Explore Grand Paris
Explore the many Attractions of Paris
Where would you like to begin – the monuments, the museums, the markets, the book stalls, the café, the malls? Paris has it all. Your Parisian itinerary will be choc-a-bloc with “must-sees”. Now that you are here, you would not like to miss out on any attraction. You have the option to take bus tours, river cruises, guided walking tours or you can feel free to make your own tour.
Let’s begin at the place where almost every tourist begins, the Eiffel Tower located at Champs de Mars in Paris. An iron lattice tower designed by Gustave Eiffel, it is the most recognizable structure in Paris. As tall as an 81-storey building, it is the single most visited paid monument in the world.
The Louvre, one of the world’s greatest museums, has gone through three incarnations. Built as Louvre Castle to defend the north of Paris from attacks, it was dismantled by successive kings, to build the Royal Louvre, the home of kings. After the French Revolution, it was baptized as Le Musee du Louvre, the ultimate home of art.
While on museums, you would not skip the Musee Rodin and Musee Picasso. If trips down historical lanes tend to overwhelm you, get yourself a museum card for one, three or five days. This card allows you to go in and out of museums at your will, stretched across the entire period of your stay.
Champs Elysses is the world’s most beautiful avenue, splendid during the night and Place de la Concorde is a magnificent 8 hectare square, dotted with fountains and the right place to get breathtaking views of River Seine.
Napoleon commissioned the Arc de Tromphe through which he wanted his victorious troops to march, cheered by Parisians. Were you to visit the Invalides, you would see the place where the French emperor was laid to rest.
Notre Dame, the Paris Catholic Cathedral is one of the most awe-inspiring monuments. The Basilique du Sacre-Couer looks dramatic in being all white on the all green hill of Montmartre, the last village in the city of Paris. Le Pantheon, built as a church, stands in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
In Paris, you have to take time to stroll around the lavishly laid-out gardens. Le Tuilerries is the most central park of Paris, replete with French style alleys and lawns.
The Luxembourg Gardens, spread across 25 hectares, is the green oasis with beautiful statues, fountains and flowers. It provides for a typical romantic setting, in a way that is so very Parisian. Sit in one of the cafes, relax with a glass of wine and let the feel of Paris seep in.
Then there also are some lesser known places which you should not miss. For instance, there’s the statue of Marianne which is an allegorical representation of the French Republic. This spectacular statue is placed in the Place de da Republique. Interesting to see is The Man in the Wall, the sculpture of a man passing through a wall.
At the foot of the Champs Elysses is the Cleopatra’s Needle, a 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk. And you always thought that there is only one Statue of Liberty in New York, a gift from France? Actually there is a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty on one of the islands near Paris.
The food is delectable all over Paris. Be it the expensive restaurants along the fashionable boulevards or the neighborhood bistro, you will surely have a great meal. The favorite street food is the crepes, combined with Nutella or sugar and butter. In your quest for Parisian food, explore the Latin Quarter, see the Sorbonne while stopping at a bistro or two. Along the Seine, you could browse through the books that the booksellers have on display in green metal boxes.
The food markets are open air markets on narrow streets lined with old houses. You see an assortment of food stores selling meat, fish, fruits, pastries and delicious confectionary items.
All set to head for the City of Lights? It should top the list of your vacation options, now that you have taken a virtual tour.
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