12/03/2011

Grand Carousel

Winter time in Paris is always festive, but to experience the city from on high in the heart of Paris, go visit La grande Roue — the Great Ferris Wheel – at Place de la Concorde. Towering the size of a football field, La grand Roue comfortably fits 6-8 people in a single chariot, and offers some of the best views of the city. Situated at the entrance of Jardin des Tuileries, it is also close the the Christmas Market on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Open from 11:00 a.m. to midnight, it offers a great experience for famlies, children and, of course romantics. Open until February 19, 2012 for just 10 euro .



Jardin des Tuilieries

Jardin des Tuileries used to be a royal garden of the old Tuileries Palace but was opened to the public in the 16th century.
Jardin des Tuileries features sculptures, fountains, two large basins and two museums - the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and the Musée de l'Orangerie. Claude Monet's famous “water lilies” are on display in the Musée de l'Orangerie. Perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll, do what the Parisians do, and grab one of the numerous green lawn chairs and sit and watch passers-by, read a book, or listen to your iPod. More athletic types run through the park in loops, as there are paths throughout the park. Children and adults also can be seen playing football , and there is a play park for children in the middle, as well as trampolines (you must pay a small fee). Ideally suited for a picnic lunch, bring a sandwich or, better yet, buy a fresh baguette, cheese and ham to make your own, and wash it down with a bottle of Beaujolais or chilled rosé. Or, enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes where you can buy salads, sandwiches, pasta, and desserts, including over the top ice cream sundaes.
Jardin des Tuileries is the favourite park for the locals. Keep in mind that the park closes after 6:00PM.How to get to Jardin des Tuileries: By Metro line 1 to Tuileries station. And the opening hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM April to September and 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM October to March





Centre Georges Pompidou

Centre Pompidou is the culture heartbeat of Paris
The Centre Georges Pompidou manages to achieve what few cultural centers have: thrive as a space where art and culture seem owned by the public, rather than standing aloof and inaccessible. Stepping into this monstrous architectural curiosity, one senses that this is the smack center of Parisian life. Performers draw crowds on the large, sloping plaza, while students line up to access the center's public library. Inside, regulars are perfectly at home on the open mezzanine-level cafe. And the National Museum of Modern Art houses many of the 20th century's most compelling works. A must-see. !!The center is open every day excluding Tuesdays and May 1st, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free wifi is now available throughout the Center. You can access the Internet for free for up to 90 minutes at the center provided you are equipped with a wifi card ant the entrace is free for students !





11/22/2011

Pont des Arts

Pont des Arts

Pont des Arts , is a steel-and-wood pedestrian bridge across the Seine River that connects the Louvreto the Institut de France. It is a popular spot for strollers and romantic young couples, since the view from either side of the bridge is splendid, and it gets away from the traffic noise that plagues most of Paris. There are occasional art shows and other events on the bridge, and it isn’t unusual to see people painting or sketching here.
You may occasionally see padlocks attached to the bridge, often along the railings, apparently securing nothing and sometimes bearing inscriptions in marker or paint. These are placed their by people in love, particularly around Valentine's Day. The bridge is a particularly romantic place for lovers to visit, so it seems to get more padlocks than other places.




Mini&Grand Palais

The Grand Palais is a historic building located along the Seine in the 8th district of Paris, on a line of sight stretching between the Invalides and the Champs-Elysées and across from the Petit Palais, with which it forms a pair of exhibit halls used to host major temporary exhibitions.
Easily accessible from the Place de la Concorde, site of the prestigious Hôtel de Crillon, the Grand Palais is a site worth visiting for its exhibits and for its grandiose entry hall, the largest in Europe.
The very lovely Petit Palais hosts the Paris city Museum of Fine Arts, containing impressive art collections dating from Antiquity up toParis in the 1900's. Visitors can admire major works of art from the French and Italian Renaissance, as well as priceless treasures by great painters such as Monet, Renoir or Cézanne.
It is open every day except Tuesday, 10 am to 8 pm and the prices vary from exhibit to exhibit. Discounts are available for children, students, and seniors.
You can easy arrive there, by taking the metrou, lignes 1,9,13 or by taking the RER, lignes C




The Pantheon

The Pantheon
On the “Montagne Sainte-Geneviève”, in Paris, you can visit the Pantheon , a masterpiece of the architect Soufflot. Inside it, you will have the chance to discover the great personalities buried in the crypt, which draw the face of French national identity. Indeed, you will see Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile Zola and Victor Hugo. In addition, from the outer of the Pantheon, you can enjoy a wide panorama of the capital. In order to enjoy this attraction, you must go inside the 5th arrondissement. To do this, you can use the RER B and exit at Luxembourg station. You can also take line 10 and exit at the station Maubert-Mutualit and Cardinal-Lemoine. To take advantage of the Pantheon, you must pay 5 euros for those entitled to the discount, if not a full fare is 8 euros. As for European students, admission is free.


La Sorbonne

The biggest complex in France, dedicated to Literature, Languages, Civilizations, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, is located on the original medieval foundations, and now extends to the Latin Quarter and to other areas in Paris.
The University has two characteristics : rich culture and tradition, with top-quality researchers, and therefore an excellent scientific reputation shown through publications and international exchanges; its concern to constantly adapt to present day social and technological changes and to encourage as many students as possible to study at Paris-Sorbonnewhile preparing for their future careers. The Sorbonne incites its students to think freely, to construct their own judgment, so that they can become responsible and inventive citizens who can promote dignity and peace culture.
You can get there by RER, station Luxembourg or tube station, Saint-Michel, Odeon.


Musée du Louvre

The Louvre in Paris is quite simply a mammoth. The word "museum" may even be unfitting when it comes to the Louvre: the collections are so vast, diverse, and breathtaking that visitors The Louvre may be the most actively avoided museum in the world. Daunted by the richness and sheer size of the place (the side facing the Seine is some 700m long, and it is said that it would take nine months just to glance at every piece of art here), both local people and visitors often find the prospect of an afternoon at a smaller museum far more invitingmay have the impression of navigating a maze of distinct artistic and cultural worlds.
Spanning eight thematic departments and 35,000 pieces of artwork dating from the antiquity to the early modern period, the Louvre's permanent collection includes masterpieces by European masters such as Da Vinci, Delacroix, Vermeer, and Rubens, as well as unsurpassed Greco-Roman, Egyptian, or Islamic arts collections. Frequent temporary exhibits often highlight particular artists or movements, and are almost always worthwhile. If you want to visit Louvru you must be very patience because you will always wait in a cue for a couple of minutes, personally I prefer Museum D'Orsay instead of Louvre,Louvre Museum Opening Hours are Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 9 am-6 p.m, Wednesday and Friday 9 am-10 p.m. Admission is free for all on the first Sunday of each month.
You can eassy arrive there , is located in the first arondisment, at the tube station Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre(line1) or by buss, lines 21,24,27,68,81 etc


La Defense

 La Défense is the modern high-rise and office-tower district of Paris, located beyond the arrondissements of central Paris at the start of the western outskirts of the city, beyond the last Parisian loop of the river Seine. La Défense is the site of the Grande Arche, one of Paris' most modern and imposing landmarks, situated at the western end of the grand axis formed by the Champs-Elysées, the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe,many of Paris's tallest buildings can be found here.

Catacombes

The Catacombs of Paris
Want to have a darker, different look at Paris? The Catacombs of Paris offers you a journey into the “Empire of Death”. Located at Place Denfert-Rochereau, the ossuary holds the bones of about 6 million people, in a 3 km underground cavern. Entering these caves require a lot of patience; I had to wait about 1h15 to enter the Catacombs. After descending a spiral stairwell of 19 meters to darkness, you can really feel something strange, but unexplainable. What you see in these caverns is truly amazing; tons and tons of bones and skulls of people that were once like you and me. By going through the corridors, which measures about 1,5 km, you really understand why this has been done, and how it has been done (thanks to the very useful audio guide). This is probably the most incredible attraction you can do in an hour and a half all over Paris. With a student price of 6 €, you cannot leave the City of Lights without seeing it. I highly recommend it.


L'Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris famous monuments. A legacy of Napoleon, Arc de Triomphe is the rallying point of French troops parading on Bastille day.
Arc de Triomphe is the memorial for soldiers who died during World War One. The Paris view from its platform is spectacular. The Arc de Triomphe is 49m high, 45m wide, 22m deep. It is covered by sculptures including La Marseillaise by Rude. The names of 128 battles fought by the French Republic and Napoleon are written on the walls under the vault alongside the names of the generals who fought them.
The Arc de Triomphe is the hub of twelve radiating avenues including Champs Elysees.It not such an interesting monuments but I guess it is impossible not to notice it when you are in Paris.
Easy to get there, at the metro station Charles de Gaulle station, line 1, 2, 6, RER A, free for everyone.



Galeries Lafayette

First inaugurated in 1893, the Galeries Lafayette department store is a Paris fashion institution. Located near the Opera Garnier, Galeries Lafayette is an essential stop for fashion enthusiasts: men and women's designer collections are always kept at the cutting-edge, and the latest trends in jewelry and accessories, home furnishings, or cosmetics can all be perused under one roof. Galeries Lafayette also houses a gourmet food market, Lafayette Gourmet, that will be sure to tempt foodies and curious travelers alike. Modeled after a mideastern baazar, the store flaunts unique Belle Epoque architecture.If you come in Paris , Galeries Lafayette is the first place where you should be! And that because if you go there in your first day, you will be sure that you have enough money to but something . The opening hours Monday through Saturday from 09:30 am to 08:00 pm,late night opening every Thursday until 9 pm and c losed on Sundays. You can tahe the subway,metro stop : Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette.



Sacre Coeur

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of Paris's major tourist draws. The majestic building is located on top of the Montmartre hill.
Montmartre is the artistic neighborhood of Paris. Most of the people who live here are artists, poets and writers.
The story behind the building of Sacré Coeur is simple. Two businessmen decided to build a church in Paris if the war between France and Prussia ended without invasion of Paris. And so in 1875 Paul Abadie started to work on Sacré Coeur design. He was inspired by the Byzantine architecture and the white stone basilica was finally completed in 1914. The façade of Sacré Coeur is adorned with statues of Joan of Arc and Saint Louis both designed by H Lefebvre. The central statue of Christ is placed above the two saints. The dome is the second highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower and has spiral staircase to the top. The bell tower contains one of the heaviest bells in the world – 18.5 tons.
Sacré-Coeur offers a spectacular views of Paris.I have been there for many times since I am in Paris, is one of my favourite place and I recomend it to everyone.
How to get to Sacré Coeur: By Metro line 12 to Abbesses station or line 2 to Anvers station and the opening hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM



Seine

See Paris top sights on a Seine cruise
Many Paris famous sights are on the Seine river banks, including Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Orsay Museum.
With so much to see leisurely from the river, go on a Seine river cruise during your Paris visit.
You will forever remember a Seine dinner cruise, as you then combine a great French dinner with the spectacular illuminations of Paris at night.
Since the Middle Ages, Paris has embellished the Seine river banks. The result is a marvelous landscape, best seen from the Seine river.
The Seine river is lined with old quays and crossed by 37 beautiful bridges, including Pont Neuf (1607, the oldest Paris bridge), Passerelle des Arts (1801) and Pont Alexandre III (1900). Go on a Seine river cruise with streetview, you will not regret it. PS:But don't forget your jacket at home, the wind is so strong on the cruise.
The prices vary, and the chepest ticket is 12 euro.


Opéra national de Paris

Take in a performance at the Opera National de Paris. The opera house hosts operas as well as ballets by the 157-member dance company, the Paris Opera Ballet. The Opera National de Paris attracts many famous choreographers and singers. Students and senior citizens may be able to take advantage of reduced ticket prices. If you're not on a schedule, you sometimes can get deals on tickets if you arrive right before a performance.
Palais Garnier has a total area of 11,000 square metres and offers a vast stage with room for up to 450 artists. The auditorium itself comprises roughly half of the total space, most of the rest being used to house necessary logistical support so that the demands of any opera can be met and even surpassed. This can include live horses running on a rotating stage.The opera seats only 2,200.
It remains an ornate building richly decorated with friezes, and winged figures among other statues and embellishments. This richness continues inside with velvet, gold leaf, and cherubs.
Visiting times are every day from 10:00 am to 5:oo pm,a normal price in 9 euro , but for students is 6 euro.Situated in the ninth arondisment , you can get there by Metro, Opera station or by bus.



Eiffel Tower

Once the tallest structure in the world, the Eiffel Tower is probably Europe's best known landmark and Paris's most famous symbol.
You couldn't possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Even if you do not want to visit this world famous structure, you will see its top from all over Paris. The tower rises 300 meters tall (984 ft); when it was completed at the end of the 19th century it was twice as high as the Washington Monument, at the time the tallest structure in the world.
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see anytime, but there is something magical about visiting the Eiffel Tower at night. Riding up the Eiffel Tower at night, looking out over the streets of Paris, you'll see why Paris is known as the "City of Light." At street level, seeing the spotlight on the top of the Tower zoom across the Paris skyline, and the reflection of the Tower in the Seine are sights not to be missed. ou can buy your ticket up the Eiffel Tower in stages.The worst thing about Eiffel Tower is that there are always so many people in the cue that you will want to give up, but don't do it,you will not regret!
 First stage or level - 4.50€
 Second stage - 7.80€
 Top - 11.50€
Don’t worry about how you can get there ! All roads go to the Eiffel Tower



Les Invalides

“Le Palais des invalides”
Want to learn more about the important periods of French history? “Le Palais des invalides” is one of the most popular to do so. In fact, the palace, which is in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, was commissioned in 1670 by King Louis XIV. In this building you will have the opportunities to visit the department of ancient weapons and armor, the church’s dome and the tomb of Napoleon I, the department of the two world wars, the “historial” of Charles de Gaulle and the department of modern history including the Napoleon’s I history. To take advantage of all these museums, you must pay 7 euros for those entitled to the discount, if not a full fare is 9 euros. As for European students, admission is free. To get to the palace, you can take line 13 and exit at St Francois Xavier, Varennes or Invalides, line 8 and exit at Latour-Maubours, invalides or you can take the RER C and exit at invalides.






Tour Montparnasse

Montparnasse Tower
Best known for its top floor terrace, the 210-metre tall building is the highest skyscraper of Paris, located in Montparnasse district. The 59th floor is open to public for panoramically views of the city. You can admire Paris all around within a 40 km radius. With a student cost of 8.50 €, let me tell you that it worth every penny. Let’s have a little comparison with the Eiffel tower: it will cost you 13,40€ to climb up that tower, plus, you will probably have to wait up to 3 hours to get to the top, especially in summer. Because Eiffel Tower is the landmark of Paris, everybody want to go up there, this is why you won’t wait a lot to go up the Montparnasse Tower. In just 90 seconds, you are right on top. And guess what’s better? You can actually see the Eiffel Tower from where you stand! Bottom line, for those who want to get the best pictures of Paris and enjoy more time looking than waiting, go to Montparnasse Tower. There is so much to see in Paris, so losing time is not an option!




Jardin du Luxembourg

Most people have a few “must see” places in Paris — the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre — but Jardin du Luxembourg, the most beautiful large garden in Paris, is a must-see as well. Plan to spend hours here — even just 2-3 for your kids to play at the park — walking, gazing, or reading in one of the many lawn chairs available to sit down and lounge in for as long as you like.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is probably the most popular park in Paris. It is located in the 6th arrondissement, near the Sorbonne University.
The park, 22,45 hectare large , was originally owned by the duke of Luxemburg, hence the name. The domain was purchased in 1612 by Marie de' Medici, mother of Louis XIII.
The gardens were laid out in Italian style on request of Marie de' Medici. She was of Italian descent and had spent her youth in Florence at the Pitti Palace. The Boboli gardens at this palace were the inspiration for the Jardin du Luxembourg.
In the 19th century when the private park opened to the public, it was redesigned in a more French style but the original layout has been preserved.An advice for ladies: don't wear high heels, the place in plein of gravel , you wil not enjoy your time if you don't feel comfortable.
Use the metro ,station Odéon or RER Luxembourg, the entrace is free!




Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral is arguably the most stunning gothic cathedral in the world—and is undoubtedly the most famous. Conceived in the 12th century and completed in the 14th, Notre Dame Cathedral was the very heartbeat of medieval Paris. After a period of neglect, it recaptured the popular imagination when 19th-century writer Victor Hugo immortalized it in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
Notre Dame’s dramatic towers, spire, stained glass and statuary are guaranteed to take your breath away. Dig deeper in the archaeological crypt. Climbing the North tower to get a gargoyle’s perspective of Paris is a must, too.
Notre Dame Cathedral is centrally located on the Ile de la Cité, the area of Paris that divides the city's right and left banks. The Ile de la Cite is surrounded by the Seine River.une the metro: Cité or Saint-Michel (Line 4) or RER: Saint-Michel (Line C)