Places to See in Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame, the famous cathedral where the coronation of Henry VI and Napoleon took place. It's located at Ile de la Cité, an island in the Seine river. It took two centuries to complete this huge Gothic architecture.

This is probably one of the most well known European cathedrals. Those two hundred years of construction certainly show in the detail and grand construction. Architects recognize Notre Dame as an ideal example of Gothic style and structure with the flying buttresses, stained glass windows, towers, shaped and set doorways, and other features.

As you walk around the building, it seems like you would need a translation book in order to catch every intended meaning of the detailed scenes and figures that are etched in the structure. There are references from the New Testament, Old Testament, and Mary all around. This is still just on the outside. Even the Western façade itself would be enough to think it was a miracle. The inside continues in beauty and artwork

There are services held here regularly and open to visitors if you are interested. There are bells that are on a timer to play throughout the day marking the hour. In addition to that, inside is a large pipe organ. It is an official position to be the organist at Notre Dame Cathedral and while in Paris, spend some time listening to the music that you can’t hear anywhere else like inside the Cathedral.

Notre Dame is currently under a restoration project, and has been for more than ten years. Visitors can still have access to the main parts of the building.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was built for the World exhibition. The 324 Meter high metal structure was built as a temporary monument. It took 2 years to build the tower and it did not take long for it to become the symbol of Paris. Eiffel Tower consists of 3 landing floors. There are two restaurants at the tower. At the first floor you can find the resturant Altitude95. The famous Le Jules Verne resturant is located on the second floor of the tower. There are 2 elevators that can take people up the tower. The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year.

A universal symbol of the city, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and this year celebrates 120 years since the unveiling at the Universal Exhibition. Until December of this year they are having an exhibit at the ground floor. There is also a new feature for children, a history game with character Gus leading the way.

For only a few dollars you get a ticket with access to all floors in the tower. There are special prices for children 4-11, young adults up to 24, and adults. If for some reason you would prefer, there are stairs that go up to the second level. From there, it is an additional elevator ride to the very top of the Tower. In summer peak times, watch out for long lines at this elevator and plan accordingly if you really want to get to the top!

It is along the Seine River and lit up beautifully at night. Somewhat like waiting around for hotel features in Las Vegas, look to the Eiffel Tower at night, on the hour. The lights dance in patterns for about five minutes, then are continuously on until the top of the next hour. The lights are on from sunset until 1 or 2am, seasonally.

Sacré-Coeur

Sacré-Coeur is on top of Montmartre Hill, which is the highest natural point in Paris giving you excellent views of the city. This Roman styled church has one of the largest bells in the world.

This is a beautiful church in Paris. Because it is up on the hill, you can see it from many places in the city. The Basilique du Sacré Cœur (meaning Sacred Heart) was built in 1914; the travertine construction gives the nice white surface through the years. It is a representation of the strong religious foundations in Paris, with many other churches leading up to it on the hill.

It is open for visitors to tour or to stay for a service as this continues to accommodate Roman Catholic parishioners regularly. Around the building on the hilltop, there are gardens with a fountain to provide a serene place to relax. Visitors are welcome here and inside to view the architecture. There are detailed paintings and pieces including a mosaic at the head of the chapel. From the top of Montmartre hill, you can see far out over the Paris skyline.

Another feature of the Sacred Heart is the large and unique pipe organ. Frequently volunteers or other affiliates of the Sacred Heart are playing in the evenings.

Every year large groups of Christian, largely Catholic, pilgrims travel to worship here. They come from the city to worldwide and some stay for several days of worship.

Musee de Cluny

Musee de Cluny is a museum. You can find some great collections of Gallo-Roman ruins and Medieval arts, including costumes, paintings and sculptures. Located near notre Dame. You will need at least 2 hours to see everything when visiting if not more.

This museum started off as an abbey house built in the 1300’s. By the 1500’s others lived here including Mary Tudor after her husband died. The building was turned into a museum in the late 1800’s. This is a great place to see about 5,000 square meters of medieval style gardens on the property, and tapestries, sculptures and other furnishings from the time inside the museum.

Another thing here as mentioned is the remains from Gallo-Roman times. This building was originally built on the site of a Gallo-Roman bath, more than two thousand years old. Specifically called Thermes de Cluny, the remains are open to the public on the tours.

This museum is great because you can take guided tours if you want, or your entrance fee includes the audio self guided tour. On this you can go from room to room as you want by looking at the map and marking your biggest interests for what you want to see. Its also a good stop for families because all under age 18 are free admission! How often is that going to happen on your vacation?

The museum is located on the Paul Painlevé square, on several bus routes and near a metro station also. If you are driving, there is parking available.

Avenue des Champs-Elysées

Avenue des Champs-Elysées, is easily the widest street in Paris. It's a great place to begin a walking tour since it stretches from Place d’Etoile to Place de la Concorde. It 's best to start at Charles de Gaulle-Étoile metro station., at the foot of the Arc-de-Triomphe where 12 major streets meet at this roundabout or huge circle. This street is filled with wonderful cafes for you to stop and rest with a coffee.

A traditional French song about the Champs-Elysees describes its significant place in the hearts of the people. It says that rain or shine, you can always enjoy the Champs-Elysees. It is a center in the city of government buildings, art, and history. Just over a mile long, wide sidewalks line the Avenue to accommodate all of the people admiring the shops, cafés, and high profile buildings. American brands including Gap, Disney, and Nike have started their own storefronts alongside standing French boutiques and restaurants.

The Place de la Concorde, on one end of the street, is a large square including the historic Tulieres Gardens, the Embassy of the United States, the French Naval Minstry, and the banks of the Seine River. Two things stand out in the square: one, its an octagon. The second thing that stands out is the Obelisk of Luxor, from the Egyptian government. A sister obelisk remains in Egypt.

On the other end of the Champs-Elysees is the Place Charles de Gualle. This is also called the Place de l’Etoile, or star square, because there are several roads intersecting here, creating a potentially dizzying roundabout for tourists. At Charles de Gualle you can see the historic Arc de Triomphe.