Eiffel Tower
Who doesn’t think of The Eiffel Tower whenever Paris is mentioned? Standing a mind blowing 324 meters high and weighing over 10,000 tons, this is the ultimate must see monument. Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, for the World Fair, this structure took over 2 years to be built. You can take the elevator, or if you’re in really good shape, the stairs, to go to its 3 levels. The first level has a nice offer of souvenirs in its shops. The second level boasts a great restaurant called Jules Verne, and the third level has the most spectacular and panoramic view of the city.
Entrance fees go for 8.00 for elevator tickets up to the second floor, 1300 for tickets up to top floor, 4.5 for stair tickets up to the second floor. Kids under 4 may enter for free. Guided visits are also available, showcasing the original machinery controls for the elevators. The Eiffel Tower opens every single day of the year, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Jan. 1 June 17, Aug. 29 Dec.31), and from 9:00 AM to midnight (Jun. 18 – Aug. 28). During the Easter weekend and spring break, the Tower is open until midnight.
Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
5 Avenue Anatole France
Champs de Mars
75007 Paris, France
Ph. 33 0 8 92 70 12 39
www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is home to many of the world’s most famous and prized collections. The museum used to be the residence for the Kings of France. The most visited piece is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, located in the Italian Renaissance Painting section. The museum’s collections are split into eight departments: Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Paintings, Sculptures, Art items, Islamic Art, and graphic art from the Middle Ages until 1848.
English and Spanish tours are available per request. Tickets for Permanent Collections start at 6 (Wednesdays and Fridays), and at 9 for regular days. Tickets for Exhibits in the Napoleon Hall go for 11. Combined tickets are also available at 12 (Wednesdays and Fridays) and 14 on regular days. The Louvre is open every day of the week except Tuesdays and the following French holidays: Dec. 25, Jan. 1, May 1, and Aug. 15.
du Louvre
75058 Paris Cedex 01
France
Ph. +33 0 1 40 20 58 24
www.louvre.fr
Notre Dame Cathedral
A Gothic beauty sits stunningly in Ile de la Citi, next to the Seine. Construction started in in the 12 century and ended in the 14th century, standing today as one of the most important places in the City of Light. Notre Dame has been protagonist in many films, works of art, and literature, including Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. Notre Dame is open to the public although visitor circulation is partially blocked during masses.
Religious articles are available for sale inside the “Boutique la Cathïdrale” the counter on the side of the nave. Take home rosaries, key chains, medals, crosses, books, audio and video, and cards. Audioguides are available at the reception and offer 35 minute guides describing the history, architecture, art works, and windows. Available in many languages, including French, English, Spanish, and Italian among many others. Opening hours start at 8:00 AM until 6:45 PM, with the exception of Saturdays and Sundays which ends at 7:15 PM. Entrance is free.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Cathïdrale Notre-Dame de Paris
6 Parvis Notre-Dame
Place Jean-Paul II
75004 Paris
Arc de Triomphe (Arc of Triumph)
Commissioned by Napolen I, this striking 164 foot tall arc denotes pure and raw military triumph and power. Located right in the middle of the toile (star) created by 12 avenues uniting and radiating from the union. The names of all the generals and wars fought are inscribed on the ornamental elements. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI lies beneath it. Visitors can walk or take the elevator to take a glimpse of the scenery from up above. Interactive presentations at the top of the 234 steps are show on giant screens, highlighting the history of the construction of the monument.
Entrance fees start at 9 ï for adults, with group rates at 7 ï for groups of 20 people or more. Children under 18 are admitted free. Opening times vary. From April 1 to September 30, hours start at 10:00 AM and close at 11:00 PM. From October 1 to March 31, hours start at 10:00 AM and close at 10:30 PM. The Arc is closed on the following days: Jan. 1, May 1, May 8, July 14, Nov. 11, and Dec. 25.
Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles-de-Gaulle
75008
Paris, France
Ph. 33 01 55 37 73 77
www.arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/
Ph. +33 (0)1 42 34 56 10
www.notredamedeparis.fr/-English-
Seine River Boat Tours
Take a slow and relaxing tide aboard one of the Bateaux-Mouches (river boats) to gently glide through the Seine River. Cruises are available during both day and night time. Lunch and dinner are also available, while short tours last up to 1 hour (these offer a snack bar). Definitely a must-see! Prices for adult tickets (one hour non-stop cruise) go for 12 ï, and kids (4-12 years) go for 6 ï. The tour circuit includes: The Louvre Museum, Concorde Square, Alexander III Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, the Orsay Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall, and Pont Neuf.
Tour the Seine with Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf
Square du Vert Galant
75001
Paris, France
Ph. 33 01 46 33 98 38
www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/