The Louvre
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Paris, full of romance, beauty, history and culture, is a truly fantastic city to explore. However, with so much going on in the heart of the capital, whether it is museums, art galleries, famous landmarks or parks, it can prove quite a challenge to see and visit everything in a short trip. Here is a quick guide highlighting the unmissable attractions of the Louvre-Tuileries area.
A beautiful oasis in the heart of Paris, the Tuileries Gardens is the perfect place to relax after visiting the Louvre museum. Fountains, ponds and stunning garden make the Tuileries Garden a magical location. You can also enjoy the little bars and French cafés selling refreshments on hot summer days or warm beverages during the chilly winter. Running alongside the gardens is the River Seine and also visible in the distance is the spectacular Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is among the most famous landmarks in Paris and is an important symbol of the French nation. Standing proudly in the centre of the Place du Carroussel, this magnificent arch commemorates those who fought and died for France during Napoleon’s victories, which happened a year prior to the construction of the arch. Although smaller and less-well known than the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, this architectural masterpiece is worth visiting.
The Palais-Royal, built in 1629 faces the Place du Louvre and stands opposite the Louvre museum. Having once been the home of royalty, this immense structure is not open to the public, although its beautiful gardens and courtyard, known as the Cour d’Honneur, can be visited. The Cour d’Honneur boasts 280 black and white truncated columns and a sculpture by Daniel Buren, while the garden’s main focus is the picturesque central fountain, a favorite spot for those who want to take refuge from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
La Palais-Royal, 8 Rue de Montpensier, Paris, France, +33 1 47 03 92 16
Paris’ famous cultural institution La Comédie Française, also referred to as the ‘Maison de Molière‘, is made up of three sites, but the building in the Louvre-Tulieries area is called the Salle Richelieu, located next to the Palais-Royal. Being one of the few state theaters in France, this cultural institution supports and promotes national theater and is the only theatre in the country to have its own troupe of actors. Visit this majestic theatre, which is just as stunningly beautiful on the inside, to have a magical experience watching France’s best performances.
La Comédie Française, 1 Place Colette, Paris, France, +33 825 10 16 80
One of Paris’ oldest medieval streets is the Rue Saint-Honoré, which is the place to go for shopaholics. France is famous for its unique style when it comes to fashion, so why not have a peep at the leading brands in the heart of Paris? All the world’s top boutiques, from the infamous to the less-well known, can be found here. Classy and niche, this street of luxury offers a fantastic experience to see the best of designer items as well as getting a taste of the more exclusive side of Paris.
Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France
Rue Saint-Honoré | © f11photo/Shutterstock
Crossing over the Seine from the Tulieries Garden is the Musée d’Orsay, which is located within the former railway station. This museum houses French art from the mid-19th century to the early-20th century, including, photography, furniture and sculptures. The architecture of the railway station allows the museum to feel open and spacious, giving the museum a welcoming and light atmosphere in which to enjoy the masterpieces on display.
Musée d’Orsay, Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Paris, France, +33 1 40 49 48 14
The Place de la Concorde is the largest of the capital. In its center stands the magnificent Louxor Obelisk, an Egyptian column engraved with hieroglyphics and which stood at the entrance of the Louxor Temple. On the pedestal are pictures explaining how it was transported to the square in 1836. Beside the obelisk are two water fountains, ‘La Fontaine des Mers’ and ‘Elevation of the Maritime’, which have become the symbol of Parisian fountains. Do notice that the square is in fact octagonal, with a statue in each corner representing a French city.
Across from the Place de la Concorde on the other side of the river is the Palais Bourbon, a glorious Neoclassical building from 1728. This building is in actual fact the National Assembly of France, but was originally built for the daughter of Louis XIV, and overlooks the Seine, with the Tuileries Gardens on the other side of the river. The building is worth visiting even just to see the architecture from the outside, but internal visits are also possible with prior booking so plan ahead to take a peek at the impressive interior.
Palais Bourbon, 33 Quai d’Orsay, Paris, France, +33 1 40 63 60 00
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