Top 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
