Bonjour and Bienvenue à Paris – the famed “City of Lights!” Blessed with 1,800-year-old history, world-famous art and architecture, aristocratic lifestyle and a pleasurable mix of old and new, Paris, the enchanting cosmopolitan city of France, is a dream destination found nowhere else on Earth.
Lovers flock from different corners of the globe to taste the city’s legendary romance; cryptic adventure-seekers come to experience the thrill of Les Catacombes (the Empire of Death), a series of dark tunnels lying beneath the city streets featuring neatly stacked human bones and skulls; others head to Paris to visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the marvel of gothic architecture and one of the most unique and beautiful cathedrals of Europe, not mentioning the elegant landmark of Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and the funky and hip Centre Pompidou.
There is so much ‘to see’ and ‘to do’ in Paris that you’ll simply be amazed in the variety. No matter this is your first visit to this dazzling city or tenth, you’ll always find something new to entertain and keep you busy.
They say Paris has a breathtaking charm of its own kind and you can feel it only after you visit this fascinating city. It is not surprising then that every year over 65 million travelers visit Paris, a perfect getaway for nature lovers, honeymooners and all kinds of holidaymakers that serves as the world’s number one tourist destination.
To visit Paris has been a dream for me for many years, and naturally, there is a number of reasons why I have so much desired to go there. One of them is the plethora of sights and attractions Paris has to offer, from 19th-century-old parks to historical landmarks to a long list of unique museums and galleries to spectacular statue-studded gardens. Another reason I want to visit Paris is its excellent shopping options and vibrant nightlife.
And here is my virtual guide to some of the most popular places of interest I plan to visit in Paris. They include:
- The Eiffel Tower is where I plan to go first after I step off the plane. The tallest structure in Paris and one of the most recognized structures in the world, this Parisian landmark named after its engineer designer, Gustave Eiffel, today has become a global icon of France. Located at the head of the Champ-de-Mars, close to the Seine, the spectacular 300m high metal tower was built to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. From taking the elevator to climb to the second floor and above to admire the panoramic site of all Paris to experiencing a relaxed yet elegant dining in one of the tower’s two restaurant to the special not-to-be-missed light show that starts at sunset Eiffel Tower is guarantees unforgettable memories to long a lifetime.
- Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxemburg Palace) is the largest park of Paris, affectionately called ‘Luco’ by locals, famed for its hundreds of fountains, statues and monuments. Some of the gardens’ most distinctive draws are the striking palace, the statues of 18 enormous bronzes by Maillol, the elegant formal gardens blooming in majestic fashion and the noteworthy fountains, of which the famous Fontaine de Medicis, a romantic baroque fountain, is something special. Jardin du Luxembourg is a favorite place to stroll, picnic and play and even in winter these gardens are sure to inspire. Kids can sail a toy boat, enjoy an occasional Grant Guignol puppet shows or ride a pony.
- Louvre Museum is another highlight worth a visit. Originally a royal palace but now one of the largest and most visited museums of the globe, located on the right bank of the Seine at the heart of Paris. It is where one can find over 35,000 pieces of artwork in eight thematic departments dating from the antiquity to the contemporary period, yet the most popular piece of the museum still remains Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa.’ The museum is a place to visit many times as it’s really impossible to see and enjoy the entire collection in one day or two.
With all that Paris has to offer, it’s not a surprise that travelers return home with smiles and unforgettable lifetime experience!
