The Eiffel Tower is the most famous Parisian attraction. This steel tower has a strength and grace all its own. Ride the elevators to the very top and gaze out in all directions at the spectacular city at your feet. Imagine what the first people to climb this tower must have experienced. Lit by strategically placed lights, the tower comes ablaze at night, shining like a beacon of love and strength above the glittering city.
2. The Louvre & other Museums
The Louvre
Hold hands and gaze into the incomprehensible eyes of the Mona Lisa, marvel at the skilled sculptures, from Venus de Milo to Pegasus, gape at the ceilings painted with intricate murals, and be amazed at the huge paintings that adorn the walls of this spectacular museum. Paris is a city intent on preserving its past, even as it forges ahead into the future.
Museums abound and each has treasures that are priceless in their value to humanity and the Arts. The Musee de Orsay features the works of the Impressionist painters. Musee Rodin is home to some of Auguste Rodin's most famous sculptures, as well as paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renior. Discover the history of this magical city at the Musee de Carnavalet.
As you wander the halls of these great locales, the talents and loves of the great artists of the world will mesmerize you.
3. Arc de Triomphe to Champs Elysees
Arc De Triomphe
This arc, the symbol of French victory, was built in 1836 and ever since has looked down the web of streets in all directions. Placed in the very center of Palace Charles de Gaulle, the arc has a viewing platform at the top that provides panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Walk southeast from the Arc along Champs Elysees, the tree-lined avenue that is probably the most famous street in Paris. Here, you will find shop after shop with impressive wares and designer clothes - from Cartier to Louis Vuitton to the Gap.
4. The Paris Catacombs
Paris Catacombs
Underground tunnels built by the Romans and home to the French Resistance during WWII, the catacombs are a great place to lose yourselves and enjoy a thrilling day exploring and imagining. Most of the charted tunnels are temperature controlled and lit well enough to ensure that you can venture forth without fear of really getting lost.
5. Palaise Royal Gardens
Palaise Royal Gardens
These gardens are so well planned and laid out that you will forget that you are in the middle of a bustling modern metro. Providing a serene oasis in the midst of the city, the gardens give you a chance to get close and spend alone time together. Stroll through the flowerbeds or picnic on the green grass, and when you are done, check out the specialty shops and art galleries along the periphery.
6. Chapels & Churches
Notre Dame
Churches and chapels abound. Pay homage to some of Paris' most prominent citizens at the Pantheon, relive the romance of Quasimodo and Esmeralda at the Gothic Notre Dame, marvel at the gleaming gold of the Dome Church, travel back in time to Greco Roman times to the temple of Le Madeline, and view medieval art at the Sainte Chapelle.
There is something so serene and romantic about lighting a candle together, holding hands, and kneeling in a sacred building as you pray for togetherness, love, and faith.
7. Ride the Buses
Take a Bus
Public transportation is very well organized and easy to navigate in Paris. You do not need to be an expert in French to be able to find your way around. To get a close, but quick look at some of the intimate parts of this sprawling city on the banks of the Seine, ride a bus. Take Route 29 along inner streets and observe the daily lives, sights, and smells of Paris. No. 69 takes you through the Latin Quarter, past the Eiffel Tower to the Bastille. Follow the Seine's path in No. 72 and view the Eiffel Tower and various gardens and parks along the way.
8. Seine River
Seine Bridge
This river is the main artery of the city. Walk along its shore and observe the bustle of daily life. Stop and observe the barges and boats go about their business over the languid flow. This river has inspired many a poet to write magical lyrics of love and longing to his sweetheart. Attempt to compose an ode to your special love, or simply snap a few photographs to capture your experiences in this magical city of dreams and dreamers.
