If you're thinking about going to Paris, you'll probably want to know the best attractions of the city. There's no shortage of touristy sights, but there are also a few lesser-known gems to see. Many tourists pack the Sacre Coeur and Moulin Rouge areas, but they often skip the more interesting parts of the city, like the Pigalle neighborhood with its old windmills and pedestrian-only lanes. There's also the Musee d'Orsay, a former train station with world-famous Impressionist art. There's a constant stream of visitors, especially during the Van Gogh exhibition, which displays the most famous paintings. Its rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of Paris.
Galerie Vivienne
The Galerie Vivienne is one of the oldest and most popular art galleries in Paris. The building dates back to 1826, when it was founded by a French banker and notary, Marchoux. He bought a hotel particulier on Rue Vivienne, as well as several smaller buildings in the same block. He commissioned architect Francois Jean Delannoy to design the new gallery. The gallery was inaugurated the same year. During its first years, it was home to a variety of shops, including tailor shops, cobblers, a wine shop, a confectioner, and a print-seller.
The Galerie Vivienne is a beautiful, historic building in the 2nd arrondissement. The building is made in Pompeian style, and features a stunning canopy over a rotunda. The interiors of the building are decorated with paintings and mosaics that depict trade scenes. The gallery also features a shop by Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most famous attractions. It offers panoramic views of the city both day and night, and is frequently photographed. You can take an elevator up to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. There are also two fine restaurants atop the tower. These restaurants serve delicious French fare in an elegant environment. At night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles with golden lights.
If you're traveling by foot, you'll want to start at the East or West Pillar. Both have ticket offices, but you can also buy them on the spot or at the South Pillar. You can also buy tickets for the elevators and stairs at the South Pillar. A kiosk and boutique on the West Pillar is also worth a stop.
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is one of the most beautiful sites in Paris and is a popular tourist spot. It offers spectacular views of the Seine River, the Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. The best time to visit is from September to November, when the weather is mild. The area is also known for its historical significance. It was the site of the French Revolution and a number of wars.
The Place de la Concorde is near the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries, and the Rue de Rivoli. It's also home to the Arc de Triomphe, a monument to the soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. Architect Jean-François Chalgrin designed the monument, which features life-size statues representing the battles of Napoleon. The monument also contains a bas-relief depicting departure and victories.
Parc du Champ de Mars
The Parc du Champ de Mars is located near the Eiffel Tower and is a great place to take a walk. You can also take a river cruise down the Seine to see the site from above. If you prefer to spend your time on a more active level, you can take a bike or Segway tour through the park. There are also wheelchair-accessible paths and playgrounds. The park also has a hand-cranked carousel that is fun for children.
The park is also a popular destination during the summer months. It contains many themed gardens, walking paths, fountains, and footbridges. In addition to walking trails, you can also take a picnic. This is also a great place to take in the sights of the Eiffel Tower, which is illuminated at night.
Musee d'Orsay
If you're a lover of impressionist paintings and other 19th-century masterpieces, Musee d'Orsay is the place to be. The museum's collection contains the works of all the major impressionist painters who worked in France. It also has exhibits that feature photography, sculptures, and furniture. From the top balcony of the museum, you can enjoy an impressive view of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
The Musee d'Orsay is located in an elegant former railway station. The building is an exemplary example of art nouveau architecture and houses France's national collection of masterpieces from 1848 to 1914. Here you can find works by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, and many others. You can also view magnificent graphic arts and decorative works.
Musee de la Vie Romantique
Located in the historic district of Paris, Musee de la Vie Romantique was once the home of a Dutch painter, who was a favorite of King Louis Philippe. In the early 1800s, he hosted salons where famous artists gathered. The painter's descendants kept the building and incorporated the name into the museum's name. The museum is free for all to visit.
The Musee de la Vie Romantique, also known as the Museum of the Romantics, is dedicated to the romantic era of the early 19th century in France. Its interior is serene and the museum houses furniture from the era. Exhibits focus on the works of French Romantic writers and their ideas. The museum is housed in an historic 19th century residence, the Hotel Scheffer-Renan, which was previously an artist's studio.
Institut de France
The Institut de France is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Paris. Its collections feature modern art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The museum also has a rooftop restaurant and cinemas. It has more than 1 million visitors a year. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and is free to visit.
The museum's impressive architecture, surrounding gardens, and unique exhibits are top draws for visitors. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid the long lines. However, visitors did complain about the distance from the metro station.