The City of Light - the World's Most Visited Capital
Of course, everyone knows the infamous Tour de Eiffel, but not everyone is familiar with Paris and its other iconic monuments. Take a look at other distinguished landmarks!
1. Eiffel Tower
Among the most famous monuments in Paris lies the La Tour Eiffel, known around the world as the Eiffel Tower. Built for the Paris International Exhibition in 1889 for the centenary of the French Revolution, it welcomes over 7 million visitors annually. Although it is no longer the world's tallest monument, it is the most visited, paid-entrance monument in the world today.
2. Arc de Triomphe
Situated at the top of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the monumental triumphal arch - the Arc de Triomphe.
It was built in honor of the French Imperial Army of Napoleon. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies underneath with an inscription that states "Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918."
3. Palais du Louvre
According to legend, it is said that the Louvre is the world's largest museum. Whether this is true or not, it is one of the most majestic places in Europe. Formerly a residence for the Kings of France, today it displays over 38,000 pieces of art. Some of the most famous masterpieces are Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and Delacroix painting Liberty leading the people.
The Louvre Museum and its glass pyramid - a picturesque scene in which thousands pose daily in front of for memories - open onto the garden of the Tuileries at the starting point of the Historical Axis. Your trip is not complete until you visit the remains of the medieval foundations on the lower ground floor.
4. Cathedral of Notre-Dame
Arguably one of the finest churches in Europe, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a jewel of Gothic architecture. It was built during the Middle Ages as the centre stage for the "Hunchback of Notre Dame." Take the 380 stairs leading up to the South Tower that overlooks the city of Paris.
5. Pantheon
Located in the Latin Quarter at the top of the Saint-Genevieve hill lies Pantheon. Originally a church, the neoclassical designed building structure has since become a necropolis for French citizens and a popular national monument. Climb its massive colonnaded dome to see the whole city of Paris - from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame and Montmartre.
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