Secondary to Disneyland Paris park, Walt Disney Studios opened in 2002 and gives visitors a "behind-the-scenes" look at the magic of filmmaking. Organized into 4 different lots, as in movie lots, the park offers families a variety of attractions for all ages. For the little ones, there is Toy Story Playland with rides and attractions from the beloved film. For the older kids, there is an Aerosmith-theme rollercoaster, the deathly Tower of Terror and the thrilling Moteurs Action! live action stunt show. Everyone will enjoy taking a trip back in time and strolling through Hollywood Boulevard during the golden age of film.
This château has two significantly inspired events. One was the tragic downfall of Fouquet, a minister who paid the price of life imprisonment because King Louis XIV was jealous of his beautiful château. And under the influence of Fouquet, Vaux-le-Vicomte became a haven for French artists, writers and sculptors who gave their all for the glory of the residence. Check the website for information on the different visits. There is a candlelight visit that is going to be apt for all the lovebirds. Hours vary throughout the year and you can buy passes for more than one day; see the website or call for more information.
Located in the centre of the city within the Palais de Justice complex on the Île de la Cite, the Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel) is a small Gothic chapel constructed in the Rayonnant style. Built by King Louis IX from 1238-1244, the chapel housed holy relics from the Passion believed to be Jesus' Crown of Thorns and a piece of the True Cross. These items were purchased from the Byzantine emperor Baldwin II in 1239 for a huge sum of 135,000 Livres (the church cost 40,000 livres to build) due to the King's desire to elevate France as the leader of Western Christianity. The Sainte-Chapelle provides visitors with a spectacular visual experience since the entire upper tier of the chapel is surrounded by enormous stained glass windows.
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.
Solo poche persone sanno che il terzo museo più grande del mondo fu anteriormente la residenza principale dei re e degli imperatori di Francia per sei secoli. L'antica fortezza venne costruita nel 1190 sotto il regno del Re Philippe Auguste per proteggere il regno dalle invasioni delle tribù del nord (i vichinghi). Durante il XIV secolo sotto Carlo V, il palazzo venne ingrandito e di tanto in tanto costituiva una delle dimore reali. Il più grande cambiamento nella struttura originale fu fatta sotto il re François I. La medioevale Grosse Tour venne distrutta e sostituita con un lussuoso palazzo, ancor'oggi considerato un capolavoro dell'architettura del Rinascimento. Nel 1594, Henri IV decise di costruire un passaggio tra il Palace de les Tuileries e il Louvre, che era ancora conosciuto come "Grande galleria." La "Cour Carrée" faceva parte di un ampio progetto portato avanti sotto Louis XIII e Louis XIV per abbellire le residenze reali e costituisce un simbolo del periodo classico. Dopo che Louis XIV si spostò a Versailles, il Louvre non visse grandi cambiamenti. La costruzione più recente costituita dalla Piramide di vetro eretta da Leoh Ming Pei durante la presidenza di Mitterrand, e che oggi costituisce l'entrata principale del museo. Con i suoi 35.000 reperti e una superficie di quasi 2.419.800 metri quadrati, il Louvre non puo essere visto in un giorno solo. Il museo è diviso in otto sezioni: "Antichita dell'oriente e del medio oriente" inclusi tesori della Mesopotamia, Siria e Iran che risalgono al'epoca del Neolitico, "Antichità egizie, greche, romane ed etrusche che vanno dal 6000 p.e.v. al 600 e.v., "Arte islamica", "Sculture", "Arte Decorativa" che comprende fra l'altro le famose corone dell'incoronazione dell'Imperatrice Eugénie e di Louis XV, "Quadri" dal XIII secolo fino al 1848 e "Stampe e Disegni" (che si possono vedere su appuntamento). Oltre alla famosa Monna Lisa di Da Vinci e Festeggiamenti del Matrimonio di Cana del Veronese si possono ammirare opere del Rinascimento italiano (Tiziano, Raffaello, etc.), capolavori dei pittori fiamminghi come Rubens, Van Eyck ma anche di Vermeer il Lacemaker. Inoltre, molto famoso tra i francesi, non bisogna dimenticarsi dell'Autoritratto di Dürer, del Delacroix Liberté Guidant le Peuple o di David L'incoronazione di Napoleone. Fra gli sculture oltre alla Venere di Milo e la Vittoria alata di Samotracia, bisogna fare gli onori Schiavi di Michelangelo. Un po' di consiglio: avere pazienza e comprare i biglietti via internet per evitare le lunghe code. Si consiglia di tornare di notte per vedere le Piramidi illuminate! Entrata: EUR8.5. Per conferenze, proiezioni e concerti, consultare il programma dell'Auditorium. - Aurélie Pichard
Salire sui 387 gradini fino alla cima di questa meraviglia è assolutamente ricompensato dalla spettacolare vista. La costruzione della prima grande cattedrale gotica è iniziata nel 1163 e venne più o meno completata nel 1212. La ricostruzione dei due grandi transetti nel 1270 marcarono la fine dei lavori. La facciata occidentale è decorata con tre portoni riccamente ornati ed è incoronata da una torre di 69 metri. La cattedrale è sempre zeppa di gente: specialmente domenica quando la maggior parte dell'edificio è chiuso ai turisti.
Champagne & Brie Region encompasses a massive area in Northern France. The Champagne Wine region covers major towns like Reims and Épernay. While wine growing, viticulture, and vineyards dominate the landscape, the presence of big cities like Reims ensure sightseeing opportunities too, such as the Reims Cathedral, a medieval landmark of legendary beauty, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From villas, estates and cottage getaways where you can experience the complete process of making champagne, the region is a oenophiles dream. Brie on the other hand, is known for Brie cheese, a dish which goes exceptionally well with the champagne. History buffs can enjoy to their heart's content here with stunning landmarks like Angouleme, Chateau de La Rochefoucauld, scenic village of Tusson and much more. Together, the Champagne & Brie Region becomes one of the most sought after destinations in Europe, much like the combination of their wine and cheese in kitchens around the world.
Set against an adventurous backdrop where both kids and adults can enjoy, Davy Crockett's Adventure Park makes for a perfect weekend outing. A tight rope bridges the gap between two trees in the park, and visitors can traverse this distance in the utmost safe and fun manner. The park comprises of several play areas, with varying difficulty levels for adults and kids. There is also a zip-line suspension for a more thrilling experience.
Inaugurated in November 2006, this cultural center facilities cultural performances ranging from concerts to puppet shows and houses an auditorium that has a seating capacity for more than 230 people. It possesses latest sound equipment and has a cozy atmosphere. The performances held at the venue are entertaining to the core and are a major crowd puller. Contact for event updates and more details.
The Commons Farm which is also known as La Ferme des Communes in the local language is the cultural center. A number of local artists perform to exhibits their talent. It has a decent seating which can accommodate a number of people with good light and acoustic arrangements. Do visit the center if you want a local culture experience.
This rustic hall is actually an old grange transformed into a cultural center in 1995. It was named after a member of the community who died in 1992. Consult the tourist office for information.