Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, determining your Paris itinerary is essential. A good Paris itinerary will incorporate sights that you want to see and the length of time you have to explore them. If you’re unsure of what to see, you can consult well-known guides like Lonely Planet and Le guide du routard to make the most of your time in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous structures in the world. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel and built for the 1889 World Fair. Although many artists and architects opposed the project, construction began in January 1887. After two years, the tower was complete and became the tallest paid monument in the world. The tower was a great success, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Although you cannot see the Eiffel Tower from the Eiffel Tower itself, you can experience it from the observation decks. The tower is closed to the public on certain days, such as Bastille Day, for maintenance. The tower may also close early during certain events, including terrorist threats, COVID-19 pandemic, strikes, or riots.
Purchasing tickets in advance can save you a lot of time and ensure that you don’t have to wait for a long time. You can purchase tickets for up to 60 days ahead of time. Remember that security procedures can change at any time, so it is best to purchase tickets well in advance to guarantee your access.
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most visited museums in the world. It is located along the Seine River and features an incredible collection of art from around the globe. It attracts nearly 10 million visitors a year and has more than 35,000 works on display. The museum is spread out over nearly 15 acres and is divided into eight departments. If you were to walk through the entire museum, you would take nearly three months to see all of the works.
The Louvre was originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century. It was subsequently expanded and served as a royal palace for the French kings during the 16th and 17th centuries. It later became a public museum when Louis XVI moved his residence to Versailles. Today, it is a world-renowned museum with collections spanning from early Mesopotamia to the Roman Empire. It also features works by impressionists of the 19th century.
You can purchase skip-the-line Louvre Museum tickets online. You can choose the date and time of your visit. The ticket is delivered in PDF format, and you can present it in the museum as either a physical or digital ticket. You can change your name on your ticket by logging into the official website.
The Grand Chatelet
The Grand Chatelet in Paris was once a fortress. It was built in the ninth century, near the Pont au Change, and was extended by Louis VI in the 12th century. It was a complex square fortress that had a courtyard in the center. It also featured diverted gates and deep ditches that held living water. Its purpose was to protect the northern outlet of the Grand-Pont.
The Chatelet’s role as a prevot was abolished in 1790, during the French Revolution. The chatelet was then demolished between 1802 and 1810. A fountain named Fontaine du Palmier was erected in its place. It features a circular basin and four sphinxes in a motif that commemorates Napoleon’s victory in Egypt.
In September 1792, Austrian forces invaded Paris, and revolutionaries seized the prisons, believing that the prisoners were in league with foreign armies. Templar Frederic Rouille led a gang of thugs into the Chatelet, and disarmed the guards, before they massacrated the prisoners. Frederic Rouille was then assassinated by Assassin Arno Dorian, freeing the prisoners and freeing the guards.
The Louvre
One of the things to do in Paris is to visit the Louvre Museum. The Louvre is a museum that focuses on art and history. During certain seasons, it holds different themed exhibitions. For example, one could see an exhibit about the Louvre’s role during World War II. There are also collections relating to contemporary art.
There are two main wings of the Louvre. The Richelieu wing houses French sculptures. The Denon wing is dedicated to foreign works. The Sculpture department has over 3,000 pieces, which span from the 7th century to the 19th century. In addition, there is a department of Islamic Arts.
The Louvre began operations in 1793. Its original name was “Museum central des arts de la République.” Over the years, it underwent many transformations. During World War I, the museum expanded rapidly, but expansion was halted. During World War II, many of the most important artworks were removed. They returned after France was liberated in 1945.
The Seine
There are 37 bridges crossing the Seine in Paris. Most of the bridges are pedestrianised, but there are also rail bridges. The river connects the Left and Right Banks of Paris. The most famous of these bridges are the Pont Alexandre III and Pont Neuf. The last bridge across the Seine is the Pont de Normandie, which is the ninth longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. This bridge links the cities of Le Havre and Honfleur.
The Seine begins at a series of small springs in the village of Source-Seine, which is located near Dijon in the Burgundy region. The springs were worshipped by the French, and a temple was built to honor them. The City of Paris bought this land in 1864, and built a small statue of the goddess Sequana to honor the springs. Today, the springs are a green field.
The Seine has always played an important role in the history of the city. The ancient Parisii tribe settled along the banks of the river, and it has been the heart of the city since then. The construction of the first quays on the river started in the 13th century, and King Philip IV ordered the development of the Quai des Grands Augustins on the Left Bank. Later, on the Right Bank, the Quai des Celestins was developed.
The Rive Droite
The Rive Droite is a river in the heart of Paris. It is often associated with the Seine and flows roughly westwards, dividing the city into two distinct parts. When looking downriver, the northern bank is to the right and the southern bank is to the left. The two banks are connected by a network of bridges and are often accessed by foot. Whether you are looking upstream or downstream, you can always find a place to relax by the river and enjoy the view.
The Rive Droite is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Paris. In fact, nine of the ten coolest neighborhoods in the city are located north of the river. The Bastille district and Rue Oberkampf are the best places to go out at night, while Canal Saint-Martin is packed with hip bars and restaurants. There are also some new, trendy areas in South Pigalle and nearby Batignolles.
In addition to boutiques, the Rive Droite offers a wide range of products that are unique to the brand. The clothing, accessories, and gadgets available in this Paris boutique are designed to make people feel comfortable and stylish. You’ll also find a musical corner and thought-provoking art on the walls.
The Rive Gauche
The Rive Gauche is a trendy area of Paris with many new restaurants, shops, and bars. Contemporary architecture is common here, including the book-shaped towers of the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand. The area is also home to chain stores and offices along Avenue de France. Other attractions include riverboat bars, floating swimming pools, and the Cité de la Mode et du Design.
Hotel Saint-Paul Rive Gauche: This Paris hotel offers free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, and hairdryer. The hotel is within walking distance of many popular Paris attractions and is smoke-free. Guests can use the stair-case or elevator to access their rooms. The hotel also offers two ground-floor rooms.
In addition to these attractions, the area is also home to a thriving cultural scene. Several museums, galleries, and lecture halls are located in the area. The Rive Gauche also features numerous cafe-philos clubs that attract many of the city’s intellectuals. Famous personalities like Jacques Chirac frequent Saint-Germain bar, which is located on the left bank.
The Ile de la Cite
The Ile de la Cité is an island located in the middle of the Seine river in Paris. It was once the site of a Roman governor’s fortress in the 4th century. Later, the island was the home of the first Frank king, Clovis I.
The Ile de la Cite is home to several historic monuments. The cathedral of Notre-Dame is the island’s most famous attraction. If you visit the Ile de la Cite, make sure to plan a visit to the nearby Notre-Dame. The cathedral was originally built in the Middle Ages, but it was renovated in the early 21st century. You can get to the cathedral by taking Metro Line 4 or taking a RER B or C train.
The Flower Market on the Ile de la Cite is a beautiful sight to see. You can buy fresh flowers and plants in its flower-filled stands. The market is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is also home to the oldest public clock in Paris, the Horloge du Palais de la Cite. This clock was commissioned by King Charles V in 1370. Since then, it has been giving time to Parisians.
