Paris is a major city in France, the capital. It is one of the most visited cities in the world. The famous writer Ernest Hemingway said about this city that it a holiday that is always with you. You will not succeed in remaining indifferent; you will either fall in love with Paris or hate it.
A lot of different works are devoted to him, films are made about him. He dazzles with his beauty and grandeur. Each of the tourists may have their favorite place, but, nevertheless, it is worth visiting the most important and popular sights of Paris to be sure that you know this city well. Without this, acquaintance with him would not be complete.
10. Notre Dame de Paris
In the center of Paris is a Catholic church, which is called Notre Dame de Paris or Notre Dame Cathedral. It began to be built in 1163. The whole cathedral was completely completed only in 1345.
Unfortunately, in the spring of 2019, there was a strong fire that destroyed the spire, the roof, but at least the frame of the building was saved. The restoration of this attraction will require about 1 billion euros. The reconstruction may take at least 15-20 years. But it is gratifying that many responded to the call and helped with money, allocating huge funds for the restoration of Notre Dame de Paris: for example, the entrepreneur Francois-Henri Pinault gave 100 million euros, and Bernard Arnault and his family did not regret 200 million euros.
9. Grand Opera
The main theater of Paris and one of the greatest opera scenes known to the whole world. It was for him that Picasso himself once painted the scenery, and the costume designer was the very Chanel.
The theater building is open to visitors, here you can visit as part of the tour, and on your own. This is much more profitable than buying a ticket for a performance, for which you will have to pay at least 250 euros.
Grand Opera - This is an incredibly beautiful building. As soon as you enter, a grand staircase lined with marble of different colors catches your eye. All performances are held in a theater hall decorated in golden red tones.
It has the shape of a horseshoe. In the center of the ceiling is a huge 8-ton crystal chandelier. During the intermission, you can stroll through the lobby, which is made in the form of a castle gallery. There are many windows, at the end there is a mirror salon, famous for its ceiling and wall paintings of Claren.
8. Orsay Museum
In the former building of the railway station, is one of the most popular museums in Paris, in which there are only 5 floors. It contains a magnificent collection of European painting and sculpture, which dates back to 1850-1910. But most of the works are paintings by impressionists and post-impressionists. Here you will get acquainted with the paintings of Monet, Courbet, Degas, Van Gogh.
In the museum you can admire all kinds of art. Exposure in Orsay Museum changes frequently every 2-3 years. A significant part of its funds was formed as a result of donation of valuable works of art by patrons.
7. Luxembourg Gardens and the Palace
In the center of Paris is located Luxembourg Gardens and the Palace. Once it was built for Maria Medici, other members of the royal family lived there. In 1799 he was transferred to the Senate. Until now, he sits in the main part of the palace, and you can admire it from the inside only once a year, on the third Sunday of September.
The central part of the Luxembourg Gardens was laid back in the 17th century. There is a large pond with a fountain and flower beds made in the French style. The rest is an English park. It is famous for its fountains and sculptures, the latter in the garden more than 100, they are scattered in free order.
6. Moulin Rouge
In 1889, a cabaret was built in Paris "Moulin rouge", Which translates as"Red mill". Once upon a time, aristocrats, members of royal families, and people of art gathered here. All of them came to admire the famous cancan.
In 1915, the famous cabaret burned down, but already in 1921 it reopened its doors, but now they put operettas and showed films. Now it is one of the symbols of Paris, it is also possible to see the cancan, admire the luxurious scenery, beautiful costumes, see the enchanting show. It opens to visitors at 18 hours, the cost of tickets depends on the place you have chosen and the time of the show.
5. Sacre Coeur Basilica
The name translates as "Basilica of the Sacred Heart". It was built in the years 1875-1914 on the top of the Montmartre hill, the project was created by architect Paul Abadi. Sacre Coeur Basilica can be seen from almost anywhere in Paris, because it was built at the highest point of the city - 130 m. There were many abandoned quarries in the body of the hill, so the foundation and foundation of the building had to be strengthened.
The basilica was built in the Roman-Byzantine style, but because of the design features, the Parisians called it the “national cake”. In front of the basilica are several bronze equestrian statues, on the facade we see a statue of Jesus Christ: with his right hand he blesses, and with his left hand he presses it to his heart.
Inside it is also very beautiful: mosaic paintings, multi-colored stained-glass windows, statues. There is also the famous Big Organ, with a unique sound, which was declared a national monument.
4. The Arc de Triomphe
One of the largest arches in Europe, a symbol of France and Paris - Triumphal Arch, which can be found on the Charles de Gaulle square. It is quite high - almost 50 m (49.51) and wide - almost 45 m (44.82). It was ordered to be erected by Napoleon I Bonaparte in 1806. He himself could not see the completion of his project, because died before it was built.
The arch was completely finished in 1836. It is decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptural figures, on which famous masters worked. Around her lies a chain of granite stones. There are exactly 100 of them. The reign of Bonaparte lasted so many days.
Inside the arch is a museum where you can learn about revolutionary and military battles. If desired, you can visit the observation deck on the arch.
3. Palace of Versailles
The center of tourism, one of the most important historical sites of France is Palace of versailles. It was there that once lived the French kings. The park surrounding it has 1,400 fountains. It, like the palace itself, is difficult to get around in one day. You can write several books about their beauty and decoration.
The halls of the Palace of Versailles store many works of art, unique furniture, and jewelry. The most famous halls are the throne and the mirror. Once, it was in the mirror hall that magnificent receptions and state meetings were held, it has a particularly chic interior and rich decoration.
2. The Eiffel Tower
The most recognizable landmark of the city is Eiffel Tower. Over the entire history, more than 250 million people have visited it. Now I can’t even believe that it was conceived as a temporary building for the World Exhibition (1889), they planned to demolish it.
Its height is 324 m, its total weight is 10,100 tons. In 1900, electric lamps appeared on it, and in 1985 - golden lighting. It has only 3 floors, the last 2 especially attract tourists, as they offer stunning views of Paris.
1. The Louvre
About 10 million people visit annually The louvre museumto admire the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The pride of the Louvre is a collection of paintings that includes more than 6 thousand paintings.
This is one of the largest and most popular art museums in the world, located in the center of the capital. It was created in the ancient royal palace. The museum itself has 300 thousand exhibits, but only 35 thousand can be seen in the halls. The exhibition area exceeds 60 thousand square meters, so it will be difficult to explore all the treasures of the museum in 1 day.