Last weekend, I finally got to visit my dear friends Marie and Paul in Paris again. This time I finally wanted to see all the sights that Paris stands for: the Loucre, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées and all the other marvels of this beautiful city…
I started at the Louvre…
The Louvre, originally a royal palace, became a museum as early as 1793, and today holds an unparalleled reputation around the world. The Louvre is in possession of several important works of art, such as the Mona Lisa and Milo’s Venus, among many others. The Louvre also houses an extensive array of objets d’art from all epochs and parts of the world up to the 19th century, for example Oriental, Greek and Roman art and sculptures. The Egyptian collection occupies a large section of the museum, as well as art from French painters from the 14th to 19th centuries, Italian artists and the Flemish school. A comprehensive visit to the immense Louvre would be virtually impossible even in a full day or two
– if you don’t have too much time to spend in Paris, you might want to be selective.
Aside from the museum’s possessions, the building of the Louvre is a sight to see in itself, a beautiful example of France’s cultural heritage.
The Jardin des Tuileries is in proximity to the Louvre,perfect for a beautiful, relaxing walk after your trek through the immense museum. In the 17th century Colbert (superintendant under Louis XIV) engaged landscaper André Le Nôtre to take charge of the beautification of the park. The garden has since been preserved in this form.
Crossing the park, you arrive at the Place de la Concorde, where you will find the Obelisk originally erected by Ramses II in Luxor. Somewhat further along, you will come across Place Vendôme with its many pricey, high-quality jewelers.
The Eiffel Tower
The veritable high point of Paris, erected for the Paris World Fair in 1889, the Eiffel Tower has ever since stood as the city’s, if not the whole country’s, most renowned landmark.
The top of the 307 m high tower offers one a splendid 360° view of the city. One may climb the first 350 and then 700 steps to the first and second platforms. The elevator is on the other hand a more palatable option. From the 2nd platform a single elevator will bring you up the long climb to the 3rd platform.
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower lies the former military exercise field Champ-de-Mars, a historical landmark and a principal arena of the French Revolution, today a picturesque park.
Not far away you’ll find the Hôtel des Invalides (a 17th century military museum) as well as Napoleon’s final resting place, the Dôme des Invalides, which offers a magnificent example of classic French architecture (1675-1706). The Ecole Militaire (1759-82) is also close by.
Champs-Elysées
The Champs-Elysées is another Parisian landmark. The “most beautiful avenue in the world” is not only a site for shopping, although it is lined with a slew of pricey designer shops and boutiques. The lower end towards the Place de la Concorde resembles a park, lined with museums, theaters and some restaurants.
In the other direction, the Champs-Elysées ends at the Arc de Triomphe, begun in 1806 by order of Napoleon in honour of his victorious armies. Napoleon was no longer around to witness its completion in 1836.
In 1920, the monument to the Unknown Soldier was placed at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe. The complex is 50 m high and 45 m wide, with immense sculptures and friezes celebrating the glorious victories of the French armies.
The observation deck offers a beautiful view over the city. Incidentally, pedestrians are forbidden from crossing the traffic circle surrounding the Place de l’Etoile, where the Arc de Triomphe is located; pedestrians must instead take the underground passageway.