Tourist Attractions in Paris
As the capital city of France,
Paris
has endured as an important city for more than 2,000 years. Often
called by nicknames like the “city of love” and “city of lights,” Paris
is today one of the world’s leading centers for business, fashion,
entertainment, art and culture. Just the mere mention of Paris conjures
up images of the city’s world famous landmarks, museums and cathedrals.
An overview of the top
tourist attractions in Paris:
7Musee d'Orsay
A
must-do for art lovers, the Musee d’Orsay is known for housing the
world’s premier collection of impressionist paintings. Located in a
former railway station, this grand museum showcases thousands of art
works and objects that cover a period between the mid-1800s and the
early 1900s. Visitors can walk through several rooms to view amazing art
works by many famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Cezane, Degas,
Pissarro, Renoir and Jean-Francois Millet.
6Jardin du Luxembourg
Known
in English as the Luxembourg Gardens, this public park is the second
largest in Paris. Visitors here can picnic or stroll leisurely among
beautiful lawns, formal gardens and fruit orchards that feature many
artistic statues and fountains. For fun and sport, there are jogging
paths, tennis courts and fitness equipment. Children can play in the
huge playground, ride ponies, watch a puppet show and sail model boats
in a pond.
5Sacre-Coeur
One
of the most noticeable landmarks in Paris is the striking white-domed
basilica of the Sacre-Coeur. Situated at the city’s highest point on
Montmartre hill, this stunning basilica draws many tourists every year
to see its marble architecture and gorgeous interior. A tour awards
visitors with views of gold mosaics, stained-glass windows and one of
the world’s largest clocks.
4Notre Dame de Paris
No
trip to Paris could be complete without a visit to the world famous
Notre Dame cathedral. Standing more than 400 feet (120 meters) high with
two lofty towers and a spire, this marvelous church is considered a
supreme example of French Gothic architecture. A tour of this 13th
century masterpiece allows visitors to admire the awe-inspiring rose
windows, Gothic carvings, beautiful sculptures and a collection of
relics.
3Arc de Triomphe
One
of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe
was constructed in 1806 to memorialize the triumphal battles of Napoleon
Bonaparte. Standing 164 feet high and 148 feet (50 by 45 meters) wide,
the arch features intricate reliefs depicting victorious battles and
engraved names of many who died fighting for the emperor. Beneath the
arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the first world war.
2Louvre
Topping
the list of the world’s most visited museums, the Louvre Museum is
located in the Louvre Palace with its signature glass pyramid marking
its entrance. Housing a collection of more than 1 million objects, the
Louvre boasts some of the world’s most famous art works such as Leonardo
da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave” and the Greek
statue, “Venus of Milo.” Other popular exhibits include the extravagant
apartments of Napoleon III, the ancient Code of Hammurabi, Egyptian
antiquities and paintings by masters like Rembrandt and Rubens.
1Eiffel Tower
Visiting
the iconic symbol of Paris usually ranks as the number one thing to do
for most tourists. Towering more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) high in
the Champ de Mars park, this iron structure was constructed for the 1889
World Exposition. One of the world’s most photographed tourist
attractions, the Eiffel Tower presents an excellent photography
opportunity for both day and night times. Visitors can ride the elevator
to see incredible views of the city or dine in one of the two fine
restaurants that are situated within the tower.
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