Major Landmarks of Paris

Paris—the "City of Lights," the "City of Love." The nicknames of this romantic metropolis depict its colourful past, rich history and lustful reputation. Archaeological findings suggest that the diverse history of Parisian inhabitants began as early as 4200 BC. The city began as a spot for boatmen and traders due to its ideal location along the banks of the Siene River. As the years passed, different tribes moved in and out of the area and their influence formed the basis of the city's rich history. Thousands of years later, the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries brought much upheaval to Paris, and this drama and turmoil helped create the world-famous image that draws millions of visitors to its streets each year. Home to some of the world's most famous landmarks on earth, there are many must-see attractions within the iconic and enchanted city.

	Upwards View of the Eiffel Tower 1

THE EIFFEL TOWER (TOUR EIFFEL)

History
A familiar sight recognized by the young and old, the Eiffel Tower is a notorious structure, now symbolic of Paris. After two years of construction, 300 workers and 18,038 pieces of puddled iron, designer Gustave Eiffel finished building the tower in 1889. At the time, The Eiffel Tower was intended to be the tallest building in the world, standing at 324-m (1,063-ft), including the antenna. Gustave Eiffel engineered the open-frame structure using mathematical calculations to resist the wind. Constructed for the Exposition Universelle, a 100-year celebration of the French Revolution, the tower was only meant to stand for 20 years. Though it was supposed to be demolished in 1909, the tower was spared because it proved to be a useful tool for radio transmission.

Acting as an incriminate bystander, the Eiffel Tower has witnessed over a century of Parisian history. Not only did the tower observe events of the First and Second World Wars, it also played its own role in history. In the First World War the tower's potential as a tool for communications was exploited by the French Military during the First Battle of Marne, and also when capturing famed spy Mata Hari.

Visiting The Eiffel Tower
In 2006, the tower attracted over 6,719,200 visitors. At the base, tourists will find an information booth where elevator tickets can be purchased. Via the north, east and west elevators, visitors can reach the first and second levels. The first floor contains exhibits and a dining and shopping area, while the second floor features exquisite views of Paris. To reach the top floor, visitors must take a separate elevator from the second floor. During peak season the tower is very crowded and tourists should expect long delays. Those wanting to skip the lineups and fit in their daily workout can ascend the tower's many stairs to the first or second levels. Also, there are information stations setup for visitors to read on the way up.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

History
The construction of the Arc de Triomphe began in 1806 after Napoleon's successful battle at Austerlitz. Designed by architect Jean Chalgrin, the 51-m (165-ft) arc was inspired by the Arch of Titus and reflects a neoclassical version of ancient Roman architecture. Each pillar features a relief sculpture constructed by academic sculptors, Cortot, Rude, Etex, Pradier and Lemaire.

Not completed until 1836, the monument is dedicated to those who lost their lives while fighting for France in various conflicts. Residing at the base of the arc is The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Featuring an eternal flame in memory of the unidentified soldiers who died in battle during the First and Second World Wars, every November 11th the Arc de Triomphe is host to a memorial ceremony in their honour.

Visting the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is located at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle, at the west-end of the Champs-Elysees. Surrounded by Rue de Presbourg and Rue de Tilsitt, visitors can access the monument via the pedestrian underpass. Once arriving at the memorial's centre, travellers can pay a small fee to gain access to the landmark's peak.

See impressive views of Paris by riding a lift up or taking a 284-step journey to the top. In addition to marveling at the surrounding panorama, visitors can learn about the arc's history at the museum located here.

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (CATHEDRALE NOTRE DAME DE PARIS)

City View from Atop of Notre Dame2

History
Known in France as Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris, the name translates to Our Lady of Paris, signifying its dedication to the Virgin Mary. The Roman Catholic cathedral was built at the location of the first Christian church in Paris, the Saint Etienne Basilica. Torn down by Bishop Maurice de Sully when he declared the church to be unfit, the construction of Notre Dame began in 1163, although the cathedral was not complete until 1345, under the rule of Louis VII.

The design of the Cathedral reflects high Gothic architecture which can be seen through the use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses. One of the first buildings to use the flying buttress, it allowed the cathedral walls to be thinner and taller by repositioning the weight of the building onto the outside buttresses instead of the walls. Naturalistic influences are apparent in the stained-glass window designs and sculptures.

As a long-time Parisian site of worship, Notre Dame has been a focal point in a number of France's historic events, many of which took a toll on the cathedral. After the Council of Trent in 1548, rioting Huguenots damaged the church and it endured further destruction under Louis XIV and Louis XV's reign. Notre Dame was invaded during the French Revolution by Revolutionaries who destroyed much of the church's interior and many of its treasures, but was eventually saved by a 23-year restoration program that Viollett-le-Duc and Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus put in motion in 1845. The infamous cathedral gained even more recognition when Victor Hugo used it as the setting for his novel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". In addition to the many Catholic events held at the cathedral, other notable events include Napoleon Bonaparte's crowning as Emperor in 1804 and the celebration of France's liberation from Germany on August 26, 1944.

Visiting the Cathedral
Notre Dame is open daily for visitors to explore. Although, as the cathedral is an active worshiping site, visiting areas are restricted during services. Before entering the massive cathedral through the central entrance, The Door of Judgment, visitors should observe the intricate sculptures and designs from the early 13th century that decorate the doorway. Inside the cathedral, the marvelous stained- glass and elaborate biblical designs of the three round rose windows demand the attention of onlookers. To enjoy a great view of the city, visitors can climb up 387-steps to the bell tower.

SACRE-COEUR BASILICA (BASILIQUE DU SACRE-COEUR)

History
Located at the highest point in Paris, Sacre-Coeur Basilica is situated atop Montmartre butte. Completed in 1914, construction of the basilica began after the French Revolution and Franco-Prussian War. As its name translates, the church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and has become a memorial to those who died in the Franco-Prussian War and French Commune.

	A Night View of the Sacre-Couer3

Made of travertine stone, the basilica will remain white in colour, even as aging and weathering occurs. The basilica's Romano-byzantine architecture is very different from the high Gothic design of Notre Dame. The basilica was designed in such a way as to contrast with the architectural style of the Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera House.

Visiting Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Tourists who want to see the Sacre-Coeur Basilica can arrive via the metro transit system, alighting at Anvers Station. From there, hop on the Funiculaire de Montmartre, which allows for quick transport from square Willette to Sacre-Coeur. In addition, the area can be accessed by foot. Only a 15-20 minute walk, the uphill journey provides scenic views upon entering the district.

The main worshiping corridor of the Sacre-Coeur is open to the public every day for free, though donations are appreciated. To see the basilica's dome or chapel-lined crypt, guests have to pay a small fee. This allows access to the spiraling steps that lead to the dome, and the staircase leading down to the tomb. After visiting the basilica, exploring the many galleries and cafes in Montmarte—Paris' main arts hub—is a popular activity.

CATACOMBS OF PARIS

History
The Catacombs, the setting of Edgar Allen Poe's “A Cask of Amontillado,” contain 300-km (186-mi) of tunnels, corridors and rooms filled with stacks of Parisians' skeletons. Serving as a place to store the deceased 20-m (65-ft) underground, the idea of the catacombs came about in 1785 as a solution for Paris' overcrowded cemeteries.

City graveyards like Saints Innocents Cemetery (Cimetière des Innocents) were responsible for disease and contamination in Paris, resulting in the use of the catacombs—which originated as a network of limestone quarries in the Roman-era— as well as cemeteries like the famed Pere La Chaise (Cimetière du Père Lachaise) as a burial place. In the 20th century the tunnels were used during the Second World War by French Resistance fighters.

Skeleton Bones in the Catacombs4

Visiting the Catacombs
Although most of the corridors are restricted to the public, 1.6 km (1.0 mi) are open to visitors. After paying admission, explorers with a camera in one hand, and flashlight in the other, can follow the underground tunnels and be spooked by the millions of decrepit skeletons. By the end of the tour, visitors should expect to have their bags searched, just in case a skeleton's bone wandered into their backpack. Making it easy for transit users, the entrance to the catacombs is located across from Denfert-Rochereau metro station. The exit is near metro Mouton Duvernet, 700-m (2297-ft) southwest of the entrance on rue Remy Dumoncel.

1. Hanna Verhagen; WorldWeb.com; Eiffel Tower; Paris, France
2. Arc de Triomphe; Paris, France
3. Hanna Verhagen; WorldWeb.com; Sacre-Coeur; Paris, France
4. Catacombs, Paris, France