Location: Paris
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What to do and see in Paris, Ile-de-France: The Best Historic Sites
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
Restaurants in Paris
1. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71,255 reviews
This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.
Reviewed By ashwathramr - Kochi (Cochin), India
A must visit landmark Cathedral in Paris, I turned up at 7:45 AM.. early and entered inide at 8 : 00 AM, the exterior architecture is amazing magnificent , the cathedral is stunning with ornate and intricate statues and two bell tower , he facade of the Cathedral is well designed in Gothic architectural style, the interiors of the cathedral is impressive with high column and glass works ,as i walked inside the cathedral i was just lost in the era of the Gothic Period. This is one of the best cathedral that i ve ever visited in my life. You can capture some of the stunning views of the cathedral . My suggestion to visit the cathedral is enter the cathedral in the morning early hours , when the crowd is less, the entry is free, but you have to stand in line to enter and security check is there. the touristic crowd and group tour pours in so visit at early is always the best to enjoy your visit to this marvelous masterpiece.. At evening hour the views of the cathedral is also stunning...there is a huge open space in front of the cathedral for capturing beautiful views.
2. Arc de Triomphe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45,103 reviews
The Arc de triomphe was begun in 1806, on the orders of Napoleon I to honour the victories of his Grande Armée. Inspired by the great arches of antiquity, the monument combines the commemorative with the symbolic and it has always played a major role in the national republican consciousness. Every evening, the flame is lit on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War. An exhibition portrays the history and explains its symbolic importance, nationally as well as internationally. The terrace provides superb views both by day and night across the city and its great sweeping avenues.-Opening hours : April to September: from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; October to March: from 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.-Closed: 1st January, 1st May, 8th May (morning), 14th July (morning), 11th November (morning), 25th December-Entry fees: Adults = 9,5 €; Concessions = 6 €; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By Aveiri - Cuernavaca, Mexico
You visit the Arc crossing underground from Champs Elyseés, visit the unknown soldier tomb and it fire, from there you can see Place de la Concorde Obelisk, the details in its walls are well detailed, the scenes that represent are monumentals, love to see under the roof
3. Domaine National du Palais-Royal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 567 reviews
This royal palace, first home to Cardinal Richelieu and later a childhood home of Louis XIV, is longer open to the public, although its exquisite gardens can still be enjoyed.
Reviewed By a1eksandar - Belgrade, Serbia
Once a royal palace now the amazing spot to enjoy some relaxing time, since it's much less crowded than places nearby.
4. Left Bank (Rive Gauche)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
The section of Paris south of the River Seine.
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
The Left Bank of the Seine River is possibly the sentimental heart of Paris. In days gone by it was the part of Paris where you would find philosophers, poets, artists, teachers, writers, anybody who was somebody would be here. This sentiment has carried to the present day but how true it is now is another matter. On this side of the Seine you will find some of the most wonderful sights, like the Sorbonne University, the Pantheon, the Latin Quarter, the Musee d'Orsay, the Army Museum, the Rodin Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Luxembourg Gardens and many others. There are some wide roads but there are many narrow streets as well and it is these that convey the old Paris. You must walk! You haven't been to Paris if you miss the Left Bank!
5. Stade Roland Garros
6. Sainte-Chapelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,113 reviews
The Sainte-Chapelle is the finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. It was built in the mid 13th century by Louis IX, at the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité. It was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light,the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open:> 1st March to 31st October: Monday to Friday: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.> 1st November to 29th February: Monday to Friday: from 9 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. The best time to visit is in the morning from Tuesday to Friday. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December and in case of negative temperatures.
Reviewed By KVirgils - London, United Kingdom
Glorious and uplifting to walk around this beautiful chapel Every time I visit I marvel at the windows especially if you visit when the sun is shining !
7. Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
Located on the Île de la Cité, this memorial is dedicated to the 200,000 French citizens who died in concentration camps during World War II.
Reviewed By dharding4 - Smyrna, United States
We happened to stumble across this memorial site. The surface looks like a small, peaceful park, and overlooks the Seine. Once you are inside, the weight of the memorial will come down on you. An extremely moving site, and something to see for all.
8. Hotel de Ville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,506 reviews
This beautiful, 19th century building is now the seat of the French government, and features a number of displays on French history.
Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I came out of the Hotel De Ville stop to get to Notre Dame Cathedral. It looked like the train station is connected to the building but it was all closed off when I was there so I ended up outside instead. I was on the back end of the building and was fascinated with the architecture. As I moved towards the front of the building towards the bridge to Note Dame, I noticed a statue on horseback on the side of the building. As I neared the bridge I noticed that there was a festival of some sort in the front area of the hotel. It looked like a winter festivalwith free rides for kids. It was New Year so it could also have been related to that. Apart from rides there were a few stalls for food and shops of items. There were also a few photo areas. The building looks quite amazing from afar and does look nice closer up when you are able to see some of the intricate details. I was able to get close to the building but not inside since it looked like it was closed. The colourful lighting around the area made it quite festive and interesting. It was an unexpected but really enjoyable find.
9. La Madeleine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,232 reviews
A beautiful church built by Napoleon in honor of his troops.
Reviewed By adalbert3 - Newport Beach, United States
Sitting up high with its 52 Corinthian columns and Greek Temple appearance, it is easy to understand that initially it was planned to be a memorial to Napoleon's Grand Army. When Napoleon fell, it became a Catholic church. It may be that because the exterior is so imposing that when you walk inside, the combination of dim light and the beautiful statue of Mary Magdalene behind the Main Altar create a sense of calm and comfort. Things not to miss---the Pediment above the entrance showing the Last Judgment, the Baptism of Christ sculpture by Francois Rude, the Statue of Mary Magdalene by Charles Marochetti (up close), the History of Christianity by Jules-Claude Ziegler in the Nave of La Madeleine (the frescoe is showing the main figures of the Christian religion & as a testament to the time, it included Napoleon right in the center), the bronze doors following the theme of the ten commandments and the statues of the various saints on the Colonnade. This church has a funny way of making you want to come back---it does not have the high level of ornamentation that you find in some cathedrals (however, it does have some beautiful sculptures) but it definitely has it's own personality. Check out my photos for more details.
10. National Archives
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By Ivisitedtheplace - Israel, null
This was a really surprisingly good understated and modest museum. As everything in Paris/ amazing structure and architecture- both inside and out. There were many historical old maps and many historical documents and many descriptions of stuff like that. But the most amazing for me was stumbling into a model true-to-scale replica of the notorious Bastille prison. And then in the display glass next to that, I was thrilled and l stopped in my tracks to witness the original keys to the place. What a fantastic piece of history to see!! In addition to photos of the model and the keys, I have about six other photos
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