Paris, France

Sainte Chapelle is another example of gothic architecture.  It was built at the request of Louis IX during the 13th century to house what was believed to be Christ’s crown of thorns, part of the True Cross, and other relics from the Holy Land.  It is now an attraction for its beautiful stained glass windows.
 
The Arc de Triomphe (the Triumphal Arch) stands over 51m (165 feet) and offers views from the top of the monument.  Located at Place Charles de Gaulle, at the west side of the Champs-Elysees.   It was commissioned after the victory by Emperor Napoleon I at Austerlitz in 1806. 

Every visitor to Paris has to see the famous Eiffel Tower (or Tour Eiffel).  When it was erected in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel it was the tallest building in the world standing at 300m.  Built to commemorate the centenary of the Revolution, it was intended to be temporary but the steel structure has endured and become a world-recognised symbol for Paris.  The tower is functional too as it also serves as the TV transmitter for the Paris region.  The Tower has three viewing areas, at 57m, 115m and 276m.  The very top of the aerial stands at 320m.  From the top viewing platform the entire city of Paris and surrounding areas can be seen. 

Many art lovers visit the French capital for its galleries and museums, and there is so much to choose from.   There is the famous Louvre where the Mona Lisa and other valuable pieces can be seen.  The Pompidou Centre has contemporary art, the Musée d’Orsay, Musée Picasso, and Musée Rodin which contains many of Rodin’s beautiful sculptures, the Natural History Museum, and Science and Technology Museum. 

The Musée du Louvre, commonly known as The Louvre, has been a prominent feature in central Paris since the end of the twelfth century.  It has been home to former kings of France including Louis XIV (known as the Sun King because he chose the sun as his emblem), and is now one of the largest museums in the world.  The Mona Lisa is among the masterpieces housed at The Louvre.   The collections are divided into separate areas including sculptures, paintings and antiques from Egyptian, Oriental, Greek, Etruscan and Roman eras.  The museum sits on a large site on the Right Bank of the Seine in the centre of Paris.  It is surrounded by gardens, fountains and the central reception area is dominated by the glass Pyramid which was featured in the Da Vinci Code.  Da Vinci Code-based tours are available at the museum.  The pyramid was commissioned by former president Mitterand and constructed by the New York architect I.M. Pei in 1989.  Web site: www.louvre.fr.

The Pompidou Centre (Centre Pompidou) houses a huge library and modern art museum.  It was named after Georges Pompidou, former president of France.  The exterior design of the building is unique, having been turned ‘inside out’ so to speak so that all the pipes, ducts and other elements are brightly painted and exposed to the outside, with the idea being that it would leave more space inside for the displays.

The Musee d’Orsay (or Orsay Museum) is located on the Left Bank of the Seine.  It occupies the site of the former Orsay railway station.  The museum houses some famous masterpieces from the impressionists such as Monet and Renoir as well as plenty of French art, including sculptures, furniture and paintings.  Former president Mitterrand opened the museum in 1986. 

The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (Science and Technology Museum) is another popular attraction and reputed to be the biggest science museum throughout Europe.  The Cité includes a planetarium and an IMAX theatre.

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure this information is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy.

* Inclusion on this guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in this country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries for which the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

** At the time of writing, the F.C.O. advised against travel to countries, or areas thereof, marked thus at the time of writing. Travel Insurance is not available in areas where the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

You are strongly advised to visit the F.C.O. web site for up to date information and general travel advice before you travel.