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Paris Attractions
Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris France; Tel. 01.55.37.73.77
A landmark Paris monument, the Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of the circular place Charles de Gaulle, and forms the hub of a 12-spoked avenue grid that radiates from it. Currently dedicated to an unknown soldier, the Arc de Triomphe's origins are much less humble, being commissioned by the power-hungry Napoleon de Bonaparte.
Chateau de Versailles
Versailles France
The former gluttony and extravagance of the French monarchy certainly make for irresistible Paris attractions. A lavish spread with a Hall of Mirrors, Stables and the most opulent guesthouses one could imagine, the Chateau de Versailles is a lesson in luxury and an ostentatious display of colonialism's gilded spoils.
Claude Monet's Garden
rue Claude Monet 27620 , Giverny France
Lily pads, waterfalls and the signature Japanese bridge at this Claude Monet-planted garden about an hour north of Paris inspired the artist to forever immortalize them in swashes of Impressionistic color. Aim for a visit in the Spring, but this Paris area attraction is a must for art fans, especially Monet fans. There is a small gift shop for requisite post cards and paraphernalia. Open daily except Mondays.
Disneyland Paris
Marne-la-Vallée, Paris France; Tel. 01.60.30.60.53
Patterned after Los Angeles' Disneyland, Disneyland Paris (formerly Euro Disney) opened to less-than-rave reviews and lagging crowds, but now this bastion of Americanism in Paris is a popular Paris attraction, especially for visiting families and American tourists looking for an updated, if still faithful, version of the original. With five theme parks, including Fronteirland, Main Street U.S.A., Fantasyland and Walk Disney Studios, Disneyland Paris is a practically a Paris municipality with hotels, restaurants, golf, shops and a massive entertainment center. To avoid long lines, try to visit Disneyland Paris in the off season, from September to June.
Eiffel Tower | Tour de Eiffel
Champ de Mars, Paris France; Tel. 01.44.11.23.23
Finished in 1889 for the International Exhibition of Paris, this trademark icon of the Parisian skyline was at first considered unsightly to natives. Today, however, the Eiffel Tower is a towering symbol of Frenchness and draws tourists looking for the ultimate Parisian view up its height-defying elevators in droves. It's a heady feeling just to look up from the base, but for visitors, the Eiffel Tower is worth seeing from the top (adults can purchase lift tickets for the 1st, 2nd and top floor). Views of the City of Lights at night from the sparklingly lit Eiffel Tower are phenomenal.
Louvre Museum | Musée du Louvre
75058 Paris Cedex 01, Paris France; Tel. 33.01.40.50.50
With more than 800 years of history, including stints as a medieval fortress and a palace to kings, the Louvre is one of the world's most impressive museums. Enter through a glass pyramid, the unlikely but fitting juxtaposition of the archaic and the hyper-modern, to the Louvre's "encyclodepic" collection of art, including works from ancient civilizations all the way to contemporary art in every imaginable medium.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Place du Parvis de Notre-Dame, Paris France; Tel. 01.42.34.56.10
Frightfully-realistic gargolyes in all demonic shapes and sizes gaurd the Notre Dame on all sides and hint at this definitive Paris attraction's long history. Originally commissioned in 1163, the Notre Dame took 200 years to complete. Inside, two stunning, circular stained glass windows fill the cathedral with a brilliantly subdued light and impart a reverent tone. For a hunchback of Notre Dame view of Paris, climb the winding staircase to the top of the Notre Dame Cathedral's bell tower. For a post-climb snack, grab a cafe and crepe at the moderately-priced Choice on Left Bank cafe in the Notre Dame's shadow.
The Catacombs | Les Catacombs
1 Place Denfert-Rochereau, Paris France; Tel. 33.1.43.22.47.36
Mortality is imminent at Paris' eeriest attraction. An underground quarry housing several million skeletons, most of which are under 200 years old, The Catacombs are an underground burial ground and skeletal showcase, not for the clautrophobic, the young or the faint of heart.
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