| 14
Major Visitor Attractions in Paris |
1-
Arc de Triomphe
In
an area is called Place Charles de Gaulle and built in honour of the
French Army and unveiled in 1836, the top of the Arc de Triomphe offers
a grand panoramic view down the Champs Elysees and beyond. There is
a subway across to the arch and public entry
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2
- Champs Elysees
The Champs Elysees is a favourite with visitors by day and night.
There are plenty of upscale boutiques that gave this street its claim
to fame,the pavements are wide enough to have stand-alone outdoor
cafes in addition to those in the normal shop front area.
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3
- Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is clearly one of the most famous monuments in the
world. Any first time visitor to Paris will have it on their must
see/do list. Around 6 million people a year visit and it is easy to
visit independently.
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4
- Invalides (Tomb of Napoleon)
The Hotel des Invalides was originally designed back in the 17th century
to house disabled soldiers and those too old to fight. This function
is still operative, but the grand buildings and churches now host
military museums and the tomb of Napoleon among others.
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5
- Jardin des Plantes
The second largest park on the Left Bank of the Seine, the garden
was founded by Louis XIII in 1626. It contains a maze, small zoo and
a natural science museum. A mosque famous for its tea room are on
its border. Free to enter gardens.
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6
- Louvre
The Louvre has been a medieval fortress, a palace for the kings of
France, and just laterly (for the last two hundred years) a museum.
Not just any museum but the biggest museum in the world, housed in
a royal palace which would be a major draw without the exhibits.
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7
- Luxembourg Palace & Gardens
The Palais du Luxembourg is not open to visitors, buts its grounds
are a major draw to visitors and locals alike. Restaurants, big and
small, tennis courts, fountains, boating lake, even a children's theatre
and bee hives. Many activities are geared to children.
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8-
Notre Dame
Construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 during the reign of Louis
VII. Pope Alexander III laid the foundation stone. Immortalised by
film the cathedral is now a honeypot for tourists. Great position
on an island in the River Seine.
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9
- Orsay Museum
The building itself was formerly a railway station, now imaginatively
restored to a major arts museum, much of it formerly at the Louvre
across the river. Situated on the south bank with an enticing footbridge
across the River Seine to the Louvre.
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10
- Pere Lachaise Cemetery
The history of the cemetery dates back to 1803. The authorities were
persuaded to rebury Molière, La Fontaine, Abélard and
Héloïse in the new cemetery. Quickly the Pere Lachaise
became the ultimate symbol for the rich and successful. Now a major
draw for visitors.
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11
- Pompidou Centre
The exposed pipes and architecture caused an uproar when the Pompidou
Centre was first opened in 1977. Perhaps more column inches are wrote
about the building than the museum of modern art held within.
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12
- Puces de St-Ouen Market
The Puces de St Ouen is the largest market in Paris. It is really
several markets sprawling over the same area. There is a traditional
flea market and for most visitors more interesting areas for furniture,
antiques and collectibles.
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13
- Sacre Coeur & Montmartre
The Sacre Coeur and the immediate area around it in Montmartre is
one of the most visited areas of Paris. Perched on top of the small
hill of Montmartre, just to the north of the centre its white domes
are visible from miles around. Montmartre is great just to wander.
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14
- Versailles
The famous chateau just outside Paris is easily reached independently
by RER railway from Paris. The chateau has various tour options, the
most popular is the tour of the state apartments. The vast gardens
are well worth an hour or two of your time too.
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