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.
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.
Founded in 1889, this legendary cabaret is known to the world over for being the birthplace of the famous French form of dance, can-can, forever immortalized in the paintings of French artist Toulouse-Lautrec. This landmark red windmill near Montmartre attracted the free spirits and artistic souls of Paris' Belle Epoque with its extravagant and risque performances. Although during World War I popularity dropped off, it rebounded greatly with the advent of the glitzy dancer Mistinguette, perhaps the cabaret's most iconic performer, in the 1920s. Today, the red lights of the Moulin Rouge still glow in Pigalle, where visitors can get a taste of Paris' Golden Age.
Many remarkable art galleries and boutiques are found on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, an avenue of upscale commerce in Paris. For art enthusiasts, a walk down this avenue becomes a truly memorable experience. The galleries, which are mostly concentrated between Place St-Phillipe-du-Roule and Avenue de Marigny, offer some of the most exceptional work by contemporary artists and beautiful French furniture. This avenue also supports Paris' reputation as a world center for fashion as many famous designers such as Givenchy and Chanel maintain boutiques here. A walk along the avenue of Faubourg Saint-Honoré, filled with impressionist art and pulsating fashion, is guaranteed to leave an impression.
Starting from the intersection at Sant-Augustin metro and running all the way to rue Drouot, Boulevard Haussmann, opened in 1864 to help ease Paris' transition from a medieval city to a modern capitol. Planned by Georges Haussman as part of an extravagant series of reforms, this boulevard is famous for infusing the then cluttered city-scape of Paris with refinement. Here you will find the immaculate Le Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, two must-see shopping hot spots for quality Parisian couture, home accessories and more.
This strangely-shaped building was dreamed up by Louis Dejean, owner of the summer circus grounds in the gardens of the Champs-Élysées. Wanting to expand his business year-round, he commissioned Hittorff, the architect of the impressive Gare du Nord, to build what was called the "Cirque Napoléon." Completed in 1854, the 20-sided polygon was greatly admired at the time and innumerable circus acts thrilled the crowds. These days, the building is unfortunately often empty, but the exterior alone is worth a visit, with its elaborate horse sculptures and carousel-like decor.
Devoted to the education of the community in music, dance, singing, studying an instrument individually or in an ensemble, the Conservatoire National de Région of La Courneuve offers classes to children and adults of five years and older. Throughout the season, concerts and shows of all the subjects offered in classes are held at the Conservatoire. Fees are on a sliding scale, and determined case-by-case through a family quotient system.
Find sightseeing tours by bus too "blah" for your tastes? Walking around too tiresome and slow? Three words: City Segway Tours. Yes, Segway, as in the futuristic self-balancing scooter that anyone can use, and everyone secretly wants to, as the envious stares that follow as you whiz by will confirm. These daily tours, roughly 4.5 hours long, will take you around Paris' famous sites, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, up the Champs-Élysées and around the Louvre. For some extra "oomph," try the Night tour and experience Paris at her best as "the City of Light". -Charlotte Bonin
Located in the commune of Montreuil, to the east of the main city, Instants Chavirés is one of the most happening music venues. The varying genres of music played here, from rock and folk, to jazz and even classical gives visitors a diverse range of options and the opportunity to catch the concert of artists who, perhaps, are not too heard of. Besides concerts, the Instants Chavirés also organizes music workshops, some even centering around children. And the presence of an on-site bar makes sure that your throat never dries up. Please see the website for further information on concerts and shows.