Paris is an amazing city. We have all heard the sayings "The city of love" "The most romantic city in the world" "The city of lights", well after visiting this city and experiencing it first hand, I can tell you that it is all true. The city is very beautiful. The architecture is stunning, the tourist attractions amazing and I found the people to be friendly.
You will certainly not be bored when you travel to Paris. Paris remains one of the ultimate travel destinations in the world.
There are a lot of wonderful things to see in Paris. One of which is the world-famous Louvre, which houses some of the most celebrated works of art in the world. Travel back to the time of such great artists like Leonardo Da Vinci. See for yourself the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the ancient Winged Victory.
The Louvre is the largest and the most famous museum in the world.
There is obviously much more to explore!
Père Lachaise. The largest cemetery in Paris, and said reputed to be the most visited in the world. A huge and peaceful park home of those who have experienced French life over the past 200 years.
Jardin du Luxembourg. The garden of the French Senate which is also a large public park. A recommended place to relax and savour the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a rich palace garden.
Montmartre. One of the most popular historic areas with the Sacré Coeur Basilica on the top of the hill, the highest point in Paris. It’s also famous for the cafés and studios of many great artists. I recommend taking the tram to the top, then walking down the steps and then browsing the artists work in the narrow streets at the bottom. A fantastic experience.
Versailles. Near Paris, this is where King Louis XIV built his Palace in the 17th century. For those who love Renaissance architecture, don’t miss it! The Palace has been recently renovated and you’ll also enjoy lovely walks in the well kept gardens.
One of the most relaxing, and romantic ways to view some of the city’s oldest and most majestic historic monuments is to get a ride on the unique long-boats that leisurely glide along the Seine.
Another place to go is the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, which was built in the 17th century. The avenue has the Arc de Triomphe at one end and the Place de la Concorde on the other. I stayed just around the corner from the Place de la Concorde. It was the perfect spot.
Strolling along the Avenue is a wonderful way to fill in some time.
Your visit to Paris will not be complete without visiting Notre Dame Cathedral. A model for French Gothic Cathedrals in the Middle Ages, the structure still stands proud, rich in history and architecture.
Of course, you must see the beautiful Eiffel Tower. The landmark was made by French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair.
I was determined to go right to the top of the tower. I waited in line for 2 hours but it was worth it. You can not go to Paris and miss out on the Eiffel Tower.
Another tower that is worth a look, is the Montparnasse Tower. It doesn't have the crowds of the Eiffel Tower and you have the bonus of having the Eiffel Tower in your photos!
When I visited, there was one young couple in front of me to purchase a ticket. I got my ticket, went to the lift and went straight to the top. We were the only ones there. They have information panels, pointing out the landmarks below.
At the time of writing this, there is an enclosed viewing area but you can also go out the door and up a short flight of stairs, onto the roof. Another bonus because then you don't have photos taken through dirty scratched glass. I highly recommend it.
The Moulin Rouge, thanks to the movie, has also attracted quite a following. Beware though, Moulin Rouge does not look like much during the day but it comes alive at night.
Paris is a very special place. It has a unique atmosphere and you just get drawn in. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to see all it has to offer.
A very beautiful place that I visited while in the south of France, was the tiny medieval village of EZE. It is between Nice and Monte Carlo. It is very quiet and peaceful. There are no cars and the only way in and around the village, is on foot. There are steep and narrow paths and breath taking views. Well worth the visit.
|
Contributor's Note
All the photos here, I have taken myself.
|
