Top Things To Do in Paris, France

Table of Contents

Everyone loves to take a holiday once in a while and what better place to go than Paris, France. This is one of the most renowned cities throughout the world that has a rich culture and heritage and welcomes people from around the world.

Paris which started off as the Paris Basin in 52 BC, which was conquered by the Romans started off as one of Rome’s Western front that quickly became prosperous thanks to the location and trade throughout the empire. Originally, the city’s name was Parisius in Latin, which later became Paris in French.

Many people love to go and see the sights in Paris like the Pantheon as it has a 360 degree panoramic view of all of Paris, the Centre Pompidou with its modern art treasures, and its famous for its street performers. Of course, these are only a couple of places to visit while you are in Paris.

Today, we will look at 20 things that you should do when you go to Paris. Let’s get started!

Go to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments around the world, and it was originally erected as a short-term exhibit for the World Fair. However, it was left up, and it became a monument of the French people. The Eiffel Tower itself gives breathtaking views of Paris and is visible throughout most of the city. Just recently there was a glass floor installed in 2014, to give guests views a new experience. There is also a champagne bar on the third floor along with the famous Jules Verne restaurant, which is to have astounding gourmet food. During the night time the Eiffel tower girders light up every hour until the dawn breaks.

Visit Musee du Quai Branly

Near the Eiffel Tower, there is Musee du Quai Branly, which is an earth-like cubist structure that is enveloped with a botanical wall. The museum itself has a variety of collections of primitive art from Africa, Asia, and the America’s all within their own sections. The museum is open on from Tuesday to Sunday with hours that range from 11AM to 7-9PM depending upon the day. If you happen to get hungry, then you have the option of visiting the Quai Branly’s rooftop restaurant, Les Ombres. They serve fusion cuisine with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower.

Cruise on the Seine with Bateaux-Mouches

Seine

When you’re on the River Seine you can be sure that you are along some of the most beautiful monuments that Paris has to offer. This is one of the most popular tourist spots because of the breath-taking views and the sights of the Bateaux-Mouches riverboats. Besides the general cruise to see the sights, guests also have the option of taking a lunch, brunch, and dinner cruises while taking in the sights with beautiful accordion music.

Go to the Louvre

Louvre

Within the Louvre you could easily spend a day here. The Louvre is absolutely massive and has galleries and wings you could get lost in. They have art work that has the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and The Virgin of the Rocks. There are countless other exhibits in the museum, and an audio guide is given to guests to help guide them through the museum. The Museum itself is an artwork within itself as it’s a modern architectural masterpiece, and you will never forget that you got to visit this famous museum. If you are starting to feel tired and need to take a break you can always visit Café Mollien at the top of the grand Mollien staircase.

Visit the Orsay Train Station

Orsay

The Orsay train station was converted into the Musée D’Orsay in 1986 to exhibit one of the world’s largest collections of Impressionist and Post-impressionist art. Some of the renowned artists showcased here include Monet, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Renoir. There is also a wide variety of other artists that is part of the collection that includes sculptures, photographs, graphic arts, and architecture. If you need to a pick-me up go grab a coffee at the café behind the museum’s transparent clock.

Explore the La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle

Conciergerie

When viewing the magnificent architecture that looks like it should be in a fairytale we can tell that there is an abundance of history that has taken place behind its walls. During the time of the French revolution, Conciergerie was used as a prison for those who were put to death using the guillotine, including Queen Marie-Antoinette. You can still see remnants of this revolutionary history in its prison cells, but the main attraction for the Conciergerie is its stunning medieval architecture. After checking out this medieval wonder you should head up the road to the 13th-century Sainte-Chapelle, which has some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in the world.

Ascend the Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the best-known monuments in France and for a good reason. The Arch was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus and was commissioned to be built in 1806 after the victory of Austerlitz by Emperor Napoleon at the peak of his empire. Although it was designed with the Roman specifications, it tended to be a bit higher with a height of 60 meters. Today it is available to the public, and you can climb 284 steps to the top of the Arc. At the peak, you can see splendorous views between the arc of La Defense and the Louvre.

Visit the Chateau de Versailles

Versailles

Time has laid hold of Versailles, and it has had makeover after makeover making it the most extravagant chateau in the world. Architect Louis Le Vau first embellished the original building to be made into a hunting lodge built during Louis XIII’s reign. After the course of time, it was made the residences of Vaux-Le-Vicomte, under Louis XIV. Furthermore, the residence ended up with André Le Nôtre, as he turned the boggy marshland into a beautiful terrain of terraces, parterres, lush groves and a spectacular series of fountains. Today tourists can go for a guided tour of Versailles and come for the festivals, and entertainment activities scheduled year round.

Come and See the Musee Rodin

This museum has endless opportunities as you can spend a day in the gardens of the Musée Rodin. Without a doubt, this is one of Paris’s well known locations as it has Rodin’s greatest statues, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. The museum was dedicated in 1919 to the French sculpture Auguste Rodin that includes 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs, and 7,000 other art objects. If you happen to be visiting the gardens in the summer and get hungry you can always satisfy your pallet with delicious ice cream served in the garden. They are also open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10AM to 5:45PM.

Enjoy the Gourmet Sightseeing Tour

This sightseeing tour in one of the best in Paris as you first hop aboard the bustronome a double-decker bus with cuisine created by top chef contestants on the French version of Masterchef. They visit the city’s best historic monuments. The bus never goes over 10 km/h, so you know you will be able to get all the sights in while not having to worry about getting motion sickness. Even when things get a shaken up you won’t have to worry too much as your plates and glasses have magnetic placements, so they can stay in the right place. All while you are enjoying the food and the sightseeing, a guide will explain these historical monuments and the history behind them. If you have questions, the guides will be happy to answer them as well on your tour.

Explore the Grand and Petit Palais

The Grand and Petit Palais are from the 1900 World Fair and were set up as one building wonders as they were a world-class temporary arts exhibition and a science museum. Later on small antiques and charms were added to 1918. Today, you can see all of these classic wonders, and if you are hungry, then you can have lunch at Mini-Palais (the Grand Palais’ restaurant managed by Le Bristol’s acclaimed chef Eric Fréchon); then see which chef d’oeuvres the Grand Palais has a show beneath its iconic glass roof.

Get Your Chocolate at Alain Ducasse

This is a wonderful workshop filled with the smells of chocolates near Bastille Street. Alain Ducasse is the renowned chef here, and he produces some of the best chocolates from around the world using the best ingredients from around the world. Everything about this shop returns to the roots of chocolate recipes, employing ancient techniques and age-old machinery rather than modern techniques. There is a variety to satisfy any sweet tooth from pralines, ganaches, and truffles and more all with exceptional flavors.

Take a Tour at Les Catacombes

If you want to have a bit of history of Paris that is a bit on the scary side, then you should check out the tour at Les Catacombes, with kilometers of tunnels lined with the femurs and skulls of the deceased. Created 18 metres underground in the 18th-century to stop disease from spreading from the overpopulated city cemeteries, they now make for a chilling tour. As a word of caution, don’t be tempted to take any skulls or bone souvenirs as the security will check bags upon you leaving.

Catch a Game at the Stade de France

The football and rugby games at the stadium are for absolutely everyone. This French stadium has behind-the-scenes tours of this sports stadium. The museum contains memorabilia from the past teams and the electric guitars from the famous musicians who played here. The tour begins by sitting in the stands and ends with a run out through the tunnel to the sound of applause. On the way, you can visit the changing and shower rooms and learn about the on-site hospital and prison cells. Tickets are best bought online beforehand, and tours are not available on when there is a game or concert scheduled.

Spend an Afternoon at the Musee National Gustave Moreau

The Musée Gustave Moreau makes you feel like you’re going back to the early 19th century as the rooms are filled with what looks like nick-knacks. The museum has around 1,300 paintings in over three stories. One of the highlights is the light-filled workshop where Moreau used to work on his masterpieces. You are encouraged to climb the swirling iron staircase to look at the two-meter tall Jupiter and Semele, which is a masterpiece of blues, greens, and gold’s in which Moreau redefines his interpretation of the classic myth.

Take in the Institut du Monde Arabe

This grand design was constructed from 1980 to 1987 by Jean Nouvel, which was a blend of Arab influences mixed with high-tech architecture. The building features shuttered windows, inspired by Moorish palaces that allowed specific sunlight during the contrast of the daytime. A museum covering the history of Islamic Arab world is on the upper floors that go through the Islamic dynasties to present day.

Take an Afternoon to visit the Jardin d’Acclimatation

Created in 1860, this amusement park and garden has Normandy-style farm animals and an aviary, as well as boat rides. It also has a funfair with mini roller coasters, flying chairs, the Enchanted House for children aged two to four and two playgrounds. You also have an option to try out radio-controlled boats, or try out a game of mini-golf. A miniature train runs from Porte Maillot through the Bois de Boulogne to the park entrance. Many of the entertainment here is free while a couple of rides and games do cost a small fee.

Try a Secret Supper with Strangers

If you happen to be wanting to meet new people and are up for a unique and creative way to go outside of your normal method to meet strangers, then a secret supper might be for you. Supper clubs are the new rage as guests meet up at private locations, have surprise menus that sometimes consist of home-cooked meals. The benefit from this type of dining experience is that you meet with fun and interesting strangers who all wanted to venture out to meet new people all who love good food and want to make new friends.

Enjoy Wine Tasting at Le Baron Rouge

France is known for having some of the best wines in the world, and if you have gone to France to sample some of these wines, then you will enjoy the wine tasting at Le Baron Rouge. When you have finished your day at a museum and need to relax then this is the perfect spot. There are barrels that are full of wine in which you have the choice of five choices (rose, merlot, white, and two different reds) as well as a variety of other wines. A lot of people enjoy the wines here as they are very affordable with a wide variety to choose from. Typically, a liter of wine can range from 2.8 to 7.2 euro.

Take up a Musical at Theatre du Chatelet

If you want to see a classical musical than the Theater du Chatelet is the right place for you. They have revolutionized Paris’s musicals scene. You can now see great classical musicals like West Side Story and The Sound of Music. If you come at the right time you can see the productions in English often with a live orchestra. They are open 11AM to 7PM except on Sunday and holidays and charge €3 per seat. You can even book tickets online.

Ile de la Cite – the heart of Paris

Cite

Ile de la Cite – this is Paris, its cradle and heart, the oldest part of modern megalopolis!

That is the place where a settlement of the Parisii had appeared, and nowadays present city has its name in their honor. In the first century B.C. this small town standed on the island was called Lutetia. At that time its population consisted of the Gauls, later the town had been conquered by the Romans – however, Caesar’s people didn’t leave a big legacy here, though there was a lot of legends and sagas about the island.

Nevertheless, we’re not going to come back to history and just let’s talk briefly why this place is attractive in our time.

Undoubtedly, speaking on Ile de la Cite the first what we remember is Notre-Dame Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Paris). No matter from what side you step up to the island you see it, and its sublime shapes will attract your attention. Perhaps, this is the most famous cathedral as in Paris as in all France, so don’t miss opportunity to visit it during your stay in the city – the building will definitely impress.

But Notre-Dame is not the only interesting place at Ile de la Cite. This small isolated area is famed for its compact squares and green parks. Place Dauphine, Vert Galant Square, Ile-de-France Square, Place Jean XXIII – cosy calm places where you can relax on a bench in the shadow of trees and freshen up with water of drinking fountains.

Of course, La Conciergerie is worth of your attention as well – a former royal apartments which had become a jail whose «residents» were hundreds of famous and noble Frenchmen.

Close to Conciergerie you’ll find Sainte-Chapelle (it was sanctified in the thirteenth century) whose main relic was the legendary crown of thorns for long time.

Ile de la Cite does not keep anyone indifferent, every person will find something interesting at this small piece of land surrounded with the Seine waters – the only thing you have to do is come to Paris and get new bright impressions!

https://youtu.be/kv6CArr6aJ4

Montparnasse

In Paris, there are many places inseparably linked with the history of art — whose centre the city on the Seine was always. The same concerns to Paris quarter of Montparnasse, which was a favorite place of students who had come here for recital of their poems. Actually the quarter got its modern name in honor of mythical Greek Mount Parnassus – habitat of muses.

However, not only Parisian students enjoyed spending time in this part of the city. Thus, in the late nineteenth century Montparnasse became a haven of writers, poets and artists, attracted by low prices for rental housing. A little later – in the 20-s years of the last century – it was possible to meet the representatives of cultural intelligence from all over the world here (one building in the quarter even received a non-trivial name «Hive» (La Ruche)).

Besides artists the numerous political immigrants as, for example, Russian revolutionaries Lenin and Trotsky or former Mexican president Porfirio Diaz, lived here at various times.

Unfortunately, time does not spare anything, the same happened and with Montparnasse. After the Second World War the quarter has lost its glory of a bohemian district and over time became a business district of Paris. And where the old railway station previously stood, the Montparnasse Tower had been built. Now it towers above the city for more than two hundred meters and has 56 floors of offices. Perhaps, the only romanticism of the building is its restaurant on the roof.

Speaking on other bright sights of Montparnasse, firstly Small and Big hotels of Montparnasse can be remembered, where the Museum of Ernest Hebert and the Embassy of Mali are situated respectively. Also we should pay attention to the old Catholic college of Stanislas (College Stanislas), named so in honor of King Louis XVIII. Stanislas was his middle name.

Moreover, the quarter has a relatively interesting architecture, many pleasant cafes and bistros, shops.

So, be sure to take a walk around Montparnasse, believe, you will enjoy!

Alternative MUST DO in Paris

MUST DO

Internet is saturated with lists of MUST DO in Paris, however, to our mind, all proposed routes are too trivial. Therefore we offer our own selection of ‘MUST DO’ in the capital. Paris 2013

Sainte Marie Chapel near Pompidou Centre. The chapel became famous for its name: the Church of the devil. There is an image of Befomen – a mythical creature hermaphrodite with horns and wings. It is said that it was worshiped by the Templars.That’s why Befomen was mentioned by Dan Brown in his novels. Address: 9 Rue Aubriot, 75004, Paris.

After visiting Notre Dame, drop into the oldest ice cream cafe in Paris – Maison Bertillion. The ice cream is not cheap but it is really worth trying. Address: 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004, Paris.

If you are in Paris with children, visit the Luxembourg Gardens, where your kids might be allowed to step into water of the main fountain. Often even adults can not resist the temptation. Address: Rue de Médicis, Rue de Vaugirard, 75006, Paris.Luxembourg garden

Visit Conciergerie, the former prison and castle, where nearly 3,000 people were executed, Marie Antoinette among them, the wife of Sun King. Together with the Conciergerie ticket buy a ticket to Sainte Chapelle or Holy Chapel. It’s a little Gothic chapel with striking architecture. Conciergerie address: 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001, Paris. Chapel address: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001, Paris.

If you do not want to be trivial, the alternative of the bird’s eye view from the Eiffel Tower can be the view from the Montparnasse Tower. No hustle and bustle, no bars, and the pictures are better. And even better to mount the tower in the evening or in the night.

To really feel the city you do not have to go to museums and see the sights, you need to plunge into the daily life of inhabitants of the city. To do this, we offer to go to a cafe, order a glass of red wine, and, sitting on the terrace near the Seine, enjoy the moment, because it’s beautiful!

Take a ride on a city bus in the middle of the day and watch the Parisians who have nowhere to hurry. Try bus route number 52.

There are no standard tourist sights in our list, as you can notice. We offer our view of Paris and hope it will not disappoint you.

National Library

In any state the similar place is the main collection of everything connected to the national culture stated on pages of books. The National library of France has incorporated the majority of manuscripts of almost all poets, writers, historians and politicians of the country. The state concerns the daughters and the sons who have left a trace in its stories with great respect. But, we will depart from pathos and look at this monument of history under slightly other corner.

To begin with we will tell that there is nothing surprising that the National library of France located in Paris represents the fullest collection of all literature ever published in French all over the world. It is the greatest library in the country.

Since the moment of its foundation Bibliothèque Nationale (and it has been founded in 1368 by King Charles V and was called, as one would expect, the Royal library) was close to Palais Royal in the Rue de Richelieu and occupied some of the most beautiful buildings constructed for legendary cardinal Mazarin. Today the majority of manuscripts of the state library is stored no longer here, however its main value has remained on Rue de Richelieu. These are valuable manuscripts and Cabinet des Médailles. For the first time inhabitants of France and its visitors have received access to library halls more than in three centuries after its foundation — in 1692. And the first public has been noted by historians in 1793. Since that year the library has received the status of a public place.

The main modern storehouse of the literary collection settles down in four high-rise towers constructed on the left coast of the Seine in the thirteenth district of Paris. This branch of National library of France is constructed in the form of the opened books and it is dedicated to one of the most legendary presidents of the country François Mitterand, whose name actually it carries. For today Bibliothèque Nationale is the establishment submitted to the Ministry of culture of the French republic. Its main mission is preservation of all literary works published in France and granting of access to citizens and visitors of the country to books in the magnificent halls. However, it is necessary to remember that not only French editions are collected in this place; here you will find a great number of books from all corners of the world — from China to America.

We won’t describe the architectural features of National library of France as its main value are books which are millions in number here, and everyone interested will find any interesting printing and hand-written editions.

Parisian Carousels

In the minds of millions people around the world Paris is a city of romance and couples in love – and this is true. The city has a huge number of beautiful places as if intended for lovers. And speaking of that it is impossible not to say about Parisian carousels.

Waltzes of Edith Piaf or Jacques Brel, colorful tents, unique illumination, children’s laughter – all this is the carousels in Paris with their amazing atmosphere. So, Paris – a city of lovers and carousels. Totally Paris has more than thirty carousels and before the Christmas and New Year in all districts of the city (except the 1st and 2nd) carousels with wooden horses are installed. Children and adults can enjoy riding on them until the 3rd of January.

Merry-go-round attractions were known from the ancient Byzantium. They came to France due to the Crusaders, returning from the Crusades. And surprisingly, quickly carousels replaced in the country very popular tournaments. One of the biggest fan of carousels was King Louis XIV who had liked to organize this entertainment on the square near the Louvre (it’s called Place du Carrousel now). And if at that time the carousel was a fun for the monarch and the aristocracy, from the nineteenth century it became a public attraction.

The most popular Paris carousels are located near such famous sights as the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur, Republic Square, Vincennes forest, and many constructions are unique and have a long history.

Paris (as all European) carousels are fundamentally different from their “brothers” from America. Rotation of the European attractions is by counter-clockwise, and American – clockwise.

Disneyland

Among entertaining places the Parisian Disneyland occupies a special place; it is ideally suited for interesting pastime for the whole family. With the advent of this park a still bigger number of tourists directed to Paris as now inhabitants of many European countries had an opportunity to get acquainted with a fruit of the American show business without leaving Europe. In the given sketch we will try to tell you in brief about the most interesting components of the Disneyland in Paris.

Naturally, the first what should visitors face, is the entrance to the park of entertainments with special turnstiles; having passed them we appear on Main Street walking on which is accompanied by a familiar melody from the well-known animated film about seven gnomes. And from first minutes of stay here the person gets to circulation of a cheerful and celebratory semi-fantastic life.

At half past eleven an orchestra starts to play in the main park square under sounds of which parade of heroes of cartoons starts; the head of the parade… it is natural, Mickey the Mouse – the main cartoon hero of Hollywood. As the parade continues the column grows with the new joining characters of animated cartoons, comics, blockbusters and westerns.

At darkness approach the main street of the Disneyland lights up with the salutes and fireworks which supplement bright illumination of thousand lamps.

Frontierland. This place devoted to times of conquerors of the American continent in the beginning of the nineteenth century where copies of a fort and gold-bearing mines are erected. The founders of the park created such a cult place as the saloon Lucky Nugget. It is rather relevant for that period of the American history when thousand hunters for good luck went on search of gold deposits. You shouldn’t take everything for real; the main thing is a really remarkable atmosphere which artists, architects and actors have managed to transfer. The basic sight of this corner is the mountain often shown in many westerns – some kind of a symbol of the wild cowboy’s West.

Adventureland. Here the main sight is a unique attraction under name of Pirates of the Caribbean with savages, tropical bogs, and a deserted castle directing horror on mere mortals. Here in the Blue lagoon restaurant you will be offered dishes of the Caribbean region inhabitants. But, look out, at some instant not to turn from the simple tourist to the grasped by pirates participant of the presentation.

Speaking about Disneyland, it is necessary to mention a dizzy attraction – the Roller coaster Big Thunder Mountain, as in the Parisian amusement park they are the most extreme.

Fantasyland. Here the youngest visitors of the centre are the main visitors, and for them the sleeping beauty castle with numerous corridors and halls is prepared. Nobody will pass by the hero of the British epos wizard Merlin and a huge firedrake, gnomes and the Snow White. During the New Year’s holidays Santa Claus is added to all this brotherhood.

The Parisian Disneyland possesses absolutely unique creations among which it is possible to allocate more than 4-meters high Tour Eiffel made of toothpicks, and a caravel on which Christopher Columbus went sailing.

It is possible to continue the story about this remarkable place for long hours, therefore, it is better to see once, than to hear a hundred times. Come to Paris, visit the Disneyland, and you will feel unforgettable sensations.

Parisian hikes by motorickshaw

To hide behind a glass of a tourist bus or to die from fatigue after hiking in the French capital? Frankly speaking, an excellent compromise between these two extremes has appeared last year. TukTuk – rickshaws – more than usual on the streets of the East, now they are rooting in Paris.

Last autumn they were ousted from the French squares and boulevards for a short time by rains, but in this winter the original cabs got roofs and has returned to the city streets.

The routes of Paris rickshaws include the major sights like Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Place Vendome and much more. For the first time visitors they offer the Grand Tour – during a two and a half hours you will be all the major monuments of the city. The cost of this tour – 140 euros.

Advanced guests of Paris can offer a suitable route for shopping or exploring the sights by themselves, and a personal driver will carry you for 60 euros per hour. There are cheaper options. For example, a tour through the most romantic and majestic places of the French capital. This service will cost 45-80 euros. A newly married couple, of course, will be offered a special version of the hike in the city of love.

By the way, in addition to the originality and care about the environment TukTuk is also a way not to break the impression of Paris, stucking in a traffic jam on a halfway to the next attraction. Congestion on the roads are frequent thing for the city which lives an active life.

Opera

According to numerous researchers of art history, opera, as a musical genre, has appeared in 1600th when the composer from an Italian Florence Jacopo Peri showed to the world opera “Euridice”, dedicated to the wedding of the French monarch Louis XIV and the well-known Maria Medici. And during this king opera got the status of an independent art form.Parisian Opera

As memoirs contemporaries of this king testify, he was the aficionado of everything that concerned music he himself being quite a good dancer, took active part in ballet performances. Music accompanied Louis practically everywhere during his reign. And in royal residence musical balls were organized almost each day.

Year of 1669 was marked by opera and ballet inclusion in the French musical academy, and such concepts as “power” and “opera” became henceforth and inseparable at all. Musicians not only participated in regular representations, but also (strangely enough it can sound) have been got quite often mixed up in various political intrigues which always took place in the royal environment. And the first-ever opera and ballet theatre has been created at the French court yard in Versailles in boxes of which serious people were engaged in the decision of the important state problems.

But the Paris opera, despite of such an exclusive position, had one big problem. For more than two centuries of the existence in view of the different reasons it has changed some tens of concert halls. Thus all of them were far from conformity to the status of the most opera theatre.

And only with Napoleon’s III – who have solved radically to change appearance of all Paris – coming to power, the opera had a chance to receive a due theatre.

The responsible for city building has been appointed Baron Haussmann who is well-known nowadays; he did not recognize any rules and made everything he considered necessary in Paris. The city was transformed beyond recognition for some decades. For good or for bad – we are not to judge, we will notice only that fact that now the French capital is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of the world.

However, we will return to the opera. Among hundreds applicants for the role of the architect of the Paris opera the young man by the name of Charles Garnier on whom the choice of baron Haussmann has fallen has appeared the most successful. Many historians believe that the reason for this was the precise understanding of the architect of trends of that time when everyone dreamt of “glamour”, “luxury” and “shine”.

In theatre premises styles of various epochs were guessed; owing to that uniformity, cleanliness and unity of lines was not observed here absolutely, but it did not affect the general magnificence of the whole image. Later the art experts named the given mixture by big enough words – the style of the Second Empire.

The opening of “Grand Opera Garnier” has taken place in 1875 when neither Napoleon nor baron Haussmann were in live however despite of everything their child could be born. In that significant day the Parisian Opera (here we speak about it as about an independent theatre) has received the first extremely magnificent house which remains it till today.

We are not going to describe the internal magnificence which homes “Grand Opera Garnier”, we simply advise you to visit this place personally and to receive unique impressions.

The well-known theatre is to be found at the address: Place de l’Opera

Address: 8 rue Scribe, Paris 75009.

Best places to kiss in Paris

The best places to kiss in Paris – version by GlamourApartments 🙂

Bridge of lovers

If you make a wish under the bridge, it will definitely come true. According to another legend, it is necessary to think of your dream, to kiss the first passer-by and your wish will be fulfilled. You can continue your romantic promenade to the cafe Berthillon which sells great ice cream.Lovers bridge

Place Furstenberg

This peaceful square in the heart of Saint-Germain has a reputation of one of the most romantic places in Paris. Although not large, the place creates a special intimate atmosphere for its few visitors!

Prefer classic?

Try the area near the Hôtel de Ville. One of the most famous photos “The kiss” (chosen as the illustration of this article) was taken there in the crowd.

Trocadero

How many photos were taken at this place with a dazzling view of the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars and the Montparnasse Tower. Almost all the lovers who visited Paris may boast of an image made ​​at Trocadero.Paris Trocadero

Bird’s-eye view

Why not? The best place to realize the idea is the Montparnasse Tower. It is much better than the Eiffel tower because from the Montparnasse you can see the Iron Lady in all its glory. Besides, if you want to take some photos, be sure you’ll have better ones than made from the second floor of the Eiffel tower.

Romantic Places in Paris

Romantic

Of course, the majority of the most attractive places are located in the city center.

Walk hand in hand along the Seine, reach Ile de la Cité, where you may visit the oldest ice cream cafe «Berthillon». If weather permits, you may take the ice cream out and eat it in the park behind Notre Dame. After that, enjoy the concert in La Sainte-Chapelle which impresses with its charm and intimacy.

Sunset is the time for a short cruise over the Seine in a small boat. Look out of windows and you will see the most famous sights of Paris. If you prefer a ship cruise, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy dinner aboard. However, book a table in advance.

Visit the Rodin Museum. There is a restaurant where you can have a bite. One of the most famous and probably the most romantic sculptures “Le Baiser” is exhibited in the Tuileries Garden in the heart of Paris.

Climb one of numerous viewing platforms: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, the Institute of the Arab world, or the best in our opinion, the viewing platform of the Montparnasse Tower.

If you are fond of live music and your trip fells on Thursday, go to the Café Laurent, Hotel d’Aubusson. More details about this wonderful place here.

Paris is the city of love and it is impossible to list all romantic places where you can have fabulous time with your beloved!

Searching spirit of the real Paris

Spirit

So, let’s begin our virtual tour of the “spiritual route”.

Many foreigners are interested in the first place in Parisian historical sights, but we have to keep in mind that Paris, like any big city, has constant changings, lives in step with the time, and that means – develops. There are new symbolic sights, the masterpieces of modern architecture. In this component you’ll not find a better place than the modern business center La Defense, where you can see the most striking trends in today’s French architecture. We recommend you take a tour in this area with its ultra-modern skyscrapers. Paris of the future starts right here.

If you have romantic sentiments, being in Paris, you should go for a walk along the Seine in the Latin Quarter. This is the place where the true Parisian spirit is in every corner, every stone on the streets. The old traditions are kept in its many coastal cafes, antiquarian and all sorts small shops. We will not talk much about it, just go there and see all with your own eyes.

How do you think, do the local aborigines like to spend their free time in Paris? It’s difficult to believe, but they leave the city at the first opportunity, giving Paris “insatiable” for experience tourists, especially in the summer season. However, there is a place where not only tourists but also Parisians like to be – Jardin des Tuileries. Once it was a place of rest for the representatives of the higher strata of society, today it is open for everyone. This is a beautiful park with rides, alleys, benches, ponds, ornamental shrubs and flower beds.

Naturally, when talking about the Parisian spirit, you can not ignore Montmartre. Visit the less promoted but more emotional than Moulin Rouge cabaret Lapin Agile, located in the northern part of the hill. Many years ago Parisian poets and artists loved to meet at this place, and their unseen presence we can feel even today.

To see the real rest of Parisians you can in Parc Monceau. You will not find crowds of tourists here, this is a piece of Paris for Parisians! But, please, do not worry, nobody will kick you out and casts unfriendly looks. Here everybody is interested only in own rest. Someone is just sitting on a chair, engaged in knitting the next pair of socks for beloved granddaughter, the retirees are playing petanque, the kids are quietly playing in the sandbox…

There are still many places, which are not written about on travel portals and in magazines, but no less interesting for the travelers. You may ask, how to find them? And the answer is simple: try to rent an apartment in Paris not in the center but in a usual sleeping area, walk on the streets of Paris and drop to the yards, because these are the places where mere people live, and this elusive spirit of Paris hides.

Sorbonne

Education is a serious business, therefore each person chooses the higher educational institution considering it the most suitable to receive necessary knowledge. As well as in other spheres among the educational centers there is its own hierarchy, and accordingly there are universities in which it is more prestigious to study and in a consequence more useful.

As our resource is devoted to life in Paris, we would like to stop on the university which name is for many centuries a synonym of magnificent education, and its diploma is almost 100 percent guarantee of employment for the young expert. Sorbonne — is the main educational centre of France, in which on a free basis any person who properly knows French can apply for studying. Especially pleasantly for foreign students (namely on such Russian-speaking students we focus the given material) is that they shouldn’t pay for a quality education, but at certain point can apply for the high school grant – not big, but, as they say, a spare cash does not happen. Especially for a student from other country.

The university known today as the Sorbonne, has been founded in 1215 – during the King Louis IX reign. The establishment has drawn attention of people from all Europe practically at once. Representatives of the noblest families of France, British Isles and Sacred Roman Empire were among students and teachers. The advantage of the Sorbonne at all times was that talented people from any social layer could always get education at this university. And already then access to education has been open for inhabitants of any corner of the world. Today, for example, within the precincts of this great university about 10 thousand citizens of other states are trained.

If to speak about modern Parisian Sorbonne after grandiose student’s demonstrations in 1968 the university authorities have preferred to carry out reorganization of the university and to divide it into seventeen separate elements. Even though they don’t have general supervising structure, however in each of branches the binding to the general sports centre, department of vocational guidance and other structures is kept.

Despite the division of the legendary university, all branches which have received independence continue to adhere to old traditions in the activity.

If you wish to get education within the precincts of nice faculties of the Parisian university, you should receive the diploma about the high school termination, the permission to training, good knowledge of the French language and to have financial guarantees on residing at Paris. It is necessary to solve only standard visa questions and to go to comprehend medieval traditions of the European education.

Addresses of all universities having relation to the ancient Sorbonne, you will find in numerous information prospectuses or in the Internet.

We wish you success in your undertakings and receiving education in the Parisian university.

Conclusion

Paris definitely has a variety of things to do, and it doesn’t matter if your single, married with kids, or even retired as Paris has something to do for everyone. There is an abundance of things for everyone, and today we only covered a short list of the possibilities of hundreds of other things to do. If you are planning to come to Paris, what would interests would you like to explore and are there any particular seasons you would like to know about?