Paris: My Paris Travel Guide

Paris
My Paris Travel Guide
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Day 1, Monday, September 30 2019
13:00 La Défense, France
13:30 Palais Garnier Opera

House
This grand theatre founded by Louis XIV has opulent
palace-like décor
14:15 Galeries Lafayette

Flagship shopping center for up market goods in gorgeous
building
16:05 Place de la Concorde

Paris' largest square at the end of the Champs-Elysees
17:00 Pont Neuf Bridge

Paris' oldest bridge spanning the Seine and crossing Ile de
la Cite
17:30 Break
19:30 Notre Dame

A historic cathedral on Ile de la Cite known for its Gothic
architecture
20:40 Eiffel Tower

This free-standing iron tower is the ultimate symbol of Paris
22:30 Champ de Mars

A stretch of park running from the Eiffel Tower to Ecole
Militaire
13:30 Palais Garnier Opera House
Visit Duration: 40 mins
The Palais Garnier National Opera House was constructed from 1857 to 1874 and designed by Charles
Garnier. The neo-baroque landmark building is located on Boulevard des Capucines and is named after the
architect in honor of the stunning and opulent architecture. The building was the first home of the Paris Opera
Company and is now also home to the Paris Opera Ballet.
The exquisite building exterior has seven arches on the lower level separated by allegorical figures
representing the arts. On the second level there are seven openings separated by columns with bronze busts
of famous composers. The façade is topped by a central green copper dome. On either side are figures
representing poetry and harmony and topping the dome is a statue of Apollo. Inside there are interconnecting
corridors and staircases leading up to different levels. The décor is in rich velvet, there are sumptuous
sculptures of cherubs and nymphs as well as plenty of gold leaf. The breathtaking Grand Foyer has a ceiling
mural painted by Paul-Jacques-Aime Baudry and large chandeliers the length of the 154 meter long room.
Leading up to the Grand Foyer is the Grand Staircase of white marble with a balustrade of green and red Address: Pl. de l'Opéra 9e, Opéra/Grands
marble. On pedestals along the staircase there are female figures and above the staircase is another ceiling Boulevards, Paris
canvases painted with Greek mythological figures. The opulence continues in the auditorium which is a Website: http://www.operadeparis.fr
traditional Italian horseshoe-shape, seating 1,979 and facing a proscenium arch stage. A large chandelier Metro Station: Opéra
hangs in the middle of the ceiling surrounded by paintings by Marc Chagall. Each element of the Opera Area: Les Grands Boulevards
Admission: Adult €11
House has been perfected.
Opening Hours: Oct-June 10am-4:30pm,
The Paris Opera also houses the Paris Opera Library-Museum (Bibliotheque-Musee de l’Opera July-Sept 10am-5:30pm
de Paris). It is possible to visit the Opera House to see a performance or to tour the building.
When you visit on a tour you have access to the public areas, grand Foyer, Grand Staircase,
the Opera Library-Museum, permanent collections, set models, art work and if there is no
performance or rehearsal in progress you may get to see the auditorium as well. There are
themed tours as well as self-guided audio tours.
14:15 Galeries Lafayette
Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins
0.4 KM, 6 minutes walking from Palais Garnier Opera House
Galeries Lafayette (Paris) began as a men’s clothing and accessory store in 1893 and has become a
10-story department store stuffed with clothing, toys, household goods and cafés for everyone to shop. The
name of the store originated from the original street name, Rue La Fayette. With more than one store in Paris,
Galeries Lafayette Paris, the main store is located in the 9th District of Paris, at the intersection of rue la
Fayette and Boulevard Haussmann. The iconic steel-domed roof inlaid with Art Noveau stained glass
simulating a Tiffany Lampshade is easily identifiable from a distance. The addition of the dome was a
response to their greatest competitors who had installed domes on their stores. It was as much about artistic
styling as it was about bragging quietly about your success. Over the years, the interior has been redecorated
and modified to reflect the addition of space from purchases of the neighboring buildings. The last major
restyling of the store was done by an architect who loved the layout of bazaars in the Middle East. Each wing
of the departments returns to the balcony overlooking the mezzanine floor. The balconies were recently
Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris,
gold-leafed with over 300,000 pieces of gold. The main building focuses on clothes for women and children
France
and a wedding boutique. If you walk through the covered passageway to the Homme, you will find men’s
Opening Hours: 9:30 - 20:00, Thu - 9:30 - 21:00,
wear and accessories as well as gourmet foods and shops. Across the street, is the Galeries de Lafayette
closed on Sun Phone: 33 1 42 82 34 56
Paris “Maison” store with designer home furnishings. On the 7th floor every Friday afternoon, there is a free
Metro: Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette
fashion show. If you prefer, the store will provide you with a personal shopper at no charge.
16:05 Place de la Concorde
1.5 KM, 19 minutes walking from Galeries Lafayette
The Place de la Concorde (Paris) is located at the very beginning of the Champs-Élysées avenue and is an
important site in Paris landmarks and attractions list. It was once named after Louis the 15th and is now one
of the major touristic squares in Paris. As it happens, Place de la Concorde Paris is also the largest square in
the French capital. It was Muhammad Ali, viceroy and pasha of Egypt, who took the impressive 3300-year-old
obelisk from the temple of Ramses at Thebes and gave it as a present to France in 1831.
But even before the obelisk was placed in the Place de la Concorde, Paris most visited square was quite
famous when it became the Place de la Révolution (The Square of the revolution), where Louis the 15th,
Marie-Antoinette, and some 2,500 others lost their heads to the guillotine in the late 18th century.
Notice the nice 18th-century buildings facing the Place de la Concorde, one of them is the Hôtel Crillon which
was originally built by Gabriel, architect of Versailles's Petit Trianon as a private home. Take your time to
stroll around the square and watch the nice female statues placed in the corners of the square. These
Address: Place de la Concorde, Paris
statuses represent the eight largest cities in France.
Metro Station: Concorde
Area: Around the Louvre
17:00 Pont Neuf Bridge / Pont Neuf
1.7 KM, 23 minutes walking from Place de la Concorde
The Pont Neuf Bridge, the New Bridge, with its sparkling-white stone, is actually Paris oldest standing bridge
built in 1578 to connect the right bank with the left from the 1st to 6th arrondissements. The stone structure
was considered radical from an architectural point of view when it was built. As it happens, Pont Neuf Bridge
is also featuring one of Europe’s earliest pedestrian sidewalks. It is a popular road for strolls even today when
no tourist should be allowed to miss the view of Notre-Dame de Paris or the Eiffel Tower while standing in the
middle of the bridge. The tip edge of the island is Square du Vert-Galant, named after Henry the forth (was
called the green gallant). The seven arches on which the Pont Neuf Bridge is built are decorated with figures.
The bridge is actually composed of two separate parts - one of five arches connects the left bank to the Île de
la Cité while the other seven arches connects the island to the right bank.
17:30 Break
Visit Duration: 2 hours
1.0 KM, 13 minutes walking from Pont Neuf Bridge
19:30 Notre Dame / Notre Dame de Paris
On Monday, April 15, 2019, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was ravaged by a fire.
Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris: "Our Lady, our dear cathedral, witness of so many major events in our country, was
destroyed by a frightful fire after so long resisted the vicissitudes of its history. France cries and with her all her friends from all
over the world. She is touched to the heart because her stones are the testimony of an invincible hope which, by the talent, the
courage, the genius and the faith of the builders, raised this luminous lace of stones, wood and glass. This faith remains ours. It
is she who moves the mountains and we will rebuild this masterpiece. "
Many Parisians and tourists alike consider this place to be one of Paris top 10 attractions alongside the Holy Chapel , the Eiffel
Tower , The Louvre Museum and others.
The Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris), the most visited site in Paris (10 million tourists each year), lies in the true heart of Paris and
by some even of entire France. With so many people visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris unforgettable setting on the
Seine, it has always been one of Paris top attractions. The Notre Dame Cathedral Paris is not only a Gothic architecture
masterpiece but a site which was also the focus of Catholic Paris for 700 years. Although the cathedral is not France's oldest or Address: Pl. du Parvis, Paris
largest cathedral, it has very little completion in beauty and architectural harmony. Phone Number: (01) 4234-5610
The work on the cathedral started on 1163 by Maurice de Sully, who was the bishop of Paris at the time. It took 182 years to Admission: Free
complete this building in the summer of 1345. As Paris has changed , Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris) also changed and grown Opening Hours: 7:45am-6:45pm
over the years trying to fit into the rapid changes Paris went through. At some point, the cathedral was already scheduled for Website: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr
deconstruction. It was mostly due to the incredible popularity of the book Hunchback of Notre-Dame(by Victor Hugo's) which Metro Station: Cité
restored the interest in the Gothic period, the cathedral was stayed untouched while eventually restoring its original glory. In the
middle of the nineteenth century, after it was severely damaged during the French Revolution, the world famous Architect
Viollet-le-Duc was placed in charge of the renovations.
The Notra Dame cathedral is practically huge, The interior alone is 425 foot long, 150 foot wide and 115 foot high. It can
practically host 5000 worshippers at a given pray. Some if its exceptional structures include the spectacular rose windows. Pay
special notice to the 30 foot wide one rising above the huge pipe organ. Also notice the beautiful window to the north, which has
remained untouched for the last 700 years!
Although its stunning interior, you may feel that for the Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris makes it more interesting from the outside.
To fully appreciate the architecture you should spend some time walking all around it. Probably the best view of the Notre Dame
de Paris is from square Jean XXIII. If you have time, visit again the Notre-Dame at sunset.
The entrance to the twin towers immortalized by Victor Hugo, rising to a height of 220 foot is from the North Tower. There are
420 spiraling stairs that will eventually bring you all the way up where you will find the cathedral most frightening statues in a
very close range. The South Tower will reveal a spectacular view of Paris.
There are free 90 minutes guided tours of the cathedral in English at noon on Wednesday, at 2pm on Thursday and at 2.30pm
on Saturday.
20:40 Eiffel Tower / Tour Eiffel
5.0 KM, 25 minutes by transit from Notre Dame
The Eiffel Tower, one of the must sees in Paris, can't be missed from any spot while walking around in the
city. It was built by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel which was already famous at the time for building
bridges. He spent several years building the Eiffel Tower as a monument for the World Exhibition in 1889.
Although today, it is without doubt one of the most recognizable monuments in Europe, one that can be
compared to the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Big Ben is London and the Taj Mahal in India, it was not
supposed to be permanent when it was first introduced. After the Eiffel Tower was built, it faced a lot of
criticism from Paris artistic and literary elite. The fact is, that the tower was almost torn down sometime in
1909 while the only reason it was eventually kept was due to its ability to provide a perfect platform for
transmitting antennas.
Slowly, the Eiffel Tower became a permanent part of Paris view, settling in the hearts of Parisians as the
symbol of Paris providing it with the most beautiful and famous skyline during the evening.
Address: Quai Branly, Trocadéro/Tour Eiffel,
It is possible to climb up the stairs as far as the third floor. Going up to the top though is possible only using
Paris
the elevator. From the top of the Eiffel Tower, Paris at 1,050 ft (320 meters) is very romantic, especially in the
Phone Number: (01) 4411-2323
evening.
Admission: €7-€17
You can reserve your ticket or book a guided tour online which will skip the lines as well.
Opening Hours: June-August 9am-00:45am,
Sept.-June 9:30am-11pm
Website: http://www.tour-eiffel.fr
22:30 Champ de Mars
0.4 KM, 6 minutes walking from Eiffel Tower
The Champ de Mars, Paris (in English – "Field of Mars") is a large public green park, one of the nicest parks
in Paris for families, located just between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire . The grassy field with lines
of trees crossing it was originally created to host parades of the French Military Academy. Today, the Champ
de Mars park is one of the best spots in Paris for picnics or just for hanging out. It is even allowed to walk on
the grass itself which is very unusual for Paris. While there is also a playground for kids at the Champ de
Mars, Paris may have other kids attractions you want to look at if travelling as a family.
Address: Champ de Mars, Paris Metro Stations:

École Militair
Admission: Free
Day 2, Tuesday, October 1 2019
09:35 Picasso Museum

The work of Picasso is displayed in a 17th century mansion
09:35 Picasso Museum / Musee Picasso
The Picasso Museum (Paris), Musee Picasso, one of the most visited art museums in Paris and definitely a
must visit for any Picasso fans everywhere, is located in Hôtel Salé which could be considered as one of the
most significant private homes in Paris. The Picasso Museum holds an impressive collection of Picasso’s
3500 works including drawings, paintings, sculpture works and ceramics that represent the changes he went
through over the years starting from the Blue Period and up to the Surrealism. The Picasso museum in Paris
also holds a private collection that Picasso owned and by which he was influenced with paintings made by
Cezanne, Braque, and more. Although this museum does not hold many of his most famous paintings, it does
represent the entire span of his working style in such details that you cannot find anywhere else.
The Picasso museum (Paris) was closed in August 2009 for a top-to-bottom overhaul and should be open
again in the summer of 2013. It is recommended you check the schedule before you go.
Address: 5 rue de Thorigny, Marais, Paris

Phone Number: +33 1 85 56 00 36
Admission: €12.5
Opening Hours: Tue–Fri 10.30am–6pm, Sat-Sun
9.30am–6pm
Website: http://www.musee-picasso.fr
Day 3, Wednesday, October 2 2019
09:25 Louvre Museum

One of the finest and largest art museums in the world
16:35 Tuileries Gardens

Former garden of the Tuileries Palace created in 1564 and
now a park
17:30 Arc de Triomphe

An iconic Paris site which is the world's biggest and tallest
triumphal arch
09:25 Louvre Museum / Musee du Louvre
At the top of Paris top 10 attractions, The Louvre Museum (Paris) is in fact the largest art museum in the world and the home for
one of the finest art collections anywhere to be seen including two of the most famous painted woman - the Mona Lisa and
Venus de Milo just to name two out of the 30,000 exhibits displayed in the Louvre Museum.
The Louvre Paris was originally built as a fortress around year 1200 and was reconstructed again around 1650 for the personal
use of the king. It was in 1793 that the French revolutionists have decided that this should become French’s first national
museum.
Carefully planning of the tour in the Louvre Museum is important and will help you make the most out of it rather than making
your way through the crowds, coming out tired and most probably disappointed. Remember that this gigantic museum stretches
for almost half a mile (750 meters). Our best advice for the first time visitor would be – decide upfront what are the works that
you must see, go for those and then settle in one of the sections for a pleasant stroll through the works of art and historical
artifacts.
It was François the first and Louis the 14th who purchased most of these paintings and sculptures while the rest were
contributed or purchased (and in many cases simply taken) by Napoleon later to be returned to the original owner’s family.
The most famous smile in the world, better known as the Mona Lisa, was ordered by François I from Leonardo the Vinci. It
Address: Palais du Louvre, Louvre/Tuileries,
gained most of glory after it was stolen in 1911 by a Louvre employee, who simply left the building with the painting under his
Paris
coat.
Phone Number: (01) 4020-5317
The entrance to the Louvre Museum Paris is a glass pyramid, one of the city's most distinct symbols and what has become a
Admission: €15
tourist attraction by itself as no photo album of Paris seems to be complete without it. Notice the contrast between the modern
Opening Hours: Mon,Thurs,Sat,Sun 9am-6pm /
glass structure and the classic interiors and how well the natural light flows in through the huge geometrically designed glass.
Wed, Fri 9am-9:45pm
There are seven sub-galleries in the Louvre Museum distinctly defined by their content. The first hold some of the most
Website: http://www.louvre.fr Metro Stattion:
important antiques from the ancient Egyptian world. The second is dedicated to Antiquities from the far-east. The third part of
Palais-Royal, Musée du Louvre
the Louvre Museum (Paris) is devoted to the Greek and Roman period while the forth is focused on all kind of Sculpture. Fifth
and the most visited hold many famous paintings while the sixth is dedicated to the Decorative Arts. The seventh and last is all
about Graphic Arts.
Some of the famous antiques are the Seated Scribe which can be found in the Sully wing, room 22, 1st floor, Venus de Milo
which is located in room 7, in the ground floor, of the Denon Wing, the Code of Hammurabi in room 3, ground floor, Richelieu
Wing and the famous Winged Victory of Samothrace which is located just opposite of room 1 in 1st floor at the Denon Wing.
The Denon wing of the Louvre Museum hosts many of the famous art treasures such as The Dying Slave by Michelangelo
located in the ground floor at Michelangelo Gallery and some of the works of Raphael such as Botticelli and Titian. Other works
in this wing includes the French masterpieces such as The Raft of the Medusa by Géricault’s in room 77, 1st floor.
The Louvre Museum Paris is famous not only for its art but unfortunately also for the long line you have to stand in before you
get a chance to see anything. Skipping this line can be done with the planning as you can order tickets by mail though
http://louvre.fnacspectacles.com or. 08-92-68-46-94. You can also pick up the tickets at any FNAC branch.
16:35 Tuileries Gardens / Jardin des Tuileries
0.9 KM, 12 minutes walking from Louvre Museum
The spectacular Tuileries Gardens (Paris), Jardin des Tuileries can be found just between the Louvre and the
Place de la Concorde. It was designed in 1564 by Catherine de Medicis as a garden for the Tuileries Palace
(for Louis XIV). The Tuileries Gardens are probably the most French garden you could find all across Paris,
with fine rows of trees and well-formed paths. The garden has opened its gates for everyone to stroll in, back
in 1667 but it only became a public park after the French Revolution. It was once the place to see and be
seen in Paris and as of today, it is the place where locals meet to enjoy a nice afternoon walk or just relax.
The Tuileries Gardens Paris takes its name from the fact that this area was once populated with rood tiles
factories, made in a special oven called tuileries. The Tuileries Gardens were well documented by many
impressionists’ painters such as Monet and Renoir which seems to love the lively colors reflected by the
many flowers, grass and water.
There are also huge 18 bronzes statues in the Tuileries Gardens created by Maillol.
Address: Bordered by Quai des Tuileries, Pl. de
If you happen to be here in the summer (July and August), make sure you are taking a Ferris wheel ride to
la Concorde, Rue de Rivoli, and the Louvre, Paris
see the lovely views of the traditional funfair (www.feteforaine-jardindestuileries.com) which takes places just
Phone Number: (01)-4020-9043
besides Rue de Rivoli.
Admission:
Opening Hours: September-March
7:30am-7:30pm, April-September 7am-9pm,
June-August 7am-11pm
Metro Station: Tuileries or Concorde
Location: Near the Louvre
17:30 Arc de Triomphe
3.4 KM, 12 minutes by transit from Tuileries Gardens
One of the most popular attractions in Paris, Inspired by Rome's Arch of Titus, the Arc de Triomphe is located
in Paris in the world’s largest traffic roundabout and is the biggest and tallest triumphal arch in the world -
about 49 meters (161 ft.) high and 44 meters (144 ft.) wide. Arc de Triomphe (Paris) is located 2 kilometers
northwest from the place de la Concorde in the middle of the well know and extremely busy "Place Charles
de Gaulle" (or better known to Parisians as “Place de l’Étoile”). This 161 foot triumphal arch was
commissioned by Napoléon in 1806 to honor his imperial victories but it is only 20 years after he died that the
Arc de Triomphe was finished, in 1836.
Some important events took place under the great Arc de Triomphe. The greatest state funeral, for one, was
of Victor Hugo. His coffin was placed in 1885 here while many Parisians came to place their last respect. On
the other hand, some of France most humiliating moments are also related to this place, notably in 1871 and
1940. The sights of German troops walking under the arch are not to be forgotten by the French people. Address: Pl. Charles-de-Gaulle,
Important tip – do not cross the square in order to reach it as this is Paris's busiest traffic circuit and this is Champs-Élysées, Paris
either dangerous or practically impossible. Instead, use the easily accessible underground passage. Phone Number: (01) 55377377
Admission: €12
It is well worth climbing the stairs to the top of the arch from which you can see the 12 radiating avenues that
Opening Hours: April-Sept. 10am-11pm,
goes in and out of the circuit. You can view across the Champs-Élysées from the Arc all the way to the Place
Oct-March 10am-10:30pm
de la Concorde and the further away Musée du Louvre (the Louvre Museum).
Website:
Before you leave, take a closer look at the Arc as it is also well known for its magnificent sculptures by http://www.arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr
François Rude. Pay a special notice to The Departure of the Volunteer, to the right of the arch when viewed Metro Station: Étoile
from the Champs-Élysées.
Day 4, Thursday, October 3 2019
09:30 Orsay Museum

Housed in a 1900 Beaux-art station building it holds famous
art works
15:00 Holy Chapel

The 13th century Gothic Sainte-Chapelle has stunning
stained glass
16:45 Pont des Arts

Pedestrian bridge across the Seine that serves as a popular
picnic spot and art exhibition venue
17:20 Royal Palace

Grand royal home and Cardinal Richelieu's residence in the
1600s
09:30 Orsay Museum / Musee d'Orsay
Visit Duration: 5 hours, 10 mins
The Orsay Museum is the second visited museum in Paris and should be payed a visit even if you have to miss all other
museums in Paris after the Louvre. Opened in 1986, facing the Seine, the Orsay Museum (Paris) is a beautiful renovated
former train station which holds the world-famous collection of Impressionist and Postimpressionist France’s national collection
of art, created in the years 1848 to 1914. It has all the famous names but also all the less known styles such as the symbolists,
the nabis, the pointillists, and realists.
Start your visit in the Orsay Museum at the upper level where you will first notice that as a monument to the Industrial
Revolution, the building had a glass roof allowing natural light to flow in. In the third floor you will see all the famous
Impressionist paintings by Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Manet and also some post-Impressionist works by Cézanne, Van Gogh an
more.
Probably the most famous painting in this floor was painted by Manet in 1863 and is called - “a Picnic on the Grass”. Degas is
naturally also represented here with his paintings of ballet dancers. Renoir's famous painting, the Moulin de la Galette is also
here. Monet, who was fascinated by the effect of changing light, brought on Rouen Cathédrale to life in a series of five paintings
which can be found in the Museum’s third floor. Don't miss the views from the balcony of the Sacré-Coeur which inspired many
Address: 1 rue de la Légion d'Honneur,
of the Impressionists.
St-Germain-des-Prés, Paris
The second floor of the Orsay Museum Paris has art nouveau rooms in which you can see an impressive collection of
Phone Number: (01) 4049-4814
sculptures, furniture and other decorative objects. Some of the rare objects created by Guimard are here as well as works by
Admission: €14
Tiffany and Lalique. In this floor you can also find what many will consider as the highlight of the museum as the works of some
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-6pm,
of the more important postimpressionist artists such van Gogh and Gauguin.
Thurs. 9:30am-9:45pm
In the ground floor you can see some of the early and arguably the less famous works by Manet, Cézanne, Delacroix and
Website: http://www.musee-orsay.fr
Ingres as well as some less famous but still important academic painters from which you can learn more on the atmosphere of
Metro Stattion: Solférino
the period and also more experimental works by Moreau.
You can join one of the English tours of the Orsay Museum Paris which are 90 minutes long and include an overview of the
‘Masterpieces of the Musée d’Orsay’.
After 4.15pm (6pm on Thursday) you can get with a reduced entrance fee (€5.50). You can also save €2 if you get a combined
€12 ticket that will get you also into Musée Rodin but only on the same day. The d'Orsay is closed Monday
Keep in mind that there is an extremely long line here (even in Paris standards) so you may want to buy your ticket online
unless you already have a Museum Pass. If you do get the ticket earlier, go directly to entrance C. Note that on Thursdays the
museum is open until 9:45 pm and during these times you will find it much less crowded.
15:00 Holy Chapel / Sainte Chapelle
1.6 KM, 22 minutes walking from Orsay Museum
The Holy Chapel (Paris) in French - La Sainte Chapelle, was built by King Louis IX to host the remains of the
True Cross, including the original Crown of Thorns which was purchased from the emperor of Constantinople.
Today the Holy Chapel Paris is considered among the highest achievements of the Rayonnant period of
Gothic architecture and is the only surviving building of the Capetian Royal Palace on the Île de la Cité .
This truly amazing architectural treasure owns the oldest stained-glass windows in France. To truly
experience the effect of the Holy Chapel try to visit it when the sun is shining - 65 hundreds square feet of
stained glass that stands above painted stonework of 1130 biblical figures appears to let the colorful light flow
through the windows.
Although heavily damaged during the French revolution and later restored during the 19th century, the Holy
Chapel retains one of the most extensive collections of 13th century stained glass anywhere in the world.
Plan to visit on a sunny weekday morning when near the Holy Chapel, Paris is still quiet and you can avoid
Address: 4 bd. du Palais, Paris
the long lines and fully admire the effect of the light.
Phone Number: (01) 5340-6097
Admission: €10
Opening Hours: January-March 9am-5pm,
April-September 9am-7pm, October-December
9am-5pm
Website:
http://www.sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr
Metro Station: Cité
Area: The Islands
16:45 Pont des Arts
1.0 KM, 12 minutes walking from Holy Chapel
The Pont des Arts is perhaps best known as a romantic location for lovers, who in previous years would carry
out the tradition of attaching a lock to its iron frame and throwing the key into the river as a symbol of eternal
devotion. However, due to damage to the structure of this magnificent cast iron bridge, the authorities
removed all the locks in 2015 and banned the placement of any new ones. The Pont des Arts nevertheless
maintains its reputation as one of the most romantic settings in Paris, offering exquisite views of the cityscape
and the River Seine below. The best time to cross the bridge is at dusk, when the city lights begin to shimmer.
The Pont des Arts connects two of the city’s most prominent attractions, which makes crossing worth your
while. These are the Institut de France at the Quai de Conti and the Louvre Museum at the Quai des
Tuileries. The bridge has an interesting history dating back to the early 19 th century when it was
commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, who wished to see a garden suspended over the Seine and tasked Address: Pont des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
local engineers with constructing the first cast iron bridge in the city. The design was modeled partly on the
world’s first cast iron bridge in England, which had been built just a few years before. Today the bridge is a
major landmark and the subject of countless artists’ and photographers’ works. It is also an ideal place for an
afternoon picnic. Just grab one of the scenic benches and enjoy the views.
17:20 Royal Palace / Palais Royal
0.7 KM, 9 minutes walking from Pont des Arts
The Royal Palace (Paris) (Built through 1624 to 1629) was built by Cardinal Richelieu who handed it over to
Louis XIII's. The Royal Palace shortly hosted the young Louis XIV in the 1640s who lived here with his
mother, Anne. The Palace today hosts the governmental State Council and is unfortunately closed to the
public.
In the center of the Royal Palace Paris, you will be able to visit though the lovely Jardin du Palais Royal,
perhaps the most romantic and quiet of Paris gardens, which is a 21-hectare park with two passageways that
has some fashion shops, art galleries and jewelers. One of the city's oldest restaurants is also in the Royal
Palace -the haute-cuisine Le Grand Véfour where some famous figures like Napoléon and Victor Hugo used
to sit.
Don't leave before visiting the main courtyard. You can find there what seems to be a strange collection of
black and white pillars. The creation of these columns started in 1986 by the artist Daniel Buren but it was
Address: Pl. du Palais-Royal, Louvre/Tuileries,
stop not long after that due to criticism of Parisians. Only after the intervention of the Ministry of Culture in
Paris
1995 the construction of this work of art was completed.
Opening Hours: Oct.-March 7.30am-8.30pm,
April-May 7am-10.15pm, June-August: 7am-11pm.
Sept. 7am-9.30pm
Day 5, Friday, October 4 2019
09:30 Montmartre District

The picturesque hill top neighborhood where artists and
philosophers would meet
11:00 Sacre Coeur Basilica

An iconic landmark this white domed cathedral is on Butte
Montmartre
12:35 Place du Tertre

This public square is known for its many street artists
14:35 Catacombs
Ancient man-made underground burial chambers
17:05 Moulin Rouge

The ultimate French cabaret venue where the can-can was
born
09:30 Montmartre District / Montmartre
The Montmartre District of Paris has long been known as the district of the arts. In the case of this district, arts
include painters, sculptors, singers and dancers both dead and alive.Unless you are staying in one of rental
apartments or small hotels in the district, prepare to climb steps. There is an alternative funicular railway from
the center of landing you in front of the Sacre-Couer – Sacred Heart Basilica – from there you are on foot.
With interesting alleyways, intimate cafés and quaint shops, Montmartre is a series of secret cubbyholes with
charming homes, apartments, balconies connected by climbing something. Visiting the graves of the famous
prior residents of the 18th District, you enter the Montmartre Cemetery from the Avenue Rachel where the
roadway dips into the crater of an abandoned quarry. Here lies Degas, cancan dancer la Goulue and
Egyptian singer, Dalida whose bust you may have seen when arriving in the district lying quietly beneath the
Rue Caulaincourt viaduct. Throughout Montmartre, there are sidewalk cafés and museums for art lovers. The
Salvador Dali museum and Jewish Museum are both in this district. For those who wish to take a break from
walking, local artists offer art workshops for children and adults and adults are welcomed at one of the French
cooking classes offered nearby. Montmartre was originally the vineyards of the abysses for France. Many of
the remnants are open to visitors. Once you are “child-free”, end the night in the Pigalle, the red light district,
with dinner and one of the most spectacular shows in all Paris. You’ll recognize the theater at a distant
because it is a red windmill building – thus, the name – Moulin Rouge.
11:00 Sacre Coeur Basilica / Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Montmartre District
While some of Paris residents like it more than others, the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris, devoted to the
sacred heart of Jesus (the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris) is one of Paris's most beloved tourist
attractions.
Read on other Paris Religious Sites:
The Holy Chapel

Madeleine Church
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Sacre Coeur is a church and a basilica, located in the top of the Montmartre which is also the highest
point in the entire city. The Sacre Coeur Basilica (Paris) is not as old as it looks. Paul Adabie designed the Address: Pl. du Parvis-du-Sacré-Coeur,
basilica on the late 19th century and the constructions ended several years into the 20th century. It was built Montmartre, Paris Phone: (01) 53418900
to recognize the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Admission: Free
Step inside the Sacre Coeur Basilica to enjoy the lovely decorations and mosaics on the walls, the metal Opening Hours: Basilica 6am-10:30pm, Dome
doors, the windows (all broken in 1944 and restored since) as well on the ceiling. The mosaic above the choir and Crypt October-April 9am-5pm, May-Sept.
is considered one of the largest golden mosaics in Europe. Look for the "La Savoyarde" - the 19 tons bell 8:30am-8pm.
which makes it one of the heaviest in the world. Website: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
The climb up to the gallery in the inner dome (271 foot high) is well worth the effort as the view is simply Metro Station: Anvers, plus funicular, Jules
Joffrin plus Montmartrobus.
stunning. However, if you choose not to climb, you can still admire the view while standing on the front stairs
of the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
At the bottom of the hill you will find some amusements for kids which may also enjoy the ride in the small
cables train up the hill.
Try to pay the visit either in the morning (early) or evening (also early) and try to avoid visiting on a Sunday as
it may become quite busy then.
12:35 Place du Tertre
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Sacre Coeur Basilica
Renoir, Dali and Van Gogh lived in their artist apartments, frequented the back alley cafés and honed their
skills as artists in the town square - Place du Tetre - offering to do portraits of visitors to the district. Every
inch of allowable space contains an artist, supplies, samples and canvases of every imaginable art form.
Those artists that are not asking you if they may do your portrait, are legitimate, authorized artists. The rest
are of the pirate class and are most likely to scalp you price-wise and produce an inferior piece. You cannot
help but notice the works of art hanging on ropes, easels, display cloths, and even from trees. Some are
beautiful and some are quirky. Some are originals and some are prints of the originals. Be careful before you
buy. You are allowed to haggle for the best prices. And remember, many amateur arts fan have returned
home with a print. The square embraces a small park framed by the Basilica on one side and small stores,
apartments and street cafés on the rest. One of the little shops is actually the Montmartre Cultural Center aka
Espace Montmartre which has a permanent exhibit of Dali. In a small alcove off the square, is a café and
Address: Place du Tretre, Paris
flower shop honoring the children’s postcard artist Poulbot. After WWII, when the artist was held as a prisoner
Opening Hours: 24/7
of war by the Germans, he established this café, flower shop and postcard center to help feed the hungry
Admission: Free
children in Paris. His family continues the mission today. The café is one of many that offers a quiet place for
a cup of coffee or cold beverage while you people watch.
14:35 Catacombs / Les Catacombs
10.3 KM, 30 minutes by transit from Place du Tertre
This ossuary which is now known as The Catacombes (Paris) is basically a gigantic, creepy underground
cemetery (65 foot, 130 steps under the street level) that was built in the late 18th century and became a
tourist attraction on a small scale a 100 years later. It between, it has been opened to the public since 1874.
After going down you will follow a mile long of underground tunnels in which the bones and skulls of millions
of former Parisians are stacked. During World War II, these corridors of the Catacombs (Paris) were used as
the headquarters of the French Resistance. The tour at this "kingdom of skeletons" starts in a small building
located in the center of a small park. When you finish the route, you will exit at the rue Remy Dumoncel.
Note that the floor can be slippery so it is advised to wear appropriate shoes.
Remember that if it gets too creepy while you are in the Catacombs, Paris is still out there and is very much
alive.
Address: 1 Ave. du Colonel Henry Roi-Tanguy,
Montparnasse, Paris
Phone Number: (01) 4322-4763
Admission: €13-€17
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am-8:30pm
Website: http://www.catacombes-de-paris.fr
Metro Station: Métro
17:05 Moulin Rouge
Visit Duration: 1 hour
9.4 KM, 29 minutes by transit from Catacombs
The Moulin Rouge (Red mill) is an iconic cabaret theatre in Paris, the distinctive red windmill protrudes above
the theatre roof on Boulevard de Clichy in the Pigalle District. the venue first opened its doors in 1889 as a
music hall and as the owners, Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, predicted it soon became a "the first palace of
women." The cabaret shows of the Moulin Rouge feature tall, beautiful women who show off their long legs
and exposed breasts in classy elaborate costumes. In the early days the music hall had a reputation as a
place for vulgar men to gape at women with loose morals but as time went by the venue gained a reputation
as an exclusive, typically Parisian extravaganza. It was here that the Can-Can dance was born and to this
day it is one of the highlights of the show. In the late 1800s Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec immortalized Moulin
Rouge in a number of his posters.
Image By: Steve
Image Source:
With the venue's new cleaned-up image it attracted a more refined clientele which came to enjoy the now http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moulin_rouge_at_midnight.jpg
iconic Can-Can dance which the dancing girls had perfected. Today visitors to the Moulin Rouge enter along
a red carpet into the large auditorium where they sit around small tables facing a wide stage with a lush red
velvet curtain. Visitors can choose to enjoy a meal or a bottle of champagne as they watch the show.
More than 100 performers participate in the show each night, in over 1,000 costumes adorned with feathers,
rhinestones, glitter and sequins. There are large elaborate sets, performances by acrobats, singers and of
course the core of the show is the dancing girls. Although there are other similar cabarets in Paris like the
Crazy Horse and Le Lido de Paris the Moulin Rouge remains the original, iconic, classic Paris cabaret.
Day 6, Saturday, October 5 2019
09:35 Palace of Versailles

Equisite palace where Louis XIV lived and treaties were
signed in the Hall of Mirrors
14:35 Break
19:00 Pompidou Center

A modern cultural center and art gallery with unique
architecture
09:35 Palace of Versailles / Château de Versailles
Less than 30 minutes from Paris is the Palace of Versailles, one of the few monarch homes your can tour fully - an amazingly
conserved estate with impressive French gardens and a Palace.
The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles Paris is not a single building. Instead, the estate includes the main Palace, the Grand Trianon,
Marie-Antoinett's Estate and the 1700-acre Versailles Garden. The Chateau contains 700 individual rooms each more
spectacular and lavish than the next. The 23-kt gold leaf on woven silk wall coverings and framing exquisitely painted ceiling
panels, smothering statues and sculptures, encasing lamps, trimming chandeliers and forming platters, bowls, and assortments
of serving dishes speaks of how few ways the extremely rich could invest their money.
The Rooms most often discussed are the Hall of Mirrors leading to the King's Apartments. It is spectacular. The 239.5-foot long
by 34.4-foot wide corridor is dripping with chandeliers overburdened with hand-cut crystals hanging from the 40 foot high arched
ceiling. The 357 hand made Venetian Mirrors inlayed into the 17 arched windows and the balance of the 578 mirrors creating
the mirrored wall opposite the garden doors allow for even the smallest movement to be seen from anywhere in the hall. Since
this hall was especially for gathering the royal court together for official occasions, any intrigue among the dissidents could be
Address: 78000 Versailles, France Phone:
seen and reported to the King.
01-3083-7800
Admission: €7.50-€27
Grand Trianon
Website: http://en.chateauversailles.fr
This is a simpler palace on the estate, which Louis XIV built for himself and his mistress to live in and avoid the artificial
Opening Hours: The Palace is open every day
etiquette necessary at the Chateau. It soon became the private Royal Family quarters when Louis XIV moved his family into the
except Mondays from 9am, but the Etate of
Palace of Versailles Paris. The current decorations reflects the taste of Emperor Napoleon's wife with bubble gum pink walls
Trianon and the Coach Gallery open in the
and gold-leaf head and foot boards enunciating the emblazoned motif with cherubs watching over the sleeping royal.
afternoon.
Marie-Antoinette's Estate within the Versailles Estate

Marie-Antoinette's Estate consists of her palace aka the Petit Trianon, her farm, her own theater, her own hamlet, her mill and
the Temple of Love where she and Louis would meet in private in a sheltered garden. There is a separate gated entry to her
private estate and this is where she gave birth to her son. The gardens are much more intimate but the elegance of the rooms is
in keeping with the glamour found in the other palaces.
The Palace of Versailles (Paris) Gardens

There is no way to get from the main palace to the Grand Trianon or the Petit Trianon without accessing the gardens. The
fountains and statutes dotting the landscape accentuate the abundance of trees and potted flowers that are changed daily to
present the freshest blooms and lavish perfumes as you pass by.
Passes to Versailles
There are three types of entry passes available. The least expensive is the half-day pass, the next is a full day pass; but the one
for those who plan to spend more than a day at Versailles, is the Passport which can be purchased for 2, 4 or 6 days with the
highest price being 59 euro. You can purchase the passes online, thus avoiding lines. The first Sunday of the Month from
November until mid-March is free to the Public.
Beyond touring the palaces and gardens, there is an excellent boutique on the site for some of the most exclusive souvenirs in
Paris. Throughout the year, there are operas, ballets, and musical events in the several theaters on the grounds. The Passport
ticket does include some of these events.
14:35 Break
Visit Duration: 3 hours, 45 mins
19:00 Pompidou Center / Centre Pompidou
23.4 KM, 42 minutes by transit from Break
The Pompidou Center (Paris) is one of the unique looking buildings out there, the museum of modern art
named "Centre Pompidou" hosts about six million visitors every year strolling through hundreds of art works
created in the last 100 years. The building of the Pompidou Center in Paris will not leave you indifferent when
you will first see it. In the late 70’s when it was first opened it was not accepted well by the Parisians but most
seems to grow into liking it and it is now one of Paris's known marks. It is named after the French president
Georges Pompidou and was designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano by putting the building's internals
(mostly brightly painted pipes and elevators) on the outside. The The Pompidou Center Paris went through a
serious internal facelift in 2000. The building was, and is considered until today a radical architectural
statement.
Going up to the 5th floor which is where you enter the museum, you cannot miss an amazing view of Paris all
the way from the Montparnasse up to the Sacré-Coeur hill which will be on your right. A spectacular view of
Address: Pl. Georges-Pompidou, Beaubourg/Les
the lights coming on in the city of lights can be seen from here briefly after the sun sets.
Halles, Paris
You will start the tour with 1905-60 modern art work such as paintings of Matisse, Picasso and Modigliani
Phone Number: (01) 44781233
while going down one floor you will meet contemporary art from the 60’s onwards such as paintings, sculpture
Admission: €14
and video art. The Children's Gallery on the middle floor may be interesting to the young ones while it tries to
Opening Hours: Wed.-Mon. 11am-10pm
keep them occupied. Website: http://www.centrepompidou.fr
On a sunny day, do not miss the pedestrian streets on the west of the The Pompidou Center, Paris is usually
lovely in these day and this place in which juggles, musicians and other street artists are found is no
exception.
Day 7, Sunday, October 6 2019
09:30 Rodin Museum

Dedicated to the works of sculpture Auguste Rodin
09:30 Rodin Museum / Musee Rodin
Visit Duration: 1 hour
The Rodin Museum (Paris), although officialy a museum and not one of Paris parks, is one of the best and
unarguably one of the most pleasant cultural experienced that Paris has to offer and a great Paris museum.
Perhpas not one of Paris kids attractions, but this is one of Paris’s best gardens to go with the kids since with
its sculptures and lovely shade trees can be a great experience for the culture seeking family.
Rodin, while living in Paris, used the Hôtel Biron as his workshop from 1908 and gave the entire collection he
hold of sculptures and van Gogh ‘s and and Renoir’s paintings to the French government so that they will turn
the building into a museum. Although today Rodin may be considered by many as the father of modern
sculpture, when he first presented his works he was actually considered vulgar.
The Rodin Museum Paris today holds the most important works of Rodin's such as The Kiss , The Thinker,
and The Gates of Hell, some are displayed inside the building while the well-known sculptures are displayed
in the garden.
For only €1 you will get full access to the gardens. Café du Musée Rodin will gladly serve you drinks and food
while resting under the linden trees. For the amount of €10 you will be able to access all exhibitionsions in the Address: 79 rue de Varenne, Trocadéro/Tour
Rodin Museum. You can also skip the line and save a few Euros while purchasing a combined ticket (€12) to Eiffel, Paris
Phone Number: (01) 4418-6110
be used the same day with the Orsay Museum.
Admission: €10
Opening Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5:45pm
Website: http://www.musee-rodin.fr
Metro Station: Varenne

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Paris

My Paris Travel Guide

13:30 Palais Garnier Opera

14:15 Galeries Lafayette

16:05 Place de la Concorde

17:00 Pont Neuf Bridge

19:30 Notre Dame

20:40 Eiffel Tower

22:30 Champ de Mars

Address: Champ de Mars, Paris Metro Stations:

09:35 Picasso Museum

Address: 5 rue de Thorigny, Marais, Paris

09:25 Louvre Museum

16:35 Tuileries Gardens

17:30 Arc de Triomphe

09:30 Orsay Museum

15:00 Holy Chapel

16:45 Pont des Arts

17:20 Royal Palace

09:30 Montmartre District

11:00 Sacre Coeur Basilica

12:35 Place du Tertre

17:05 Moulin Rouge

Read on other Paris Religious Sites:

The Holy Chapel

09:35 Palace of Versailles

19:00 Pompidou Center

The Palace of Versailles

Marie-Antoinette's Estate within the Versailles Estate

The Palace of Versailles (Paris) Gardens

09:30 Rodin Museum

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