Paris 10 Best Architectural Delights Through One Instagrammer

No trip to Paris is complete without a tour of the city’s magnificent architecture. Famous for its boulevards and palaces, gardens and art, here is our count down of the city’s top 10 architectural beauties, complete with stunning images by Parisian photographer Mary Quincy.

10. Hôtel de Ville

The municipality of Paris has been located in Hôtel de Ville, or the City Hall, since 1357. However, Paris’ political hub isn’t all work and no play, as these beach volleyballers show the city’s administrators how to let loose on a warm day.

In contrast to the delicate boutiques and boulevards of Paris, the Arc stands tall, proud and solid in the centre of the city. Built to commemorate France’s war dead, be careful of the never ending traffic that zooms around the roundabout.

8. Cathédrale Notre Dame

Climbing to the top of Notre Dame doesn’t just give you breathtaking views over Paris, but an up close and personal look at the architectural magnificence of the cathedral itself, particularly the eerie 14th century gargoyles that keep watch over the city.

7. The Panthéon

Get your fix of Italy by visiting the Panthéon, modelled on Rome’s very own of the same name.

6. Palais du Luxembourg

Parks in Paris aren’t just for sunny days: this 17th century Senate House is just as famous for its gardens, which can always be found bustling with tourists in search of a good picture, and Frenchmen in search of a good lunch spot.

5. Musée du Louvre

This photograph could not be more French if it tried: the contemporary architecture of the Louvre pyramid meets the classical design of the museum itself…on Bastille day.

4. The Sacré-Cœur

Whilst you could climb the hundreds of steps to the Sacré-Cœur, save your energy and take the steadier route through the hills of Montmartre, approaching the stunning basilica from the artist’s square.

3. The Eiffel Tower

What would Parisian architecture be without the Eiffel Tower? Controversial at first, the tower soon made its mark on the city and is now without a doubt the enduring symbol of Paris. Approach from the Champs de Mars for a stroll in the park, or from Trocadero to see the tower sparkle against the Seine.

2. Château de Versailles

Versailles was built as a symbol of the power and authority of the Ancien Régime. With gardens and fountains just as architecturally superb as the palace itself, take yourself away from the smog of central Paris and visit this historic beauty.

1. Cathédrale Notre Dame (again)

French Gothic Architecture is showcased at its best by Notre-Dame Cathedral. The cathedral has earned its fame by towering over the city for centuries, and more recently having a starring role in Disney movie The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

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