Your Ultimate
Paris Travel Guide Paris is one of the most unique and memorable travel destinations in the world.
2015 Paris
If you’re planning a trip to this unforgettable place, you’ll want to be sure that you have an opportunity to see several of the must-see attractions. From charming eateries to historic sites to hidden tourist gems, you may be certain that you will have plenty to do and see when you visit Paris.
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Paris: A Brief History
Before you enter Paris, you may
wish to explore some of the fundamental aspects of its history. Doing this can make the sightseeing experience more worthwhile and meaningful than it might otherwise be. Paris is rich with history, which is one reason that this city is one of the top tourist destinations on the planet. The area now known as Paris is believed to have been created as a fortified settlement by a Celtic tribe in the third century BC. Later, the Romans conquered the Celtic inhabitants and settled in one part of the area, renaming the city “Lutece.� After the fall of the Roman Empire, King Clovis I gave the city the name it is known by today. Throughout the next few centuries, sites and monuments that would endure through modern times were constructed in the area, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. In the 14th century, the Black Plague took the lives of almost half of the inhabitants of Paris. In 1449, the English were defeated not far from Paris by the French army (led by Joan of Arc). The late 15th century in Paris was characterized by the Renaissance period, making the city a center of science, art, and elaborate architecture. Over the next few centuries, the land was ruled by various monarchs (including Louis the Great), until the time that Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the land and became emperor.
Before you enter Paris, you may wish to explore some of the fundamental
ASPECTS OF HISTORY...
Paris as it is recognized now was built in the middle of the 19th century. The city was occupied by Nazi Germany for four years during the Second World War, but it was freed by the Allied Forces in 1942. Paris has continued to endure as a cultural and artistic mecca.
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Paris: Top Attractions
When you are a visitor to Paris, the wealth of sightseeing options
MAY OVERWHELM YOU...
Knowing which ones to put at the top of your list may be helpful as you plan your itinerary. This
can also be useful if you don’t plan on being in the city for a long time, but you wish to see at least a few of the top historic sites and major attractions.
Architectural Sites
The Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower might top any list of sites to visit in Paris. This awe-inspiring tower was built for the World Fair in 1889.
The Arc de Triomphe The Arc de Triomphe is another architectural site worth visiting. The impressive arch was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806.
Palais Garnier Don’t forget to stop by the Palais Garnier (home of the National Opera of Paris). This building is known as an architectural masterpiece.
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Paris: Top Attractions
When you are a visitor to Paris, the wealth of sightseeing options
MAY OVERWHELM YOU...
Like many places in Europe, Paris is a place to view a variety of gorgeously designed religious
buildings. The Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre, The Cathedral of Notre Dame and The Sainte-Chapelle are some of the top spots to check out.
Religious Sites
The Sacred Heart Basilica The Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) is a landmark constructed by the French government in the 19th century. Both the architecture and the murals inside are spectacular.
Notre Dame Notre Dame is another site that should not be missed on a trip to Paris. This cathedral took almost 200 years to complete.
The Sainte-Chapelle The Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic chapel with magnificent windows of stained glass, and its interior architecture is stunningly beautiful.
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Paris: Top Attractions
When you are a visitor to Paris, the wealth of sightseeing options
MAY OVERWHELM YOU...
You can peruse works of art in Paris that are famous across the globe. Painters such as Vincent
van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Henri Rousseau, Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse, Jean Metzinger, Albert Gleizes, Robert Delaunay, Fernand Léger, Henri Le Fauconnier, María Blanchard, and many other artists are associated with Paris.
Art Museums
The Louvre The Louvre is where you will find both the “Mona Lisa” and the “Venus de Milo.”
The Musée d’Orsay The Musée d’Orsay holds artworks created by countless brilliant artists, from Monet to Van Gogh to Degas.
The Rodin Museum At the Rodin Museum, you may view the masterpieces of this sculptor, including “The Thinker.”
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Paris: Hidden Gems
Before you enter Paris, you may wish to explore some of the fundamental
ASPECTS OF HISTORY...
In addition to the main attractions
that you should not miss, you may also find delight in some of the lesser known gems that the city has to offer. If you are captivated by the architecture of the Eiffel Tower, you may also want to see the Tomb of Gustave Eiffel (the gravesite of the individual who designed the tower). You can also take an underground tour of the sewers of Paris, a complex system that was constructed in the 19th century. La Pagode is a movie theater built in a Japanese pagoda in 1896. The interior of this theater is opulent and well worth a visit. If you seek some time to reflect quietly during your trip, you will likely appreciate a stroll along the Japanese Peace Garden at the UNESCO World Headquarters. The Catacombs of Paris are famous, but like the sewers, they are literally hidden (so they could be considered both a top attraction and a hidden gem). You will be led underground as you explore this massive network of tunnels.
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Paris: Local Cuisine
You would not want to leave
Paris without visiting several of its best eateries. Indulging in delectable cuisine is something of a national pastime in France, and you may find it difficult to decide between the many dining options in Paris. At Bistro Paul Bert, you can enjoy a true bistro dining experience in an upbeat environment (be sure to order the apple tart). Epicure offers an opulent dining room, knowledgeable staff, and impeccable cuisine (you’ll want to sample the brioche). If you’re in the mood to feast on some seafood, stop by L’Ilot for raw oysters served on the half-shell. Don’t worry if you’ve depleted your budget on sightseeing; you can find plenty of restaurants that are affordable and still serve delicious fare. A few budget options might include Soul Kitchen (try the squash soup and a potted goose sandwich), Bob’s Kitchen (for tempting vegetarian food, including smoothies and vegetable stew), and Le Reparate (don’t miss the chickpea crepe and lemon meringue tart). You won’t go hungry in this city!
Before you enter Paris, you may wish to explore some of the fundamental
ASPECTS OF HISTORY...
If you’re planning your first trip to Paris, you will soon be reveling in the trip of a lifetime. This city offers something for virtually every traveler who wanders its lovely streets. From spectacular museums to architectural masterpieces to cuisine that you will dream of long after you return home, the many delights of Paris are unforgettable.
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