France

France

The main purpose of this trip was to visit Spain and Portugal, but since Paris was right on the way why not stop there too. A trip to Paris is always worth while!

Highlights

Of course the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame. But like most larger cities there are so many things to see, that it is difficult to select only a few.

Paris is a large city and it can be strenuous to walk from one place to another. Make use of the MetrĂ³ instead. Read more about it here.

France
France

Paris

Arrived to Paris by train. Paris was actually just a stop on the way to Spain, but there was time for a couple of days in Paris. From Gare du Nord (the train station) the centre of Paris can be reached via the metro system. First stop was the famous Notre Dame. The church is more than 700 years old and a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Behind the church there is a small garden which offers nice views.

Walked along the Seine past the bridge Pont du Neuf and Concorde Square towards one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world – the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel’s was unanimously chosen. At 300 metres (320.75m including antenna), and 7000 tons, it was the world’s tallest building until 1930.

Look the elevator to the top and had an amazing view over Paris 300m up.

The next day it was time to visit Arc de Triomphe a beautiful arch now positioned in the middle of a gigantic roundabout. Also here it is possible to go to the top – and again the view is great.

Paris, France
Paris, France

Last stop was the Louvre. Established in 1793 by the French Republic, the Louvre Museum is one of the earliest European museums. The museum is enormous and several days are needed to see everything. The picture to the right is taken outside the museum. The controversial pyramid can be seen in the background.

A couple of hours in the museum was enough for me, so there was time to visit another church – Sacre Coeur. This beautiful white basilica was built between 1875 and 1914.

The steps in front of the church gathers crowds of people – its a lively area. That was enough Paris for now. It was back to Gare du Nord and on the train towards Barcelona,

On the way back from Spain to Denmark, there was time for another short visit in Paris. This time the interesting museum d’Orsay was visited. It exhibits, among other things, paintings from the 18th century including Monet, Manet and Renoir. The museum building itself is worth a visit.

Paris also holds Napoleons final resting place. A small chapel contains his remains. Apparently he lies within six caskets, built of different material.

That was about it. A final look up Champs Elysee towards the Arc de Triomphe and it was back on the train and back home to Denmark.

Paris, France1
Paris, France1

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