For more than two millennia, Paris has commanded respect and awe among the Europeans. In fact, by the 12th century, the city had already become a walled religious, cultural and learning center. It was the world's largest city until around 18th century.
For more than two millennia, Paris has commanded respect and awe among the Europeans. In fact, by the 12th century, the city had already become a walled religious, cultural and learning center. It was the world's largest city until around 18th century.
Just to understand how important this city is, sample this; it is home to 30 of the Fortune Global 500 companies, it has a GDP of US$900 billion, it was and has been an important political city - case in point, the French revolution...the list could go on and on. Off my head, I have over 30 reasons why you should visit the city, but below are its top attractions - we may yet turn you into a world hopping thrill-seeker.
1. The Eiffel Tower
You cannot mention Paris without mentioning the Eiffel Tower, an iron lattice perched at Champ de Mars in Paris and named after Gustave Eiffel, the man whose company designed and built the tower. It is the tallest structure in France and is visited by more than 7 million people every year. You get to see the beautiful city of Paris from the top of this tower.
2. The Louvre
Formerly a palace, the Louvre museum is the world's most visited museum, with a whopping 10 million travelers gracing it every year. It is second only to Eiffel Tower as a popular Paris landmark. The museum is home to 35,000 objects that dates as far back as prehistory to 21st century exhibited in a 60,600 square meters (652,300 square feet) complex.
3. Notre Dame de Paris
This is a cathedral located on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris. It is the seat of Catholic Church in Paris and is the finest example of the French Gothic Architecture. Most a visitor says that it is second only to St. Peters cathedral in Vatican in terms of Grandiose.
4. Arc de Triomphe
On the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle is Paris' most popular monument - the Arc de Triomphe. It is a monument erected to show reverence to those heroes who lost their lives during the French revolution and the Napoleonic wars. Make sure you pay your respects whenever you are in Paris.
5. Champs-Élysées
Welcome to the world's most popular street, Champs-Élysées. With the cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops and clipped horse-chestnut trees; you get to understand why it is popular - it represents the French culture. Note that it has the world's priciest real estate. Its name is derived from the Greek mythology which means 'the place of the dead' because of the many monuments within the streets.
France is the world's romance and fashion capital. At the top of the French cities lies the Capital, located along the scenery surrounding River Seine. If you have not been to the city, you have missed out on the joys of our planet.