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(Various locations - see Le Guide Vert)
Four parks/monuments commemorating la gloire of French kings. Included
are Place des Vosges, Place de la Concorde, Place Dauphine, and Place
Vendôme.
| "Among other things, I learned that Paris has beautiful royal
places (squares). Upon our arrival in Paris, and under the guidance
of Sophie (our magnificent tour guide), we set out to discover four
of the city’s Places Royales. The first was Place des Vosges: a
beautiful serene, concealed square dating back to the 17th century.
Place des Vosges is an excellent example of the brick-and-stone
architecture of Henri IV and Louis XIII. Next was Place Dauphine,
which is located at one end of Ile de la Cité. Place Dauphine is
an intimate triangular shaped plaza also dating back to Henri IV.
Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde were the last on our tour.
Place Vendôme, currently one Paris’ most luxurious destinations,
is a giant rotunda with beautiful Louis XIV buildings that house
some of the fancier stores and hotels in the world (Cartier, the
Ritz). Place de la Concorde is Paris’ most impressive square characterized
by the majestic obelisk in the center, splendid fountains, and beautiful
buildings all around. All these squares are worth visiting. However,
if you prefer the quiet, intimate setting, Place des Vosges and
Place Dauphine are your best bets." (OJ) |
(M: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile)
Originally intended as a memorial commemorating Napoleon's victories,
the world's most famous triumphal arch now houses the tomb of the unknown
soldier. Standing 164 feet high, it lies at the head of the Champs-Elysées,
and paves the road to La Défense.
| "This is one of my favorite Parisian monuments. From any
angle you look at it, you are going to be amazed (I was). It is
in the center of one of Paris’s busiest intersections (Etoile),
so you should be careful when you visit. What I recommend is to
try and see it from other monuments: The Eiffel Tower, the Tour
Montparnasse, La Défense, Place de La Concorde, the Tuileries, and
so on. Each view is great!" (OJ) |
(Ile de la Cité, M: St. Michel, Cité)
This majestic church is the apotheosis of French art. A Gothic masterpiece,
its sparkling stained glassed rose windows, high towers and numerous
flying buttresses make this cathedral unique.
| "Whether you’re religious or not, I guarantee that
you will enjoy a visit to Paris’ Notre-Dame Cathedral. It
is located right in the center of Paris, on what is called Ile de
la Cite. Notre Dame is what I consider the poster-child of gothic
architecture. Inside and outside, the cathedral is an architectural
marvel. On the outside, make sure to take a look at the front of
the cathedral, but also the rear – both views are equally
impressive, but entirely different. I particularly enjoyed studying
the gargoyles on the outside. For the inside, take a tour around
the cathedral, and then stop and admire the rose windows and the
main altar. I found it a good investment of my time to go to the church
during mass – the choir was excellent!" (OJ) |
(M: Bir-Hakeim, Ecole Militaire)
Built for the World's Fair of 1899, the Eiffel Tower was the world's tallest
building until 1931. Now the symbol of Paris, it is also its most visited
monument with over 6 million visitors per year. It also hosts one of
Paris's most chic restaurants.
| "The Eiffel Tower is a work of art - and every sight you
get is bound to impress you. I remember that everytime the we got
a good view of the tower- regardless of how many times we had seen
it- we simply stood in awe and admired the tower's beauty. The Eiffel
Tower is graceful, majestic, and simply stunning. No wonder it is
Europe's most visited monument! If you want to get the best view
of Paris, make sure you go up the tower on a clear day - it's definitely
worth the € 10.50!" (OJ) |
(M: St-Michel, Cluny-la-Sorbone)
This is the heart of the Quartier Latin. It is most famous for its crypts
below the building housing Voltaire, Rousseau, and the renowned French
writer Victor Hugo.
Place de la Opéra, M: Opéra
Ordered by Napoleon III, and designed by Garnier in 1862, the Opéra
Garnier is one of Paris's most impressive and luxurious buildings. This
architectural marvel draws visitors for performances and admiration
alike. The Opéra houses occasional operas and is the home to France's
national ballet.
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