European Vacation - Paris, France

Paris is the capital and largest city of France. Straddling the river Seine in the country’s north, Paris is a city with a distinct international flavor. Called the city for lovers it certainly beckons with a romanticism all its own. It is also know as the “City of Lights” and after a view of Paris at night, you will understand why. The City of Lights is the apex of architectural beauty, artistic expression and culinary delight

Paris is a city of vast, noble perspectives and intimate, ramshackle streets, of formal green open spaces and of quiet squares. This combination of the pompous and the private is one of the secrets of its perennial attraction. Another is its size. Paris is relatively small as capitals go, with many of its major sights and museums within walking distance of each other.

Walking through Paris is like walking through a cultural wonderland. Montmarte, La Marais and the Latin Quarter are all areas in Paris that contain their own special charm. Outdoor markets, lesser known museums and local lore make each area a place of interest

Artists flood the streets of Paris. Beginners, talented, those with no talent at all come to Paris to live and work and walk the same streets the Masters walked years before them.

Museums overflow with the exquisite works of the likes of Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet and Degas.

Paris is steeped in all things Medieval. Magnificent buildings, structures, paintings, sculptures, tapestries and superb artifacts are all a part of Paris.

Top Paris attractions include:

The Eiffel Tower was built for the World exhibition in 1889 celebrating the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel built the 324-meter high metal (puddle iron) as a temporary monument. It took two years to build the tower and it did not take long for La Tour Eiffel to become the symbol of Paris.

Eiffel Tower consists of three landing floors and there are two restaurants at the tower.
The Louvre Museum is probably one of the most fascinating museums in the world and is a "must see" in Paris for the first time visitor. Originally a medieval fortress the Louvre became the Palace of many kings. It was transformed later into a museum.

The Louvre Museum presents collections of western art from the Middle Ages to 1850, and the antique civilizations that have preceded and influenced this art. You must see the Mona lisa, the Venus de MILO, but please note that most impressionism paintings are not in the Louvre, they are at the Orsay museum. The Louvre has mostly paintings up to the 18th century.
Notre Dame Cathedral. The famous cathedral where the coronation of Henry VI and Napoleon I took place, is located at Ile de la Cité, an island in the Seine river. It took actually two centuries to complete this massive Gothic architecture (1163-1345) and is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. The inside of Notre Dame is just as impressive as it's outside, where you can find beautiful stained glass windows. The most famous and original one is the 13 meter high Rose Window. Bible stories are also told in the form of paintings.
Arc de Triomphe (de l'Étoile) is one of the most beautiful monuments in Paris. This impressive, 50 meter-high triumphal arch commemorates Napoleon's victories and looms over the flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Each of the four large beautiful relief sculptures on the Arc tells a story: “Marseillaise” or the departure of the volunteers, “Peace,” “Resistance” and the “Triumph of 1810.”
Georges Pompidou Centre. This funky and hip Mecca of modern and contemporary culture houses the National Museum of Modern Art. One of the world's finest collections of modern and contemporary art from 1905 to the present day is housed including: Miró, Giacometti, Dubuffet, Picasso, Matisse, Léger, Chagall, Kandinsky, Warhol, Ben and César.
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie or Science and Technology museum is a must see, especially for the kids.

Each floor of the ultra modern building of Paris Science World is divided into different science and technology departments. Some programs are Planetarium, Children’s Cité, LaGeode (Ominmax theatre) and Cité de la Sante (health center).
Musée d'Orsay is another "must see" museum in Paris. The most famous French Impressionist paintings are in this museum. You will discover the famous paintings of Renoir, Monet, Degas, Manet and others. This museum is very original, built in an ancient train station of Paris.

The Musée d'Orsay presents the arts and artistic creativity of the period from 1848 to 1914 through its collections of paintings, sculpture, the decorative arts, sculpture and photography.
Chateau (Castle) de Versailles is divided into various quarters. Don’t miss the Queen and King’s apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Drawing Room of Plenty and the beautiful formal gardens.

The Hall of Mirrors is about 70 meters long and has a significant history. This was the room where Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles that ended the First World War.
Jardin du Luxembourg is a French-style park full of statues and polls. The Medici fountain is the highlight of this park.
Moulin Rouge is the famous nightclub where Cancan dance was born. There are two options to view the shows, one with dinner and one without.
Sacré-Coeur. This gorgeous white church was built in 1876 and took about 40 years to complete its construction.

The construction of Sacré-Coeur was due to the promise to God made by Alexandre Legentil and Rohault de Fleury for Paris to be saved from invasion and damage during the Franco-Prussian war.

Inside this Romanesque / Byzantine styled church you can find beautiful paintings and sculptures. Also, one of the largest bells in the world is housed in this church.

Sacré-Coeur is located on top of the Montmartre Hill, one of the highest points in Paris. As a result you get a great view of the city from the front of the Church.
Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso) is full of paintings and other works by Pablo Picasso.
La Défense is a suburban complex of skyscrapers, including modern cube-like Grande Arche de la Défense, aligned with "Triumphal Way" formed by Napoleon's arch, Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde.
Dome des Invalides. You cannot miss the golden dome church, where you can find Napoleon’s Tomb. By the order of Louis XIV, the Dome was built to be a burial site for the royal families.
Montmartre Hill is the highest natural point in Paris and where you have a gorgeous view of the city. Sacré-Coeur is the white church sitting on top of the Montmartre Hill in Paris.
Montparnasse Tower. From the top of the Montparnasse tower, enjoy fabulous views over the city of Paris! In just 38 seconds the lift will whisk you up 56 floors to a height of 196 meters—prepare yourself for a sensational experience!

And for those who have a real head for heights, a few more steps will take you up to the tower’s 210 meter-high terrace with its panoramic view, where you can admire the French capital from every angle!
Disneyland Paris. Disney theme park, also called Eurodisney, features rides and attractions for the whole family.
The Seine River divides Paris into the Left and Right Bank.