Whether you are planning a trip to Paris for the first time or if you are a regular visitor, you may find that you have not experienced everything Paris has to offer. If you are planning a short visit to the City of Lights, there are a number of things that you can do to make your trip as memorable as possible.
Place de la Concorde
Located on the right bank of the Seine River, Place de la Concorde is a public square that borders the Champs-Elysees and Tuileries Gardens. It was the site of many public executions during the French Revolution. A statue of King Louis XV stood on the square for less than twenty years. It was renamed to Place Louis XVI in 1826.
In the 1830s, the Place de la Concorde was transformed by architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff. He added a gold-leafed pyramid cap to the column. It now stands 23 meters high.
The obelisk at the center of the Square was given to France by the Ottoman Viceroy of Egypt in 1929. It is a 3,300-year-old obelisk that marked the entrance to the temple of Luxor in ancient times. Today, it is placed at the center of the Place de la Concorde.
The Tuileries Garden is an idyllic, formal French garden in the center of Paris. It is adjacent to the Louvre Museum and features fountains, ponds, and model boats. There are benches throughout the gardens that are ideal for reading and watching the ponds and fountains.
If you're planning to visit Paris, you might consider buying the Paris City Pass. It includes admission tickets to the top attractions in the city, plus free public transportation. You'll save time and money by skipping the lines at these popular attractions.
Place de la Louvre
Visiting the Louvre is a must do in Paris. It is the largest museum in the world and boasts a collection of 460,000 works. Whether you're a history buff or simply want to take in some of the finest artwork, the Louvre is a must-see.
If you're looking for the best view in Paris, you can't go wrong with the Eiffel Tower. The tower is the most iconic monument in the city, and its spires are a sight to see. You can visit it during the day or night.
One of the best things to do in Paris is to walk. You'll see plenty of top sights along the way. You can walk to many of the most famous sites in the city, including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower.
There are several other major landmarks in the city, but you won't see them all on a single trip. The Louvre is a great place to start, but there are so many other places to see in a single day.
The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world. Leonardo da Vinci is believed to have created it. However, its sitter is unclear.
You may also want to check out the Raft of the Medusa, a work of art from the 19th century. You'll also want to take in some of the other historical paintings on display in the Salles Rouges.
Trocadero Gardens
Located near the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadero Gardens offer an ideal opportunity to enjoy the iconic structure without having to climb to the top. The view is postcard perfect and the gardens are also home to numerous sculptures.
The garden is the centerpiece of the Trocadero complex, which includes a large number of museums and fountains. You can enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower while walking around the gardens, which also hosts seasonal events.
The esplanade of the Trocadero is one of the best places to watch the sun rise in Paris. It is also a great place to watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night. The Trocadero is also an excellent vantage point for viewing the Arc de Triomphe.
The Fountain of Warsaw is a great example of the many fountains found in the Trocadero. It is an impressive mirror-like basin and features multiple water cannons. It shoots water up to 12m into the air. The garden has other noteworthy features including a carousel, which is located directly in front of the Eiffel Tower.
While you are at the Trocadero, be sure to stop by the Cite de l'architecture and du patrimoine, which are two museums located in the same complex. These museums are free to visit for anyone with a Paris Museum Pass.
There are other attractions you might want to consider in Paris, like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre. However, you can't see all of them in one day.
Sainte-Chapelle
Among the many things to do in Paris, Sainte-Chapelle is a must-see. Not only does it offer stunning architecture, but it is also the location of one of the most important classical music concerts in the city. These concerts are held in a spectacular stained glass setting, allowing visitors to marvel at the lightness of the church.
The best time to visit Sainte-Chapelle is during the day. During this time, the Rose Window is particularly impressive, allowing visitors to see the cathedral in all its glory. It is also a great spot to watch the boats on the Seine River.
It is also worth a visit during the evening, as you can watch the city lights at dusk. There is a restaurant located on the top floor of the tower, as well as two observation decks. You can also find cutouts for taking photos.
If you have the time, you should also explore the rest of the ancient area around the chapel. The Palais de Justice is just next door. You can also check out the statue of King Henry IV.
The cathedral is built in stone and has a 78-foot spire. It was originally designed to house the crown of thorns. The crown was bought by King Louis IX from the Venetians. His quest for the relics of the Passion of Christ led him to acquire pieces of wood and nails from the crucifixion.
Musee de l'Orangerie
Located in the Tuileries Garden in Paris, the Musee de l'Orangerie is a museum of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Its collection includes works by famous artists such as Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Auguste Renoir, and Henri Matisse.
The Orangerie museum is open every day but on Tuesday. The building was originally constructed to keep the orange trees outside in the winter. It later served as a greenhouse and sports hall. It was also used as a demonstration site for musical events. The doors are decorated with ears of wheat and triangular gables.
The building was built in 1852 by architect Firmin Bourgeois. It was later joined with the Louvre in 1930. The Orangerie has a facade facing the River Seine.
The museum is known for Claude Monet's Water Lilies murals. These eight paintings are displayed in two large oval rooms. The paintings are floor to ceiling and bathed in natural light from two large skylights. The ambiance of the water gardens of Giverny is portrayed in the murals.
The museum's collection of paintings also features works by Modigliani, Henri Rousseau, and Alfred Sisley. A recent exhibition focused on Claude Monet's influence on American abstract painters. The Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection is housed here, and includes 146 works by famous artists. Some of the works are from Cezanne, Modigliani, and Gauguin.
The Musee de l'Orangerie organizes temporary exhibitions, and has a permanent collection of Post-Impressionist art. It is often coupled with the nearby Musee d'Orsay.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres Church
During your visit to Paris, take some time to check out the oldest church in France - the Saint-Germain-des-Pres Church. It's one of the most beautiful places in Paris. With a colorful ceiling and marble columns, it's a place of beauty that can't be missed.
The Church of Saint Germain-des-Pres was first built as a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century. The church was rebuilt in the 10th and 13th centuries. A major part of the church remains from the 6th and 7th century. It was the burial site for Merovingian kings.
In the 19th century, it was a popular location for artists and writers. Some of the most famous artists who lived in this neighborhood were Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. It is also home to the Musee d'Orsay. This museum houses a variety of works by Delacroix.
You can also see the grave of Delacroix at the Pere Lachaise cemetery. There are several cafes in the neighborhood, including Les Deux Magots, which is located at Boulevard Saint-Germain. You can also check out the nearby Saint-Sulpice Church. This church is one of the largest in Paris. It is decorated with paintings by Delacroix.
The area is rich in history, dating back to the Middle Ages. You'll find that the quaint and animated streets are filled with boutiques and restaurants, making it a great place to spend a few hours.
