

To see...
The Metro.  The sumptuous design of the city's metro stations is worth the underground trip.  Built in the 1930s, it was intended to showcase the sophistication of the Soviet government. It has never lost its splendour, with enormous stations lined in marble.  Access to this extravagant architecture and the 12 lines is available for a pittance: tickets are only 35 cents!

To explore...
The Red Square; with its architecture that reflects the opulence of tsarist Russia, crowds that queue up at Lenin's Mausoleum and the GUM Department store. This old market area, built in 1893, was turned into a chic shopping mall that features luxury brands from across the globe. Don't miss the afternoon spectacle as limousines and chauffeurs arrive escorting elegantly decked ladies in search of the perfect gown. 
Red Square, 3, Tel. +7 (495) 788-43-43 - www.gum.ru

To understand...
A visit to the Kremlin is an absolute must, it is the historic city centre and the very heart of Russia.  A wealth of palaces, museums (the Arms collection is particularly remarkable), churches and gardens in what was once the power house of the nation. The palace is a collection of arcades, corridors and dark, menacing rooms. The guided visit gives a good overview of the role the Kremlin played in the politics of the country.

To wander...
The Old Arbat area is the most charming neighbourhood of the city with a touch of Saint Germain meets SOHO. Here, the citizens of Moscow mix with the rich and the mighty. Tourists come to stroll this pedestrian street, do a bit of shopping and enjoy a break at a local cafe.
There are local shops, but thanks to globalisation, there are also all the international brands that are found throughout the world. 

To dream...
A great classic of Moscow, the mythic Bolshoi Theatre.  Located near Red Square, this is without a doubt the most prestigious theatre in the city.  Plays, operas and ballets are all performed in this space that evokes a nostalgia for Tsarist Russia.  Like its eternal rival, the Mariinsky Theatre of Saint Petersburg (www.mariinsky.ru/en/) the Bolshoi welcomes everyone from the wealthiest of Muscovites to everyday folk wishing to enjoy a performance with their families.
www.bolshoi.ru

To escape...
A cultural capital, Moscow dedicates itself to the art of cinema with the Moscow International Film Festival to be held 19th to 28th June, 2009.  Each year the event, which first began in 1959, presents Russian and International films, retrospectives and hosts a competition for young directors and experimental films.  A Festival that envies nothing of its cousins in Berlin and Cannes.
To find out more and review the Festival programme, 5/6 Tverskaya Street - 125009 Moscow Tel: +7 (495) 692 1401
www.moscowfilmfestival.ru 

► How to get to Moscow:

To get to Moscow, 9 daily flights depart from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
The route is jointly run by Air France and Aeroflot (9 code-share flights : 5 flights operated by Air France and 4 flights operated by Aeroflot).