DaVinci code debunked and other Paris, France Things to Do Tips

St. Sulpice is one of those saints whose biography makes him appear indeed saintly. His father opposed the idea of him entering the monastic life and required him to oversee the family farm. He spent his spare time in devotional life and service to the poor and only became a monk at the age of 40. Thus he is the patron saint of delayed vocations.

The church here was constructed in the 17th C over the ruins of an earlier 12th C building and is a magnificent example of classical church architecture. However its most recent claim to fame results from the novel ‘The DaVinci Code.’ To disavow what it calls ‘fanciful allegations in a recent best selling novel’ there is a sign on the wall - in English no less - explaining that the brass inlay in the floor was done in conjunction with the Paris Observatory and has never been called the ‘Rose-line’ and does not coincide with the meridian line in Paris. It concludes with the statement: ‘Please also note that the letters ‘P’ and ‘S’ in the small round windows at both ends of the transept refer to Peter and Sulpice, the patron saints of the church, not an imaginary ‘Priory of Sion.’

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Address: Metro Line 4 : Saint-Sulpice

This landmark Opera by Charles Garnier is a wonderful example of classically based monumental style. It is hard to say it is the most beautiful building in the world, but it ranks very high on the list with its polychrome facade and lavish statuary, gilded in many cases. The interior is small (seating capacity of 2000-2500) which is why a new and larger opera house was built near the Bastille. But this one has multi-colored marbles and a grand staircase that makes even the most calloused gasp. Its ceiling was painted by Marc Chagall and is a work of art in itself. It is said that the seating was designed so that the audience could watch one another as well as the performance. Don't miss the lovely guilded bust of Garnier in front of the entrance. Click on the picture to view the whole front facade.

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Phone: 40 01 22 63
Address: Place de L'Opera on Blvd des Capucines
Directions: Metro: Opera or Chaucee d'Antin

This is a small private museum with a large and impressive collection of impressionists, mostly Monet himself. There are about a dozen of his large Nympheas canvases done in different lights. Also, here is his "Impression of Sunrise" which is said to have started, and given the name to, the Impressionist Movement. There are also paintings by Morisot, Renoir and Camille Pissarro, some of Monet's Impressionist collegues. It is a great museum and you can see all of it without suffering 'art fatigue."

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Phone: 01 44 96 50 33
Address: 2, rue Louis-Boilly, 75016 Paris
Directions: Way west. Metro:Muette
Website: http://www.marmottan.com/

This mid-17th Century building has an interesting history of its own. It was built in 1656 as a residence for General Aubert de Fontenay, has housed the ambassador of Venice and then a school of art and manufacture. In 1975 the state leased it to house the works they had received from Picasso's estate. It includes the world's largest collection of his works and includes 200+ paintings, about that number of sculptures and almost 100 ceramics as well as 3,000 drawings, engravings and manuscripts. It is well explained in English and includes photos and information about the artist throughout his life. It is also small enough to enjoy without being overwhelmed.

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Phone: 04 42 71 25 21
Address: Hotel Sale; 5 rue de Thorigny
Directions: Metro #8 St. Sebastian-Froissart. It is in the Marais not far from Place des Vosges in a cluster of museums including the Carnavalet, the Surrure among others.
Website: www.musee-picasso.fr

Anyone who comes to Paris probably knows about the Arc de Triomphe and I doubt I can add anything to their knowledge, however it is worth a close look at the detail of the monument and also pausing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The French are very wise in preserving their heritage through cermony and symbol and this is a great one. The tomb is from WWI and each day the flame is rekindled and fresh flowers set in place.

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Address: Place Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile
Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile

There is probably nothing new to be said about this stupendous monument. One thing that has impressed me in surfing through the VT pages is from how many angles it has been photographed and how many different photos have been taken from the tower itself. My wife and I always take each other's picture with it in the background on every trip to Paris. Our last trip we traded 'photo ops' with a young couple so got us together. It is captivating to almost everyone. (I did read that one French writer hated it so much that he had lunch in the tower every day so he wouldn't have to look at it!). The first photo is from the elevator going up. I paid for a ticket to the top but acrophobia forced me off at the second level. Still a great view of Paris!

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Address: Trocadero
Directions: You can't miss it!!!

The Louvre is undoubtedly the largest collection of art certainly in the western world. With over 300,000 pieces, you have to plan what you are going to see on each visit or just wander around open mouthed. I was particularly impressed with this 2000+ year old Greek statue. I understand that when in was found in the 19th Century that it was in about 120 pieces and was assembled at the Louvre. I also read that in 1950 a finger of the missing hand was found. This is an amazing an beautiful place not to be missed even if you have only a short time.

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Address: Louvre Museum
Directions: In the middle of Paris.

The following tip is still accurate but the store is closed for renovation work and may not reopen for a couple of years. 15 July 2008.

The top of the Samaritaine department store offers great views in every direction. There are even plaques indicating what buildings, etc. you are seeing. When we went there was a small fee of 1 or 2 euro. There is also a restaurant on the rooftop terrace so you can enjoy a meal, a snack or a drink while overlooking Paris. The advantage to this bird's eye view is that it is 360 degrees and is right in the middle of the city. Click the photo for a wider panoramic view.

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Phone: 01 40 41 20 20
Address: 19 rue de la Monnaie
Directions: Across Pont Neuf from Ile de la Cite. Metro: Pont Neuf.

Cruising on the Seine gives you a whole different perspective on Paris and is a nice break from all the walking you are bound to do there. There are several options and the one I liked leaves from Pont Neuf and cruises for about an hour. There are also some that leave from in front of the Eiffel Tower and some more expensive ones that serve dinner aboard. The cruises are enjoyable both in the daytime and at night. Many buildings (including the Louvre) are beautifully lighted at night. Evening cruises are more romantic and the boat's staff loves shining their lights on the lovers smooching along the banks.

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Address: Pont Neuf or Pont de l'Alma.

This museum contains most of Rodin's major works and their are quite a few. One room also has some of the work of one of his students, Camille Claudel, said also to have been his lover. The bronze casting process is pretty complicated but it enabled him to cast more than one copy. For example we saw the "Burghers of Calais" both here and in Calais. Many of the biggest and best known of his works, Burghers, the Thinker and the Gates of Hell are in the attractive garden surrounding the museum.

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Phone: 01 44 18 61 10
Address: 77 rue de Varenne
Directions: Metro: Line 13 : Varennes