The city of Paris is the heart of Europe, with many famous attractions. It has the charm of a small town, but is also a huge center of culture, fashion, and gastronomy.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in Paris. Most people that visit Paris want to see it after their Cathay Pacific flight. The cathedral is located on Ile de la Cite, an island in the Seine River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a landmark in the French capital.
One of the main reasons to visit Notre Dame Cathedral is its stunning architecture. It has two towers, each of which is 69m high. There are also numerous sculptures inside the cathedral.
The cathedral also has a crypt that houses ancient ruins. This crypt is also used as a museum. In the crypt, you will find archaeological finds and a detailed view of architectural developments in the city of Paris.
Among the most famous features of the cathedral are the twin towers. They are located on the north and south sides of the church. Each tower is accessible to visitors. You can climb up to the top of the towers via a staircase.
Another reason to visit Notre Dame Cathedral is the treasury, which is a collection of religious objects. These items are used in specific ceremonies and services.
Many people visit the cathedral for Lent sermons. These are given by leading public figures. Some of the most famous Lent sermons include those given by General Charles de Gaulle, Francois Mitterrand and Madame de Polignac.
The twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral have become symbols of the French capital. Although the cathedral was damaged during the French revolution, it was restored by leading architects.
Musee Rodin
Musee Rodin in Paris offers visitors a great opportunity to see some of the greatest works of art created during the 19th century. Located in the 7th Arrondissement, Musee Rodin is housed in an 18th century mansion. Its galleries are sheltered from the noise and allow visitors to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sculpture garden of Musee Rodin. The garden features a water feature and roses. These are complemented by linden trees.
A few years ago, the museum underwent a multi-million euro refurbishment. This included the reopening of the chapel, which was once a boarding school for girls.
The museum is home to 6,800 sculptures from the collection of Auguste Rodin. You can also admire works by Camille Claudel, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and other renowned sculptors.
As a visitor, you can spend up to two hours admiring the many iconic pieces in the museum’s collection. For example, The Gates of Hell is one of the most famous works by Rodin. In this sculpture, the first part of Dante’s Inferno is depicted in life-size gates.
Another highlight of the museum is the Glyptotek Rodin exhibition. Featuring a variety of works from the artist’s own collection, it is the perfect addition to any visit to Musee Rodin.
Rodin was a lover of nature. He lived in Hotel Biron, a beautiful villa in the center of Paris.
When you visit the Musee Rodin, you can learn more about the artist by viewing his sculptures, paintings, and photographs. There are also temporary exhibitions held throughout the year.
Musee d’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay in Paris is a museum that houses some of the most famous art in the world. This is where you’ll find the works of Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh, along with a number of other famous artists.
One of the best features of the Orsay Museum is the Impressionist art. You’ll also find a large collection of decorative arts and photography here. For the most part, though, you’ll be spending your time in the Impressionist halls.
If you’re interested in seeing the artworks in more depth, you’ll want to take a guided tour of the Musee d’Orsay. The tours run on Tuesday to Saturday and offer a 1.5 hour introduction to the permanent collection. They include skip-the-line access, so you don’t have to worry about a long line.
Musee d’Orsay was originally built as a train station, but it has since become a museum. It’s located on the Left Bank of the River Seine. And it’s open to the public from 9 AM to 6 PM.
As well as hosting exhibitions, Musee d’Orsay is also a venue for various artistic events. This includes a ballroom called the Salle des Fetes.
The Musee d’Orsay is a little smaller than the Louvre, but it’s definitely worth visiting. It has a more sophisticated presentation and is a great place to see some of the finest French art from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.
Moulin Rouge
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, one of the things you’ll probably want to do is go to the famous cabaret, the Moulin Rouge. In fact, this place is so popular that it’s one of the best tourist attractions in the city.
Aside from its famous windmill, Moulin Rouge is also known for its musical dance entertainment. The show is presented by professional performers and features some of the best artists in the world.
There are two shows every night at the Moulin Rouge. One is at nine o’clock in the evening and the other is at eleven o’clock in the evening. Both of them last about an hour and a half and end at 11 o’clock at night.
Moulin Rouge was first built in 1889 in the Montmartre district of Paris. It was designed to create a wild atmosphere, mixing eccentricity with elegance. This venue was popular with both artists and the aristocracy.
During the Belle Epoque period, which was between the Franco-Prussian War and World War I, the building was known to attract wealthy and eccentric socialites. Later, the venue was taken over by a businessman, Francis Salabert.
Today, the Moulin Rouge is one of the most visited attractions in the city, attracting more than 600,000 visitors per year. Visitors can get tickets to the show or can buy dinner packages at the restaurant.
Tickets to the show cost about 115 euros per person and include a champagne. However, the price can change depending on the website, so make sure to compare before you decide.
Luxembourg Park
The Luxembourg Park in Paris is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also a fun spot to spend a day with the kids. You can play in the playground or ride the merry-go-round. In addition, you can watch puppet shows, sail boats and go for a horse ride.
A small scale replica of the Statue of Liberty is located on the western side of the garden. However, a larger version is actually in the Musee d’Orsay.
There is also a sculpture of the Medici fountain. This fountain was built in the 17th century and depicts a mythical episode of Galatea and Acis.
The park also features a large circular lake. One of the many attractions here is the Musee du Luxembourg, which is France’s first museum.
Another interesting piece of history at the Luxembourg Gardens is the pavillon Davioud. This pavilion was built in the 1800s and has a curved balcony. Among its other noteworthy features are its blue mosaics set against brick.
The park also offers several other activities, such as chess, basketball, tennis, and sailing toy-ships with remote control. The Odéon Theatre is a good option for seeing modern and classic shows.
For a more laid back approach, you can stroll through the 61-acre park and take in the flowers and trees. After you’ve had your fill of the gardens, you can head down the street to the Pantheon, or stroll through the Latin Quarter to reach Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
Chateau de Versailles
If you want to experience a bit of France’s history and see some beautiful art, head to the Palace of Versailles. The opulent estate is just southwest of Paris and can be a great day trip from the city.
The Palace of Versailles is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to over 6,000 paintings and sculptures. You can tour the rooms and see what life was like for former royalty. Afterward, you can stroll through the swanky gardens and enjoy some lunch at a nearby restaurant.
If you’re looking to enjoy a day in the gardens, you can take a free guided tour. Otherwise, you can purchase a ticket that includes admission to several monuments.
This opulent estate features an 800-hectare domain. It includes the Grand Canal, Musical Gardens, and a replica of a small French village. There are also a number of private residences.
During the French Revolution, most interior furnishings were stripped away. However, the palace still contains three libraries that were originally in the chateau.
In the mid-17th century, Louis XIV built the Chateau de Versailles. He commissioned the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart to create the palace. His vision was to create a masterpiece in the age of absolute monarchy.
The Palace of Versailles was the focal point for all of France’s most outstanding artwork. Many of these works are now housed in the Louvre Museum.
For a more in-depth look into the lives of former royalty, a guided tour is a must. A guide will customize your visit according to your interests.
