Historical sights of Paris. Alluring Paris: photos of attractions with names and descriptions. Top free places in Paris

“See Paris and die!” – Ilya Ehrenburg calls in his book. He was so captivated by the atmosphere of the city that he wished every person to see the sights of Paris at least once in their life. Except historical monuments, people come here for fine cuisine, wine and cheese tasting, cabarets and walks along the narrow streets of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Historical landmarks of Paris

The Arc de Triomphe was erected in 1836 and is dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. The building is decorated on four sides sculptural groups, above which are embossed the names of the thirty most brilliant victories of the general of the French army.

The structure is made in antique style and corresponds to the Italian original of a similar arch in Italy, where it was erected during the reign of the Roman Emperor Titus. Unfortunately, Bonaparte never saw the final version of the monumental monument - construction ended after his death.

The Louvre Museum has served as the residence of French kings since the sixteenth century. Louis XIV lost interest in the palace and opened a workshop for artists within its walls, and Napoleon Bonaparte supplemented the Louvre collection with paintings from the conquered territories. The appearance of this outstanding landmark of Paris is not accidental - the architects were inspired to create the prototype of the Cheops pyramid by the Egyptian trophies of the commander, which formed the basis for the museum.

The museum contains more than three hundred thousand exhibits, thirty-five thousand of which you can freely look at - the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci, the “Coronation of Napoleon” by Jacques Louis David, the statue of the Venus de Milo and the Nike of Samothrace.

Notre Dame Cathedral glorified the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. IN catholic church The coronation, wedding and funeral services of emperors took place, the first parliament of France met here and the disadvantaged found shelter. The construction of the famous church lasted almost 200 years - during this time he changed several leaders, each of whom rebuilt the temple to his own taste.

As a result of reconstructions, the temple was endowed with a combination of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Several legends are associated with the cathedral - it is believed that only the devil himself could create a building of such unprecedented beauty. On the day when the forged gates were finally ready, the castle defied the architect until it was sprinkled with holy water.

The Pantheon was a church in the 18th century and had amazing story. Louis XV, before taking command of the troops, suddenly fell ill and, due to low level medicine in those days, the only thing left for him was to turn with prayers for health to the holy Reverend Genevieve. After some time, the king recovered and promised to give her the most in gratitude for her help. beautiful church in Paris.

However, during the revolution Christian churches rapidly went bankrupt, as a result of which the temple was turned into a burial place for famous personalities. Ashes of Count Mirabeau, Victor Hugo, Raphael and others famous people France is kept within the walls of the Pantheon to this day.

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of the most important churches in the country, built in memory of the defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. It was believed that over many years of moral decay, God deprived the people of France of blessings and to atone for their sins it was necessary to build a new church - since then the Sacré-Coeur temple has been included in the sights of Paris.

In order to get to observation deck building, which is located at an altitude of four hundred meters, you will need to overcome 237 steps. The inside of the building is decorated with stained glass windows and mosaics, and outside - statues of Joan of Arc, St. Louis and St. Peter. Tourists have a tradition associated with the latter - if they want to return to Paris, they must stroke the apostle’s foot.

The Palace of Versailles was originally a small village near Paris and only then a luxurious castle arose in its place for Louis XIV, who built it after rumors about the majestic castle of the Minister of Finance. In 1661, construction began on the palace, into which the king invested about 250 billion euros.

Symmetrical gardens and parks, fountains, flower beds and alleys, green labyrinths and ancient sculptures decorate the area around Versailles. And from the windows of the palace there is a magnificent view of Grand Canal, which is decorated with the figure of Apollo emerging from the water and facing the building.

The Luxembourg Palace combines Italian and French styles. Marie de' Medici hired Rubens himself to design it, who later also wrote a series of paintings about the queen. Later, the castle became a prison for prisoners, and then the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The style of the palace, made in the spirit of the Renaissance and Baroque era, has been preserved to this day. Nowadays, parliament meetings are held here, and there is a restaurant on the street for tourists with national cuisine. There are excursions for adults, and puppet theaters, attractions, pony rides and other entertainment activities for children.

The Bourbon Palace was named after the ancient Bourbon family and was built for the daughter of Louis XIV. In 1756 it was bought by Louis XV, in 1798 Napoleon I ruled from here, and in 1814 Louis XVIII became its last owner. Today the French Parliament sits here, but it is nevertheless open to visitors and tourists.

The executions of representatives of the royal family were carried out on the square in front of the palace, and the manuscripts of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the case of Joan of Arc are kept within its walls. The mansion is in a convenient location, so after being there, you can also look at the nearby Place de la Concorde and the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine.

The Tuileries Palace began to be built in 1559 for Catherine de Medici. Chateau Tuileries consisted of three pavilions, two of which have survived to this day. Like most ancient palaces, the Tuileries is also famous for its bloodthirsty legends and ghosts. The powerful sorcerer, who was recruited by Catherine de Medici to kill her enemies with the help of black magic, learned too many secrets about the queen.

To avoid blackmail and potential threats from the warlock, the cruel ruler sent him to the gallows and imprisoned his body in underground catacombs. However, after a while, the sorcerer’s corpse disappeared and began to scare the inhabitants of the palace at night. The palace was the residence of Louis XVI and Napoleon Bonaparte. After the palace was burned in 1871, little was saved, but a few surviving structures can still be viewed.

The Conciergerie Palace is one of the oldest landmarks in Paris, built in the sixth century under King Clovis I. Until the 14th century, the most famous monarchs of France lived here, but later it was turned into a prison for prisoners, including Marie-Anutanette and Robespierre. The palace has a large list of iconic places: Sainte-Chapelle Chapel in gothic style, the Warriors' Hall, where the king's guard dined, the kitchen wing, the guardroom, where the council met and orders for execution were given.

Paris Street, the place where lepers awaited their sentence; Chapel and solitary confinement of Marie Antoinette; Prisoner's corridor and 4 famous towers, each of which has its own separate story. Tickets to the museum are inexpensive, but you will need a lot of time to explore it.

Tourister.Ru

This article presents a rating of the main attractions of Paris in 2020 with photos, map and description. From the publication you will learn about where to go and what to see in Paris on your own in 1, 2 or 3 days, and also discover Paris for children. Cognitive and interesting excursions in Paris are available as part of the project.

In terms of architecture, the legendary Galeries Lafayette is interesting, under the dome of which the boutiques that set the trendsetters of Parisian fashion are located.

The best way to feel the spirit of Paris is to go to the Saint-Germain quarter or to the Boulevard des Capucines - tourist area, where every house holds a rich and incredible history.

What to see in Paris in 3 days

One of the three days should be set aside to visit this world-class “pearl”. Without a doubt, the leading attractions of Paris and the surrounding area include the Palace of Versailles, located 20 km from the capital.

The complex of incredible proportions includes palaces, galleries, park areas and much more. Of course, it’s worth setting aside a whole day to visit Versailles, since it’s unlikely to be possible to get around everything in less time.

If you don’t want to leave the city and you’ve already seen and loved the main attractions, then you can diversify cultural program and visit one of the many museums. The most popular after the Louvre include d'Orsay, Orangerie, Center Georges Pompidou and many others.

Paris is not only about ancient cathedrals and majestic historical arches. Modernity is perfectly reflected in the La Défense quarter, which is nicknamed the “Parisian Manhattan”. A walk through the skyscraper district will give you a completely different idea of ​​the city.

What to see in Paris in 4 days

You can see a lot in four days. Some stay in Paris and strive to see ancient cathedrals such as the Pantheon and Sainte-Chapelle, some complete the trip by visiting museums of interest, and some devote the day to field trips or entertainment.

It is also worth strolling the streets and getting acquainted with the architecture of the city. The Latin Quarter of Paris or the student town in which there is a concentration of big number attractions.

The campus is now one of the most expensive areas, so contrary to the name, only very wealthy students can afford to live in a luxurious antique Latin Quarter.

The historical Marais quarter will allow you to fully experience the city and see such iconic places, like the Place des Vosges, the Jewish Quarter and the Museum of Judaism, the Center Georges Pompidou, the Hotel de Sens, the Church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, the Sully mansion and much more.

While walking around the neighborhood, don't forget to check out the local museums: Picasso Museum, Carnavalet Museum, Victor Hugo House Museum and the Museum of French History.

One of the most anticipated events of autumn is the Paris Motor Show, which is held every two years. At the exhibition you can see classic masterpieces, rare examples and new products from modern automakers.

What to see in Paris in autumn

What to see in Paris in winter

Paris in winter is just as beautiful as at other times of the year. Don't neglect your winter trip, as it is only during this period that you can see the fabulous Christmas markets that take place in many European cities.

The most popular and visited fairs take place along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, near Nord-Dame, in the Tuileries Park, in Défense, in Montmartre, and of course near the Eiffel Tower.

You can explore the main attractions of Paris from a warm window tourist bus Hop on Hop off. Bus routes pass along the central streets and cover the most popular iconic places of the city. At any stop you like, you can get off the bus, get acquainted with the location in more detail, and then continue on the next bus along this route.

During the cold season, you can plan a trip to museums. Usually in the summer there is little time allocated for this. By the way, in winter time there are no queues in museums and you can even get to the Louvre right away, which is impossible during the high tourist season.

If for some reason you missed visiting the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Orangerie and the Rodin Museum, then this unfortunate misunderstanding should be corrected first. History buffs will appreciate the Cluny Museum. It is here that thousands of exhibits from the Middle Ages are collected.

In Paris you can go to the Museum of Modern Art for free. Admission to the permanent exhibition is free; only temporary exhibitions are paid. The Center Georges Pompidou stands out against the backdrop of classical exhibitions - museum complex, dedicated to contemporary art, is externally decorated in a very original way - in high-tech style.

French wine is valued all over the world. You can get acquainted with the history and taste a drink with a long history at the Paris Wine Museum. In general, there are more than 300 museums in Paris, each of which has its own specific theme.

What to see in Paris in winter

Where to go in Paris in the evening

In the evening, the capital is transformed and a completely different life begins to boil here. The Eiffel Tower can be seen from afar both during the day and at night. In the evening it is illuminated and gives the city a romantic look. You can go to the observation deck and admire Paris at night.

It’s getting dark on the city streets, museums are closing their doors - it’s time to look at theater posters. Fans of completely different genres will find entertainment to their liking.

For classical productions you should go to

Paris is the city of love and fabulous architecture. With all its advantages and disadvantages, it remains one of the most beautiful cities on earth. In Paris, there are many places for tourists, after visiting which you will not only be left with beautiful pictures, but also vivid memories that can reveal the most callous and unresponsive heart.

Creation of Gustave Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark of Paris. To view it from the inside, tourists stand in queues for many kilometers. The tower was erected in 1889. It was dedicated to the famous international exhibition, but after the end of the competition they did not demolish it.

More than 7 million people climb this tower every year. If you want to know what the most popular paying attraction in the world is, the answer is the Eiffel Tower.

The tower by the architect and designer Gustave Eiffel rises 320 meters high above Paris. There is an observatory on the top platform of the attraction.

The Tower has an elevator, restaurants and shops, and an observation deck. IN dark time day the Eiffel Tower is filled with magnificent and bright lights.

The best views of the Eiffel Tower from the side are from the square near the Chaillot Palace. The palace is located on the other side, from its balconies the tower is clearly visible.

A ticket for this attraction for an adult will cost 13-14 euros. The tower can be reached by getting off at Trocadero metro station.

The legendary Notre Dame Cathedral

The unique attraction has become widely known thanks to the works of Hugo and the musicals of the same name. Notre Dame de Paris is what the French call the famous place.

Construction of the Gothic temple began in 1163. When the first stone of the future cathedral was laid, the bishop himself, His Holiness Alexander the Third, was present.

The cathedral's famous gargoyles and its stained glass windows with roses have become real business card Gothic temple. At the very top of the cathedral there is an observation deck from which amazing views of Paris open.

The cathedral contains unique religious portals of the Virgin Mary and the Great Judgment.

The City metro station is located next to Notre Dame Cathedral. Entrance to the temple is free, but to enter the towers you will have to pay for a ticket.

Arch in honor of the triumph of the French revolutionaries

The Arc de Triomphe in the capital of France is located at the very end of the Champs Elysees. It was created as a monument to all those who fought for the freedom and independence of France.

The names of many soldiers who died in battle are written on the walls of the beautiful building. Under the Arc de Triomphe itself there is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The pylons of the structure are decorated with military bas-reliefs. More than 600 names of officers are carved on the arch, and the bas-reliefs depict more than 128 famous battles.

For adults, entrance to the arch is paid. A ticket will cost approximately 10 euros. The Charles de Gaulle Etoile metro station is located near the Arc de Triomphe.

Home for the Invalids

One day I decided to build a special palace for disabled people and war veterans. So, by order of Louis the Fourteenth, it was erected in 1671.

Choosing from many projects, Louis settled on the plan of the architect Liberal Brant. The sketch contained a real palace, a temple attached to it and spacious barracks.

Today the palace houses several museums. There you can see the following:

  • Military Museum;
  • Museum of Plans;
  • Museum of the Liberation of France.

The building is located in the seventh arrondissement of the capital, south of the Seine River.

The white and graceful Church of the Sacred Heart can be seen on top of the Montmartre hill. There is an observation deck in the temple. This is not surprising, because the church is located on the highest hill in Paris.

Entrance to the building itself is free; a ticket to the observation deck is 5 euros.

Paul Abadie was chosen as the architect of the church. Construction of the structure began in 1875.

In winter, the snow-white temple receives parishioners and visitors until 18:00, and in summer until 19:00.

In the 18th century, Louis the Fifteenth became very ill. Hoping for the mercy of Saint Genevieve, he vowed to build a temple in her honor if he was cured. The king soon recovered and ordered the Marquis of Marigny to rebuild the Church of Sainte-Genevieve, which was later called the Pantheon.

The temple took a very long time to build due to financial problems. So construction was completed only in 1791. At that time, revolutionary unrest began in France. The new government decided to use the church for the burials of famous people.

The Pantheon has a huge crypt where legendary figures and famous people are buried. Hugo, Voltaire, Monet and Zola rest in the Pantheon.

The Pantheon can only be visited during designated hours with a guide. Such rules save the building from vandalism and help improve the safety level of the attraction.

Louvre: palace and museum on the banks of the Seine

The Louvre is considered one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. The Venus de Milo and the legendary Mona Lisa are just some of the iconic pieces of art that are on display there.

Oriental, Greek, European, Roman and Egyptian works of art make up the Louvre's collection, which includes more than 35 thousand exhibits.

The Louvre became a museum in the 18th century. Until this time he was royal palace, designed by the architect Pierre Lescot. Today the palace has four wings and a spacious courtyard.

In 1989, a glass pyramid was added to the museum building. So sunlight began to reach the palace ticket office, located in the basement of the building. The creator of the pyramid was the American architect Bei Yuming.

The Palace Museum is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. In any season, the queues there can be huge, but you can see all the most expensive, beautiful and famous works of artists and sculptors only there.

In the 14th century, King Philip the Fair chose wonderful place on the Isle of Cité to build his own palace. In the Middle Ages, the palace was a recognized masterpiece of architecture.

A century later, Charles the Fifth leveled the significance of this palace to a simple administrative building. Charles preferred to spend time in the Louvre, so the palace was used by the police for their own needs. It was named “Conciergerie” after the surname of the chief overseer of law and order in Paris.

In 1391, the palace building was given over to prison affairs. Political and simply wealthy criminals were housed in his chambers, while poor lawbreakers languished in the basements of the Conciergere.

During the bloody French Revolution, the palace was used as a place for the tribunal and beheading of people disliked by the new regime. This is how the Conciergerie gained dark fame.

Today, only part of the palace is open to the public. There is a museum of the history of this place and everything connected with it.

Montparnasse is the first of the tallest skyscrapers in Paris. This tower has an extensive observation deck, from where the capital of France is visible in almost all directions.

Montparnasse is able to prove to anyone that Paris is beautiful in all its manifestations, and all because this glorious city was built according to Haussmann’s single plan. The architecture of Paris was practically not influenced by any fashionable trends in construction and landscape planning.

For a long time, the residents of Paris were unhappy with this tower, as it literally cut into the horizon line.

A ticket to the tower costs approximately 15 euros. There is a high-speed elevator to reach the 56th floor. On a good and sunny day, the view from the observation deck can reach 40 kilometers. From Montparnasse you can see the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides Palace.

Avenue Champs Elysees is the widest and longest in Paris. The street starts at Place de la Concorde and ends at the Arc de Triomphe.

The west of the Champs-Elysees is home to many restaurants, shops and cinemas. Along the “fields” are built the Grand and Small Palaces, as well as the famous Elysee Palace.

Modern look Champs Elysees given by architect Bernard Bae.

Today, as before, pedestrians move along this street, but only half of the avenue is open to cars.

The Church of Saint-Germain was built in the 6th century. She happens to be oldest church capital Cities. For a long time, Saint-Germain was the resting place of the Merovingian kings. It housed the most important relics of Christianity, and also housed a Benedictine abbey.

Once this temple was almost completely destroyed by the Vikings, but in the 9th century it was rebuilt.

The famous church gave its name to the whole quarter. Now this place on the map of Paris is marked as the sixth arrondissement.

Today, many new buildings have been erected on the territory of the temple.

The main one arose thanks to the orders of Napoleon III, as well as with the help of the architect Granier. The 19th century building fully corresponds to the Baroque style.

Marble, gold, stucco and multi-layered crystal chandeliers - this is what characterizes the Paris Opera best.

The opera building seats 2,200 people. Previously, this luxurious building was used for ballet performances..

Finding the Opera in Paris is not difficult. It is located on Place de l’Opera in the 9th arrondissement of the capital.

The Parisians owe the appearance of Versailles to Louis the Fourteenth. It is Versailles that is the model for the entire palace of Europe. The best artists of France painted pictures from this palace complex; the most grandiose palaces of past centuries were built on its model.

The palace, park and garden are now open for tourist tours.

Get to famous palace better by train. The train stop near the complex bears his name.

Near the Sorbonne in the 6th arrondissement there is the most popular park in the capital - Luxembourg Gardens. A full 55 acres are dedicated to rapid growth a variety of trees and plants.

The park originally belonged to the Duke of Luxembourg. In 1612, Maria de Medici bought this territory. The garden is made in Italian style.

Today the park has a fountain, boat rentals near the pond, a cinema and children's attractions..

Next to the garden is the Luxembourg Palace, which is also open to the public.

The most central garden in Paris is the Tuileries. Near it is also the Square of Concord. In the Tuileries Garden there is a palace of the same name, built by Catherine de Medici.

The garden is open to visitors free of charge, but tourists have to pay to enter the palace.

Fountains, museums and swimming pools make this place even more attractive to visit.

The Orsay Museum hosts exhibitions of fine and applied art. In this museum you can see the following exhibitions:

  • Impressionist works;
  • Art Nouveau style;
  • Photos;
  • Sculptures.

The peculiarity of the museum is not only in its exhibitions and exhibits. Orsay itself is located in the building railway station. Today, train traffic there is almost completely stopped, but the museum receives visitors from all over the world.

The name Pont Neuf translates as “new” bridge. When the bridge was built, and this was in the 16th century, this name was relevant. Now this bridge has a very long and interesting history.

The townspeople owe the appearance of the new bridge to Henry the Third, but the bridge was opened by the next monarch, Henry the Fourth. Therefore, in the middle of the structure there is a sculpture in his honor..

For the first time, no residential buildings were built on this bridge. Residents of the city have chosen New bridge for walks and romantic meetings. Therefore, this structure is considered one of the most attractive bridges in Paris.

Cabaret as a role model

The legendary cabaret Moulin Rouge has been a role model for more than 120 years since its opening. Other similar establishments look to this cabaret as the gold standard in the world of entertainment.

In 1889, Paris was rocked by information that a completely new music hall would be opened in its center. At first, the Moulin Rouge was an establishment with a tarnished reputation. The girls danced the cancan there, and then provided intimate services to visitors.

Oller and Zidler, who organized the performances, quickly realized that the public was outraged by the opening of a new brothel, and decided to take the cabaret to a completely different level.

So the dancing at the Moulin Rouge became more professional, and the courtesans did not offer themselves so openly.

Today, the Moulin Rouge does not provide intimate services. Cabaret reoriented itself towards professional performances, interspersed with humorous acts. After all, children over 12 years old are now allowed to attend the shows themselves..

When visiting the current "Red Mill" (Moulin Rouge), you must follow the dress code and look elegant. Food and drinks are served in the performance area. When purchasing a ticket, it is worth remembering that you need to arrive at the cabaret half an hour before the start of the performance.

The Palais Royal was built by Cardinal Richelieu for his personal use. During construction in 1629, the cardinal acted as minister and could afford to build luxurious palace, which was later bequeathed to Louis the Fourteenth.

The king's brother Philippe d'Orléans expanded the palace building by adding a gallery and shops. Then gambling halls were opened in the palace.

In 1871, part of the Palais Royal was destroyed by fire. Today, the palace garden, as well as a small part of the main building, is open to tourists. The palace is located in the 1st district of the capital. It is a wonderful example of classical architecture.

Most visited cemetery

Père Lachaise is a cemetery named after the confessor of King Louis XIV. The cemetery was opened in 1804. Many people are buried in the cemetery famous people France.

The tombstones and crypts of this place are real works of art. It is to inspect them that visitors go to the Père Lachaise cemetery.

For a long time, this final resting place was the preserve of the rich and famous.

Chopin, Moliere, Balzac - this is a small list of names that can be found in Père Lachaise. More than 800 thousand people are buried in the Paris cemetery, and each of them has an individual tombstone in the form of a sculpture or bas-relief, although there are also common graves with arches and sculptural complexes.

In the southwest of the cemetery, everyone is given maps indicating legendary burials. Père Lachaise has five entrances. Two entrances are on Rue Menilmontant. There is a metro station with the same name as the cemetery nearby.

In Paris you can see not only ancient buildings, but also new space technologies. To see them, you should go to the Le Bourget aviation salon, where they demonstrate latest developments aircraft manufacturing and space industry.

The best air shows in the air in Le Bourget, of course, are not held every day, but there is a museum there every day, where there are planes from the First World War, as well as the famous Zeppelins.

The air show is located at the airport of the same name. Large-scale performances are held there every two years..

If you want to find the Le Bourget Aviation Museum, then you should go 12 kilometers northeast of the capital.

The current Place des Vosges was once called the Place Royale, and all because the mansions of the nobility and the rich stood around it. Construction of the significant square began in 1605. Many years later, Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde were built on the model of the Vosges.

The Renaissance style was liked by local residents, so many holidays and celebrations took place in this square. On it, despite the ban, duels between noble opponents took place.

There is a large Jewish community near the square. There are many great restaurants there.

Place des Vosges is located in the ancient Marais quarter.

Georges Pompidou and his center

In the elegant Marais quarter there is a real inside-out building. That's what the locals call it modern complex Georges Pompidou. This center hosts exhibitions of various arts. There is a museum there, where modern trends in painting are presented.

In the center of the famous figure there are works by Picasso, Dali and Magritte.

A unique collection of sculptures is also on display there.

In 1789 gloomy prison The Bastille was completely destroyed during the uprising. In its place today there is a square. In the middle of the square there is now a Juliet Column, which is the French symbol of freedom.

At the top of the column, which is 51 meters high, there is an observation deck.

Next to the square is the Bastille Opera building.

The best boulevards and cafes of Paris

The most famous and top cafes of the French capital are located on Montparnasse Boulevard. Boulevard Saint-Germain is famous for its establishment de Flore. It was there that such people as Picasso and Hemingway once gathered.

Classic Parisian cuisine, aromatic coffee and French pastries at their best are located on these two boulevards. Any tourist can visit them between visiting the various sights of Paris.

Paris! The city that attracts with its romance, gives inspiration to everyone who needs it, fascinates with the interweaving of streets and alleys, captivates with cathedrals and palaces, gives a feeling of peace in street cafes, the tables of which are so close to everything that happens, people and cars! Feel the atmosphere of Paris, join the world cultural heritage, just to become part of this city - that’s why people from all over the world come here!

Paris is the capital of France, located in the north-central part of France, belongs to the Ile-de-France region, stretches 18 km from east to west, and 9.5 km from north to south. 2.2 million people live in Paris.

Paris got its name from the Celtic tribe - the Parisians, whose representatives founded the city in the 3rd century BC on the Ile de la Cité on the Seine River.

Paris is located in a zone of temperate continental climate; the proximity of the Atlantic makes the climate in Paris quite comfortable, Temperatures very rarely drop below zero, at a temperature of minus 10º, Parisians declare an emergency.

Attractions

Ile de la Cite

The Ile de la Cité, surrounded by the waters of the Seine, is birthplace of Paris. Experienced guides begin the tour from the island, since historical and architectural monuments. The atmosphere of antiquity and involvement in significant historical events in France surrounds visitors to the Cité. The island is connected to the banks of the Seine by nine bridges, each of which reveals the French capital from its own special side.

You can visit the island at any time, but to explore the cultural and historical sites located there, it is better to do it during the day or early in the morning. To enjoy all the beauties of the island, you need to spend a whole day on the excursion.

Interesting objects of the island deserve special attention.

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is Catholic, Gothic cathedral, located in the eastern part of the Ile de la Cité. The cathedral was built on the site of the older Christian Church of St. Stephen in the 12th-14th centuries. The cathedral is surrounded by a romantic flair, which Victor Hugo created around it in his famous novel “Notre Dame de Paris” and cemented the modern musical of the same name.

The facade of the cathedral is divided into three parts, vertically and into three parts horizontally. Lower part of the cathedral has three portals: in the middle is a portal dedicated to paintings of the Last Judgment, the right portal of St. Anne, the left portal of the Virgin Mary. Above the portals is the gallery of kings, consisting of twenty-eight statues of Jewish rulers. You can look at the cathedral from the outside for a long time; it is no less interesting inside. While inside the cathedral you must pay attention to the stained glass windows, which are beautiful in themselves and create a unique flickering light inside the cathedral.

Cathedral address: Rue du cloitre Notre-Dame, Paris 4e.

The cathedral is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm in the winter months, from 10 am to 6.30 pm in the summer months. During July and August, when there is the largest influx of tourists, on Friday and Saturday it is open until 23.

Entrance to the cathedral is free.

Cathedral Square (parvis Notre Dame, place Jean-Paul-II)

The square in front of the cathedral on the Ile de la Cité allows you to enjoy views of ancient Parisian buildings along the banks of the Seine: the walls of the city's oldest hospital and the prefecture.

The square itself attracts tourists with the opportunity to be on zero reference point, from where the kilometers of all roads in France are counted, admire the sculpture of Charlemagne, founder of the Carolingian dynasty. The Crypt of the Notre Dame porch cannot be ignored - Archaeological Museum, which presents the history of Paris, starting from ancient times.

Crypte archeologique du parvis Notre-Dame

The museum was opened on the site of excavations made by chance in the second half of the twentieth century during the construction of an underground parking lot. This ancient city, preserved underground. The exposition is 120 meters long and allows you to plunge into ancient history, and see with your own eyes the streets, walls, and engineering structures of the ancient city.

Address: place Jean-Paul-II, 6.

The museum is open every day except Mondays from 10 to 17.45.

Entrance to the museum with tickets is 3.5 euros, children under 14 years old are free.

9th arrondissement of Paris (Arrondissement de l’Opera)

Paris is divided into 20 districts, all of them are of varying degrees of interest to tourists, some are historical, some are just residential areas. But the 9th arrondissement of Paris is interesting for tourists and local residents. This is the area of ​​the city located around the famous Parisian Opera Garnier. The streets, squares and boulevards of this district create the romantic atmosphere of Paris. Place Saint-Georges with a fountain that retains water troughs for horses. Writers, artists, and musicians lived in the vicinity of the square. Among them were Alexandre Dumas, Georges Sand, Chopin. Rue Laffitte leads to the famous Notre-Dame de Lorret cathedral. A walk along the Rue Saint-Lazare reveals the amazing Church of the Holy Trinity.

The streets of the 9th arrondissement are attractive for lovers of shopping, famous throughout the world for Galeries Lafayette.

Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette includes 7 floors of women's clothing and 5 floors of men's clothing, where clothes from well-known and not so famous brands are sold, restaurants and cafes are located.

But the gallery is interesting not only for its shops, it represents historical and architectural value. The glass dome and galleries under the dome make it possible to enjoy beautiful views Paris.

Address: Boulevard Haussmann 40.

Open from 9.30 to 20.30, on Sunday until 19.30.

Opera Garnier (Opera Garnier, Opera de Paris, Grand Opera)

The Opera Garnier is the world's most famous opera and ballet theater, founded in 1862. The opera attracts tourists not only for its performances, but also as a museum. Grand staircase made of multi-colored marble amazes everyone who enters with its splendor. At the base of the staircase there are figures of women holding a bouquet of chandeliers in their hands.

The theater foyer is decorated with no less luxury, the combination of windows and mirrors makes it more sparkling and spacious. The 1,900-seat auditorium is decorated in red and gold tones and is shaped like a horseshoe. Deserves special attention the ceiling of the auditorium, the ceiling of which was painted by Marc Chagall and opened to the public in 1964.

Address: Rue Scribe 8.

The ticket office is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays from 9.00 to 13.00.

The cost of an excursion ticket is 11 euros, the cost of a performance is up to 250 euros.

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is a student quarter located in the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris around the Sorbonne University and hence its name. The fact is that teaching, in one of the oldest universities in Europe, was conducted in Latin, and the students and teachers who lived in this quarter spoke Latin.

Now it's the noisiest, most crowded quarter of Paris, filled not only with students, but also with crowds of tourists eager to join the bohemian and student life of Paris. You can stroll along cozy streets with many cafes and restaurants, sit on the square in front of the Sorbonne, enter the university, entry is free. The ancient chapel of St. Ursula is interesting to visit, inside which is the tomb of its founder Richelieu.

Fisherman's Cat Street (Rue du chat qui pêche)

One of the most ancient and narrow streets of Paris, located in the Latin Quarter and near Notre Dame Cathedral. Its width is only 180 centimeters, length 26 meters. Walking along this street, you can get an idea of ​​what Paris was like in the 15th century.

Montmartre

Montmartre is area of ​​Paris belonging to the 18th arrondissement and received its name from the name of the hill and the ancient Roman settlement located there. This is the most high point Paris, where the Sacre Coeur Basilica is located. You can get there by stairs or by cable car.

Tourists come to the boat to feel the bohemian atmosphere of Paris, touch the heritage of the creative people who lived here: Vincent Van Gogh, Emile Zola, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, etc. And now the streets of Montmartre are full of artists ready to capture anyone in a portrait for 15-20 euros.

Here tourists can see the famous wall of love in the Jean Rectus square, on which the words “I love you” are written in more than two hundred and fifty languages ​​of the world.

Montmartre became famous as a red light district; it is in Montmartre that the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret is located.

Cabaret "Moulin Rouge"

Moulin Rouge is a cabaret famous since the 19th century, located in the area of ​​Clichy Boulevard and Place Pigalle, famous for its cancan and the world's first striptease. The legendary cabaret is decorated with a large red windmill, which gives the establishment its name and emphasizes its belonging to the red light district. Nowadays the revue “Extravaganza” is taking place there, attracting a large number of tourists. Spectators sit around the stage at tables, and waiters serve champagne. There are a lot of people who want to visit the cabaret, so you should worry about tickets in advance.

Address: Boulevard de Clichy 82.

Open from 19.00 to 01.00.

Tickets cost from 92 to 200 euros, depending on whether dinner is booked or not.

Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

located in the center of Paris on the Champ de Mars, is its symbol. It got its name from its creator, Gustave Eiffel, who called it very prosaically “a three-hundred-meter tower.” It was originally built as an entrance to the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889. It was received ambiguously and there were even plans to demolish it. But unexpectedly, it began to be popular with the public, and it was decided to leave it.

Since then, it has been a center of attraction for tourists, thanks to its unique architecture And the presence of observation platforms with views of the whole of Paris. Parisians love their tower; it decorates Paris not only during the day, but also at night, when, sparkling and shimmering with thousands of lights, it rises above Paris. The tower has its own color, which is called Eiffel brown.

The Eiffel Tower is the most popular destination for tourists from all over the world; access to the observation decks of the first and second levels is open.

Address: Champ de Mars, Avenue Anatole France, 5.

The tower is open to the public every day from 9.30 to 23.00, on Fridays and Saturdays it is open until 24.00.

Entrance fee is from 11 to 17 euros, depending on the level to which the climb will be made.

Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse)

the only skyscraper built in the historical part of Paris. It was built on the site of the old station. The attitude towards the tower is controversial; it does not fit into the atmosphere of Paris, but the view from the observation deck compensates for this shortcoming. From there you have a view of 40 km, allowing you to see not only Paris, but also the suburbs. The advantages of this tower are that the queue for the observation deck is much shorter than for Eiffel Tower. A high-speed elevator takes tourists to the 56th floor, further to observation deck you have to climb on foot. There is a glazed area and an open one on the roof.

Address: Avenue du Maine 33.

Open from 9.30 to 22.30, in summer the opening hours are extended to 23.30.

Tickets from 7 to 15 euros.

House of Invalids (Hotel des invalides)

The Invalides' Home is a 17th-century building designed to house wounded and maimed soldiers. Today it also houses veterans and houses the Army Museum and Necropolis. The Invalides' Home is famous for its there is a sarcophagus with the body of Napoleon, brought from St. Helena.

Address: Rue de Grenelle. 129.

Open: in summer from 10.00 to 18.00, on Tuesdays until 21.00, in winter from 10.00 to 17.00.

Prices from 8 to 12 euros.

Louvre Museum (Musee du Louvre)

The Louvre Museum is famous artistic and historical Museum , located in the palace of the kings of France, in the first arrondissement of Paris. The collections of the Louvre represent all world history, masterpieces of world art. A few days are not enough to view the entire exhibition, so it is better to immediately decide what exactly you would like to see and focus on that.

Address: Rue de Rivoli.

Open on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday from 9.00 to 18.00, on Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 to 22.00, the museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Tickets 15 euros.

City map

We have brought you far full list sights of Paris, but only briefly described best places. But the city is rich in interesting things, and you can create your own path, including non-standard attractions.

Even more unusual places You will find on the map of Paris in Russian:

You will also definitely need a map of the Paris metro with stations:

Paris leaves no one indifferent; it is not without reason that it has been the center of attraction for many creative people who reflect the charm of Paris in their works.

Watch a video about Paris.

Paris is the most romantic city in Europe; residents from all over the world flock to see the local attractions. globe. At all times, this place has attracted creative people, intellectuals, nobility and ordinary people to admire the beauty, find inspiration and simply change the environment.

Alexander III Bridge

The Paris Bridge over the Seine is one of the few Russian traces on the city map. This place was named in honor of Alexander III and was opened at the very beginning of the 20th century before the start of the World Exhibition. Emperor Nicholas II himself participated in the laying of the bridge in 1896, anticipating the long-awaited alliance between the Russian Empire and France.

The Pont Alexandre III is located on the Seine and is considered one of the most elegant and beautiful bridges in Paris, which amazes tourists with its architecture, gilded frames, numerous statues of angels and beautiful lanterns. The building is more than 150 meters long and is located next to the Invalides House (Invalides metro station).

To truly enjoy visiting this place, you should take a boat ride on the Seine, which offers excellent views of the bridge and allows you to take some good photos.

Place de la Bastille

Place de la Bastille is a historical landmark and treasure of Paris. In the Middle Ages, a fortress of the same name was built on this site, where criminals especially dangerous to the state were kept. Voltaire, the mysterious Iron Mask, Count Calliostro, the Marquis de Sade, as well as the most famous philosophers, were once prisoners of the Bastille.

The fortress was dismantled piece by piece within 3 years after the victory of the French Revolution. After the proclamation of the First French Republic at this place there was a vacant lot with a sign “They dance here,” where people gathered and held mass celebrations. In the mid-19th century, the “July Column” was erected in the center of the square, which tourists can see to this day. Today, Place de la Bastille annually welcomes thousands of guests from all over the world; fairs, concerts and various demonstrations are regularly held. Located on the border of several main districts of the capital, you can get there by metro to Bastille station.

 

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