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Pyramids of the Louvre
Woman with umbrella at Orsay Museum
Can't really miss the Ol' Lady
The Old Opera House |
There is so much too see that you might wonder where to start. There are sights that you must not, cannot, are not allowed to miss during your stay in Paris. Among the dozen of museums worth visiting, we have included in our list only three: the Louvre, Orsay, and Beaubourg. These are our favorites, and are so immersed in the Parisian culture that you absolutely must go, even if you are a totally hopeless simpleton.
Arc de Triomphe et Champs Elysées Métro: Charles de Gaulle - Etoile Open: 10:00 - 22:30 Admission: 5 euros per person
Parisians believe that the Champs Elysées is "la plus belle avenue du monde", the most beautiful avenue in the world. 'is true, it is beautiful, not for its hoards of tourists and overpriced restaurants and cafés, but for the perfect view you get from the top of the Arc de Triomphe built by Emperor Napoleon. You will be able to enjoy the harmonious alignment of the huge and modern Arche de la Defense behind you as it dominates the business district of Paris (where a couple of us work), with in front of you, the Place de la Concorde and its obelisk that Napoleon's troops brought back from Egypt, and the pyramids of the Grand Louvre.
Centre Georges Pompidou Métro: Rambuteau, Les Halles Open: 9:00 - 18:00 Admission: free for permanent collection
From the outside, you can definitely tell that Le Centre Georges Pompidou, named after a French president, was build in the 1970s. You almost expect people with flare trousers to stroll out of the museum. This is a funky track, zany in a quaint way, that houses an outstanding collection of contemporary art (from post-impressionism onwards). The works of Giacometti, Kandinsky, Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, and so many others are displayed here.
Le Louvre Métro: Louvre Open: 9:00 - 18:00 (21:45 on Monday and Wednesday) Admission: 7 euros per person
Who says culture is boring? If you think museums are dusty places, think again. Check out the foundations of the old fortress that dates back to the 13th century and the super cool glass pyramids built by Architect Pei in the late 20th century. Of course, time and Paris have been kind to Mona Lisa.
Musée d'Orsay Métro: Musée d'Orsay, Solferino Open: 10:00 - 18:00 (21:45 on Thursday, closed on Monday) Admission: 7 euros per person
A former train station built at the beginning of last century along the River Seine, the museum has kept its heritage to successfully accommodate impressive and comprehensive collections of impressionist and art-nouveau treasures. Orsay rocks. The building is big, beautiful and welcoming, on its own it would be worth a visit. Degas, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Rodin, Van Gogh exhibit here their opera dancers, water lilies, smiling Tahitians maidens, irises, cathedrals and other sunflowers.
Notre Dame Métro: Cité Open: 9:00 - 18:00 (21:45 on Monday and Wednesday) Admission: 7 euros per person
Notre Dame (Our Lady) is Quasimodo's home, so don't break anything and wipe your feet before you enter. It took almost two centuries to complete the cathedral in 1345. One can only imagine the toil, the effort and arguably the religious fervor that were required to achieve one of the greatest monuments of gothic architecture. Check out the pipe organ, one of the largest in the world, and don't forget to take snapshots of the many gargoyles watching over Paris.
Place de la Bastille Métro: Bastille Open: all the time Admission: free (it's just a big square!)
The Bastille is symbolic of the republican spirit that is deeply rooted in modern day French society. On 14 July 1789, the French decided they had had enough with nobility and monarchy. They took to the streets, starting a tradition of loud demonstration and unruly behavior when things are not to their taste. Several people lost their heads in the process. To question authority is not a marketing gimmick here. If you're lucky you'll live through a demonstration or a métro strike during your stay in our country. If we're not happy with the system, we'll shout, yell, kick up a racket, behead a few politicians (now figuratively of course) so that things may improve. Don't forget to check the ultra modern Opera Bastille right next to the Métro station.
Tour Eiffel Métro: Trocadéro Open: 7:00 - 22:00 Admission: 8 euros per person
Built by Engineer Gustave Eiffel for the World Exposition of 1889, the Tour culminates over Paris at stupendous heights. La Vieille Dame or Old Lady as we call her is beloved by the true Parisian hearts.
Versailles RER C: Versailles Rive Gauche Open: 9:00 - 17:30 (closed on Monday) Admission: 7.5 euros per person, free for kids under 18
The Palais of Versailles was the residence of the French Kings. Although located right outside Paris, the short trip by train is definitely a must. D'Artagnan and the other musketeers used to hang out around here. The French gardens are exquisite. The sophisticated, and richly but tastefully adorned rooms will dazzle the most jaded world travelers. It's big, it's imposing, it's magnificent, in short it's a palace.
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