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Paris - the capital of lights, the city of famous fashion brands, of extravagant Paris Fashion Week, of French culinary delights that have made a mark worldwide...
There are countless intriguing activities to experience in Paris. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of options, consider the following suggestions to plan your Parisian adventure for truly memorable experiences!
1. Climb the Steps of Montmartre Hill
This charming hill of Montmartre is a favorite spot for many tourists visiting Paris, offering a wide and beautiful view of the entire city. Another alluring feature of this place is its stone steps and winding streets that have remained resilient despite the influx of visitors.
2. Stroll through the Louvre Museum
The Palace and Louvre Museum stand as one of the largest art collections in the world. To enter the museum, you must pass through the glass pyramid crafted by American-born Chinese architect I.M.Pei - a magnificent artistic creation contrasting the classical aura of the Louvre palace. Afterwards, you can leisurely admire over 30,000 artworks displayed here.
3. Spend an Afternoon Exploring Parisian Café Culture
Cafés have historically been gathering spots for writers, artists, philosophers, intellectuals, and revolutionaries of old Paris, and perhaps still are. Parisians have a habit of frequenting their favorite cafés, whether to rendezvous with loved ones and friends or simply to sit in a cozy corner reading a book or newspaper. Experience this sensation in Paris, and you'll feel like a true Parisian, gaining further insight into life here.
4. Visit the Pompidou Center for Modern Art
Upon its opening in the 1970s, the Pompidou Center was hailed as the “most advanced building in the world.” Its exterior is boldly designed, with brightly colored intersecting water pipes and an outdoor elevator running up the building's side. This is where some of Paris's most significant collections of contemporary art are exhibited. Additionally, the square in front of the center is an ideal spot to admire the surrounding scenery and other outdoor activities.
5. Admire the Sunset at the Eiffel Tower
As one of the most recognizable architectural marvels in the world, this 7,000-ton tower offers the finest views of Paris. When architect Alexandre Gustave Eiffel constructed the tower for the World's Fair in 1889, this architectural feat was scorned and dubbed the “world's largest lamppost.” However, over a century later, it stands not only as a symbol of Paris but also as an icon of global architecture.
6. Take a Stroll in Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is a collection of diverse-styled gardens situated on the left bank of the Seine River, designed in the traditional classical French style. It's a favorite rendezvous point in Paris, frequented by students, artists, children... and now attracts many tourists worldwide. Another intriguing aspect of this place is the opportunity to play boules (lawn bowling) with a group of elderly men wearing black berets and puffing Gauloises cigarettes.
7. Overlook the City from the Roof of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is not only the heart of Paris but also of France. The distance from Paris to all other places in France is measured from a milestone at Notre-Dame Cathedral, precisely a bronze plaque marking kilometer zero in the courtyard in front of the cathedral. Be sure to visit the famous gargoyles atop the cathedral roof, offering you a magnificent view of the cityscape.
8. Pay Homage at Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Pere Lachaise Cemetery, located in the 20th arrondissement, is one of the most visited cemeteries in the world, as it is the final resting place of numerous world-renowned figures, including Sarah Bernhardt, Honoré de Balzac, Jacques-Louis David, Eugène Delacroix, Maria Callas, Jim Morrison, Max Ernst, and Georges Bizet... Particularly, the grave of Oscar Wilde is often visited by tourists who kiss it and leave behind traces of red lipstick.
9. Experience the Grandeur of Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Built as a tribute to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, aiming to shield France from unhappiness. Today, Sacré-Cœur is one of France's most prominent landmarks. Renowned painter Maurice Utrillo often painted here, and he and poet Max Jacob frequented the basilica for prayers. Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits atop Montmartre hill, boasting architecture featuring white domes and impressive bell towers.
10. Visit Paris's Oldest Bookstore
This antique bookstore is named Shakespeare and Company, located on the banks of the Seine River. It's a favorite spot of famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and Ford Madox Ford. It has also been featured in the blockbuster film Midnight in Paris directed by the renowned Woody Allen...
According to Frommers.com
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
