Paris

Paris has many historical destinations worth seeing during one’s visit.  The city is home to one of the largest museums in the world, and the age of the city has created many historical monuments and buildings.  There is a lot of European history to be learned here. 

The Louvre

                        The Musee du Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world.  Once a Palace, the Louvre has been transformed into a museum.  The museum is located on the right bank of the Seine River by the Tuileries Gardens.  Inside, the museum is divided into different sections showcasing different themes of art and history.  One section of the museum is Napoleon’s apartment.  The apartment is absolutely beautiful.  The elaborate paintings, furniture, chandeliers, etc. create glamorous rooms.  Another section within the Louvre consists of Italian painters.  The famous Mona Lisa is housed in this museum.  This painting by Leonardo Da Vince is considered the most famous painting in the world, and visitors must come to the Louvre to see the real Mona Lisa smile.  The Louvre also displays Greek and Roman sculptures.  The Venus de Milo can be found here as well as the Nike of Samothrace marble statue.  There is much to see in this museum, and the enormity is overwhelming.  A guided tour is strongly recommended for visitors. 

Notre Dame

            Notre Dame is a famous Roman Catholic cathedral located in Paris.  This cathedral was one of the first to use the flying buttress and is known throughout Europe and the World.  It is located on the Seine River near Saint Michel.  Inside the church is elaborate stain glass windows, a massive organ, a beautiful alter, and different sections to pray to the saints.  Visitors are also able to climb the 400 stairs to the top of the building, where they can view the city and the famous Notre Dame belle.  From this view, the Eiffle Tower, Sacrecoeur, the river, and other buildings can be seen. (side note)  Make sure to eat lunch before taking on the steps or exhaustion is sure to follow.  Also unless in good health, expect sore legs for a few days. 

Conciergerie

            The Conciergerie is a former palace and prison for Royals.  Famously known as the prison of Marie Antoinette, visitors are able to see the actual room Marie Antoinette was kept in until she was beheaded. During her imprisonment, Marie Antoinette was guarded by two guards at all times.  Thousands of other prisoners were brought here to await their execution during the execution.  Some of the more wealthy prisoners were able to pay to have a private prison cell, but even these cells are dark and gloomy.  Only a small portion of the Conciergerie is open to the public because Paris also uses the building for law courts.

Sainte-Chapelle

            Saint-Chapelle is a chapel located in the courtyard of the Conciergerie.  The chapel has beautiful stain glass windows and ceilings.  The stain glass windows are under restoration, but most of the windows have been restored.  When the light shines through the windows, the room is extremely bright and beautiful.  The chapel differs greatly from the gothic style churches and is a must see.

 

Musee d’Orsay

            The Musee d’Orsay is a museum in Paris that was once a train station.  The museum showcases mostly art and includes painting, photography, and sculptures.  Famous painters such as Monet and Van Gogh are on display here.  The Van Gogh collection is amazing inside this museum.  The paintings are grouped together in several rooms and some of Van Gogh’s most popular pieces are displayed.  The interior of the museum still resembles a train station and distinguishes this museum from the many that exist in Paris.

Moulin Rouge

            Moulin Rouge is a famous French play.  The play is extremely romantic and colorful.  The dances and the costumes are a bit risqué but sensational.  The acts between scenes showcase extreme talent and the strength of the dancers.  The entire play is in French, but even if one isn’t fluent, Moulin Rouge is entertaining and fabulous.

Luxembourg garden

            The Luxembourg garden is one of the largest parks in Paris.  The Luxembourg Palace is inside of the garden, and there are also beautiful fountains and statues within the gates of the park.  The park is open to the public daily, and is a wonderful location to get some exercise.  Many Parisians come here to walk, run, walk dogs, share lunch, and hangout.  The garden is surrounded with beautiful landscape and flowers which makes the visit very pleasing.

Paris has a lot to offer tourists, residents, and visitors.  The unique attractions are beautiful and make Paris the glamorous city that it is.  There is so much to do and so many sights to see; Good Luck fitting it all in!