Paris
Discovering Paris is like stepping into a realm where history, art and romance converge in an unforgettable symphony.
The Eiffel Tower, crafted by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair, stands at 324 metres tall and a symbol of human creativity and resilience. Beyond its stunning height and nightly illumination, it represents enduring innovation and cultural pride. From its role in Wartime communications to replicas worldwide, the Eiffel Tower is a timeless beacon of engineering and artistic inspiration. Below it is the Champ de Mars, a greenspace where visitors can picnic, relax and admire this landmark as it towers above.
The Musée du Louvre in Paris, originally a Royal Palace, has been a public museum since 1793 and houses a renowned collection of over 35,000 works of art including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The Museum’s iconic Glass Pyramid entrance is a modern architectural landmark and remains a top destination for art enthusiasts worldwide.
The Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoléon in 1806, commemorates France's military history. It stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, adorned with sculptures depicting historic battles with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I at its base. This monument offers stunning views over Paris from its top and is a powerful symbol of French patriotism and resilience.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées spans 1.9 kilometres from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Famous for its luxury shops, cafés and historic significance, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Symbolising Parisian elegance, it remains a prominent landmark showcasing the city's cultural and architectural charm.
Place de la Concorde is a historic public Square that marks the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées and serves as a hub of cultural and architectural beauty. Originally named Place Louis XV, it was redesigned during the French Revolution and features fountains, statues representing French cities and the Luxor Obelisk gifted by Egypt.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture on the Île de la Cité, renowned for its intricate façades, majestic rose windows and cultural significance. Construction began in 1163, and the Cathedral has been a symbol of Parisian history and resilience ever since. Despite a devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame Cathedral continues to captivate visitors with its beauty and spiritual aura and is due to reopen in late 2024.
The Opéra National de Paris or Palais Garnier is a historic Opera House completed in 1875. Designed by Charles Garnier, it showcases opulent Beaux-Arts architecture and hosts a variety of performances including Operas, Ballets and Concerts. It remains a symbol of Parisian cultural splendour and artistic prestige, drawing visitors from around the globe.
The Musée d'Orsay, housed in a former Railway Station, is renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post Impressionist art. Opened in 1986, it features masterpieces by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Degas.
The Jardin des Tuileries is a historic garden dating back to the 16th Century. Created by Catherine de' Medici, it features formal French Gardens, sculptures by artists like Auguste Rodin and stunning views of Paris landmarks.
The Seine River winds gracefully through Paris, serving as a picturesque artery that enhances the city's charm. Travellers can take an iconic sightseeing cruise along the Seine River, which offers panoramic views of Paris's landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.
Montmartre is a historic hilltop neighbourhood in Paris known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. It's home to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a striking, White Domed Church completed in 1914. Montmartre has been a haven for artists including Picasso and Van Gogh and offers charming cobblestone streets, cafés and panoramic views of Paris. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched atop the hill, is a prominent landmark known for its Byzantine inspired architecture and stunning interior Mosaics.
The Moulin Rouge started in 1889, it is famous for its extravagant Cabaret Shows with dancers, singers and elaborate costumes. It’s a vibrant landmark known worldwide for its lively glamorous performances.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is a historic park dating to the 17th Century, commissioned by Queen Marie de' Medici. It features formal French gardens, tree lined paths and elegant flowerbeds. This cultural hub hosts art exhibitions and housing the French Senate in the Luxembourg Palace.
The Pompidou Centre is known for its innovative architecture by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It houses the National Museum of Modern Art, featuring works by Picasso and other contemporary artists, as well as hosts exhibitions and performances.
Les Invalides, built in the 17th Century by Louis XIV, originally housed War Veterans and is now home to the Musée de l'Armée. It displays military history from weapons to artifacts and is where Napoléon Bonaparte is buried under its iconic Golden Dome.
In Paris, culinary exploration means savouring French Gastronomy. Enjoying fresh Croissants, Baguettes and Fromage to dining at iconic Parisian cafés and experiencing classic French Cuisine while tasting French Wines. The experience is one you will never forget.
Paris has so much to offer you will need time to explore this wonderful city. Other places on your visit list should include The Panthéon, Place Vendôme, Place de la Bastille, famous for the Bastille Prison stormed during the French Revolution, La Défense and Les Catacombes de Paris.
During Christmas, Paris comes alive with markets scattered across the city. The Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Trocadéro host some of the largest and offer holiday decorations, crafts, gifts, seasonal foods like mulled wine and festive treats.
Paris offers a myriad of experiences that cater to diverse interests, ensuring there's always something new to discover and enjoy in the ‘City of Light’.