Best of Parisian Monuments

Description:

Admire the fantastic panorama which stretches from the rooftop of this amazing and futuristic building all the way to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées. Enjoy the various cultural exhibitions and events taking place inside the Arch. A restaurant, brasserie and gift shop are also on site.

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The arch is a site both of memories and current events and celebrations. The lists of the dead will move you. And the cars that drive around the monument will terrify you! Standing in a direct line between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Défense, the monument links the past with the present and offers amazing views. A truly impressive landmark, 50 metres high and 45 metres wide, Paris would not be Paris without it!

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Built in 1629 for Cardinal de Richelieu, this palace was initially known as the Palais Cardinal. Later it acquired a reputation as a place of debauchery under Louis XIV's brother, Philippe d'Orléans, while in the 18th century it became a meeting place where the Age of Enlightenment's great thinkers could exchange ideas. Meanwhile prostitutes and shady merchants touted for business in the arcades surrounding its garden, which was to witness the first stirrings of revolutionary passion. On the evening of 13th July 1789 (the night before the storming of the Bastille), revolutionary Camille Desmoulins chose the much frequented Palais arches as the spot in which to urge the crowd to rebellion: one of the greatest moments in history! Nowadays, its gardens are a delightful, peaceful place and its buildings (closed to the public) house the Ministry for the Arts and the Council of State.

Our Local Expert Says:

To avoid the crowds go early.

Description:

Only a few people know that the third largest museum worldwide used to be the main residence of French kings and emperors for six centuries. The Old Fortress was erected in 1190 under the reign of King Philippe Auguste to protect the kingdom from the invasion of northern tribes (the Vikings). During the 14th century, the palace was extended under Charles V and became from time to time a royal residence. The greatest changes in the original palace were made under King François I. The medieval Grosse Tour was destroyed and replaced by a sumptuous palace, still considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. In 1594, Henri IV decided to build a passage between the Tuileries Palace and Louvre Palace, still known as the "Great Gallery". The "Cour Carrée" was part of a vast program conducted under Louis XIII and Louis XIV to embellish the king's residence and is a symbol of the classical period. After Louis XIV moved to Versailles, the Louvre knew a static period. The most recent construction is the Glass Pyramid erected by Leoh Ming Pei under French President Mitterrand, which is now the main entrance to the museum. With 35000 pieces and a surface of about 740000 sq. ft., the Louvre... read more

Description:

Situated right in the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis and created in 1564 at the same time as the Palace of the same name (which was later destroyed), it was redesigned in 1664 by architect André le Nôtre, who was responsible for the layout of its paths, its symmetrical flowerbeds and its terrace overlooking the Seine. As delightful as ever, the garden is perfect for strolling and relaxing in (there are even donkey rides!). From 21st June until 25th August every year the garden plays host to a fun fair whose big wheel gives visitors a fabulous view over Rue de Rivoli. The garden is also home to the Orangerie and the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume. Admission is free.

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This vast complex was founded in 1675, at Louis XIV's request, to take in French ex-servicemen and handicapped war veterans - from whom it gets its name, "Invalides". It was the first French hospital-cum-home to be built entirely for soldiers. The building is adorned with a pretty classical façade, a delightful little garden, a large courtyard and an impressive esplanade. As well as the hospital - in which a hundred or so disabled ex-servicemen are still cared for - the complex also houses the église du Dôme, Saint-Louis des Invalides, the Musée de l'Armée, the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération and the Musée des Plans-Relief.

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On of the first Gothic Cathedrals, Notre Dame is still used today as a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Take note of the famous stained glass and use of "flying buttresses" through out. These and many other features make it one of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture.

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Paris just wouldn't be Paris without the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, at 300m it was then the world's tallest building. Not everyone was happy when it was first built; many considered it an eyesore and wanted it pulled down, but today it is one of the world's most visited monuments. The first and second floors can be reached using the stairs, and lifts take visitors to the magnificent view at the top.

Our Local Expert Says:

The historic site of the infamous Bastille prison. From there, go walk along the short Canal St Martin towards the Seine. A short walk away you'll find the Viaduc des Arts, along Avenue Daumesnil, a great place to see galleries, and a nice walk in the park above.

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The storming of the Bastille on July 14th 1789, signalled the beginning of the French Revolution. It was a highly symbolic event: the prison only held seven prisoners. Once the building had been demolished, the stones were used to build the Pont de la Concorde (Concorde bridge). The signs of this turbulent part of history are engraved on the square. The paving stones of the Boulevard Henri-IV follow the former walls of the prison, and the July Column in the centre commemorates the Parisians killed during the uprisings of 1830 and 1848. This former harbourer of violence and crime is now home to trendy bars and cafes, and a modern opera house. A ball, held on the night before July 14th's public holiday, marks the anniversary of the Revolution.

Our Local Expert Says:

In the SW corner you'll find a small passageway to a quiet courtyard, where you can take a well-deserved rest from the crowds.

Description:

Surrounded by shady arcades that shelter beautiful boutiques, this square, situated in the heart of the Marais, is one of Paris' unmissable sights. The square is perfectly symmetrical, measuring 140 metres by 127. Stone and brick houses, whose almost identical façades are all crowned by steep slate rooves, border its quasi-rectangular shape. Designed by Henri IV, it used to be the favoured sight for duels. Famous people also lived in the area, including the Cardinal de Richelieu and the writer Victor Hugo. Admission is free.