Visit Paris, France (UNESCO sites)

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Paris, France, “The City of Light” is the capital and largest city in France. With its location straddling the banks of the Seine River, two islands at its center, Ile St. Louis and Ile de la Cite contain the oldest parts of the city. Prior to the 19thcentury, Paris was the most populous city in the Western World. Today, over 2 million inhabitants call the city home with more than 12 million residents in the metropolitan area making Paris the most populated metropolitan area in Europe. Paris is one of the world’s most foremost financial and cultural centers. The city is home to a number of major international organizations and exudes significant influence over Europe’s politics, science, art, entertainment, fashion and education. The city is comprised of 20 “Arrondisements” or districts that can be found in a spiral fashion moving outward and clockwise from the city center, located in the 1stArrondisement. Within the 1stArrondisement is found the Louvre (and the associated Tuileres Gardens) with its world famous and most impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. Also found in this 1stArrondisement are the houses of St-Laurent and Dior and other haute couture designers as well as the largest shopping complex in Paris and some of the finest jewelers in France. The 2ndthrough 7thArrondisements harbor their own impressive and important sites in these oldest parts of Paris and include such attractions as the Parisian Theater district, the Marais District which houses trendy bars, shops and restaurants among its well preserved and architecturally significant buildings; Notre Dame Cathedral and the surrounding neighborhoods are found in what is perhaps the most picturesque district, the 4thArrondisement. Continuing the pattern through the next few districts visitors will find the Latin Quarter, some of the most prestigious schools and universities in France surrounding the Pantheon, The Jardin des Plantes (zoo and botanical gardens) and the Musee National Moyen-Age. The Eiffel Tower is just one of many spectacular, unforgettable and famous sites found in the 7thArrondisement. Considered by many to be the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Elysees is found in the 8thArrondisement emanating from the Arc de Triomphe, as are beautiful parks, museums, galleries and Palaces. The 9ththrough the 11thhouses the Opera House, the waxworks at Musee Grevin, quaint neighborhoods, working docks, furniture manufacturers and the haunts of the hip and trendy Parisians. The 12thArrondisement boasts Paris Beach, the most visited pleasure beach in the city, the Place de Bastille and the Palais Omnisport de Paris (home of a spectrum of sports and musical events). Continuing on the path outward, Chinatown emerges along with the French National Library (Bibliotheque nationale de France), the clothing shops of Rue d’Alesia, the Bronze Lion of Belfort, Rodin’s Balzac (in Place Denfort-Rochereau) and then to the most fashionable 16thdistrict with its panoramic views back into the city. The spiral course continues on to the city limits but not before encountering the breathtaking monument, Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart), the Science and Industry Museum and the Cimitiere du Pere-Lachaise with its oft visited and permanently flower-carpeted tomb of Jim Morrison. Your dream of visiting one of the world’s most romantic and important cities is as close as adding a trip to Paris, France to your list. The “City of Light” is calling you to visit its historical sites, famous museums and galleries, iconic buildings and to experience the world class cuisine. In order to insure your ability to check this trip off your list you need to start planning the details of that vacation of a lifetime today.

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