The Louvre: Don't Expect to See it All in One Day and other Paris, France Things to Do Tips

The Louvre was by far the most awe-inspiring museum I have visited. It is world-renown for a reason. However, the Louvre is massive. It is impossible to see everything in one day, and very easy to get lost.

Full price tickets are 9 Euros. The museum is free for people under 18. Other ways to get in free would be to go on the first Sunday of every month. However, these days are very crowded. People under 26 can get in free on Fridays after 6pm.

The museum lets you take pictures, but never with a flash. However, there are a few certain areas that do not allow cameras. These areas have a sign stating that you can not take pictures, but many people do not see the sign. Usually, security will just tell you to put your camera away. Also, there is no food, drink, or cell phone usage allowed. Security will reinforce this.

Personally, my favorite part of the museum was not the paintings or the sculptures, but the ceilings. The Louvre has breathtaking architecture inside and out. When you step into a room, don't go straight to the exhibits. Admire the building itself, and don't forget to look up!

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Phone: 01 40 20 50 50
Address: 75058 Paris Cedex 01
Directions: Métro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre
Website: www.louvre.fr
Other Contact: 01 40 20 53 17 - Info Desk

When I was in Paris, of course I had to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. My group director told me that we did not have the time to take the stairs up, so we must take the elevator. I wonder which would have been faster!

You must wait in a decently long line to get your ticket. The ticket I bought (full elevator ride to the top) has these two corners that rip off. Don't lose them. You need them to get to the very top.

Very importantly, don't think that just because you got on the first elevator, that you'll get up to the top in no time. There are more lines to wait in, sometimes equal to or longer than the first ticket line. Therefore, make sure you leave enough time to see the Eiffel Tower. If you decided to go to the top, which I recommend, you will find out that it is extremely crowded. There is barely any room to move. Still, the picture opportunities are worth it.

There are gift shops on the first and second floors, as well as restaurants and exhibits. I found it too crowded to find my way to anything.

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Address: Trocadero
Directions: You can't miss it!
Website: www.tour-eiffel.fr

The Notre Dame is most likely one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It is also a prime example of Gothic architecture. Entering the cathedral is free of charge, though it costs money to climb the stairs to the top. It is a place of Roman Catholic worship. The cathedral does offer church services throughout the year.

The Notre Dame is a must-see when visiting Paris. I walked the whole way around the cathedral, admiring its beauty from all angles. Some of the most interesting parts of the Notre Dame are the tales that the sculptures on the cathedral tell. I wrote a tip about some of the stories I have been told in the General Tips area.

Around the cathedral, there are many beautiful rose garden to admire, as well as a statue of the famous Charlemagne (See Picture 5).

Even if you do not like religious history, the Notre Dame is something an tourist or native of Paris would enjoy. Outside of the cathedral gates, there is a ton of shopping and food in the Latin Quarter close by. You can plan a nice morning or afternoon retreat, stopping by the Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter.

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Address: Place du parvis de Notre Dame , 75004
Directions: Métro: Cité; RER: Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint Michel-Notre Dame
Website: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/index.php

I absolutely love the Trocadéro, probably because it is the first part of Paris I ever saw. I haven't been in the museums, but I walked through the plaza several times every day, always admiring the beauty of Paris. I consider the view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro one of the best in Paris. Don't miss it!

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Address: Place du Trocadero
Directions: Metro:Trocadero

The Arc de Triomphe is an amazing piece of French history. I think it is more striking at night, as do many other people. Unfortunately, when I was in Paris, I ran out of time and did not get to go inside the Arc. Inside, for less than 10 Euros, you can access the top of the Arc, as well as see the small museum on the history of the Arc.

Walking around outside of the Arc is interesting enough, though. There are many sculptures to observe. Also, the names of France's major victories are inscribed on the Arc. There are also names of French generals. Another point of interest would be the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It has an eternal flame, which was what inspired the flame at JFK's grave.

As a warning, as with every other French monument, watch out for pickpockets. Especially at night, they tend to follow tourists around. I think I encountered the most pickpockets here. Also, if you are walking to the Arc, make sure to take the underground pedestrian tunnel. Don't try and cross the street.

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Phone: 33 / (0)1 55 37 73 77
Address: Place Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile
Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile
Website: http://arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/

While in Paris, I was short on time, so I did not get to go inside Les Invalides. However, I admired the beauty of its architecture from the outside. The view of it from the Eiffel Tower is particularly stunning, if you know where to look.

Full price admission is 8 Euros. One of the many reasons tourists visit is to see the tomb of Napoleon. However, there is much more to see, including several museums of historical war theme exhibits.

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Directions: 7th arrondissement
Website: http://www.invalides.org/

The Panthéon is a beautiful former-church in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Like most other famous French buildings, it has breathtaking architecture. Now, many tourists visit it to honor many famous French names that are buried there, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Louis Braille.

The part of the Panthéon I found most interesting to see was the Foucault pendulum. It demonstrates the rotation of the Earth, making a full circle in a little over a day. Of course, Foucault was French himself.

Full price tickets cost 7 Euros.

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Phone: 33 1 43 54 34 51
Address: Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris
Directions: 5th arrondissement, Latin Quarter

Unfortunately, I have never been inside of the Palais Garnier. Looking back, I wish I had the time to see the inside! The beautiful Neo-Baroque architecture style is breathtaking! A virtual tour can be taken on the official website; however, this does not replace seeing the real thing. Make sure you visit the Palais Garnier!

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Address: Place de l'Opéra , 75009
Directions: Metro: Opéra
Website: www.operadeparis.fr/

Although not as extensive and impressive as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay is a wondrous museum with a wide display of art. This museum has a large display of impressionist paintings, by famous names such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. Also, there are sculptures, photography, and other art forms on display.

I liked this museum better than the Louvre, though both museums are amazing. Musée d'Orsay is a lot easier to navigate and is usually a lot less crowded. However, you will still have to face the crowds and lines of a Paris attraction! Somehow, my tour group was able to skip waiting in a line, which was nice. Pre-booking tickets for groups is the way to go.

The full cost of the museum is 8 Euros. It is opening every day, except Monday, from 9:30 - 18:00. Thursdays offer later nights, until 21:15. Ways to save money: The first Sunday of the month is free! Also, a discounted ticket price is available for people who show up after 16:15, or 18:00 on Thursdays.

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Directions: Métro: line 12, Solférino station; RER: line C, Musée d'Orsay station
Website: http://www.musee-orsay.fr/