Paris is one of the world’s great cities. There are so many things to see in Paris. It could take you weeks and you still wouldn't have seen everything. Despite the massive size of the city, Paris is also an easily navigable destination as it’s divided in two by the River Seine. The city centre itself is relatively compact and all areas of Paris are connected by a highly efficient public transport system, with the Paris Metro (www.ratp.fr) an attraction in itself. Paris boasts more than 80 museums and around 200 art galleries. The best way to be able to see Paris is get the La Carte, which is a pass providing free admission to about 60 national and municipal museums in the Paris area. We have included below a list of some of Paris’s top things to do and see.
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower stands at 324m high and is probably the biggest tourist attraction in Paris. It was built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 as the centerpiece for the world exhibition as the centenary of the French Revolution; the Eiffel Tower became to symbolize Paris and is the starting point for millions of tourists every year. The Tower contains over 18,000 pieces of iron and over 2.5 million rivets keep it on place. When it was first constructed there weren't too many people that liked the tower. People's attitudes soon changed and today it is a beautiful place to spend the day. There are many souvenir shops set up at the base. You can buy anything from stickers to key chains to even little miniature Eiffel Towers. We recommend you pay the admission fee and go climb it so you can see the amazing view from its different levels. In our opinion you don’t need to go all the way to the top floor, as the views from the 2nd floor are just as good and you won’t have to pay as much. For more information on the Eiffel Tower Tour and it’s prices go to www.tour-eiffel.fr
Notre – Dame
This Gothic Cathedral is a great place to start your sightseeing. It is located on one of the two islands in the middle of the Seine. It receives thousands of visitors per day and is a must to see. Construction for the Cathedral was started in 1163 and was completed in 1345. In 1430 it was the site of the crowning of Henry VI of England. Today, the Notre-Dame still amazes visitors with its huge rose windows, and its 7800-pipe organ. To get to the top there are 387 steps to climb, but the view is breathtaking. It will cost you EUR9.5 to go inside, but this price can fluctuate. For more information on the Notre-Dame go to www.notredameparis.fr or www.cathedraledeparis.com
The Louvre
The Louvre was constructed as a fortress in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in the mid-sixteenth century as a royal palace; it wasn’t until 1793 that the Louvre became a museum.
Today, The Louvre is one of the most famous art Galleries in the world. It which was first built as a fortress in 1200 and, now after a few more wings have been added, is now one of the biggest art galleries. They say if you look at every picture for 30 seconds it would take you 10 years to see the whole museum! The Louvre's biggest tourist attraction is Leonardo da Vinci's (Mona Lisa) which was painted in 1503. It may disappoint you to see loads of tourists around it, and it is a small painting as well. You are better off going into the other wings to see paintings done by Giotto, Raphael, and Rembrandt to name a few. It will cost EUR 9 to go through the museum. These prices can fluctuate, so for the latest information on the Louvre go to www.louvre.fr
Avenue des Champs-Elysées
The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is considered one of the most beautiful avenues in the world, despite being nothing but fields and marshland until it was first developed in 1667. The avenue was lengthened to 1.9 km at the end of the 18th century, running from the place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Two kilometers long and bordered by trees, les Champs-Elysées has become the center for festivities and official parades. It is a major tourist attraction and it is definitely recommended.
Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile
The Arc de Triomphe has been a defining symbol of Paris ever since completion in 1836 as Napoleon wanted it built to commemorate the victorious French Army. Engraved on the arch are numerous names of important and not-so-important victories and beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can go atop this 50m-tall (164ft) arch for stunning views of Paris, including the Louvre and the Champs-Elysées, or tour the museum inside which charts the history and construction of the arch for EUR 7. For more information on the Arc de Triomphe go to www.monum.fr
The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, is one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world. Boasting around 2,143 windows, 1,252 fireplaces, and 67 staircases, the Castle is one of the most visited attractions in France.
As a fine example of 18th century French art, this historic building has been on Unesco's World Heritage List for 30 years. The castle was the official seat of power until 1789, but has since been seen as the unofficial seat. Also known as the “cradle of liberty” (Berceau-de-la-Liberté) it was here that the people of Paris made their stand against King Louis XV1, forcing the Royal Family to leave behind their life of decadence and move back to the true capital city of Paris.
The Paris Science Museum
This is the biggest science museum in Europe. This impressive glass and steel building was designed by Adrien Fainsilber and opened in 1986. The Paris Science Musum has a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and special departments for children and teenagers, "the cite des enfants", making it an exciting attraction for any trip to Paris.
The Orsay Museum
The Orsay Museum was originally designed as a train station in 1900. By the 1950’s it became apparent that the platforms were too short for modern trains and the building became home to a theatre.
In the 1970's it was remodelled and converted into a museum dedicated to displaying art from the period 1848 to 1915. There are many masterpieces at the Orsay include work by Delacroix, Manet, Guaguin, Cézanne, Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Van Gogh and many more great artists.
Montparnasse Tower
From the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower offers visitors a stunning view of the city in all directions. In just 38 seconds, Europe's fastest elevator will take you to a height of 196 meters (over 640 ft) where the most beautiful view of Paris stretches out before you from a modern, relaxed and very comfortable setting. From the top of the Tower you can spot Paris's landmarks and major attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Sacré Coeur, Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon and the Louvre.
National Modern Art Museum
The Centre Pompidou (National Modern Art Museum) is Europe’s most important museum of modern art and one of the worlds most significant art galleries. Some of the art movements represented within the Pompidou Center are Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. It has 50,000 works of art (including paintings, sculpture, drawings, and photography), of which 1,500 to 2,000 are on display to the visitors of this National Museum of Modern Art.
The Grevin Museum
The Musée Grévin may astound the visitor with its dramatic lifelike scenes of historical and modern Paris. Over 300 wax figures of the world’s most famous people dramatically posed in amazing scenes. See stunning recreations of the major events in French and world history.
The Grevin Museum's Discovery Tour reveals the secrets of making wax figures. After meeting Louis XIV or Jean de La Fontaine, visitors may enjoy finding out how the waxworks are made.
Citysightseeing
If you are pressed for time this is probably the best way to see Paris. The bus is called Paris L Open Tour; it’s a Hop-on-Hop-off bus that allows you to see most of Paris’s major tourist attractions. Prices do vary depending on which option you decide to go with as they offer loads of different ones. For the most up-to-date information go to www.pariscityrama.com
Disneyland Resort Paris
Disneyland Paris is located just east of Paris and was opened in 1992. It’s opened year round and was Disney’s first European venture, which has become one of the continent’s most popular attractions. The site has an area of 1943 hectares (5000 acres), one-fifth the size of Paris, and includes hotels, restaurants, a campsite, shops and a golf course, and has as its star attraction the Disneyland Paris Theme Park. For more information on the Disneyland Paris Theme Park go to www.disneylandparis.com
Magnificent Chateau
The magnificent Château du Fontainebleau has been the main summer residence for French Monarchs for hundreds of years. Starting life as a hunting lodge in the 12th century, it was replaced by a Renaissance-style château in 1538 and subsequently enlarged by a succession of kings.
Normandy
Normandy is located in northern coast of France, near the English Channel. It's best known for the site of the D'Day Landings on June 6, 1944. This is where thousands of Canadian, American, British, Polish, German, French and other ally countries all lost their lives. Those landings were the first step in ending World War II.
The beautiful coastline of Normandy stretches over three area, which include Manche, Calvados and Seine Maritime and each is amazing in its own right. If you are looking for a beach holiday then the two best in Normandy are Manche and Seine Maritime. Manche has the greatest number of blue flag beaches in Europe and Seine Maritime is an excellent family beach with breath taking beaches.
If you have come to see where the biggest amphibious military operation in history took place, then you have come to the right place. The D'Day Landing sites are Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. These beaches are spread out over miles of beach and if you want to see it all, then you should give yourself at least three days. This will give you the opportunity to see the landing sites, Arromanches, as well as all of the cemeteries, which the American one puts it all into perspective.
If you are looking for accommodation or nightlife in Normandy, it's recommended that you go to Bayeux, as this is a city within driving distance to all the sites and it’s a beautiful old medieval French city. For more information on Normandy go to www.discover-normandy.info
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky island located one kilometer off the coast of Normandy and today its bay and building are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The tides are phenomenal; at their peak, there is a difference of about 15m (50ft) between the ebb and the flow, the height of a five-storey building. The sands in the bay are flat and, when the tides are at their highest, the sea runs in over a distance of some 24km forming a wave about 70cm (2ft) deep.
It was founded in 708 by the Bishop of Avranches who built a chapel there after the Archangel Michael appeared to him in a dream. Construction of Mont Saint-Michel Abbey started in 1023 and was finished 400 years later. For centuries, the Abbey was a place of pilgrimage but it has also variously served as a prison, a fortress against the English and a monastery. You can take guided tours, which cost EUR 7 through the cobble stones in around the island. This is an amazing island that shouldn’t be missed. For more information on Mont-Saint-Michel go to www.monum.fr/m_stmichel or www.monum.fr
Dieppe
The port city of Dieppe has a 15th century castle, but today the main reason most tourists come to this area of France is for the Normandy Beaches, which were the seen of the D'Day landings during World War II. Here you can see the conditions the Allies had to land on and visit the Museum, which can give you more in-depth information on the area and the landings. Dieppe was the seen for another landing site, which the Canadians did a few years previously and this was thought to be the blue print to the D'Day Landings on June 6, 1944.
Situated only two hours from the alpine ski resorts and three hours from the sea, Lyon is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and the second largest contributor to the French economy after Paris. Loads of people don’t bother coming to this city, but it’s an excellent place to stop for a few days. The city boasts the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants and some of the most famous chefs in the whole of France, so you won’t go hungry.
The city’s Latin heritage begins on Fourvière Hill, where vestiges of the original Roman city are still evident. The Romans named Lyon Lugdunum, meaning the ‘city of light’. Today, every evening throughout the year, you can see hundreds of buildings lit up and see exactly how beautiful it is.
This city is an excellent place for tourists to go walking and see the loads of historical sites in Lyon. There are areas like Fourvière Hill and its Roman settlement to evidence of Lyon’s power in Roman time. Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) contains the largest display of Renaissance architecture in France, which dates back to the end of the 15th century, when it was an important and wealthy trade centre, famous for its fairs and its silk industry. Below is a list of a few other things you should see when you are in Lyon.
Cathédrale St-Jean
This beautiful cathedral was built between the late 12th and 15th centuries and is situated at the foot of the Fourvière Hill. The stone medallions and glass mosaics are worth a closer look, with some of them dating from the 14th century. The cathedral has maintained a 14th-century astronomical clock and is well worth a look. Admission is free so go have a look if you are in Lyon.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is located in the city centre of the city and it use to be a former convent. It’s known as the ‘little Louvre’, as the museum has over 7000 sq meters of exhibition space, which shows Ancient Greek and Egyptian arts and civilizations, as well as sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the present day. There are loads of paintings on display dating back to the 14th century. Some artists on display are Manet, Monet, and Picasso just to name a few. The admission price is €4, but if you are a lover of fine art you will love this place. For more information on Museum of Fine Arts go to www.mairie-lyon.fr
Centre for the History of the Resistance and Deportation (CHRD)
During World War II, Lyon played a significant role for the French resistance fighters and this Museum shows that role the city played. Ironically, the museum is located in the former headquarters of the Gestapo and was the place where the local Gestapo leader, Klaus Barbie, known as the ‘Butcher of Lyon’, tortured or killed his victims and sent thousands of others to concentration camps. The admission is €4, but worth it if you are interested in World War II history. For more information on the Centre for the History of the Resistance and Deportation (CHRD) go to www.mairie-lyon.fr
The Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera is a 50km stretch that runs along the coast from the Italian border, through Monaco, which connects the coastal region with the ski resorts of Alps. This part of the Mediterranean coast has more visitors each year during July and August than any other part of France, although many of the summer visitors are French. The Côte d’Azur is like a playground with every kind of amusement. There are excellent mountains, lakes, alpine skiing trails and of course some of the best beaches in Europe. The coolest thing about this area is you have big cities with a mountain back drop.
The two most famous French resorts are Cannes and Nice. Cannes is famous for its world renowned festival, which attracts thousands of people every year. Nice is the largest city on the French coast, which is a thriving commercial city as well as a year-round resort. Below are a couple of things Nice has to offer.
Nice Old Town
In Nice, the seafront (Promenade des Anglais) follows the curve of the Bay of Angels and is lined with palm-trees and big hotels just across from the beaches. The town centre fans out from Place Masséna and Avenue Jean Médecin, where you can shop till you drop. The liveliest part of Nice is its Old Town, which has cafés, and its famous Cours Saleya marketplace.
Lascaris Palace
Genose style palace built in the 17-18th century for the Lascaris de Vintimille the richly colored and decorated façade of this palace is flanked by old red and ochre buildings, typical of Nice’s old quarter.
Marseille
Marseille was founded by the Greeks (they called it Massalia) and they used it as a base for their colonization of the Rhône Valley. Today, its France’s most important commercial port on the Mediterranean and consequently many people, often who have never been, dismiss it is an ugly port city. Marseille is defenetly worth a visit and once you are there you will see exactly how beautiful it is. While you are there go check out the local Football team, which the teams ‘Ultras’ will keep you entertained all game. Also, check out the Château d’If, one of the most notorious of France’s historic island fortresses.
Biarritz and Bayonne
Both of these resorts are located near the Spanish border along the ocean. Biarritz has been famous as a cosmopolitan spa-town since the 19th century, when it was popular with the European aristocracy. There are several sheltered beaches, as well as a casino. Bayonne, a few kilometers up the coast but slightly inland, is a typical Basque town that is worth a visit. Every year this area has surfers from around the world come to its beaches to strut its stuff. It’s a beautiful place of Europe and definitely worth a visit.
Corsica
The Island of Corsica is made up of two French départements: Haute Corse (upper Corsica) and Corse du Sud (south Corsica). The 8720 sq km (3367 sq miles) are inhabited by not many more than 250,000 people. This Island has been fought over for centuries by the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Moors just to name a few. In 1768, Genoa sold Corsica to France and its 2500 years of disputed ownership ended. In spite of its extensive and colorful history, it is of course best known as the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte. The island has been described as ‘a mountain in the sea’, for when approached by sea that is exactly what it looks like. During the German occupation of France (1940-44), resistance fighters hid here as it was an excellent place to evade capture from the Germans. It’s an interesting, but beautiful island.
