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Paris |
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Let's begin by making one thing clear: everything you've heard about Paris is true. Few places on Earth are able to make a trip so remarkable for those who visit it. Is wonderful! With a population of about 2.3 million people, not including the metropolitan area, the capital of France does not have a geography famous for its natural beauty, such as Rio de Janeiro. But its stunning architecture, the charm of its streets and avenues and its striking monuments make you remember all the time, that you're facing the very best of what humankind has been able to build and preserve. Regardless if you want just the obvious Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Triumphal Arch, Notre Dame Cathedral and Champs Elysées circuit, if you are going around on foot, by subway or bicycle, there is no shortage of stunning places to visit. The bridges of Paris are also beautiful and each has its own personality. For me, the best way to visit Paris is on foot, walking and enjoying the details ... the best thing in the world!.
Paris has lots of information on every corner, in every little cafe or on every impeccable boulevard. An amount of attractions that matches its human diversity, making the encounter of the multiculturalism of the millions of immigrants and the elegance of the Parisians a must-see program in itself. Many other must-see attractions in the Paris area, such as the palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau, Disney and Asterix parks (if you have children, go), the Air and Space Museum and the beautiful Chartres Cathedral. To the southwest of the capital, there is also another tourist area, the Loire Valley, with its castles and beautiful historical monuments.
The most famous landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, was built by Gustave Eiffel for the World Exhibition of 1889, celebrating the centennial anniversary of the French Revolution. With 318 meters 10,100 tons, this is the most remembered monument in the world and the most visited monument in Europe. Boutiques and restaurants add to the program. If you have extra energy, go up the stairs to the 3rd platform. It is advisable to take the elevator. The view is a postcard, beautiful! In October 2014, a new glass floor was installed on the first floor (at 57m high). We went up using the elevator and we didn't have to face any queue. And here's the tip: book the tour in Brazil through the website and make a reservation of the time to go up. It is not necessary to take a guided tour. Uppon you arriving, on your schedule time, you will come across a huge queue and you will pass right through it. Very good!
Another doubt we had was whether we would go up just to the second floor or whether we would continue to the top. Thanks to travel blog guidelines we researched, we made the best choice, I believe. We did not go to the top and whoever went, did not have the view we had. Due to the weather, the view is limited up there, so we advise you to buy the tickets to go up to the second platform. The tower enchants both, the ones who go up and the ones who just admire it from below. It's amazing the power it has over couples. The way it intensifies love. I will never forget the way my wife hugged me at the bottom of the tower. The seductive power of that iron tower is fantastic!
It is almost an obligation to walk along the Champs Elysées Avenue, the most famous in the world. It was created in 1667 by landscaper André Le Nôtre, home to the famous Arc de Triomphe, a monument in the heart of Paris, commissioned by Napoleon and completed in 1836 to celebrate his military victories. The Arc was and is one of the great landmarks of Paris. Besides the archway, the avenue itself is worth the walk. Champs Elysées is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants and shops and is a must-see for any tourist.
Another magnificent place to visit is the Notre Dame Cathedral on the banks of the River Seine. Its construction began in 1163, in the middle Ages and it was completed in 1330. Another remarkable landmark of Paris. Thousands of architects and medieval craftsmen have worked for 170 years to build it on top of a Roman temple. Several kings and queens were crowned in it. It also has suffered violence, when it was sacked by revolutionaries, who turned it into a wine store. It was only recovered and restored, later on, during Napoleon's time.
A tour of the Louvre Museum is a must for anyone going to Paris. It appeals to everyone, even the least passionate about art. We were worried about our youngest son, but he loved and stood in front of many paintings and artwork watching and asking questions. The Museum is enormous and it is necessary to plan the visit well. When you arrive at the museum, right at the entrance you can get a map written in several languages to guide you inside. You can follow three directions: Sully, Richelieu and Denon. The three regions correspond to the three wings of the building and bear the names of three great officials of the state: Sully (minister of the farm of Henry IV), Richelieu (minister of Louis XIII) and Denon (prime minister of the central museum of art during Napoleon I). The museum is also divided into 04 levels (underground and from first to third floor). The map shows the sessions in which the museum is divided: Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, sculptures and medieval Louvre. One of the most outstanding works is the painting of Leonardo da Vinci (1452 -1519), La Gioconda portrait of Mona Lisa. We can see the buildings that make up the complex and the famous glass pyramid of the Louvre, which evokes a historical entity like the Pyramids. It gives the museum an air of modernity. Thus, during daytime or at night, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Louvre.
Another thing you cannot miss when you go to Paris, is to go on a boat ride on the Seine River. There are day and night tours. More than one company offers the service and when we arrived at the departure area of the boats, near the Eiffel Tower, we chose one of our liking. There are many options. We definitely recommend it! You will rest from the walking around, observe the unique architecture of the city and its monuments and feel the thrill of sailing one of the most famous rivers in the world.
To learn more about the tour we took to Disneyland in France, click on: Disneyland Paris.
© Ficou Mais Fácil