L’Île de la Cité is where it all began. It’s the island in the Seine in central Paris where the first settlements were established in 4200 BC. The city really started to develop in the Middle Ages and remnants of medieval Paris are still visible all around this area. The most impressive feature is the stunning Gothic Cathédrale de Notre Dame, which took nearly two centuries to build and was completed in 1345. From the very bottom to the very top, it’s a fascinating building. The crypt has remains of the original medieval part of the building and there are even some foundations from some of the earliest Roman settlements in the city. It’s also possible to climb up the winding staircases of the imposing towers for excellent views all over Paris.
La Tour Eiffel
The iconic symbol of Paris is without doubt the EiffelTower, built to celebrate the 1899 Exposition. It was once the tallest building in the world, and although its record-breaking height has long since been surpassed by other more modern structures in the city, it’s nevertheless an impressive structure and offers the best panorama of the Paris skyline.
L’Arc de Triomphe
Parisian pride and grandeur is really summed up in the mighty Arc de Triomphe building. Standing majestically in the middle of place de l’étoile, with several spokes of wide, sweeping boulevards eminating from it, it’s one of the main focal points of the city. The monumental arch was built by Napoléon in honour of the French Army and the tomb of the unknown soldier lies beneath it with a permanent flame to commemorate those who have died for France in various wars and battles.
More Architecture
Paris is brimming with exquisite architecture and one of the main joys in visiting the city is in discovering another beautiful building at every turn. Some key monuments are the Basilique du Sacré Cœur, a radiant white neo-Byzantine cathedral at the top of the Montmartre hill which can be seen from miles around, and the exuberantly ornate Opéra Garnier, the epitome of Parisian grandeur and style. It’s on place de l’opéra just a short walk from the Louvre and its stupefyingly extravagant interior can be seen by guided tour.
Cemeteries
Paris has several eminent cemeteries where the great and good of France and beyond are buried. The Panthéon is a veritable who’s who of the French literary greats, from Rousseau and Voltaire to Hugo and Zola. The tombs of many famous writers, artists and composers such as Dumas, Stendhal, Degas and Berlioz are held at Montmartre cemetery, while Père Lachaise is probably best known to music lovers as the burial place of Jim Morrison of The Doors. Indeed thousands of fans still make the pilgrimage to his grave. Other notable incumbents here are Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Balzac, Delacroix and Edith Piaf.
