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Paris by foot
Wake up early, have a hearty
breakfast, put on your running shoes, your ultimate city guide
and map and never forget that camera! Visiting Paris is fun
and can be tiring, since most monuments are just a walk away.
Being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, don't
be surprise when you always find yourself elbowing with another
tourist or waiting in line for hours and hours, just to visit
a single monument. Paris is bursting with tourists and Parisians
alike, so keep your cool. Just immerse yourself in this historic
city and enjoy! Oh and always watch your steps and wallets! |
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The
Eiffel Tower
Aside from becoming a symbol of France, the Tour Eiffel
is the most well-known monument in Europe. Since its
construction in 1889 by Engineer Gustave Eiffel, the
tower welcomed more than 200 million visitors. It stands
324 meters high with two restaurants, souvenir shops
and a small representation of the engineer's office.
It is definitely one way of discovering Paris both by
day and night. Expect queuing up for hours.
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The
Notre Dame Cathedral
Built along the Seine river, the gothic-style Notre
Dame was conceived by Maurice de Sully and was built
between the 12th and 14th centuries. It is the setting
of the famous novel of Victor Hugo Notre Dame de
Paris, later known as The Hunchback of Notre
Dame. Both outside and inside, it offers one of
the most spectacular creation of human art. Don't forget
to climb to the top of the towers.
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Musée
du Louvre
It was the former home of the kings of France and is
one of the largest museums in the world. It has a collection
of Archeology, Decorative Arts, History, Jewellery,
Painting, Sculpture, etc. It is also the eminent home
of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting "Mona Lisa".
The entrance glass pyramide was designed by Ieoh Ming
Pei in 1989. |
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Arc
de Triomphe
Built at the end/start
(depending where you are standing) of the Avenue Champs
Elysees, it is the largest triumphal arch in the world.
Initiated by Napoleon, designed by JFT Chalgrin, it
was built to the glory of Napoleon's French Army. It
stands 50m high 45m wide. Decorative relief sculptures
cover its surfaces. It offers a panoramic view of the
longest avenue in Europe. |
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Les
Invalides
Just few blocks away from the Eiffel Tower, it was originally
built as the private chapel of King Louis XIV. The gold-topped
Eglise de Dôme rises 100 meters above and houses
Napoleon's tomb. Les Invalides is the home 4 museums:
the Musée de l'Armée, the Musée
d'Histoire Contemporaine, the Musée de l'Ordre
de la Libération and the Musée des Plans
et Reliefs. |
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Avenue
des Champs-Elysées
It is one of the
most famous avenues in the world. It is lined with trees
that light up during the night and is most spectacular
during Christmas season. It is also loaded with chained
cafés, movie theaters, shops and is frequented
by throngs of tourists. At 2 kms, it runs from the Arc
de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. |
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The
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
A gleaming white stone work sitting on top of a hill,
the Basilica has a magnificent view, especially from
the top of the cupola. It is reached by long flight
of steps from different sides. Bursting with life at
the foot of the hill is Montmarte area which is known
for its Bohemian lifestyle in the 18th centuries and
is the home of "Moulin Rouge". |
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Opéra
Garnier
One of my favorites in Paris. Massive staircases, leathered
seats, decorated ceilings and walls, the Opera is in
itself a beauty of its own. Recently been refurbished
and cleaned, it contains paintings, water colours and
pastels illustrating the history of opera and ballet
from the 18th century to the present day. |
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Last update: 17 May 2005
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