Travel Guides > Paris, France

Paris Travel

Who can't help but to turn into a hopeless romantic when they're greeted with the amazing sites of Paris at night? Long dubbed the City of Lights, Paris, France is one of the world's most beloved tourist destinations.

Everything here exudes beauty, fun, and romance, from the gently flowing waters of the Seine to the stunning cathedrals that dot the city to the colorful people who live here and their sometimes quirky culture and habits.

Where does one start exploring Paris? The list of museums in this cultural city goes on and on and there are nearly as many historical attractions and landmarks that warrant a visit as well.

You'll probably want to head straight for the most recognizable structure on the planet... the Eiffel Tower. Many make that their first stop. The tower stands 1,040 feet high and weighs an amazing 7,000 tons. Built for the 1889 Universal Exposition, guests can visit three different levels in the tower, enjoy a meal among the steel girders, or just admire it from the outside.

From the Eiffel Tower, it won't be too difficult to walk to some of the city's other grand attractions. Head for the largest triumphant arch in the world, appropriately named the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victories, the arch is covered with sculptures, and names of those who died in the Napoleonic wars are engraved on it as well.

Experience one of the finest art collections ever assembled at the Musee du Louvre; a.k.a. the Louvre. A combination palace/museum, the Louvre holds many masterpieces of the centuries, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. You'll probably need an entire day to peruse this museum, especially if you're passionate about ancient art. Many smaller art museums are also worth a stop.

Situated in the center of Paris is the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, this Gothic church overlooks the Seine and has always been an integral part of life in Paris. Take time to look at the inside and outside of the cathedral as both feature wonderful works of art. Also make time for stops at the chapel of Sainte-Chapelle and the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur.

Exploring Paris' eclectic neighborhoods can be just as much fun as visiting its famous landmarks. Check out St-Germain-des-Pres, once home to the existentialist movement, where people like Jean-Paul Satre hung out. Similarly, Montparnasse attracted the world's great writers, like Faulkner, Joyce, and Trotsky. And, of course, there's the famous Moulin Rouge, situated in the less-than-respectable neighborhood of Pigalle, but still a fun place for mature guests to visit.