Places to visit in Paris and the Eiffel Tower isn’t one of them!

Every year, millions of people visit Paris, also known as the City of Light or the City of Love, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world.

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of the French capital is the Eiffel Tower. However, Paris has many other places to visit that are just as representative of France as this impressive building.

Without further ado, I invite you to read this article and discover the other magnificent places you can visit during your next trip to France.

The Latin Quarter:

This emblematic district dates back to the Middle Ages and is located around the Sorbonne University. An interesting fact is that its name came about because, in that period, its streets were full of students and professors talking to each other in Latin.

Nowadays, its streets are normally overflowing with university students, since there are various higher education centres and “grandes écoles” in the area.

I can guarantee that you will enjoy yourself if you decide to visit, since there are many tourist attractions in the area. For example, the Luxembourg Gardens are an excellent option since, apart from being one of the city’s most beautiful parks, there are activities for visitors of all ages. Other places worth a visit when you are in the Latin Quarter include the National Museum of the Middle Ages, the Odéon Theatre and the Panthéon.

Walking through the streets you will find many bars and restaurants where you can try the exquisite French cuisine at excellent prices.

Montmartre:

This historic site is one of Paris’ most iconic and is a compulsory stop for anyone visiting the French capital.

Montmartre is also known as the Artists’ Quarter since it was the home of renowned artists like Vincent van Gogh, Renoir, Matisse and Picasso.

Nowadays, Montmartre is a bohemian district, where every step reveals another story reflecting the uniqueness of the area.

If you do pay a visit, you should go to see places such as the Espace Dalí Museum, dedicated to exhibiting works of the Spanish artist or the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, which has presented countless shows, attracting hundreds of tourists every night. If you would like to get a great view of the city’s landscape, you should go to the crest of the hill where you will find the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.

While walking in the area, you will come across captivating terraces where you can have an aperitif, while admiring the work of the street artists working nearby.

Sainte-Chapelle:

Sainte-Chapelle or the Holy Chapel, is one of France’s best kept treasures. It is located on the Île de la Cité and was built to house King Louis of France’s collection of Passion relics.

It is said that the architect was Pierre de Montreuil and that the construction of the Chapel took six years (1242-1248). Sainte-Chapelle has huge stained-glass windows with delicate colours that allow the natural light to fill its great rooms that are decorated with images representing the life and Passion of Jesus Christ. Its majestic architecture was intended to be like a huge shrine due to the purpose for which it was built.

Over the years, the Chapel has been threatened by fires and wars in the area where it is located. However, nowadays, thanks to the laborious restoration work, we can enjoy it as a beautiful masterpiece of gothic architecture. 

Place des Vosges:

If you want to relax, far from the mobs of tourists that are so characteristic in Paris, I recommend a visit to the Place des Vosges. Considered to be the oldest in the French capital, this square was inaugurated in 1612, to celebrate the wedding of Louis XIII and Ana of Habsburg.

This square is located in the Marais neighbourhood, not far from Bastille and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, surrounded by perfectly symmetrical buildings housing bars, restaurants, shops and even art galleries. As you wander around the area, you can visit the former home of the famous author, Victor Hugo, which has been converted into a museum for those who would like to learn more about his life.

Known as Place Royale until 1800, Place des Vosges is an oasis of magnificent gardens adorned with beautiful fountains and ancient trees offering visitors tranquillity within this great metropolitan area.

As you can see, there are fascinating places to visit in every corner of Paris. It is a city that has many stories to tell and that is overflowing with so much culture it is not surprising so many people from all around the world want to visit.

The post Places to visit in Paris and the Eiffel Tower isn’t one of them! appeared first on ETIAS.

Article source here: Places to visit in Paris and the Eiffel Tower isn’t one of them!