Joanna James
From exquisite fine dining to high fashion and world-class art and architecture, Paris is a city with no shortage of exotic things to experience at every turn.
The Eiffel Tower is considered the most renowned monument globally and is an emblem of Paris. The structure that was built in 1889, comprises of 15, 000 steel sections that are bound by 2.5 million rivets and is one of Paris' foremost tourist attractions. The tower is 307 metres in height and was the tallest building in the world until the Empire State Building was constructed. Travelers can either take an elevator or take the stairs to visit various levels of the tower. The top of the structure is where the magic lies with mesmerising views of the Paris cityscape on offer at every turn. Fine dining aficionados have the option of enjoying a gourmet meal at the restaurant Le Jules Verne located on the second floor.
The Louvre Museum is a decadent palace that was once the residence of a French king. The palace is acclaimed today as one of the most magnificent museums of fine art. The museum can be entered into at the Ieoh Ming Pei-designed "glass pyramid" in the courtyard. Visitors will discover more than 30000 works of art ranging from antiques to medieval art and European paintings that date back to the 15th and 19th centuries. The museum is perhaps best known as the home of Leonardo Da Vinci's world-renowned masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. Other outstanding works of art in the museum include the Venus de Milo sculpture, the ancient Victory of Samothrace of the Hellenistic era, the intricate Wedding Feast at Cana painting by Veronese and inimitable frescoes by Botticelli.
The Notre Dame in the heart of Paris is a Gothic architectural masterpiece. It sits on the Ile de la Cité that is an island on the Seine River and an area of historical and geographical significance. It was on this plot of land that the Romans constructed the Gallo-Roman city of Lutetia. Given its convenient locations, the site is an acclaimed tourist attraction with many a traveler to the region commuting to the area via Paris transfers. Tourists are usually in awe of the building's ornamental intricacies, decorative doorways and the overall grandeur of this magnificent structure. The site is popular amongst Paris locals who are able to access the site easily by train or the Easy Go Shuttle.
This monumental boulevard is best known for the prestigious establishments in its vicinity, from the Maison Ladurée which is an opulent patisserie selling gourmet pastries and macaroons to high-end designer boutiques such as Tiffany & Co. or Louis Vuitton. Travelers intent on indulging in gourmet cuisine will find themselves spoilt for choice with swanky restaurants like L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon or Le Fouquet's that are some of the most popular fine dining eateries in the whole of France.
Saint-Chapelle is a Middle Age Gothic architectural masterpiece built in 1248 for King Louis IX. The chapel was initially built to safeguard the precious Christian relics the King had obtained from the Byzantine Emperor. The chapel's trademark features include its alter that features a relic of the Crown of Thorns and it's stained glass windows that provide the sanctuary with a tranquil, iridescent glow. The chapel is mostly used as a venue for concerts rather than mass. Travelers to Paris will be transfixed by the serenity of classical music being played in the chapel that will ensure an unparalleled spiritual experience.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
