Home | Tourist Information | Paris Attractions & Sightseeing
Things to Do in Paris | Weather & Climate | Paris Travel and Transportation
Paris Articles | Resources | Directory | Site Map

Deer Paris - Attractions and Sightseeing


INTRODUCTION


Sightseeing in Paris is like dipping into ancient history. The sights are truly embodiments of remarkable artistic and cultural treasures. You'll see the internationally-renowned collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts, grand medieval abbeys, classical architecture, remains of the old Roman Lutetia, gothic masterpieces, collections from Napoleonic times, and many more! All of these truly make Paris a capital of the arts, both past and present. PARIS LANDMARKS AND ATTRACTIONS

Eiffel Tower: Built in 1889 and almost torn down in 1909, the Tour Eiffel was the world's tallest structure at 320m (1050ft) until Manhattan's Chrysler Building was completed. This is one of the world's most recognizable monuments and is truly breathtaking to behold. The Eiffel Tower drew 6.2 million visitors in 2002, according to Paris Office of Tourism statistics.

Take the lift to the top for a spectacular view of the city. Three levels of this monumental attraction are open to the public. There are elevators to the top but they have long queues. You can avoid the queues by walking up the stairs in the south pillar to the 1st or 2nd platforms. Guided visits are also available.

Notre Dame (Cathedrale de Notre-Dame-de-Paris): Notre Dame de Paris is a magnificent masterpiece of French Gothic architecture which can hold over 6000 people. This famous home of the hunchback is well worth the effort of climbing the 387 steps of the north tower. This will bring you to the top of the west facade and face to face with many of the cathedral's gargoyles. Enjoy the beautiful stained glass and flying buttresses, if not the spectacular view of Paris.

Sainte-Chapelle: Sainte-Chapelle was consecrated in 1248 and lies within the walls of the Palais de Justice. The chapel is illuminated by the oldest and finest stained-glass windows to be found in Paris. The chapel's exterior can be viewed from across the street, from the law courts' magnificently gilded 18th-century gate, which faces Rue de Lutèce.

Centre Pompidou: The Pompidou Centre, also known simply as Beaubourg, was built in the 1970s and named after former French president Georges Pompidou. The centre's design, complete with its glass elevators, was the inspiration for the Lloyds Building in London and attracts visitors by the million and has become the most visited cultural site in Paris.

Two floors are dedicated to exhibiting some of the 40,000-plus works of the Musée Nationale d'Art Moderne (MNAM), which displays a vast collection of 20th-century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract and Absurd. Its numerous cinemas and theatres have regular musical and dance performances. The top floors have a magnificent view of Paris, and place George Pompidou below attracts street performers, musicians and artists.

Arc de Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon to commemorate his imperial victories, but remained unfinished until 1836. It is the world's largest traffic roundabout and from the viewing platform on top of the arch (284 steps), you can see the 12 avenues. The arch brings in 1.4 million visitors each year. Tickets are sold in the underground passageway.