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Paris is a large city of France, the capital. It is one of the most visited cities in the world. The famous writer Ernest Hemingway said about this city that it a holiday that is always with you. You will not be able to remain indifferent, you will either love Paris or hate it.
Many different works are devoted to him, films are made about him. It dazzles with its beauty and grandeur. Each of the tourists may have their favorite place, but, nevertheless, it is worth visiting the most important and popular sights of Paris to be sure that you know this city well. Without this, acquaintance with him will not be complete.
10 Notre-Dame de Paris
In the center of Paris there is a Catholic church, which is called Notre-Dame de Paris or Notre Dame Cathedral. It began to be built in 1163. The entire cathedral was fully completed only in 1345.
Unfortunately, in the spring of 2019 there was a strong fire that destroyed the spire and roof, but at least the frame of the building was saved. The restoration of this landmark will require about 1 billion euros. Reconstruction may take at least 15-20 years. But the good news is that many responded to the call and helped with money, allocating huge funds for the restoration of Notre Dame de Paris: for example, businessman Francois-Henri Pinault donated 100 million euros, and Bernard Arnault and his family did not regret 200 million euros.
9. The grand opera
The main theater of Paris and one of the greatest opera stages known to the whole world. It was for him that Picasso himself once painted the scenery, and the same Chanel was the costume designer.
The theater building is open to visitors, you can visit here both as part of an excursion and on your own. This is much more profitable than buying a ticket for a performance, for which you will have to pay at least 250 euros.
The grand opera This is an incredibly beautiful building. As soon as you enter inside, the main staircase, lined with marble of different colors, catches your eye. All performances are held in the theater hall, decorated in golden and red colors.
It has the shape of a horseshoe. In the center of the ceiling is a huge 8-ton crystal chandelier. During the intermission, you can stroll along the foyer, which is made in the form of a castle gallery. There are many windows, at the end there is a mirrored salon, made famous by Clarin’s ceiling and wall paintings.
8. Orsay Museum
In the former building of the railway station, one of the most popular museums in Paris is located, in which there are only 5 floors. It contains a magnificent collection of European painting and sculpture, which dates back to 1850-1910. But most of the works are Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Here you will get acquainted with the paintings of Monet, Courbet, Degas, Van Gogh.
In the museum you can admire all kinds of art. Exposure in Musee d’Orsay changes frequently, every 2-3 years. A significant part of its funds was formed as a result of donations of valuable works of art by patrons.
7. Luxembourg Gardens and Palace
Situated in the center of Paris Luxembourg Gardens and Palace. Once it was built for Marie de Medici, other members of the royal family also lived there. In 1799 it was handed over to the Senate. Until now, he sits in the main part of the palace, and you can admire him from the inside only once a year, on the third Sunday of September.
The central part of the Luxembourg Gardens was founded in the 100th century. There is a large pond with a fountain and French-style flower beds. The rest is an English park. It is famous for its fountains and sculptures, the last of which are more than XNUMX in the garden, they are scattered in a free order.
6. Moulin rouge
In 1889 a cabaret was built in ParisMoulin rouge“, which translates as “red windmill“. Once upon a time, aristocrats, members of royal families, people of art gathered here. They all came to admire the famous cancan.
In 1915, the famous cabaret burned down, but already in 1921 it reopened its doors, but now operettas were staged here, films were shown. Now it is one of the symbols of Paris, you can also watch the cancan, admire the luxurious scenery, beautiful costumes, see an enchanting show. It opens for visitors at 18:XNUMX, the cost of tickets depends on the place you have chosen and the time of the show.
5. Sacre Coeur Basilica
The title translates as “Basilica of the Sacred Heart“. It was built between 1875 and 1914 on top of the Montmartre hill by the architect Paul Abadie. Sacré Coeur Basilica can be seen from almost anywhere in Paris, because it was built at the highest point of the city – 130 m. There were many abandoned quarries in the body of the hill, so the foundation and foundation of the building had to be strengthened.
The basilica was built in the Romano-Byzantine style, but due to its structural features, the Parisians called it the “national cake”. In front of the basilica there are several bronze equestrian statues, on the facade we see a statue of Jesus Christ: he blesses with his right hand, and presses his left hand to his heart.
It is also very beautiful inside: mosaic canvases, multi-colored stained-glass windows, statues. There is also the famous Big Organ, with a unique sound, which was declared a national monument.
4. Triumphal Arch
One of the largest arches in Europe, a symbol of France and Paris – Triumphal Arch, which can be found on Place Charles de Gaulle. It is quite high – almost 50 m (49,51) and wide – almost 45 m (44,82). It was ordered to be erected by Napoleon I Bonaparte in 1806. He himself could not see the completion of his project, because. died before it was built.
The arch was completely finished in 1836. It is decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptural figures, which were created by famous masters. Around it lies a chain of granite stones. There are exactly 100 of them. So many days the reign of Bonaparte lasted.
Inside the arch is a museum where you can learn about revolutionary and military battles. If you wish, you can visit the observation deck on the arch.
3. Palace of Versailles
The center of tourism, one of the most important historical sites in France is Palace of Versailles. This is where the French kings once lived. There are 1400 fountains in the park surrounding it. It, like the palace itself, is difficult to get around in one day. Several books could be written about their beauty and decoration.
The halls of the Palace of Versailles contain many works of art, unique furniture, and jewelry. The most famous halls are the throne and the mirror halls. Once upon a time, magnificent receptions and state meetings were held in the Mirror Hall. It is distinguished by a particularly chic interior and rich decoration.
2. The Eiffel Tower
The city’s most recognizable landmark is The Eiffel Tower. Over 250 million people have visited it throughout its history. Now I can’t even believe that it was conceived as a temporary building for the World Exhibition (1889), it was planned to be demolished.
Its height is 324 m, its total weight is 10100 tons. In 1900, electric lamps appeared on it, and in 1985, golden lighting. It has only 3 floors, the last 2 especially attract tourists, because. they offer stunning views of Paris.
1. Louvre
About 10 million people annually visit Louvreto admire the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The pride of the Louvre is a collection of paintings, which has more than 6 thousand paintings.
This is one of the largest and most popular art museums in the world, located in the center of the capital. It was created in an old royal palace. The museum itself has 300 thousand exhibits, but only 35 thousand can be seen in the halls. The exhibition area exceeds 60 thousand square meters, so it will be difficult to explore all the treasures of the museum in 1 day.