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Luxury Travel Destinations
Destinations > Paris Tourist Attractions
Paris, France
City Facts
| Paris Population | 9,854,000 *
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| France Population | 60,711,000 *
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| Currency | Euro
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| Time Zone | GMT + 1
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| Language | French
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* Source: UN Population Division 2005 estimate
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Paris Attractions
Paris is romance. No other city can claim to possess its aura of intimacy and few cities can match the magical atmosphere of its streets. Paris is peerless in its ability to charm, enchant and awe travellers - first timers, those coming back and even Parisians. Simply put, Paris could teach the world the art of living.
The plethora of attractions in Paris can, at times, be overwhelming even to the most enthusiastic traveller; basic orientation comes in focusing on the River Seine, along which many of the city's leading attractions are located. This imperious river has always been central to Parisian life and the historic heart of the city lies on the banks and islands of the east river, with the medieval centre located on the island of Ile de la Cite.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is literally the centre of Paris, and indeed France: a spot at the far end of the place du Parvis, in front of the famed cathedral, is demarked 'Kilometre Zero'; distances from Paris to all parts of France are measured from this point.
The iconic Eiffel Tower dominates the cityscape - standing over 300 metres the Tower affords unparalleled views of Paris and its surrounding environs. Follow the breathtaking splendour of the Eiffel Tower with a visit to the world's greatest art collection at the Louvre Museum, where the Mona Lisa sits enigmatically amongst the 30,000 masterpieces on display. If Impressionism is more your bag, don't miss the glass roofed Musee d'Orsay - bulging with 80 galleries devoted in large part to the epic period of French art between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.
The Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie in the Parc de La Villette is the world's largest science museum, whilst the modern art collection at the striking Pompidou Centre is the starring attractions of Paris.
If you are in the city in mid-September, the Journées du Patrimoine weekend is a rare chance to view historic buildings like the President's residence and the ornate Palais de l'Elysée.
Yet Parisians will tell you that the city's beauty is not merely restricted to its grand monuments and museums, fine restaurants, elegant boutiques and unrivalled markets. Paris's true beauty lies in the intangibles: walking down a quaint Parisian neighbourhood on a glorious summer day, past charming roadside cafés where the inviting aromas of freshly baked pastries waft in the air, browsing the city's bustling flea markets, exploring the hidden art gallery and enjoying the flow of Parisian life. Paris tantalises the senses and enlightens the mind, retaining all the magic that brings visitors back to the City of Light time after time.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Place du Parvis Notre Dame, Paris 75004
Tel: +33 1 42 34 5610
Begun in 1163 but not completed until 1361, it fell into ruin after the revolution but was brought back to life after the success of Victor Hugo's 1831 novel. The addition of the gargoyles, spire and self-sculpture by architect Eugene Voillet-le Duc remain areas of contention.
Eiffel Tower
Champs de Mars, Paris 75007
Tel: +33 1 44 11 2345
The most spectacular views of Paris are witnessed from all floors of the Eiffel Tower. It is possible to walk most of the way up and around this fascinating metal structure. A lift completes the journey to the top.
Musée de Louvre
99 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001
Tel: +33 1 40 20 5151
First opened during the revolution in 1793. With over 300,000 artworks, antiquities, sarcophagi and statues including the incredible Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a truly unmissable experience.
Musée d'Orsay
1 Rue de Bellechasse, Paris 75007
Tel: +33 1 40 49 4814
A grand railway station that has been converted into a temple for the arts of its age: Impressionism foremost amongst them.
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
30, Avenue Corentin-Cariou, Paris 75930
Tel: +33 1 40 05 70 00
Intriguing exhibitions on the wonders and techniques of science and technology.
Centre Pompidou
Place Georges Pompidou, Paris 75004
Tel: +33 1 44 78 12 33
A striking modern gallery that shows off old and contemporary art in the middle of Paris. Always amusing to visit.
Palais de l'Elysée
55, rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 75008
Establishment of the President of France - Monsieur le Président de la République- that is off limits except at specially designated times.
Champs-Elysées & Arc de Triomphe
Champs Elysées, Paris 75008
Tel: +33 1 44 13 1717
Voie Triomphale is an excellent place to begin a walking tour of central Paris. Napoleon's tribute to the French army, the Arc de Triomphe offers splendid views at the centre of the world's first traffic roundabout with the Voie Triomphale and Champs -Elysees descending elegantly to the Louvre and Place de la Concorde respectively.
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde, Paris 75008
Tel: +33 1 47 03 1250
Very busy landmark square at the end of the Champs Elysees. A true Parisian experience.
Sainte-Chapelle
4 Boulevard du Palais, Paris 75001
Tel: +33 1 43 54 3009
One of the most important examples of thirteenth century French architecture, built to house the precious possessions of Louis the IX.
Les Invalides
Esplanade des Invalides, Paris 75007
Tel: +33 1 44 42 3767
Commissioned by Louis XIV as a home for injured soldiers, one of its two churches hold the remains of Napoleon. The site also contains the Musee de l'Armee.
Sacré-Coeur
35 Rue Chevalier de la Barre, Paris 75018
Tel: +33 1 42 51 1702
The classic lines of the beautiful 19th century church are as much a part of the stunning Paris skyline as the Eiffel Tower.
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
107 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001
Tel: +33 1 42 60 3214
Musée National du Moyen-Age(Musée de Cluny)
6 Place Paul-Painlevé, Paris 75006
Tel: +33 1 43 25 6200
Bibliothèque Nationale
58 Rue de Richelieu, Paris 75706
Tel: +33 1 47 03 8126
Musée Marmottan
2 Rue Louis-Bailly, Paris 75016
Tel: +33 1 45 53 3170
Musée Rodin
77 Rue de Varenne, Paris 75007
Tel: +33 1 47 05 0134
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