Paris Tourist Attractions – Wine and Dine in The City of Love
Apart from being considered as the city of lovers, Paris is also a city of timeless architecture, fantastic foods, and many attractions sure to please tourists from all walks of life. Whether you have a passion for art and architecture or food and fun Paris is an ideal vacation destination.
Paris Tourist Attractions – The Top Points of Interest
The first settlers in Paris’ city center arrived between 250 and 200 B.C. From the small fishing village that these early people built sprang a world hub of culture and style. Much has changed in Paris since 250 B.C., and signs of both the old world and the modern day are easily viewed in this classical city. With so many different attractions in one city it’s hard to know how best to spend one’s time in Paris. Start with the top Paris tourist attractions listed here. For the art enthusiasts, visit the infamous Louvre. The opening scene of Dan Brown’s novel-turned-film The Davinci Code, the Louvre contains an impressive exhibit of pre-twentieth century artwork such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The Musee d’ Orsay houses a stunning collection of impressionist and post-impressionist artwork featuring notable artist such as Monet and Van Gogh.For those more interested in the artistry of architecture Paris tourist attractions leave nothing to be desired. The Notre Dame Cathedral, for instance, showcases gothic architecture in all it’s brilliance and leaves no detail lacking. Of course it would be essential for any avid architecture buff to visit the Cite de l’Architechture et du Patrimoine, the home of the French Institute of Architecture and a museum dedicated to all things architecture. This museum contains an impressive exhibit of classical and modern french architecture and monuments. And of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the infamous Eiffel Tower.
Paris Activities – What To Do in Paris
Apart from visiting art museums and religious centers there are many other fascinating Paris activities. For instance, Viator.com advertises a Chocolate and Pastry Tour of Paris. This walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide takes you through Paris’ most delicious pastry shops, bakeries, and chocolate shops. If you still feeling guilty following the pastry tour, consider taking a stroll through one of Paris’ many parks and gardens. For instance, the Parc Georges Brassens features breathtaking displays of color and statues and is the site of a small vineyard and book market.For those who enjoy a slightly more grim attraction the Pere Lachaise Cemetery would make an excellent attraction. The burial place of notable figures such as Oscar Wilde and the Doors lead singer Jim Morrison, this cemetery features surprising beauty in it’s tombs and architectural features. A tour of the Chateau de Versailles would prove the perfect way to spend an afternoon for any sightseer. The lavish home of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI prior to the French Revolution, is an extravagent and brilliantly furnished palace, and features attractions such as the famous Hall of Mirrors. Finally, to end one’s perfect day full of Paris activities, catch the Moulin Rouge show.
Information on Paris – The History of An Innovative City
Prior to visiting Paris one might benefit from brushing up on some historical information on paris. As mentioned previously, Paris was first inhabited by a small band called the Parisii between 250 and 200 B.C. It was originally established as a fishing village. Paris was defeated by Julius Ceasar in 52 B.C. but continued to be a regional center through the Middle Ages. It was not until the rule of Hugh Capet, the first king of France, that Paris gained status as the capitol of France. An ever-expanding city, Paris saw architectural splendor with the construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral which began in 1163 and was the site of much discovery during the Rennaisance in the 15th century. In the late 1700’s Paris was the frontline of the French Revolution beginning with the storming of the Bastille Prison in 1789. By 1792 the monarchy had fallen and the first French republic was born.Throughout the late 1700’s and early 1800’s Paris is in shambles following the unruly beginning of the first french republic, until Napoleon Bonaparte ascends as Emperor in 1804 and brings some stabilization to the nation’s government. In 1870, directly following the Franco-Prussian War, the third republic of France is formed and the nation’s first tastes of democracy are instituted. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Paris is an artistic center and showcases many of the world’s top artists and literary figures. France escaped being occupied by the Germans in World War I only to find themselves occupied by them from 1940 to 1944 in World War II. Paris is liberated by the allied forces by the end of the second World War. Today Paris is much the same city she’s always been: one filled with centuries worth of valuable and historical architecture and an innovative source of vision for the world’s fashionistas, artists, and forward thinkers.