CTW Explores
Paris
Country: France Language: French Currency: Euro (€)
Paris is a large metropolis in western Europe. It is full of charm, history, and activities for all types of travelers. The attractive Parisian riverfront, or the Banks of the Seine, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991! Paris is an ideal destination for everyone; art lovers, foodies, young lovers, those intrigued by history, and more. Regardless of what you do, be sure to watch day turn to night in front of the Eiffel Tower and watch it light up and sparkle with the night sky!
CTW Must See
Eiffel Tower
The incredibly famous Eiffel Tower definitely lives up to expectations! The tower stands 324 meters tall and holds the title for the tallest building in Paris. A climb of about 600 steps will lead you to an elevator (lift) that will take you to the top (the climb is for ambitious visitors, an elevator is available from bottom to top). The tower was completed in 1889, after two years of construction. It remains one of the most visited paid monuments in the world! From Champ de Mars, the beautiful green park leading up to the tower, you will find incredible views. The park also provides a perfect sunset viewing location! We highly recommend booking your tickets online ahead of time at the Eiffel Tower's official website.
Arc de Triomphe
Another one of Paris’s most famous monuments is the Arc de Triomphe, found at the head of the Champs-Élysées. Built in the early 1800s, the monument honors those who fought for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. On the arc, you’ll find engravings of French victories, some of the battles fought, military leaders and generals, and more. Like the Eiffel Tower, visitors can experience views of the Champs-Élysées and the rest of Paris from the top!
Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is nearly two kilometers long, connecting the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. As one of the most famous streets in the world, you can expect a ton of people at all hours! The Champs-Élysées holds several designer shops, some of Paris’s best patisseries, access to many must see locations, and endless eateries, from exquisite French cuisine, to food trucks making crepes! On Bastille Day, the Champs-Élysées hosts the largest military parade in Europe!
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is the largest square in the city. Its most renowned feature is the 3200 year old obelisk that stands in the center of the square, Cleopatra’s Needle! When the square was created in 1772, it was named ‘Place de Louis XV’ after the king of the time. During the French Revolution, it was renamed ‘Place de la Revolution’ and was mostly used as an execution site. Now with a new name, situated next to the peaceful Tuileries Gardens, its meant to provide peace and harmony to Paris and its visitors.
Grand Palais & Petit Palais
These museums stand across from each other just off the Champs-Élysées. The Grand Palais is a large museum complex and historic site. It was built in 1897, served as a military hospital during WWI, housed Nazi propaganda during WWII, and was used as the headquarters for Parisian resistance during the Liberation of Paris. Today, the Grand Palais contains many museums, houses a police station, and hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. Petit Palais was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition. The building houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, one of 14 museums part of the Paris Musées Corporation. Its features a grand central archway, a beautiful courtyard garden, and a refined art museum. The museum hosts select exhibitions, so be sure the check the official website to see what’s on!
Pont Alexandre III
Located beside Grand & Petit Palais, the elaborate bridge stretches 160 meters across The Seine River. The bridge features four extravagant bronze winged-horse sculptures that represent arts, sciences, commerce and industry. Grandeur aside, the bridge provides remarkable views of the Eiffel Tower, making it a perfect place for a visit any time of the day!
Musée d’Orsay
As one of the most famous museums in the world, Musée d’Orsay is a must visit! The museum is housed in a former train station from the late 1890s. It holds a significant range of French art from 1848 to 1914. Some of the art works include those of Monet, Degas, Renoir, Manet, and Van Gogh! Musée d’Orsay spans over three floors and often hosts temporary exhibits. We recommend booking your tickets online at the official website to skip the line!
The Louvre
The Louvre is the world’s largest museum! It was established in 1783, has a collection of roughly 38,000 objects from prehistoric times to current, and holds the record of the most visited museum in the world. The Louvre consists of the palace and the pyramid. The palace was originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century and the pyramid was inaugurated in 1988. You can purchase your tickets online at the official website to avoid wait times!
Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame is an iconic medieval building, and one of the most well-known church buildings in the world! It was one of the first five Gothic cathedrals built during the Gothic era. Its facade features French Gothic architecture, two 69 meter tall towers and famous gargoyle statues. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find the statue of Joan of Arc and many striking stained glass windows. The cathdral is free to visit, therefore, it is possible you may experience long wait times to ente, depending on the time of your visit!
Jardin du Luxembourg
Initiated by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612, the Jardin du Luxembourg was inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The garden covers 25 hectares of land, and contains French and English gardens. The Luxembourg Palace, molded after Palazzo Pitti in Florence, was also a special request of Marie de Medici. The palace was meant to serve as her residence, but was turned into a legislative building. The palace is now the residence of the Senate President. From Jardin du Luxembourg, you will find the Latin Quarter, a lively area of Paris, full of university students, bistros, and bars.
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is the home of the can-can, a high energized, kick-line style of dance, and cabarets. The building was founded in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller. It is marked by the red windmill on its roof, as Moulin Rouge translates to ‘Red Mill’. Moulin Rouge was known for lavish performances, seductive shows, and has been featured in many films. It has hosted performers like Frank Sinatra, Edith Piaf, and Liza Minelli! Moulin Rouge still operates today as a cabaret theater!
Montmarte
Montmarte is a large hill in Paris. The neighborhood is full of historic artistry, and charm, and unique architecture. Apart from narrow laneways and Parisian eateries, Montmarte's main feature is Sacré-Cœur, a basilica that sits at the highest point in the city. The building began construction in 1875, was completed in 1914, and was consecrated after the end of WWI. The basilica is free to enter so you may experience long lines!
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