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    Tourist Attractions in Paris

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Paris. Photos and a brief description.

    Paris
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    About Paris

    Paris has always had a romantic aura. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the capital of lovers, the center of art and palatial European architecture. attractionseeing programs in Paris are always full, so every day you will discover the capital of France anew.

    A river walk along the Seine, admiring the solemn arches of Notre Dame de Paris, a picnic on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower, tasting the best French wines and cheeses – this is a small list of what you need to do during your trip to Paris.

    Festivals and events are held all year round in the French capital, interesting theatrical premieres start, the best exhibitions in Europe are organized. Paris is also a center of gastronomic tourism. Haute French cuisine is considered the most refined in the world.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Paris

    Eiffel Tower

    The most famous and recognizable symbol of Paris (and all of France), a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Every year the attraction is visited by several million people. The tower is a 324-meter-high metal structure with elevators, an observation deck, restaurants and a lighthouse at the top. It was built by Gustave Eiffel and originally served as the entrance to the World's Fair in Paris in 1900.

    Eiffel Tower
    Louvre Museum

    Louvre Museum

    An architectural ensemble that served as the residence of the French kings from the XVI to the XVII centuries. before the court moved to Versailles. The palace turned into a museum already in the XVIII century. The first collections were collected from the personal funds of Francis I and Louis XIV. Now the collection of the Louvre has more than 400 thousand exhibits, about 35 thousand are constantly exhibited. The museum houses the famous painting "Mona Lisa", created by da Vinci.

    The Arc de Triomphe

    Architectural monument on Charles de Gaulle Square. The construction of the monument began in 1806 by order of Napoleon Bonaparte after the French victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. The work was completed after the death of the emperor in 1936. The arch was built by architect Jean Chalgren. On four sides, the monument is decorated with sculptural groups dedicated to the military victories and achievements of the French Revolution.

    The Arc de Triomphe
    Notre Dame Cathedral

    Notre Dame Cathedral

    An outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the most visited cathedral in Paris. It began to be erected in the XII century on the site of the ancient pagan temple of Jupiter. By the middle of the XIV century, the work was completed. During the French Revolution, Notre Dame fell into disrepair, but in 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte chose it as the place of his coronation, which partially restored the temple to its former importance. The last restoration was carried out in the 1920s.

    Sacre Coeur Basilica

    The temple is located on the Montmartre hill, it towers over Paris with snow-white domes. Construction began in the second half of the XIX century, when France was going through difficult times. The temple was erected on the site of the demolished Benedictine monastery, where Ignatius Loyola himself, the future Grand Master of the Jesuit order, took vows. The basilica was built for more than 30 years with donations from Parisians and public funds.

    Sacre Coeur Basilica
    Champs - Elysees

    Champs - Elysees

    The famous Paris street, along with Fifth Avenue in New York and Oxford Street in London is considered the most expensive street in the world. It stretches for almost 2 km. from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Important events for the public life of France take place here, during the holidays the street is elegantly decorated with garlands. Famous brand shops, restaurants, and hotels are concentrated on the Champs-Elysees.

    The Palace of Versailles

    The palace and park ensemble in the Paris suburb, the famous residence of the French monarchs. Versailles appeared thanks to the efforts of Louis XIV in the XVII century. Gradually, a luxurious palace grew out of a modest hunting castle under the supervision of architects Jules Ardouin-Mansard and Louis Leveaux, which became a symbol of the era of the "King of the Sun". Many European monarchs took Versailles as a model for the construction of their own residences.

    The Palace of Versailles
    Luxembourg Garden and Palace

    Luxembourg Garden and Palace

    The architectural complex was built for Henry IV's wife Maria de' Medici in the XVII century. Now the French Senate is sitting in the palace, and the garden has become a popular place for Parisians to walk. Concerts and photo exhibitions are often held here. The attraction is located in the Latin quarter of the city. Somewhere in this area lived the famous characters of A. Dumas from the immortal work "The Three Musketeers".

    Montmartre

    The hill and the famous area of the French capital. A picturesque place where representatives of Parisian bohemians lived, among whom were Andre Salmon, Picasso, Modigliani, Georges Braque. The modern artistic style of Cubism was born in Montmartre. A considerable number of attractions are concentrated here: boulevards, temples, museums. People of art are still gathering on the main square of the district.

    Montmartre
    Sita Island

    Sita Island

    It is located in the very center of the capital, in the middle of the river Seine. Several bridges connect the island with the rest of the city from all sides. Cité is the heart of Paris, it is home to Notre–Dame de Paris, the Conciergerie Castle and the Chapel of the Sainte-Chapelle. Celtic settlements on the island appeared in 300 BC. In 508 AD. the fortress on the Sita became the residence for the rulers of the Merovingian clan – the first dynasty of French rulers.

    Bastille Square

    The square of the late XVIII century, built on the site of the Bastille defensive fortress. For almost 400 years, the fort served as a prison for political prisoners and became a symbol of the hated monarchy for the people. After the famous storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, it was decided to dismantle the structure. A wide square was paved in its place. In 1840, a July column was installed here in honor of the July Revolution.

    Bastille Square
    Latin Quarter

    Latin Quarter

    An old neighborhood in the center of Paris, located around the Sorbonne University. Previously, mostly students settled here, since in addition to the Sorbonne, there are several other educational institutions in the quarter. Over time, the area turned into a tourist attraction. It's always noisy and fun here. The numerous bars have a relaxed holiday atmosphere.

    Sorbonne

    The real pride of France, one of the best and oldest European universities. The educational institution was founded at the beginning of the XIII century and since then has been religiously observing the old traditions and maintaining the highest quality of education. Since the beginning of the XVII century, the Sorbonne has become the center of European philosophy and theology. Nowadays, the Sorbonne brand unites 13 independent universities.

    Sorbonne
    Georges Pompidou Center

    Georges Pompidou Center

    The popular Museum of Modern Art, built in 1977 by French President J.Pompidou. It is a symbol of modernization and renewal of France. The original design of the building was proposed by the authors R. Rogers and R. Piano. The structure is unusual in that all engineering communications are taken outside, and inside the maximum space is used for various expositions.

    Orsay Museum

    A museum where Impressionist and post-Impressionist collections are exhibited. The building was built for the opening of the 1900 Paris World's Fair and was used as a railway station until 1939. The architecture of the museum is a combination of elements of industrial style with classicism of the XIX century. After the closure of the station, it was planned to demolish the house and build a hotel in its place, but then it was decided to organize a museum.

    Orsay Museum
    Opera Garnier

    Opera Garnier

    Another name for the theater stage is the Grand Opera. Its construction began under Emperor Napoleon III in the middle of the XIX century, designed by architect Charles Garnier. Several dozen sculptors worked on the decoration of the facade, so there is no single style in the design. The interiors of the opera are made without bulky columns and supports (as in other theaters), so there is a lot of space and light inside.

    Moulin Rouge Cabaret

    The famous French variety show, art cafe and the hallmark of Parisian nightlife. Cabaret has existed since the end of the XIX century and has been very popular for more than 100 years. At first, this place was considered a "hothouse" with frivolous morals. The cabaret hall is always full, tickets for performances are sold out in advance. The show involves dozens of artists and hundreds of costumes made by famous designers.

    Moulin Rouge Cabaret
    Invalids' Home

    Invalids' Home

    An architectural complex near the Eiffel Tower. The house was built under Louis XIV and was used as a shelter for veterans who were injured and maimed during the wars. There were no similar establishments in Europe, so the monarch showed himself from the best side, showing concern for his subjects. The Invalids' House received its first guests in 1674. The ensemble consists of the Church of St. Louis, slender rows of barracks, a park and a hospital.

    Conciergerie

    The former royal castle on the island of Cité, one of the oldest in Paris. It was built on the site of the VI century fortress, where the Frankish king Clovis lived. Until the end of the XIV century, French monarchs lived in the castle, but after the court moved to the Louvre, the Conciergerie was turned into a prison, which over the centuries was overgrown with dark stories. From here, thousands of prisoners (including Queen Marie Antoinette) went to the guillotine.

    Conciergerie
    The Pantheon

    The Pantheon

    A building in the style of French classicism in the Latin Quarter. It originally served as a church, but later turned into a burial place of famous and important personalities for French history. The Pantheon began to be built in 1764, the first stone was laid by King Louis XV. The ashes of the great thinkers Rousseau and Voltaire, writers Emile Zola and Victor Hugo, physicist Maria Sklodovskaya-Curie rest under the arches of the building.

    Montparnasse Tower

    The only skyscraper in the city limits is more than 200 meters in height. The tower houses company offices, shops, banks and restaurants. There are more than 5,000 employees in the building every day. You can get to the observation decks if you use high-speed elevators that lift passengers to the level of the 56th floor in a few tens of seconds. The tower was erected in the period 1969-1972 .

    Montparnasse Tower
    Pere Lachaise Cemetery

    Pere Lachaise Cemetery

    The world-famous necropolis, where many famous personalities are buried. The attraction attracts more than 2 million tourists a year. The cemetery has been operating since 1804, over two centuries its territory has grown to several dozen hectares, today it is a whole city with alleys, chapels and monumental crypts. Many actors, statesmen, writers, artists and poets have found their last refuge here.

    Catacombs of Paris

    A network of artificial caves and tunnels laid at a depth of 15-20 meters. Their total length is more than one hundred kilometers. Dungeons have existed since the XIII century. Previously, there were limestone mines, then wine cellars, and since the XVIII century – underground cemeteries. Tourists can walk along the 2.5–kilometer excursion route in the catacombs, the rest of the underground complex is closed.

    Catacombs of Paris
    Alexander III Bridge

    Alexander III Bridge

    An elegant bridge decorated with figures of angels, nymphs and openwork lanterns in the architectural style of Beaux-arts. It is thrown across the River Seine. After crossing the bridge, you can get from the Champs-Elysees to the territory of the Invalids' Home. The design was named after the Russian Emperor Alexander III to emphasize the proximity of France and Russia in a certain period of time. The bridge was declared a valuable architectural monument in 1975.

    Capuchin Boulevard

    Paris street, which became famous during the development of cinema. It was here in 1985 that the Lumiere brothers showed their first film. After that, small cinemas began to open one by one on the boulevard, as the new art quickly gained popularity among the public. The Olympia and Paramount Opera, opened at the beginning of the XX century, are still operating. The composer Jacques Offenbach lived on the Boulevard des Capucines.

    Capuchin Boulevard
    Bois de Boulogne

    Bois de Boulogne

    A large green area of Paris, a park area that is called the "western lungs of Europe". In the past centuries, royal hunting grounds were located here. On the territory of the forest, luxurious holidays, receptions, field picnics of the French court were arranged. Under Louis XVI, the Bois de Boulogne was open to the public. Now this area has become a popular city park.

    Tuileries Garden

    A public park that occupies the space from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde. Sculptures – copies of exhibits from the royal Versailles are installed in the garden, chestnut alleys are planted, flower beds are laid out. The beginning of the park was laid by Catherine de' Medici. By her order, the tile workshops were demolished (they were called "Tuileries", hence the name of the garden) and the place was cleared for a future park.

    Tuileries Garden
    The River Seine

    The River Seine

    The river, which is considered the soul and center of Paris' life. It is one of the largest in France. The Seine originates in Burgundy and flows into the English Channel. On the territory of Paris, the river artery bends many times, dividing the French capital into historical, cultural and business parts. Numerous pleasure craft ply the Seine, transporting tourists from district to district.

    Lafayette Gallery

    A shopping mall, a temple of the fashion industry and a place of pilgrimage for fashionistas from all over the world. Here are the collections of all the famous French designers. Initially, at the end of the XIX century, it was a small shop selling ribbons and lace, but after a few years it grew to a large shopping center. Lafayette Gallery was one of the first to apply modern marketing: bright signs, discounts and large showcases.

    Lafayette Gallery
    Disneyland

    Disneyland

    An amusement park in the Paris suburb of Marne-la-Valais, has been operating since 1992. The park belongs to the American company "Walt Disney". This is a magical world for children, where all the famous characters of "Disney" cartoons live, the scenery from favorite fairy tales is recreated, and countless attractions that delight adults also work. Residential and business districts, hotels and golf courses are located on the territory of the park.