Top 15 Things To Do In Paris, France
What to do in Paris?
11 (5) Les Catacombes
 Them
bones..
Come face to skull with the former inhabitants of
Paris. The Catacombes is an underground cemetery that holds 200-year-old
skeletons. You can see dead people. A lot of them. The Catacombs
contain the remains of an estimated six million Parisians.
The rise of Christianity brought with it the practice
of burying the faithful in consecrated ground. This resulted in
many more Parisians being buried within the city. Eventually the
grave yards could not cope with the number of bodies. Paris's water
supply and the health of its citizens were under threat. The dead
were killing the living.
Something had to be done and the Catacombs was the
solution. Behind a procession of chanting priests, began a parade
of black-covered bone-laden horse-drawn wagons full of human remains.
The process took years.
The bones have been laid out in a macabre decoration.
There are walls of human skulls and other bones. The shear quantum
of human remains is hard to fathom.
12 (9) St Sulpice
 The
Da Vinci Code's St Sulpice
With vast renovated to be towers the Saint-Sulpice is just huge.
St Sulpice popularity has been increased by the fictional tale in
the best selling book the Da Vinci Code.
The main internal attractions of St-Sulpice are the Delacroix frescoes
in the Chapelle des Anges (Chapel of the Angels), Servandoni's rococo
Chapelle de la Madone (Chapel of the Madonna) and the Pigalle statue
of the Virgin.
13 (30) Sacre-Coeur Catholic Basilic or Sacred Heart
 Sacre-Coeur
Basilic or 'Sacred Heart' provides magnificent views of Paris
Perched on top of butte Montmartre, the biggest hill in Paris,
Sacre-Coeur Basilic or 'Sacred Heart' provides magnificent views
of Paris. But there is more to the Basilic than great views. The
Basilic is very much part of Paris's fascinating and turbulent past.
Joseph-Hippolyte Guibert, the Archbishop of Paris had a vision "It
is here, it is here where the martyrs are, it is here that the Sacred
Heart must reign so that it can beckon all to come". The martyrs
very much included his predecessor who was killed by Communards.
The Church is a functional building so Shhhhhh. No entrance fee
but please make a donation.
14 (22) Châteaux de Versailles
 Be
overwhelmed by the overwhelming beauty of the Chateau Versailles
The Châteaux de Versailles, also known as the Palace of Versailles,
is one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world. Its
beautiful architecture, stunning gardens and long history makes
it one of the most visited attractions in France.
The Court of Versailles was long the unofficial centre of power
in France. Also know as the “cradle of liberty” (Berceau-de-la-Liberté)
it was here that the people of Paris made their stand against King
Louis XV1, forcing the Royal Family to leave behind their life of
decadence and move back to the true capital city of Paris.
The Palace of Versailles is surrounded by a number of spectacular
groves and gardens which are scattered, in amazing numbers, with
beautiful sculptures and fountains.
You can visit the palace free of charge with a Paris
Pass
15 (33) Luxembourg Palace and its Gardens
 Luxembourg
Palace and its sumptuous gardens
Luxembourg Palace
The Luxembourg Palace is a beautiful seventeenth century palace
originally built for King Louis. The Palace was turned into a prison
during the Revolution and is now home to the Senate. Rubens paintings
adorn the walls and the library contains masterpieces by Eugene
Delacroix. You'll find it close to the Louvre near the Quartier
Latin.
Luxembourg Gardens
A visit to Paris isn't complete without a visit to the Luxembourg
Gardens unless you suffer from hay fever, hate flowers, children
and don't have a romantic cell in your body.
At the Luxembourg Gardens you can take a leisurely stroll an through
orchard of apple and pear trees, relax, read, think, be people watched,
smell the roses or tulips or whatever or do nothing. The Luxembourg
Gardens are formal gardens consisting of gravel and lawn populated
by statues of saints and French royalty. The Gardens are well known
for their stella chill out quality.
The Family Friendly Luxemburg Gardens
For the little ones with no intention of chilling out there is
much to amuse. The Gardens feature a large octagonal pond in which
children famously play, and play famously with, their model boats.
The large fenced-in playground is a must with its vintage carousel
and there is a puppet theatre (théâtre des marionnettes)
and even the possibility of a pony ride in summer.
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100 Things To Do In Paris, France
