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40 Things To Do In Paris, France
What
to do in Paris?
36 Palais
Royal
 Palais
Royal or Royal Palace
For many the
Palais Royal defines what a Palace should look like. The Palace's
current function of Council of State and other government offices
almost appears contemptuous of the Palace's former significance
and history.
Built in 1629
The Palais Royal was handed over to King Louis XIII by his loyal
subjects. The Palais Royal was attacked during the French revolution
of 1848 and partially destroyed by fire in 1871. The building was
restored in 1876 and handed over to the government.
Unfortunately
the official rooms and offices are not open to the public. Thankfully
the enclosed courtyards are. The courtyard's contain the infamous
“striped poles”, some nice fountains and delightful
classical gardens. Close to the gardens you'll find an interesting
gallery with some very upmarket high budget shops. Keep your credit
card under wraps and window shop.
37 (54) Parc
des Buttes Chaumont
 Temple
of Sybil - Parc des Buttes Chaumont
The Parc des
Buttes-Chaumont is a highlight as it lives on a rocky hill with
views of Sacre Coeur. The park is judged by some to be Europe's
most romantic public park. Built out of a disused quarry it is a
wonderful example of how to create beauty out of the nothing.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
is the third largest park in Paris. 5 kilometers of trails and paths
lead you through some lovely and stunning landscaping. Look forward
to high cliffs, great trees, water that falls off a 32 meter cliff
(105 ft) into the circular lake. Enjoy the iron bridge which springs
from a cliff face to the pinnacle crowned by the Temple of Sybil.
38 Walking
through Marais
A stroll through
Marais is a journey past the most beautiful historic monuments in
Paris. You might even say that Marais is one of the world’s
most beautiful spots. Marais enjoys a certain prestige and reputation.
Many of Paris' top attractions reside in its streets. From Place
des Vosges to the Marché des Enfants Rouges, from Carnavalet
Museum to the Carreau du Temple. In Marais you may discover both
the quiet and peace of village life and the dynamism of Paris and
its culture.
Shopping can
be a delight as Marais has retained some of its original shops.
Marais has also retained some quaint original customs. Don't assume
all the shops will be open over the weekend.
39 (45) Viaduc
des Arts
 A
modern success story - the Viaduc des Arts
The Viaduc
used to be an abandoned, crumbling, decaying 19th-century railroad
viaduct. Now it is a thriving 21st-century combination of shops
and parkland. Even on the coldest days the shops and the Promenade
were alive with people. The shops are tucked into the handsome orange-red
brick arches that are reminiscent of the famous Place des Vosges
located close by. The shops sell mostly antiques, art and craft
some of which is made on the premises.
The park is
a strip of green that follows the old train bed on top of the arches.
Commerce beneath - the peace of greenery above. The landscaping
is simply amazing and endlessly varied. One stage feels like natural
marshland the next you are into a formal garden. The park includes
playing fields on its route as well as strolling parkland. At times
it narrows significantly with large trees shielding you from daylight.
Other times courtyards appear where wine sipping Parisians watch
their kids playing football. Take your time and you will discover
curiosities such as the cave hideaway. Take more time and you will
start to sense that the Park has a power of its own as it seemingly
splits a building in two for standing in its way. The the walk along
the Viaduc is no ordinary walk in the park. Its is something you
are likely to remember for a long time.
40 Musee Carnavalet,
Marais
Musee Carnavalet
gives you reconstituted palace rooms and Parisian paintings of,
well, Paris. If you are falling in love with Paris you may find
it hard to stay away. The Carnavalet Museum is devoted to Paris.
It tells the Paris story through all manner of mediums from paintings
and sculptures to furniture and other ordinary objects of the times.
Paris has had a troubled past and Musee Carnavalet goes back to
the beginning to tell you all about its fascinating history. Be
prepared to spend a few hours here.
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100 Things To Do In Paris, France
