Underneath the glaze of the Parisian sky, the Eiffel Tower captures the dazzling spirit of its French capital. A magnificent wrought iron lattice tower that was originally built as an entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, the tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel after his inspiration was fueled by the pyramidal form of Egypt's historic landmarks. This comparison was met with ardent disapproval from several eminent Frenchmen before the tower came to be the celebrated global icon that it is known as today. At a stunning height of 324 meters (1,063 feet), the Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline as the city's tallest, and the country's second-tallest freestanding structure. Its majestic form sports three shades – darkest at the lowest level and colored in a light contrast as the tower ambles up to the top – an illusory mechanism adopted so as to complement its surroundings. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most winning sights in all of France, and even after more than a century, people continue to extol this monumental symbol of architectural beauty.
The ground on which the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Palais du Luxembourg stand was originally the site of a Roman camp. In 1257, the Chartreux religious order bought the land and built a monastery here, while the princess regent Marie de Médicis had the palace built-in 1615. This is one of Paris' favorite gardens. Ornate fountains and lush lawns set against the backdrop of a palace look no less than magical. With a truly beautiful layout, the park is popular with students and residents in the city's Latin Quarter. Children can go on the vintage style carousel, play on swings and sail their toy boats on the octagonal pond. This park is a much-loved and popular meeting place.
Le Point-Virgule, a comedy theater in the Marais district, the historical quarter of the capital, features comics all year, and in particular during its renowned Humor Festival in late summer. One-man-shows, sketches, impressions, improvisation, musical shows, the program here is rich and varied, the setting, a pleasant and typical one. Every summer, a humorous festival is organized with more than 80 artists.
Situated to the west of the historic Palace of Versailles, Les Jardins de Versailles is a magnificent garden created by André Le Nôtre for Louis XIII. The beautiful landscaped garden is set in a geometric motif of paths, bushes, flowerbeds, sculptures and trees. In addition to these, the fountains radiate the opulence of that era and were set up to enthrall the royal guests. All the artworks such as the statues and fountains are creations of some of the great artists such as Charles Le Brun, Louis Le Vau and André Le Nôtre. Recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Les Jardins de Versailles will bewitch you with its beauty.
The Jardin des Tuileries was commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis and created in 1564 as the gardens adorning the Tuileries Palace. After the French Revolution, the park was opened to the public and has been a favorite spot for romantic walks and family outings ever since. The beautiful garden spreads out from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. A sculpture garden called Le Grand Couvert houses some very famous sculptures nestled between the park's mature trees. With its beautiful flowerbeds and a gorgeous terrace that overlooks the Seine, the garden is an ideal place to take a stroll with your sweetheart or enjoy a picnic with friends.
The Bois de Boulogne stretches over 863 hectares (2132 acres). It was named after the sanctuary Notre-Dame de Boulogne le Petit under the reign of Philippe IV, who was known as Philippe le Bel. The park was then partly converted to a royal hunting ground before being redesigned to include wide alleyways, inviting elegant Parisians to take a stroll. Lovers can peddle across lakes in rented boats, sports enthusiasts can race with rented bikes, nature lovers can fish for fun and kids can play on the expansive playgrounds; there is truly something for everyone at this magnificent park. Complete with a swimming pool, cafés and restaurants, it is a great place to spend an entire day with friends and family.
Stroll down this true Parisian pathway and experience the city as the locals would. With wonderful, little boutique and cafe lining its route, this Passage de l'Ancre is one of those well kept secrets of the city. Brightly colored shops selling a unique array of knick knacks and keeps only add to the charm of the place. A lovely walkway to discover on a summer day.
Commission by Fernand Halphen for his wife, the Chateau Mont-Royal is one of the most romantic and stunning villas in the La Chapelle-en-Serval. The first chateau design plan was submitted by renowned architect René Sergent in his celebrated Anglo-Norman. However, the King did not like this design and commissioned for Guillaume Tronchet to build the structure instead. Built in the early 20th Century, the building has a beautiful facade with bas-relief work, a theater which emulates the design of Opéra-Comique. The chateau has now been converted to a five star hotel which is a popular getaway for a romantic weekend or a family holiday.
Underneath the glaze of the Parisian sky, the Eiffel Tower captures the dazzling spirit of its French capital. A magnificent wrought iron lattice tower that was originally built as an entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, the tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel after his inspiration was fueled by the pyramidal form of Egypt's historic landmarks. This comparison was met with ardent disapproval from several eminent Frenchmen before the tower came to be the celebrated global icon that it is known as today. At a stunning height of 324 meters (1,063 feet), the Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline as the city's tallest, and the country's second-tallest freestanding structure. Its majestic form sports three shades – darkest at the lowest level and colored in a light contrast as the tower ambles up to the top – an illusory mechanism adopted so as to complement its surroundings. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most winning sights in all of France, and even after more than a century, people continue to extol this monumental symbol of architectural beauty.
The Palais' construction was commissioned in 1615 by princess regent Marie de Médicis, who bought the Duke of Luxembourg's private mansion and entrusted architect Salomon de Brosse with its transformation into a royal palace. The inspiration for its Renaissance style came from Tuscany, Marie de Médicis' birthplace; it remained royal property under the reign of Louis XIV (who raised his children here) and then became a prison under the 18th Century Convention (France's short-term, post-Revolution government). During the Second World War it was used by the German Luftwaffe (Air Force) as their headquarters. Today, it is home to the Sénat (upper house of the French parliament) and its garden (Jardin du Luxembourg) is one of Paris' favorites. The Musée du Luxembourg is nearby.
The ground on which the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Palais du Luxembourg stand was originally the site of a Roman camp. In 1257, the Chartreux religious order bought the land and built a monastery here, while the princess regent Marie de Médicis had the palace built-in 1615. This is one of Paris' favorite gardens. Ornate fountains and lush lawns set against the backdrop of a palace look no less than magical. With a truly beautiful layout, the park is popular with students and residents in the city's Latin Quarter. Children can go on the vintage style carousel, play on swings and sail their toy boats on the octagonal pond. This park is a much-loved and popular meeting place.