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Sunday 19 June 2011

Must-See Places in Paris


Paris, France is the world's most popular city destination for tourists all over the globe. Dubbed the City of Love, Paris offers its visitors more than just passion and romance. Steeped in more than 2,000 years of culture and history, this city promises tourists a memorable vacation with its impressive architecture, enlightening museums, historical monuments, and beautiful gardens.

La Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower) was built by engineer Gustave Eiffel in 1889, in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution (1789). Initially considered an eyesore, today it is the landmark of Paris. At 984 feet (300 m) high, the tower offers a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city from all directions. The view at sunset is especially breathtaking, and well worth the long line to the top.

Notre Dame de Paris (Notre Dame Cathedral) is the first cathedral to be built, marking Paris as the capital of France. Its construction began in 1163, but took almost two centuries to complete. The cathedral is designed based on Gothic architecture, with several large rose windows, colorful stained glasses, pointed arches and spires, and innovative sculptures, such as gargoyles. The cathedral saw many historical moments, including the crowning of Henry VI of England in 1430.

La Musée du Louvre (The Louvre Museum), a fortress in the Middle Ages, is now home to Leonardo Da Vinci's world-renowned painting, the Mona Lisa, and an impressive collection of art and antiquities from the world over. Six million people visit the Louvre Museum in Paris every year to admire its exhibits and collections. It would take months to complete a tour of everything in the museum. Therefore, it is recommended to choose what to see first and leave the rest for another visit.

Le Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) is a beautiful park in the heart of Paris. This 61.8-acre (25-hectare) park was initially built for Catherine de Médicis in 1559. The park is an amazing place to unwind from a long day of sightseeing in Paris. There are two fascinating museums to visit within the park itself – Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and La Musée de L'Orangérie. One may also enjoy a cup of coffee by the many fountains and sculptures in the park.

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