The Louvre is one of the most popular attractions in France, and is arguably the best-known museum in the world. This notoriety is well-deserved, as the museum is not only the home to some of the Renaissance period's best known artworks, but it also contains the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt. Amongst the 35,000 objects in the museum's collections are the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, mummies and artifacts from Napoleon's regal Parisian home.
Musée du Louvre
36 Rue du Louvre
75001 Paris France
+33 (0)1 40 20 51 77
louvre.fr
Completed in 1345, Notre Dame is the pinnacle of Gothic cathedral architecture. The famed gargoyles, drastic spires and lacy detailing make for an unforgettably beautiful building. Interestingly, unlike most European cathedrals, the interior of this landmark is relatively empty and unimpressive. That is because the church was stripped of its beautiful interior items during the French Revolution and the anarchist revolt of 1871. In both cases, the church narrowly avoided being burned to the ground.
Notre Dame de Paris
6 Bis Rue du Cloître Notre Dame
75004 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 43 54 91 67
notredamedeparis.fr
While everyone has seen pictures of the Eiffel Tower, the stunning ironwork and sheer magnitude of this landmark simply cannot be fully appreciated without seeing it in person. The gardens surrounding the structure are also impressive and beautiful, filled with delicate flowers, beautiful water fountains and graceful gray geese. Don't miss the opportunity to ride to the top of the tower to get an unrivaled view of the city below, including the famous Arc de Triomphe and the heart of the city, the Seine River.
Eiffel Tower
Avenue Gustave Eiffel
75007 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 44 11 23 23
tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk
If you're looking for something less touristy, consider traveling the mile-long crypt located under the heart of the city. The strangely morbid attraction was first created in the eighteenth century as a measure to make the city more hygienic by unearthing the corpses of anyone buried in the city and moving them into an abandoned underground quarry. Many of the bones have been arranged in artistic fashions to help bring more respect and reverence to the nameless souls that were transported here. Since 1867, the catacombs have been opened to tourists and the area has even been used as a setting in a number of books and movies. Note that there is no flash photography, and that those with health problems, claustrophobia and children are not advised to enter the chamber.
Catacombs of Paris
1, avenue of Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
75014 Paris
+33 (0)1 43 22 47 63
catacombes-de-paris.fr
