One can spend a day or a month in Paris and still not see and do all there is. If one only has a height, here are some must see places:
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Notre Dame Cathedral
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Arc De Triomphe/Champs-Elysees
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Eiffel Tower
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Place de la Concorde
Notre Dame Cathedral, or simply, Notre Dame, is literally "Our lady of Paris." Originally built between 1163 and 1245, was nearly destroyed during the French Revolution.
Arc De Triomphe, built during a period of between 1806 and 1836, noted as the most famous Arch in the world, it was built in memory of those who fought for France, specifically during the Napoleonic wars. Running through the Arc is one of the most famous streets in the world, the
Champs-Elysees. One would be hard pressed to find a street that shared its reputation of popular shops and fabulous out door cafe's and coffee shops.
The
Eiffel Tower is probably the most prominent design and most frequently photographed place in Paris. Built in 1899 by
Gustave Eiffel, it served as the entrance to the 1899 World's Fair. It is over 1,000 feet tall and contains several observation balconies, as well as several restaurants.
Place de la Concorde was designed in 1755 and named Place
Louis IX, who was the king at that time. Later the figure of Luis IX was torn down and renamed during the French Revolution,
Place de la Revolution and became the site of the infamous guillotine, where
King Louis XVI was executed. Probably the most famous person executed here was
Queen Marie Antoinette.
If one can spend more time, some of the other popular sites include:
Louvre Museum is one of the most breathtaking museums in the world.
The
Orsay Museum is a former train station, converted to an art museum in the 70's and is worth a visit just to see it, even without seeing the art.
The
Palace of Versailles takes a day to see properly. It has over 2,000 windows, over 1,200 fireplaces and is botanical wonder. Just a visit to the magnificent gardens is well worth the trip. Many tour companies offer day trips out there.
Paris is unequaled for spectacular sites and cuisine. One visit is never enough.