Must-See Paris Attractions
Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and the Louvre
Paris offers a complete menu of interesting attractions to keep one occupied for days. The following is a description of some of these sights.
As with any other large city, Paris has its share of sights to see. First time visitors and those limited on time, need to choose what is important for them. The following is a guide to some of the major sights and attractions that this metropolis has to offer.
The Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete, without a visit to this major landmark, at least once. Completed in 1889, this monument complex currently has two observation decks, a restaurant, several snack bars, lavatories and a post office. You can take elevators up the tower or be adventurous and walk up the stairs. Since visits to the Eiffel Tower tend to get crowded later in the day, consider going earlier. Also consider going to the middle level, instead of the upper. This will save time, avoiding additional waits for the elevator going to the very top. The view at the second level is not as spectacular as the top, but is still breathtaking.
Take a Walk
One of the nicest boulevards in France is the Champs-Elysées. Walking from Place de la Concord to the Arc De Triomphe, one will see plenty of upscale shops, restaurants and hotels. During the day it tends to get crowded. Nighttime is better for photography, since plenty of illumination make pictures more interesting. If there during the day, pop over to the Arc De Triomphe. If doing so, don’t cross the traffic circle. Use the underground stairs to reach the monument. Built by Napoleon, as a tribute to his armies, there’s a small museum inside and on the roof, one can get a superb view of Paris.
Mona Lisa
The Louvre happens to be one of the most visited museums in the world. It is home to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Antioch’s Venus De Milo, as well as many other works of art and antiquities. A true visit to this museum can’t be done in a day. Several days are needed to take everything in. To facilitate one’s visit here, consider getting tickets online, to forgo the usual long lines and consider researching the items you want to see, before entering.
The hunchback
Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral is another must see sight. It’s located by the banks of the Seine River on Île-de-la-Cité. Built on the former grounds of a Roman Temple, the cathedral offers interesting historical and architectural points. It was a launching ground for those who fought in the Crusades and was the place where Napoleon crowned himself emperor. Today one can marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows, the numerous statues and massive bells that reside in the tower. If still possible, climb the four hundred twenty-two spiral steps to reach the top of the tower for a magnificent view.
Mirrors
If time permits, a full day trip to visit Versailles, is well worth a visit. Located just outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles and its grounds have architectural and topiary marvels. It was the central governmental seat of France, from 1682, under Louis the XIV, to 1789 under Louis the XVI. See all the ornate rooms, especially the famous hall of mirrors, and walk the beautiful gardens that surround the palace.
Honorable mention
Other potential sights include the Cathedral of Saint Chapelle, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Paris, the basilica of Sacré-Coeur located on the right bank in Montmartre and the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris, the resting site of many celebrities. Some notables buried here include Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Bizet, Edith Piaf and the lead singer of the Doors, Jim Morrison.
No matter who you are or how long you stay, Paris offers something for everyone. Due to the large number of attractions within the city, planning and organization is the key to an enjoyable and stress free visit.
