Louvre and other Paris, France Things to Do Tips

Le Louvre is an amazing museum. I'll be the first to admit that I am not a big art museum fan. But the Louvre had me hooked. The museum is massive with a wide array of artwork. I heard that to see every piece exhibited without just running by would take nearly a month! Just the architecture of the museum itself is fantastic. Take plenty of time to walk around the vast structure as it is part of the attraction.

At 8.50 Euros for admission (6 Euros after 6pm), the museum is a bargain considering all that one gets to see.

Among my favorites are:
The Winged Victory of Samothrace - At over 2000 years old, this sculpture is still looking quite good! The Sculpture greets you as you walk up some stairs in the Denon wing. I felt that the head and arms missing simply add to the feeling of movement.

Mona Lisa - The greatest thing about the Mona Lisa is that it is the Mona Lisa. The painting itself did not blow me away. What blew me away is that it is probably the most famous piece of artwork in the world. And given the importance of art across societies, that means a lot. And there it was, standing there in front of me. Pretty cool.

Venus de Milo - Another oldie, but goodie. The Venus de Milo statue is also over 2000 years old. Even though the goddess of love and beauty is missing a couple arms, she is still a sight!

Jacques-Louis David's Consecration of the Emporer Napoleon I - I have always thought this was an amazing painting. While Pius VII stands there, Napoleon crowns himself.

Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People - Depicts the 1830 July Revolution.

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Directions: 1st arrondissement
Website: www.louvre.fr

One of the greatest aspects of the Eiffel Tower are the views of the Eiffel Tower. It was more impressive and even larger in person than I had imagined. Up close, it is quite an imposing structure. The tower can be viewed from many points around the city and each presents the viewer with a different perspective. My eyes were continually drawn to it whenever it could be viewed.

At night the entire structure lights up.

When visiting, be prepared to wait in long lines if you wish to go to the top.

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Address: Trocadero
Directions: The really big structure that reaches into the sky!
Website: www.tour-eiffel.fr

La Seine is an integral part of Paris. The river takes on a much greater importance that rivers in other cities. It cuts through the city splitting Paris into the Left and Right Banks. Walking along the Seine and its bridges gives you a feel for the city. It is also a very romantic destination. (Given that I was traveling solo, this didn't really apply to me!). There are also a large number of bookstalls setup along the river.

One can also choose from a variety of boat tours.

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Directions: The big river that runs through the city. You can't miss it!!!

This wide tree-lined street is possibly the most famous avenue in all the world. If there is one avenue in the world that I think of when it comes to "strolling down the.." it is the Champs Elysees. Standing near the Arc de Triomphe one can soak up the view as it heads toward the Place de la Concorde. Of course, the view looking toward the Arc de Triomphe is similarily spectacular. If you want a view from high up, go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

Whether you are just looking to walk down the famous avenue or do some shopping, you will enjoy the experience.

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Directions: Runs from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe
Website: www.champselysees.org

Place de la Concorde lies in a great location in Paris. The square offers great views of many key attractions in Paris. You can gaze down the Champs-Elysees and see the Arc de Triomphe. In the opposite direction in close proximity are the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre.

The large Egyptian Obelisk of Luxor stands in the Place de la Concorde. The Obelisk is in great shape especially when one considers that it is 3,300 years old!

The 1790s would have seen a somewhat different picture in the Place de la Concorde. Instead of seeing a 3,300 year old Obelisk one would have seen the guillotine which ended the lives of Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre among others.

There is a very large amount of traffic in the area so be on the look-out.

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Address: Metro 1, 13 : Concorde
Directions: Between the Champs-Elysees and the Tuileries.

Pont Neuf translates into "New Bridge". While it was a new bridge at one time, that time was about 400 years ago! These days, Vieux would be a little more accurate adjective as Pont Neuf is currently the oldest bridge on the Seine.

Unfortunately, the bridge was under renovation when I visisted Paris.

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Directions: Western tip of Ile de la Cite