Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel tower always tops any visitors list of Parisian sights.
At 324 metres high, it is one of the most famous monument in the world, but really isn’t the most amazing thing in Paris, though, despite its fame. There are many attractions that are far older with a much richer history. There are more romantic (and less crowded) spots. There are even better views of the city (like the Notre Dame or the Arc de Triomphe) It is, however, a sight to behold due to its amazing architecture and sheer size. Just be sure to take the lift for a view of the city. Don’t miss the tower after sunset, when it sparkles again and again like diamonds in the darkness.
Butte Montmartre
Montmartre has steps, making it physically exerting, but completely romantic. Countless novels and legends have been set in this Butte such as the Bateau-Lavoir in place Emile Goudeau where Picasso painted the Demoiselles d’Avignon. Again more steps, but completely worth it. Just before you reach the top are the last remaining windmills. At the top is Sacré-C?ur, surrounded by many little streets as well as vineyard. Don’t miss the Musee du Montmartre to discover a chapter of history complete with cabaret signs and dance posters including the dances of the Moulin Rouge.
Don’t leave Montmartre without tasting their Tiramisu at some of Paris’ oldest bistros.
Avenue de Champs-ةlysées
The most fashionable street in town, the Champs-ةlysées is known as La plus belle avenue du monde (the most beautiful avenue in the world). The Champs-Elysées were originally fields and market gardens, until 1616, when Marie de Medici decided to extend the garden axis of the Palais des Tuileries with an avenue of trees. Because of its size and proximity to several Parisian landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, it became famous for its military parades, including the march of German troops celebrating the Fall of France in 1940 and the entrance of Free French and American forces into the city after its liberation in 1944. With its cinemas, cafés, and luxury specialty shops, the Champs-ةlysées is one of the most famous streets in the world, and is also the 2nd most expensive strip of real estate in the world after New York’s Fifth Avenue.
Notre Dame de Paris
Masterpiece of gothic architecture, the cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, conceptualised by Maurice de Sully, was built between 1163 and 1345. French road distances are established from the "0km" point located on the square in front of the cathedral entrance. The cathedral has witnessed Saint Louis, barefoot, wearing the crown of thorns in 1239, the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, the celebration of the Liberation of Paris in 1944. The 422 steps leading to the top will bring you face to face with some gargoyles and the 13-tonne bell named Emmanuel
Louvre Museum
Formerly the residence of the Kings of France, the Louvre is one of the French capital’s most renowned sites. Its exhibition areas are divided into eight major sections: Near Eastern Antiquities; Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculptures; Decorative Arts, Paintings and Prints and Drawings. The best known of the Louvre’s extensive art collection is undoubtedly its famous painting, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, located in the Renaissance Italian Paintings section. The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the celebrated headless statue with outspread wings, and the Venus de Milo are two of the most frequently viewed Greek statues, and the Seated Scribe is one of the most emblematic pieces in the Egyptian Antiquities section.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is the centrepiece of the Place Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, from where it overlooks the Champs Elysées. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the arch was completed only 30 years later during the reign of Louis Philippe, the last King of France, who dedicated the monument to the revolutionary army. The tomb of the unknown soldier, honouring those killed in the Great War, was laid at the base of the arch in 1921. An eternal flame, another patriotic symbol lit for the first time two years later, burns constantly under the arch and is relit every evening. From the top of the 50m-high arch, you have a wonderful view of the 12 avenues radiating out from the Place Charles de Gaulle.
Jardins et Musée du Luxembourg
Children love the Luxembourg gardens for their wooden horses, their model yachts to push along with a cane on the ornamental pond, for their refreshment kiosks and ponies. Others love it for the artists with their easels, chess players, daydreamers and students on their notepads and computers. Commissioned by Marie de Medici, the widow of Henri IV in the early 18th century, who sought to recapture a little of her native Florence, the Palais du Luxembourg was designed by the architect Salomon de Brosse. It was the first public museum displaying paintings in France, with about a hundred paintings from the King’s collection.