Considered the most romantic city in the world by many, Paris France is a truly amazing place. Probably the best known landmark in the city is the Eiffel Tower but there are many other sights that should not be missed when visiting.
Paris is a truly magical place featuring a beautiful mixture of classical architecture and sculpture where the old is seamlessly blended with the new. Sculptures line bridges and adorn buildings throughout the city with lions, horses and gargoyles watching over their domain.
Paris offers a wealth of art galleries, delightful sidewalk cafes and many stylish boutiques, some featuring the latest in high fashion. During the summer, many Parisians vacate the city, leaving it almost exclusively to the tourists to explore.
Take a stroll along the picturesque River Seine and enjoy browsing through the offerings of local street vendors who have a wonderful selection of memorabilia, art, books, souvenirs and trinkets to choose from.
Some of the favorite attractions you will not want to miss include Notre Dame, a grand and world famous cathedral located on the River Seine in the heart of the historical center of the city. Constructed in the 12th century, Notre Dame is one of the world's finest examples of Gothic architecture from the Medieval period. At the top of the spiral staircase inside the cathedral you will find the gargoyles that stand watch there and a breathtaking view of the city and the River Seine below. There is an archaeological museum located below the cathedral as well.
The Avenue des Champs-Elysées, named for the Elysian Fields, is the widest street in Paris and known for the many stylish shops and cafes, cinemas and haute couture from some of the most prominent names in fashion. On the west end of Champs-Elysées is the Parisian monument commemorating the military might of France, the Arc de Triomphe, which was erected in 1806 by emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
On the east end of Champs-Elysées is the Louvre Museum. Once the home of the royalty of France, the Louvre later became a fortress during the 12th century and gradually was converted into a museum around the time of the French Revolution in the latter part of the 18th century. It is a massive structure that contains some of the greatest artworks in the world, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, antiquities from ancient Egypt and many paintings and sculptures from the great masters, around 35,000 works of art in all. It is recommended to set aside at least one full day for this particular destination.
The Eiffel Tower is a must for anyone visiting Paris. The view from the top of the tower offers a panorama of the city with the River Seine close by and a chance to see the symmetry of the city's design. It is truly a masterpiece of engineering and architecture.
Dining in Paris is a true gastronomical delight. Be sure to sample the delectable cuisine at one of the many romantic venues that can be found in the City of Lights.
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Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
