Sacre-Coeur Basilica, Paris
Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Address: Basilique Sacre-Coeur De Montmartre, Adoration Eucharistique Jour Et Nuit, 35 rue du Chevalier De La Barre, 75018 Paris
Arrondissement: 18th arrondissement
Hours: The Basicilica is open 6:00am to 11:00pm, last entries 10:15pm; The dome and crypt are open from 9:00am to 7:00pm (6:00pm during the winter); Bookshop everyday except Monday’s from 9:15am to 5:45pm
WWW: Sacre-Couer
Phone: 33 1 53 41 89 00
Email: basilique@sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
About the Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Sacre-Coeur Basilica, translated to the Basilica of the Scared Heart, is a Roman Catholic basilica and popular Paris attraction. The monument is located at the highest point in the city, a top Montmartre hill, so that all of Paris can see its full glory.
The original idea behind the construction of the church was to dedicate it completely to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart is a sect of the Roman Catholic church that is devoted entirely to the physical heart of Jesus which stands for diving love for all humanity. After nearly 60,000 soldiers lost their lives in the Franco-Prussian War, the Assemblee nationale agreed to go forward with the plans at the request of the archbishop of Paris. The project was taken on as a National Vow by the church and patronage poured in from parishes throughout France to support the noble cause. Architect Paul Abadie, chosen over nearly 80 other fine architects, was given the commission and sent to work. The foundation was finally laid in June of 1875 and the rest is history.
The Sacre-Coeur is done in Romano-Byzantine style. A conscious effort was made not to display any of the lavish neo-Baroque pieces that were so popular during its construction time. Rather there are many other nationalist themed design elements such as the grand portico, the beautiful arches, equestrian statues of saints Joan of Arc and King Saint Louis IX and the nineteen ton Savoyarde bell; one of the world’s heaviest bells. The Basicilica is also home to an enormous and exquisite organ built made by Aristide Cavaille-Coll.
Abadie made sure that the Basicilica was built only of travertine stone, which was quarried in France and brought to the city of Paris. The stone does not absorb calcite which ensures Sacre-Coeur will remain white as long as it stands.
From a top the Dome, guests can enjoy fantastic views of Paris year round. Guests may also attend a mass or rid themselves of sin at they daily confession if they so desire.
Getting to Sacre-Coeur Basilica
You may get on metro lines 12 or 2 at any of the following places: Jules Joffrin, Pigalle or Anvers. Get off at stop Place du Tertre or Norvins to get to the Sacre-Coeur.
Sacre-Coeur Basilica Hotels
Here is a short guide to hotels near Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
2 star Hotel Altona offers a quiet yet convenient location at 166 rue du Faubourg-Poissonniere, Paris in the 10th arrondissement. Merely a quarter kilometer from Barbes and Anvers tube stations, it can get you to the Montmartre district with ease. Here you can visit Sacre Coeur as well as scour the 18th arrondissement for more fantastic Paris attractions. Rates start as low as 44EUR with breakfast included.
Located at 41 rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, the 3 star Trinite Plaza offers a perfect spot between the Opera Garnier, Grands Boulveards and Sacre-Couer. Its pleasant atmosphere offers up to date, comfortable amenities. For 80EUR a night, you can get a single bed with breakfast included to start your day visiting the sites of Paris.
The elusive 4 star Millennium Hotel Paris Opera has a fine position at 12 Boulevard Hassumann in Paris. The hotel boasts authentic 1920s style decor and delicious French cuisine. The Liberty Bar is has a cozy fireplace and friendly atmosphere. Situated in a central location it is steps away from Sacre Coeur as well as other sites like the Louvre.
Photo courtesy of Magda Zych.
Jardin des Tuileries, Paris
Jardin des Tuileries
Address: Rue de Rivoli
Arrondissement: 1st
Phone: 01 44 94 98 00
About the Tuileries
The Tuilieries is most famous for what used to be there. The Tuileries Palace stood at the west end of the Louvre’s courtyard until its destruction. Widowed Catherine de Medici began the planning of the palace during her lifetime and during construction Louis XIV moved in with his family. When the king left the building was abandoned. This beginning started an effect of negativity that surrounded the Palace. It was attacked several times by angry Parisian mobs. It’s demise was a horrible one. Twelve Commune men, under the orders of extremist Dardelle, set the Palace on fire at 7pm using petroleum, liquid tar and turpentine. The fire raged for 2 days, consuming the entire Palace. There the shell of what the palace once was stood for 11 years until it was finally torn down in 1882. There is consideration of rebuilding the magnificent place for all to see.
The acreage where the palace stood is now called the Tuileries Garden. It sites on 63 acres and still follows its original layout of Louis XIV’s landscaper Andre Le Notre. Two buildings do remain on the grounds and they are the Musee de l’Orangerie and the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume. They are the only two original buildings remaining from the Tuileries Palace. The grounds are also home to numerous sculptures, basins and fountains as well as garden after beautiful garden. A footpath bridge was constructed over the Siene in recent years to connect the gardens with Musee d O’rsay.
Getting to Jardin des Tuilieres
Tuileries is a station of the Paris Métro line 1, named for and serving the Jardin des Tuileries.
Here is a short guide to hotels near Jardin des Tuilieres.
Don’t be fooled by the Comfort Hotel Opera Drouot’s two star rating. Located at 4 rue de la Grange Bataliere, this charming hotel offers a great position in the city. It is surrounded by many wonderful attractions, including the Jardin des Tuilieres. The rooms are simple and relaxing and the stone vaulted breakfast room is a beautiful touch to wake up to in the morning. Just a short distance from the metro station Grands Boulevards, which can be accessed by lines 8 or 9, this hotels 52EUR per night starting price is hard to beat.
The 3 star Crystal Hotel, located at 24 Rue Saint Benoit, is a mere 20 minute walk from Notre Dame and also a short walk to the Louvre, St Germain Des Pres, Musee D’Orsay and the Tuileries. A delicious breakfast is offered in a cavernous stone walled room each morning. The receptionists are there to make your stay unforgettable and help you any way that they can. All of the rooms are done up with pieces of art and beautiful deep color palettes. Rates start at 101.37EUR per night. Crystal Hotel is a short distance from metro line Saint Germain des Pres on line 4 and Mabillon station on line 10.
Located half a mile from the Tuileries, the Hotel le Vignon settles into the heart of the fashion district. The creamy beige decor with red and yellow accents follows fashionable suit. Situated at 23 rue Vignon in the 8th arrondisement, it is two minutes on foot from the Galeries Lafayette, Rue St Honore and the Opera. Close to several metros including Havre Caumartin, this three star gem offers stand out locality and superior room for 137EUR per night.
Photo courtesy of Simona Dumitru.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral
Address: Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 place du Parvis, Place Jean-Paul II, Paris 75004
Arrondissement: 4th
Hours: 8:00am to 6:45pm
Tickets: With a hostess 20EUR; Without a hostess 3EUR, Children 1EUR; With an audio guide 5EUR
WWW: Notre Dame Cathedral
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 34 56 10.
Email: info@cathedraledeparis.com
About Notre Dame
Notre Dame is a French Gothic cathedral that is still used today as a Roman Catholic church and the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. The cathedrals construction was long and spanned the Gothic period from 1160 until 1345. This period was known for its influence called naturalism which can be seen in the buildings stained glass, sculptures and more rounded appearance. It was also one of the first to use architectural plans that included the use of flying buttresses as support features. Today it is still considered one of the finest examples in the world of French Gothic architecture.
Notre Dame has seen its fair share of ups and downs, along with the French people. Crusaders prayed within its walls before they went out to fight during the Holy Wars. During the French Revolution in the 18th century a majority of the most treasured items in the church were destroyed. The famous status of the biblical kings of Judea were beheaded and only recently in 1977 were the heads found during an excavation and put on display. For some time the church was used as a warehouse to store food by the Cult of Reason and then the Cult of the Supreme Being before it was turned back over to the Catholics. In 1871 it was nearly burned to the ground by Communards but some how came out untouched.
There is much to see and do at the church such as going up the 387 steps to one of the towers made infamous by the story of Quisamodo. The south tower holds a 13 ton bell that is rung for all of France to hear during special occasions. Notre Dame also houses a large and beautiful organ which has was built in the early 1700’s and completely reconstructed in the 1800’s. There is also exquisite architecture around every corner and sculptures throughout.
Getting to Notre Dame
The island where Notre Dame is located, Ile de la Cite has one Paris Métro station, Cité; the RER station, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame” on the Left Bank has an exit in the square front of the Cathedral.
Here is a short guide to hotels near Notre Dame, Paris.
Located at 1 Rue Racine, the Hotel de La Faculte offers a setting in a late 19th century building situated in center of the active Latin quarter. It is just mere steps from Notre Dame as well as other sites like Sorbonne. From your room, you can enjoy a view of the beloved cathedral for a mere 55EUR per night. For this price, you not only get sweeping views of the city, but a continental breakfast and 24 hour front desk and concierge service. Fido is also more than welcome. This hotel is a half a mile from the Notre Dame cathedral and even closer to metro station Cluny La Sorbonne and St. Michel Notre-Dame.
The 3 star Crystal Hotel, located at 24 Rue Saint Benoit, is a mere 20 minute walk from Notre Dame and also a short walk to the Louvre, St Germain Des Pres, Musee D’Orsay and the Tuileries. A delicious breakfast is offered in a cavernous stone walled room each morning. The receptionists are there to make your stay unforgettable and help you any way that they can. All of the rooms are done up with pieces of art and beautiful deep color palettes. Rates start at 101.37EUR per night. Crystal Hotel is a short distance from metro line Saint Germain des Pres on line 4 and Mabillon station on line 10.
Located beside a vast Parisian park, 4 star hotel Novotel Paris Les Halles is an ideal stay for visitors who want to see the Notre Dame, Louvre, Pompidou Center and views from a top the banks of the Siene. The restaurant and bar “La Place” offers tasty delights and beautiful views of the Saint Eustaches and Les Halles gardens. It offers business with 8 high tech meeting rooms and pleasure with its perfect location in the heart of Paris. All of the rooms are completely elegant with a soothing decor. Rates start at 155.70EUR per night. The hotel can easily be reached by Metro Chatelet and getting off from Lines 1 & 7’s shared station Place Ste-Opportune or Line 4’s Rue de la Lingerie station. Situated half a mile from Notre Dame and it is less than a mile from the Cite metro station.
Photo courtesy of Anthony Von Hoe.
Pantheon, Paris
Pantheon
Address: Place du Pantheon, 75005 Paris
Arrondissement: 5th
Hours: Winter hours are 10am to 7pm. Summer hours are 9:30am to 6:30pm.
Tickets: Adult 26EUR, Group 17EUR, Children 7EUR
Phone: 01 43 54 34 51
About the Pantheon
The Pantheon has an incredible and vast past. It’s history goes back as far as 507AD when King Clovish, the first of the Frankish Merovingian King’s, chose the site as a tomb for him and his wife Clothilde. In 512 the patroness of Paris, Saint Genevieve, was buried here. In 1744 when King Louis XV fell seriously ill, he made a promise to resurrect a church and breathe new life into this locate – which was known at the time as Abbey Saint Genevieve – for the love of Saint Genevieve. After a miraculous recovery, he did just that. The construction began in 1757 and was completed 34 years, during the French Revolution. During this year the Constituent Assembly of the Revolution dubbed the church as a temple to appease the remains of the great men of France that were buried there. The men in the crypt include some of the most famous French figures of all time such as Victor Huge, Jean Monnet, Marie and Pierre Curie and Emile Zola. Shortly there after in 1806 the buildings function was changed yet again to a pantheon and it served the public as a civic building as it still does today.
This place is also the location where astronomer Jean Bernard Leon Foucault proved to people everywhere that the world spins around its axis. His experimental pendulum is still there today. The dome also offers exciting views of Paris.
Getting to the Pantheon
Go to Cardinal Lemoine station on Paris Metro line 10. It is named after the Rue de Cardinal Lemoine. Cardinal Jean Lemoine (1250-1313) was a papal legate of Pope Boniface VIII to Philip IV the Fair.
Here is a short guide to 2 star and 3 star hotels near the Pantheon.
Don’t be fooled by the Comfort Hotel Opera Drouot’s two star rating. Located at 4 rue de la Grange Bataliere, this charming hotel offers a great position in the city. It is surrounded by many wonderful attractions, including the Jardin des Tuilieres. The rooms are simple and relaxing and the stone vaulted breakfast room is a beautiful touch to wake up to in the morning. Just a short distance from the metro station Grands Boulevards, which can be accessed by lines 8 or 9, this hotels 52EUR per night starting price is hard to beat.
The 3 star Crystal Hotel, located at 24 Rue Saint Benoit, is a mere 20 minute walk from Notre Dame and also a short walk to the Louvre, St Germain Des Pres, Musee D’Orsay and the Tuileries. A delicious breakfast is offered in a cavernous stone walled room each morning. The receptionists are there to make your stay unforgettable and help you any way that they can. All of the rooms are done up with pieces of art and beautiful deep color palettes. Rates start at 101.37EUR per night. Crystal Hotel is a short distance from metro line Saint Germain des Pres on line 4 and Mabillon station on line 10.
Located half a mile from the Tuileries, the Hotel le Vignon settles into the heart of the fashion district. The creamy beige decor with red and yellow accents follows fashionable suit. Situated at 23 rue Vignon in the 8th arrondisement, it is two minutes on foot from the Galeries Lafayette, Rue St Honore and the Opera. Close to several metros including Havre Caumartin, this three star gem offers stand out locality and superior room for 137EUR per night.
Centre Pompidou, Paris
Centre Pompidou, Paris
Address: Centre Pompidou, 75191 Paris Cedax 04
Arrondissement: 4
Hours: 11am – 9pm; Certain exhibitions open until 11pm Thurs-Fri; Closed Tues
Tickets: Free 18 and under; 10EUR for adults
WWW: Centre Pompidou
Phone: 33 (01) 44 78 16 73
About Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is more than a museum. It was first dubbed the National Museum of Modern art and has since taken over its newest namesake. It features almost 53,000 works of art and is one of the largest collections of 20th century works. The works cover creative arts, painting, architecture, photography, cinema, new media, sculpture, design, contemporary and modern exhibitions. The online source houses information and pictures of nearly all of the works of art so that research can be done outside of the museum easily. The center really values art education and also has a children’s artist workshop within its walls.
There are also Centre’s Flammarion bookshops on the ground, 5 and 6th levels as well as Printemps design boutiques. Restaurant Georges features gastronomical delights with sweeping views of Paris while the Cafe Messanine offers good food and good service.
Getting to Centre Pompidou
Station Les Halles was opened in 21 April 1908 to serve Les Halles. It was rebuilt in 1977 to interchange with the new Chatlet-Les Halles station. This station is served by metro line 4.
Here is a short guide to hotels near Centre Pompidou, Paris.
Located at 66 rue de Malte, this tourist class hotel is the right price for a low budget, basic stay. Just 1 mile from Centre Pomidou, two star Hibiscus Republique is near the Republique station. Rates start at 44EUR per night.
Located at 29-31 rude des Ecoles, the Sully Saint Germain is positioned on the left bank in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The hotel oozes warmth with tapestry hanging from its walls and beautiful stone walls throughout. There is also a fitness quarter as well as a marble and wood bar lounge. The Sully is sure to make your stay feel like home. Located just under a mile from the Centre Pompidou, the 3 star Sully Saint Germain is near the Cardinal Lemoine tube station. Rates start at 101EUR per night.
The Golden Tulip Washington Opera was built in 1620 and renovated in 2005. The hotel was a former town home of Madame de Pompadour and boasts a Louis XV facade. The interior is done in classic Parisian style. The hotel backs up to the Palais Royale and is situated in the heart of the city. With an address of 50 rue de Richelieu, the Golden Tulip Washington Opera Hotel. The four star Golden Tulip Washington Opera hotel, is located near the Pyramides tube station is merely a mile from the Centre Pompid
The Bastille, Paris
Address: Place de la Bastille, rue Saint-Antoine & boulevard Henri IV; Square Henri Galli, boulevard Henri IV
Arrondissement: 4th
About the Bastille
The Bastille, best known for its prison heydays, has a fascinating history. First known as the Bastion de Saint-Antoine during the Hundred Years’ War, it was a built as the rue Saint-Antoine gate. Shortly thereafter, it was built up as a fortress to defend the east end of the city and the Hotel Saint-Pol royal palace. When the war came to an end and the fortress was no longer needed as such, it was deemed a state prison. King Louis XIII used it to his full advantage and the prison became known as a symbol of royal power and quickly became loathed and hated by the locals of Paris.
The structure was enormous with 8 towers, surrounded by a giant moat. The hugeness of the Bastille didn’t stop that fateful day now known and celebrated as Bastille Day. On July 14, 1789, a confrontation between the Bastille’s regime and some locals led to the storming of the prison. Around noon, a large crowd, estimated at around 1,000, congregated and demanded the prison surrender and remove all of its arms and powder. Two Parisian citizens were nominated as negotiators and invited into the prison. By late afternoon nothing had been done so the draw bridges chains were cut and the Bastille was stormed. The citizens freed the prisoners and eventually beheaded the prison guards and reigning governor.
Just days after the surrender, the mighty Bastille was demolished. Today there are few remnants of the structure. Some blocks of the Liberty Tower were discovered while line 1 of the metro was being excavated in 1899. These remains are on display in Square Henri Galli, about 500 yards from the original location. On the platform for tube station line 5, the Pantin station, there is a small exhibit of some original stones of the old fortress. The original location, at the intersection of Boulevard Henry IV and rue Saint Antoine – better known as Place de la Bastille – is marked off by colored stones which show off the outline of the old walls on the street surface.
The old moat is part of the Porte de Plaisance de Paris-Arsenal marina and Canal Saint-Martin, which houses over 200 slips for river and pleasure boats. The canal starts on the Seine and goes underground for several miles. Tourists looking for more on the ancient Bastille can take a narrated cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin and pass under the old foundation of the fortress.
Getting to the Bastille
You can get to the remains of the prison by getting off at the Bastille station which lies beneath Place de la Bastille. Lines 1, 5 and 8 run through this station.
Here is a short guide to hotels near the Bastille, Paris.
At 44 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, the Aux Trois Portes is surrounded by locations at the center of the city including the Bastille prison remains, the Marais district which is bustling with life both day and night and the Montmarte which offers spectacular views.
Located a quarter mile from the Bastille, two star Aux Trois Portes is nearest the Breguet Sabin station. Rooms start at 37.33EUR per night.
Located at 5 rue Castex, the Castex Hotel has been completely done over in a XVII century style. It reflects the Golden Age of the Marais district with a vaulted stone cellar, Toile wallpaper, tomette flour tiles and Louis XIII furnishings. There is free internet, WIFI and computer usage for guests as well as taxi, theatre, show and restaurant booking. The three star Castex Hotel is less than a mile from the Bastille. Rates start at 100EUR per night.
Located at 6 eue des Archives, the Villa Mazarin has a discrete entry way which reflects the tone of the hotel. It offers safety and comfort all in one. It exudes a certain ambience with its lantern light halls and beautifully colored walls. It is right near the famous “Bazaar” shopping place as well as many other boutiques, restaurants and bars in the Marais district. This three star stay is just a little under a mile away from the Bastille’s remains and near Hotel de Ville metro line. Rates start at 154EUR per night.
Photo of the Bastille courtesy of Martin M.
Musee d’Orsay, Paris
Musee D’Orsay, Paris
“To show the great diversity of artistic creation in the western world…”
Address: Musee d’Orsay, 63 rue de Lille, 75343 Paris, Cedax 07
Arrondissement: 7th
Hours: 9:30am – 6:00pm Tues through Sun; 9:30am – 9:45pm Thurs; Closed Mon
Tickets: 7.50EUR Full Rate; 5.50EUR Concessions; Free under 18 and members
WWW: Musee d’Orsay
Phone: 33 (01) 40 49 48 14
About Musee d’Orsay
At Musee d’Orsay, the walls themselves are just as unique as the artwork they house. After some back and forth about what to do with the old Orsay railway, it was decided in 1977 that a museum be built on the grounds. Shortly thereafter, in 1978, the station was declared a national monument so great care was taken by the ACT architecture group to keep the integrity of the original building during the transformation into a museum. The museum, which lies in the heart of Paris on the bank of the Seine, across from the Tuileries Gardens, was officially opened to the public on December 9, 1986 after 9 years of construction. It boasts 10 escalators and 11 elevators to cart nearly 3 million visitors each year to its three levels. The interior features a large central nave which goes up through each level. The galleries are to either side of the nave. There is also a bookshop and restaurant, Cafe de Hauteurs, where guests can grab a bite and a book. The large auditorium holds many fascinating events and lectures which are usually centered around pieces in the Musee d’Orsay. The wonderful curators have a lot to offer and hold a hefty collection of books that they penned amongst them about their beloved museum. It is wise to get a guided tour with one of these artwork intellects for your first go round. The collections themselves have a date range of 1848 – 1914. They were taken mainly from three separate places: the Louvre’s works which were after 1820; the Musee de Jeu de Paume which devoted itself to Impressionism in 1947; the National Museum of Modern Art which only kept works of artists born after 1870. The work expands through several genres of art including painting, sculpture, decorative arts, photography, graphic arts and architecture.
Getting to Musee d’Orsay
The Solferino station, named after the Battle of Soferino, is the closest to Musee d’Orsay. It is a stop along Metro Line 12.
Here is a short guide to hotels near Musee d’Orsay, Paris.
Located on 3 rue de Montalembert, the Hotel Monatelmbert was built in 1926. The hotel was named after Charles Monatelmbert, a famous French politician. It under went an 8 million dollar, year long renovation in 1990 and became one of Paris’ finest hotels thereafter. This four star retreat was dubbed one of the first boutique hotels in Paris and recently joined the exclusive Majestic Hotel Group. Four star Hotel Monatelmbert, is a quarter mile from Musee d’Orsay and is nearest the Rue du Bac tube. Rates start at 219EUR per night.
Located at 202 rue de Rivoli, the Hotel Saint James and Albany offers many luxurious amenities such as a private garden, interior court yard, wellness room, pool, team room and beauty bar. The staff pays heed to providing a warm and relaxing atmosphere for all guests which is reflected in the decor. There is a cocktail bar, Bar Saint-James and restaurant Le Noailles, that serve both lunch and dinner. Four star Hotel Saint-James Albany is less than half a mile from the Musee d’Orsay and is near the Tuileries tube station. Rates begin at 166EUR per night.
Located at 66 rue de Bac, Bac Saint-Germain hotel has extremely hospitable and helpful staff members. It offers 24 hour reception service, elevators, a bar, a restaurant and a beautiful patio with a great view. It is gay friendly too. The three star Bac Saint-Germain is a 10 minute walk, less than a mile, to the Musee d’Orsay and is very near to the Solferino tube station. Rates start at 80.77EUR per night.
Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum “A 21st-century museum rooted in 200 years of innovation.”
Address: Musee de Louvre 75058 Paris Cedex 01, 1st Arrondissement
Hours: 9am – 6pm every day except Tues; open until 10pm Wed/Fr evenings
Tickets: Full day pass excluding Napoleon Hall – 9EUR
Napoleon Hall – 9.50EUR
Wednesday and Friday evenings – 11EUR and 6EUR for Napoleon Hall
Combination for Louvre Museum and Eugene Delacroix Museum – 13EUR
WWW: Louvre Museum
Phone: American Friends of the Louvre 1 (212) 367-2646
The “Castle of the Louvre” was built in 1190AD and housed many of Paris’ noble kings for centuries before it became the museum it is today. The museum opened in 1793 and houses over 35,000 works of art in 8 distinct departments – Near Eastern antiquities, Islamic art, paintings, Egyptian antiquities, sculptures, prints and drawings, Greek/Etruscan/Roman antiquities and decorative arts. On average, some 8 million visitors pass through the Louvre each year to browse many priceless works of art from world renowned artists like da Vinci, Watteau, Rubens, Rembrandt, Titian and Van Dyck among others. Paintings aren’t all that the museum’s walls embrace. There are also wonderful archeological collections, sculpture and a vast amount of more art work than the eye can behold in one day. The museum also has separate rooms where it restores art work from around the world and makes strives to conserve as much art as it can. It is often said that it takes at least 3 days to get a full tour of the giant Louvre and its creations. It is a wise idea to check the web site and look ahead at what you want to see if you are only going for the day although it is highly recommended to try to see it all. Many exhibits that are infamous, like the Mona Lisa, often have lines and long waits so try to get their early to see these first – before the crowds hit.
Getting to the Louvre Museum
Hop on Metro Lines 1 or 7 and get off at Palais Royal Musee du Louvre Station.
Here is a short guide to hotels near the Louvre Museum, Paris.
The quaint 2 star Hotel Flor Rivoli starts at a low 70EUR per night. It is located beside the Louvre and is walking distance to Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame and the bustling Marais district. Although there is no restaurant, a continental breakfast is available in the morning. The location is so close to many fine eateries so that this is not a problem. You will simply fall in love with the adorable Flor Rivoli. With its cozy atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home for the length of your stay.
The friendly Hotel Louvre Saint-Romain is located a stones throw from the Louvre as well as the Rue de Rivoli, Paris Opera and vast Tuileries gardens. Breakfast buffet is offered each morning under the stone arches of the cellar. Rooms are quiet and offer concierge as well as tea and coffee any time of day or night. You can get all of this 3 star service for 151EUR per night.
The phenomenal 4 star Hotel Regina faces the Louvre and Tuileries gardens head on. Its exquisite interior is done in a combination of Louis XVI and Directoire styles but filled with many modern amenities. Parisian toiles and murals adorn the walls of the large, open rooms which also contain cozy nooks and crannies to curl up in after a long day in the city. Regina offers a breakfast buffet, hotel restaurant and bar filled with grand woodwork. For 274EUR a night, you might not want to leave your stunning room.
Photo courtesy of Simona Dumitru.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Eiffel Tower: “The guardian of Paris in golden apparel.”
Address: Tour Eiffel, Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris, 7th Arrondissement
WWW: Eiffel Tower
Phone: 33 (01) 44 11 23 23
Opening Hours:
January 1 – June 14: 9:30am to 11:45pm
June 15 – September 1: 9:00am to 12:45pm
September 2 – December 31: 9:30am to 11:45pm
Tickets:
Elevator – Adult/Child 12+: 1st floor 4.50EUR, 2nd floor 7.80EUR, Top 11.50EUR;
Children 3-11 1st floor 2.30EUR, 2nd floor 4.30EUR, Top 6.30EUR
Stairs – 25+ years: 4.00EUR; 25- years: 3.10EUR
Open every day of the year, the Eiffel Tower brings in almost 7 million visitors each year and has had nearly 230 million visitors pass through since it opened in 1889. The iron monster sits on a base that is 125 x 125 meters and stands 324 meters tall. You can arrange for a tour guide to take you through the levels or you can browse each on your own. The ground floor features souvenir shops, statues and a bank with an ATM. The first floor has an array of shopping, exhibitions and displays along with a new terrace next to restaurant Altitude 95. There is even a post office on this level from which you can mail a postcard to loved ones right from the tower. As you move upward, the second floor has a specialty foods store which features delights from different shops around Paris, Eiffel Tower construction widow displays which tell the story of the tower, souvenir shops, internet stations and sought after seating in the restaurant Le Jules Verne. At the tip top you can reminisce what construction was like in a replicated office of Gustave Eiffel as well as other engineering offices. Not to be outdone by any other feature, the top level also features sweeping panoramic views of Paris.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower
There are several metros and stations that can get you to the Eiffel Tower. Metro line 6 Bir-Hakeim or Trocadero as well as line 8 Ecole Militaire are all recommended. You will get off at station Champ de Mars, Tour Eiffel.
Here is a short guide to hotels near the Eiffel Tower, Paris.
There are only 3 and 4 star hotels in the location around the Eiffel Tower, one of which is the Hotel de Suede Saint Germain. Suede Saint Germain is walking distance to Saint Germain Boulevard, D’Orsay Museum and many Left bank stores and gardens. There are scenic views if tranquil gardens and parks at this quiet 3 star hotel. Although there is no restaurant there is a daily breakfast buffet and a bar that opens in the evenings. For 109EUR per night, you can’t beat the views for the price.
At 141EUR per evening, Hotel Duquesne Eiffel is right next to the tower as its name might suggest. It is also close to the famous Champs Elysees, Swiss Village and Place de la Concorde. There is a bar and breakfast buffet at this quaint Parisian 3 star hotel and many wonderful restaurants are close by to tingle your tastebuds.
The Hotel Le Wal Paris is just footsteps from the base of the Eiffel Tower as well as shopping and boutiques and the rue Cler market. There is no restaurant at Le Wal but there is a buffet or continental breakfast each morning and a tea lounge which becomes a bar in the evening hours. The beautiful and sophisticated interior is done in rich brown tones complete with wooden floors. Le Wal is pleasing on the eye and the wallet (for a 4 star stay anyway) at 195EUR per night.
Arc de Triomphe, Paris
Arc de Triomphe: “The largest triumphal arc in the world!”
Address: Place Charles du Gaulle, 75008 Paris, 8th Arrondissement
Hours: 9:30a – 6:30p, Winter (Oct 1 – March 21) 10am – 5:30pm
Tickets: Standard 6.10EUR, Special 3.81EUR
Phone: 33 (01) 55 37 73 77
The Arc de Triomphe is a famous Parisian landmark, commissioned by the great Napoleon himself to commemorate French soldiers. Right in the Centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is the first and largest monument in a series that runs from the courtyard of the Louvre Museum all the way to the out skirts of the city. The monument’s architect Jean Chalgrin began the Neoclassical Roman structure in 1806. Chalgrin died in 1811, never able to see his project through to the end. Finally in 1836, the Arc de Triomphe was completed 20 years after Chalgrin’s death. You can access this massive structure easiest by way of an underground pedestrian tunnel that runs beneath the Champs Elysees. Once there, you can visit the tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the small museum located inside the Arc that is dedicated to memorial’s history and construction.
Getting to Arc de Triomphe
Paris Metro Line 6 to station Chales de Gaulle – Etoile will take you to the Arc de Triomphe as well as other sites such as the Champs Elysees.
Here is a short guide to hotels near Arc de Triomphe, Paris.
The 2 star Hotel D Argenson might just be one of the greatest values in budget hotels around Paris. Located near the Arc de Triomphe as well as the Champs Elysees and Paris Opera, the hotel offers a soft and romantic decor filled with antique furniture, molded ceilings and beautiful floral arrangements. This charming hotel includes breakfast and the best part is the small 70EUR per night price tag.
The 3 star Hotel de Berne Opera Paris starts at a well worth it 125EUR per night. It is located steps from the Etoile metro, Arc de Triomphe, Paris shopping and the world famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. Although there is no restaurant, the hotel offers a continental buffet breakfast under beautiful arched stonework in its kitchen area. The Hotel de Berne Opera Paris is warm, friendly, clean and simplistic to make your stay in just right.
The 4 star Hotel Arioso Paris is certainly a luxurious stay starting at 205EUR per night. Right near the Arc de Triomphe, Parisian department stores and Place de Madeleine there is much to see and do as soon as you step out of the door. Although there is not a restaurant, there is a breakfast each morning, a bar and a roof top seating area at the hotel. Although the Arioso Paris was built in the 1800’s, it accommodates the comfort of modern life. Special care was taken to evoke a sense of harmony and warmth when the hotel was renovated. Candlelight spills from every corner. From the wall paper, beautiful floor tiles to the sensuous fabrics, only the best in Europe made the cut. If it is within your budget, Hotel Arioso Paris is worth every penny of the price tag.