Hello.
Ah, Paris, one of my favorite cities...
Here are my personal Top 10 things...
(1) Musée d'Orsay.
Housed in a former railway station, this museum has a spectacular
collection of paintings from such luminaries as Van Gogh, Gauguin,
Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet, Renoir, Monet, Degas, and Cézanne. It's a
little overwhelming to view masterpiece after masterpiece by these
artistic giants. This wonderful museum even owns the famous
"Whistler's Mother" by American artist James Whistler. No one can
leave this museum unimpressed.
web site:
http://www.musee-orsay.fr/
Photo:
http://www.igougo.com/planning/journalEntryActivity.asp?JournalID=3722&EntryID=6223
(2) The Latin Quarter.
To me, the Latin Quarter is what you expect Paris to be. Wander the
ancient streets of this university neighborhood. Browse the bookstores
and other shops. Find a table at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes
and just watch the world go by over the beverage of your choice. Also
be sure to drop in at the ancient Cluny monastery where the famous
Unicorn tapestries are housed. Photos:
http://www.musee-moyenage.fr/pages/page_id18368_u1l2.htm
(3) The Eiffel Tower.
Yes, it's obvious, but you simply can't go to Paris and skip it, ok?
Just magnificent, this tower was built in 1889 as part of the
celebration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was
a revolutionary engineering marvel back in 1889 and it that still
continues to impress. Needless to say, this is one of the most famous
structures in the world and is generally considered the symbol of
Paris. Be sure to take the elevator to the very top. The view is
incredible.
Photo at:
http://www.paris.org/Monuments/Eiffel/
(4) Notre Dame de Paris.
This is one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in the world. It was
the site of many coronations, royal weddings, etc. In modern times, it
has been also been the site of many state funerals (Charles de Gaulle,
etc.). Notre Dame is a not only a spiritual center of Paris but also
is considered the geographical center of the city. It's also known as
the home of the fictional "Hunchback of Notre Dame." Climb to the top
of Quasimodo's bell towers for a tremendous view of the Paris and be
sure not to miss the famous gargoyle statues.
Photos:
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Notre_Dame_Cathedral.html
(5) Musée Rodin.
This museum is dedicated to the works of famous sculptor Auguste
Rodin. Learn about Rodin's life and work. Rodin was a one-of-a-kind
sculptor and his work endures. Take the obligatory photo in front of
(and posed as) The Thinker statue. Enjoy a sandwich in the museum's
beautiful garden.
Photos & web site:
http://www.musee-rodin.fr/welcome.htm
(6) Montmartre.
This is an interesting, lively neighborhood that was home to many of
Paris' most famous artists. Street artists and others continue to
gather near the impressive Sacre Coeur basilica. Enjoy a spectacular
view of the city from the steps in front of the church. This is also
the neighborhood where the recent hit movie Amelie was filmed.
Photos:
http://www.parisdigest.com/promenade/montmartre.htm
(7) The Louvre.
Yep, as you mentioned, this is an obvious one, but you just can't miss
Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Other famous works here include the
Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Coronation of
Napoleon. You could wander the halls of the Louvre for hours and be
fascinated by this one-of-a-kind collection of art treasures. With
more than 30,000 works of art in its collection, the Louvre is a
must-see.
Photos & web site:
http://www.louvre.fr/louvrea.htm
(8) Champs-Elysées
This is one of Paris' most famous streets. It is known worldwide as
the final leg of the Tour de France bicycle race. It's fun to walk up
one side and down the other. Browse the many shops. Enjoy a meal at
one of the restaurants. At one end of the Champs-Elysées is the
spectacular Arc de Triomphe. Inspired by the ancient Romans' triumphal
arches, this monument was commissioned by Napoleon and serves as a
memorial to those who have fought and died for France. Be sure to go
the top of the monument for a great view of the Champs-Elysées.
Photo:
http://www.hat.net/album/europe/france/detail008.htm
(9) Versailles.
Take the train 12 miles outside of Paris to visit the famous palace at
Versailles. This is one of France's most interesting and historic
sites. For 150 years, it was a palatial residence of the kings of
France. In 1919, the treaty that ended World War I was signed at this
location. Visit the palace's famous Hall of Mirrors. Stroll around
the massive, tranquil gardens.
Photos:
http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/110_Construction.php
(10) Place de la Concorde / Orangerie.
Visit the famous obelisk at the Place de la Concorde. This Egyptian
treasure is more than 3000 years old and is an interesting sight.
Visit the nearby Musée de l'Orangerie. This museum is much smaller
and less crowded than the better known Louvre and Musée d'Orsay.
Still, though, the Orangerie houses Monet's famous "Water Lilies"
paintings, as well as many Renoirs and Picassos. This is a great
little museum and a fun way to spend a few hours. The benches near
the museum are a wonderful spot for people-watching.
Photo (obelisk):
http://216.10.26.55/obelisk/paris.htm
Photo: Orangerie
http://www.ifrance.com/parisetmoi/mm/orange.htm
------------
Hotel recommendations (for a variety of budgets):
The Ritz.
his is one of Paris' most famous and historic hotels. It's a home away
from home for the rich and famous and is known for its luxury.
Web site:
http://www.ritzparis.com/
Sofitel Champs Elysées-Paris.
A relative highly recommends this small hotel near the Champs Elysées.
Extremely convenient to the nearby shops and restaurants.
Web site:
http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/frm_fiche_hotel.svlt?code_hotel=1184&liste=1
GRAND HOTEL LEVEQUE
Many travel experts such as Rick Steves highly recommend the small
hotels on Rue Cler. The Grand Hotel Leveque has been featured as one
of Rick Steves' top picks and is very convenient to the Eiffel Tower
and other great sights.
Web site:
http://www.hotel-leveque.com/
Hotel Terminus Nord.
Built in 1865, this is a charming old hotel. I have personally stayed
at this hotel, and I really liked it. This hotel is extremely
convenient to public transportation as there are Metro and RER
stations literally just a few feet away from this hotel. Across the
street from the hotel, the Gare du Nord railway station offers
connections to many destinations, including London via the Eurostar
train.
Web:
http://www.france.travelmall.com/travelmall/hotel/Central+Paris/Libertel+Terminus+Nord
Ibis Montmartre
This is a budget hotel near the famous Sacre Couer mentioned above. A
relative recommends this to me as inexpensive hotel in a lively
neighborhood.
Web:
http://www.paris.hotels-for-travellers.com/ibis/Paris_hotels/ibis_montmartre_in_paris.htm
---------
I hope this helps. Thank you. |
