When in Paris

I came across this website today
http://asiawebdirect.com/blog/paris.html?cid=edm:awd:accom:asia:nl_best_paris:CTA:013

I some sort of agree to all these places. How to see everything in less than a day?
Take the Hop-On bus of course !!

The 10 'Must-See' When in Paris

Most Popular Attractions On Your First Visit to Paris

Paris remains one of the most intriguing cosmopolitan sites to visit in Europe, and those who have been there would easily agree that it lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. Besides being the ‘fashion capital’ of the world and a mecca of French gastronomy and modern western cuisine, its appeal lies in its wealth of iconic and historical landmarks that are not to be missed.
Who could resist at least a selfie against the world's most visited manmade landmark, the Eiffel Tower, or actually see and walk around the fascinating sites within The Louvre such as the inversed pyramid or the Mona Lisa as vividly described in the Da Vinci Code? And don’t leave out the real setting of Victor Hugo’s novel, Notre-Dame. Here are Paris’s top 10 must-see attractions on your first time in the French capital.

Find out where to stay in Paris on your first visit

 

1. Eiffel Tower

This 324m-tall iron tower is a must-see – it’s the ultimate Parisian symbol and also one of the world’s most famous and recognisable landmarks. There are three levels that you can visit, with several dining spots on the first two with great views over the city and an observatory deck on the third that provides you with breathtaking skylines and birds eye-views over the city’s green space, known as Champ de Mars. At night, the tower is even more dramatic thanks to artistic lighting.

2. Arc de Triomphe on Champs Elysées

Roughly translated as the ‘Triumphal Arch’, this 50m-tall monument is both an historical and geographical landmark, located in Paris’s hub – a great starting point for first-time visitors. The Arc’s four great pillars are ornate with sculptures depicting historical episodes from the Napoleonic era to the French revolution. The Grand Boulevard on which it is located, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, is lined with theatres, luxury shops and Parisian cafés, and it’s the main route for the Bastille Day parades.

3. Le Louvre

One of the world’s largest and most visited museums, The Louvre is housed in a former 12th century royal palace of the same name. It primarily houses the royal collection that includes ancient Egyptian antiques, Greek, Etruscan and Roman statues, paintings and French masterpieces. Of course, nothing tops the allure of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, which you can see for yourself behind a protective glass enclosure within the museum’s High Renaissance collection.

4. Notre Dame Cathédrale

Travel back in time and relive the gothic setting of the Hunchback of Notre-Dame at this majestic catholic cathedral, which is also among the world’s largest and most famous church buildings. The architecture is one to behold, from flying buttresses to magnificent arches, while mysterious gothic sculptures such as iconic chimera gargoyles pose in contrast to the shimmering stained glass rose windows and majestic pipe organs.

5. Montmartre (Sacré Coeur)

The large hill of Montmarte is home to one of Paris’s major landmarks, the grand Basilica of Sacre Coeur. The white dome of this towering Roman Catholic basilica dominates the skyline, and is in fact the highest point in Paris. While you can’t really use your camera inside, enjoy one of the world’s largest mosaics in its chancel vault with your own eyes; take in the spiritual auras in its meditation garden, then head to the top of the dome to view spectacular panoramas south over Paris.

6. Opéra Garnier

Another famous setting to relive is Paris’s main opera house, Palais Garnier, also known as Opera Garnier, home to the famous Paris Opera Ballet and the The Phantom of the Opera. Behold the impressive façade, filled with various sculptures adorning each of its roof corners, arches and grand pillars. Inside, discover breath-taking painted ceilings and its Grand Foyer with an 18m-high hall filled with giant chandeliers, marble floors and elaborately sculpted columns.

7. Musée d'Orsay

Step into a world of modern French art at this Parisian museum on the left bank of River Seine. It is uniquely housed in a former railway station, retaining much of its station-like structure with an arched skylight roof. Inside are collections of paintings and sculptures, as well as antiques and photographs dating back to the 1800s. French artists include famous names, from Monet to Manet, and Gauguin to Van Gogh. The structure of the museum is a masterpiece on its own!

8. Palais du Luxembourg

Palais du Luxembourg, or ‘The Luxembourg Palace’ is grand historical landmark, where you can witness French 17th century chateau-style architecture from up close, and a scenic walk through a beautiful 25Ha garden known as the Jardin du Luxembourg, or the ‘Luxembourg gardens’. The gardens are dotted with various old statues, a grand fountain, flower patches and an apple and pear orchard that is great to visit in springtime.

9. Les Invalides

This complex of historical buildings comprises a variety of museums and monuments which relate to French military history, and which houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Some members of Napoleon's family and notable French military heroes are also buried at Les Invalides. Open daily, Les Invalides takes you back in time through the dome church, collection of 13th to 17th century weapons and armour, and eras from Louis XIV to Napoleon III.

10. Centre Georges-Pompidou

Also simply known as Centre Pompidou, this complex is famous for its divisive appearance. Looking like a factory turned inside out, with pipes shooting all directions, this is a departure from Paris’s historical landmarks above. Here you can witness modern, high-tech architecture and collections of different forms of art and literature. Inside this large complex you will find the large Public Information Library, the National Museum of Modern Art which is also Europe’s largest, and the centre for music and acoustic research. The top sixth floor of this ultramodern building offers you panoramic views over the city.