Welcome to Paris

 The Basilica is a church that was build in the 1800s and is a political and cultural monument as well. The building is 272 ft/83 m tall and is very beautiful. You can either enter or view it from outside. Due to the fact that the building is on a hill, it provides a nice view of the Paris area. 

 Pont Neuf is a bridge from the 1570s that is believed to be the first stone bridge in Paris. The 12 arches and unique design makes it a nice place for a quick stop. 

 Notre Dame de Paris is an impressively large Catholic Cathedral that was built in 1163 and opened in 1345. Unfortunately, in May of 2019, a large section of the building was destroyed in the fire, which started one of two ways: by a cigarette or by an electrical short-circuit (although the latter is more likely). Since then, restoration efforts have been ongoing. The Cathedral is expected to reopen in December of 2024, though construction in the surrounding area is expected to continue until 2028. Until then, you can still catch a glimpse of the world’s most famous Notre-Dame from the outside. 

 The Pantheon is a building from the 1700s that was originally meant to house the ashes of predominant French citizens. Today, it is also a museum where you can see many statues and view some amazing architecture and art. Tickets are around $14 dollars. 

 This is a 777km/483 mile long river that runs throughout the entirety of Paris. It is known for its central location and importance to culture and trade, with it being home to France’s largest shipping port.  

 Running straight down from the Arc de Triomphe is a popular street for shoppers: Champs-Elysess. Located here are tons of high end stores to shop at as well as great places to grab a bite. 

 Although there are many Galleries Lafayette in France, and even multiple in Paris, the one on Haussmann is the grandest, as it is the flagship store, and worth seeing even if you are not a shopper. This mall features a grand dome built out of stained glass. Furthermore, the mall is 750,000 square feet with countless shops, great food, and even a terrace where you can see a large sign that says, “Paris, I love you.” 

 While the Palace of Versailles is widely-renowned, Paris has another secret gem that some may find even more beautiful. Located in the heart of Paris, the Palace Garnier is sure to capture your heart. Built in the 1800s, the original purpose of the building was an Opera House. In fact to this day, some shows are still performed there. Inside, there are magnificent rooms, decorated ornately and covered in stunning designs. Even if you think you’ve seen enough at Versailles, I can assure you that the Palace is worth a visit.

Alternate Names: Pails Garnier, Palace Opera, Paris Opera

 While the building of the Louvre dates back to the 1100s as a fortress, the structure was transformed in 1793 into a museum. Inside there are over half a million works of art, with the most famous being the Mona Lisa. The iconic glass pyramid that has become a symbol of the Louvre, was built in 1989. Today it serves as the admissions building, cafe, gift shop, tourist information, and the connection between the various wings of the museum.