Many tourists place the Arc de Triomphe high on their list of Parisian monuments to see on their first visit to Paris. Built in the Champs Elysees district, this triumphal monument was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon I and designed by Jean François Thérèse Chalgrin. It's 162 feet high and was completed in 1833. The Arc de Triomphe has become an emblem of French patriotism. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed beneath the arch in 1920, and the structure's "eternal flame" commemorates the dead of World Wars I and II. It is where the Bastille Day parade begins every year on July 14.
Built in 1889 as a centerpiece for the World's Fair, or Paris Exposition, the Eiffel Tower was once considered "useless and monstrous" by some members of the Paris literati and objected to by nature lovers who feared it would interfere with the flight of birds. French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel created the tower. Twenty years after the fair, Eiffel's tower was almost torn down, but was saved because its antenna was being used for telegraphy -- later for radio and television. The structure is 984 feet high and weighs 7,000 tons. It wasn't exceeded in height until the Empire State Building was constructed 40 years later.
The Louvre has been a major destination in Paris since the 12th century. In its early days, it was the home of François I and later the palace of Louis XIV. In 1793, it was turned into a museum. Located in the western portion of the Paris in the beginning, the city grew around it throughout the centuries. The museum features temporary exhibitions that change seasonally. Each exhibition is the result of expert research, but some are suitable for the enjoyment of the general public.
The Notre Dame de Paris cathedral is internationally known for its symbolism, beauty and antiquity. It was built during the 13th and 14th centuries at a time when France was a powerful kingdom. The Gothic cathedral is a symbol of the country's eight-centuries-old Christianity. To many tourists, attending a mass or a religious concert in Notre Dame cathedral is a must. The cathedral is on the Seine River, and the interior is hung with beautiful art and stained glass.
