Paris

Paris, the capital city of France, is located along the banks of the Seine River. It is located in the northern parts of the country in a region known as the Il-de-France. Paris is considered a global city and is probably on the list of places to visit by every traveler from around the world. Because of its numerous attractions, both modern and ancient, millions of visitors come to this city every year.

Sights & Activities

Paris is the location of several iconic landmarks such as the Notre Dame de Paris. Situated in the Île de la Cité, this fine example of French Gothic architecture is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris and still offers Roman Catholic services up to the present times. The cathedral’s foundation was laid in 1163 and the cathedral was completed in 1345. The structure bears distinctive sculptures and stained glass windows that visitors come to see year after year.

The city is also the location of another landmark that has become synonymous with France since its construction—the Eiffel Tower. This iron tower is located on the Champ de Mars and was named after its designer, Gustav Eiffel. Visitors who climb up to its top will get to view numerous views of the city.

On the western end of the Champs- Élysées is the Arc de Triomphe, a monument erected in 1806 to commemorate those who died during the Napoleonic Wars. Visitors can climb up the top of the monument and view the cityscape. Beneath the structure is the tomb of the unknown soldier.

The world’s most popular museum is also located in Paris, the Louvre. Located along the northern bank of the Seine, the museum is housed in a structure that used to be a palace. It the present times, it is the repository of priceless works of arts, including paintings. At its entrance is the Louvre Pyramid, designed by I. M. Pei. Laid out in front of the museum is the Tuileries Garden that was established in 1664. This formal garden is ideal for leisurely strolls and quiet walks. On its northwestern corner is the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume, a museum that showcases contemporary artworks.

Still yet another historic structure that is considered an architectural masterpiece is the Palais Garnier, or the Paris Opéra. Constructed in neo-Baroque style, it was inaugurated in 1875 and now has a capacity of more than 2,000 seats. Of particular interest are the marble friezes and statues depicting Greek gods and goddesses. There are also several busts of famous composers situated at the front of the structure.

About a mile north of the opera is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Completed in the early part of the 20th century, this Roman Catholic basilica is set upon the highest point of the city, the butte Montmarte. Described as Romano-Byzantine in style, the structure features bronze statues of Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis IX. Inside the basilica, visitors will be astounded to behold the mosaic entitled Christ in Majesty, considered as one of the largest of its kind in the world. Visitors can also climb to the top of the dome for scenic views of the city. Fronting the structure is a beautiful garden that is ideal for meditation.

Another outdoor attraction that visitors can head out to is the Jardin des Plantes, considered to be the main botanical garden of the country. Situated on the southern bank of Seine and along Quai Saint-Bernard, the garden features numerous decorative plants, an Art Deco wintergarden, several hothouses, and the extensive Rose Garden. It is also the location of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, which displays collections related to natural history. Visitors should also explore the aquarium and small zoo that are right within the garden’s premises.

Weather

Though the city of Paris lie in an area which experiences the least occurrences of rainfall, locals have come to expect rain showers in any day of the year. The coldest months are during January and February, with light snow occasionally making an appearance. Summer is usually warm to hot. Generally, the climate of Paris has been described to be mild, though it also experiences occasional heat and cold waves during the recent years.