Things To Do in Paris

Notre Dame

Arguably one of the world's most famous cathedrals, the Notre Dame is a great symbol of Paris and has stood through many significant Parisian events; the canonization of Joan of Arc, the coronation of Henry VI and the state funeral of Charles de Gaulle. The magnificent building is a symbol of Paris, its famous square towers rise above the impressive circular rose windows, faultless examples of fine stained-glass. Inside, a 14th century statue of Virgin and Child stands amid the cavernous arches, a narrow spiral staircase leads to the bell tower from where incredible views over Paris are offered, and attend at the right time to sit a Roman Catholic Mass.

Louvre Museum

Enjoying recent fame for its part in the world-famous novel, The Da Vinci Code, The Louvre museum dates back to medieval times and houses some 35, 000 works of art - many of which are highly significant in world art. The collection includes Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, and Antioch's Venus de Milo. Centered around the newer Glass Pyramid, the grounds include gardens, courtyards and an underground complex with galleries, shops and an information desk.

The Louvre Museum is located at 75058 Paris cedex 01.

Arc de Triomphe

One of the most famous monuments in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was built under Napoleans orders to commemorate those who died fighting for France. At an impressive 50 metres tall, the Arc is embellished with extravagant sculptures depicting military scenes and to this day is used as an assembly point for many victory celebrations and parades. Beneath the arch lies the tomb of the Unknown Soldier - a memorial to all unidentified soldiers.

From the viewing platform at the top of the Arc de Triomphe, scenes of the Champs-Elysées stretch out on one side, while La Défense can be seen on the other side.

Situated at Place Charles de Gaulle.    

Montmarte, Moulin Rouge/Sacre Coeur

With its roots as an artists haven, depicted in famous paintings, many of Maurice Utrillo's included - the Montmarte is today as well known for being home to the infamous Moulin Rough nightclub. On a walk around the area you will discover modern-day street artists in Place du Terte, the Sacré-cœur - a celebrated Catholic basilica, and many renowned galleries; Musée de Montmarte and Musée d'Art Naïf Max Fourny exhibit the work of native and local artisits, while the Espace Montmarte Salvador Dalí is home to over 300 pieces of the famous surrealist artist.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, renowned for its great size, is the largest palace in Europe. It grew from its modest beginnings as a hunting ground for Louis XII, into it's its immense size today, with an impressive 1300 rooms. Visitors are free to walk through a lot of the palace; the Chapelle Royal - decorated with Baroque murals and Corinthian colums; the great marble courtyard  - below the gilded balcony; and the famous hall of mirrors - a 70m, lavishly decorated room where the Treaty of Versailles was signed to signal the end of World War I. The palace gardens will impress also, paths lined with flowerbeds lead to orchards, fountains and lakes with bronze statues for embellishment. Two smaller palaces stand in the gardens - the Grand Trianon, used by Louis XIV and his mistress, and the Petit Trinon, loved by Marie Antoinette.