24 Hours in Paris
I am in Paris for 24 hours in 2 days time, just wondering what sights i should try and see. I have seen the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Apart from the Louvre which i'd love to see, where else should i check out? I am 20 if that helps!!2
I'm assuming if you want to see the Louvre that you like Art.Musee D'Orsay was a highlight for me - I liked it more than the Louvre but that is probably because I have a fondness for the impressionists. There is also a Picasso Museum that I enjoyed but it looks like it might be closed at the moment.
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I visit Notre Dame every visit to Paris. It doesn't take long. While on Isle de Cite, you can visit Sainte-Chapelle, which is hidden inside the ministry of justice. It's a church that was built to house a thorn from Christ's crown of thorns. I am not sure how they were absolutely sure it was authentic, but the stained glass is amazing. Truly worthwhile, and I find it odd that this is not one of the very top sites in Paris. I think it is because it is so hard to get inside the ministry of justice to see it, and many just don't know it exists. (I'm not saying it is unknown, just that I don't think it gets the respect it deserves).5
Tour Montparnasse or/and Centre George Pompidou (art museum) for views. Obviously, the latter is a museum (modern art) but also offers nice views. I found views from Tour Montparnasse better from the Eiffel Tower because there are no grills etc and there's also an open platform.Pantheon is also pretty good for art and architecture.
Sacre-Coeur basilica- and maybe you can also check out the flea market there- reportedly the largest in Europe; Marche aux Puces de St-Quen.
But as said, you should state your interests and read a guidebook- I prefer Time Out.
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Sacré Coeur & Montmartre would be a change of pace and architecture compared to the center of the city. I wouldn't plan too much because if you are definitely going to the Louvre, it will probably take a big chunk of your day.7
Start at the Musee D'Orsay - plan on spending about 2 hours there.Then:
Cross the river and stroll through the Tuileries Gardens. Visit the L'Orangerie for a quick visit to see Claude Monet's waterlily paintings (1 hour).
Head towards Concorde (still in the Tuileries) and see what's on at the Jeu de Paume (fantastic photography museum). (90 minutes)
Afterwards, stop for lunch in an outdoor cafe in the gardens or head towards Concorde and stop at the Petit Palais for lunch in their garden cafe. Entrance is free to the Petit Palais. Great museum.
Then, cross the street and pick up the Metro (line 1) to the top of the Champs Elysees and visit the Arc de Triomphe for one of the best views of the city.
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Try to go on a boat cruise on the River Seine. Wonderful way to discover the heart of Paris and a few landmarks and getting a feel for the city. I'd recommend Vedettes du Pont Neuf for the tours.9
I would almost want to agree with the idea of the boat ride giving one "a feel for the city" except that it just gives you a feel of what is along the Seine, which is not one bit like what you would experience in Montmartre, Belleville, Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement, Batignolles or so many other places.Let's say it is okay for people who only want to see "postcard Paris" -- and even then you miss the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré Coeur, the Opera.....
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Montmartre is a must - and the jewel in Montmatre's crown is Sacre Coeur.The church itself is, in my opinion, the most stunning church in Europe - inside and out. But its the area surrounding the church that makes it one of my favourite spots in Europe.
It sits on the hill overlooking Paris and provides the best view of the city. The Eiffel Tower, of course, also provides a great view, but there's always one thing missing - the Tower itself.
Another less talked about attraction in Paris are the catacombs and the 'Jardin du Luxembourg' (Luxembourg Gardens) is worth a stroll through if you like that sort of thing.
Hope this helps,
Anthony R.
Euro Travel Blog: http://eurotravelblg.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/EuroTravelBlog
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The church itself is, in my opinion, the most stunning church in Europe - inside and out.
each to their own. In my opinion, this 19th century kitschy Byzantine-inspired pile is no match for some of the really stunning churches of the world- many of which are many centuries older than SC.
But its the area surrounding the church that makes it one of my favourite spots in Europe.
again, each to their own. It has a decent view but there are numerous places that provide similar views, also with the tower. Personally i find the touristy crowds a little annoying, but hey, i don;t get any kicks anymore out of singing along to 'Hey Jude' with some scruffy looking busker. And the Place du Tertre right around the corner most rank as one of the sorriest tourist traps in Paris.
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Ever since I was a child, I have loved Sacré Coeur myself, but I have read all of the criticism about it as well. My own opinion is that the style totally suits the location on top of the hill. If it had been built on flat land, it might have looked completely silly, like St. Basil in Moscow. Anyway, Sacré Coeur wasn't even completed until 1914, so it is unfair to compare it to historic churches. That would be like comparing the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.As for the immediate area surrounding the basilica, I feel that it has been ruined by tourists, but if you walk a few blocks farther in any direction (except directly in front), the area becomes magical.
