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Culture of Paris. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris is, without a doubt, one of the most prominent symbols of the French capital. It never ceases to amaze its visitors with its unusual architecture and rich decorations. Many believe that alchemists have encrypted the recipe of the philosopher's stone in the architecture of the building. The church is decorated with colorful stained-glass windows, and its walls depict scenes from well-known religious parables. Basilica of Sacre-Coeur is another famous religious attraction of the city. Its architectural style is a unique combination of Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine traditions.
1. Travelers are not recommended to rent a car, because driving through the streets of the city may be very difficult due to heavy traffic jams. 2. Subway is the best way to move around … 
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How one of the most romantic cities in the world can surprise its guests? In addition to the internationally famous landmarks, one can find many interesting and hidden places to explore in … Open
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Getting acquainted with the capital of romance will be considered incomplete without paying a visit to the most famous museum of the city – Musée du Louvre. The museum which is located in the former Royal Palace, has long become a landmark of the city. There are several sections in the museum devoted to different epochs such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient East, Ancient times, Islamic arts, as well as several sections depending on the genres of art. By the way, it would be interesting to point out that historical films are often shot here – for example, “Da Vinci Code”.
The choice of hotels in Paris is extensive and, of course, there are some unique ones that are well-known to travelers who enjoy staying in unusual places. Hotel Particulier is one of these … Open
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Without Palais Garnier and the legend associated with it, Gaston Leroux would perhaps never have written “The Phantom of the Opera”. The fact is that the story is based on a real legend that existed at that time. Some people believe that a ghost lives in the opera house up until now, which gives it some sort of mysticism. The building on its own deserves a visit owing to the fact that it is considered a recognized standard of eclectic architecture of Beaux-Arts style. It was open in the year 1875. Place de la Bastille is yet another place from which the unsettled wind of history blows. In place of the former fortress which was built in 1381, you can now see only places as Colonne de Juillet, Bassin de l'Arsenal and Opéra Bastille. The fortress was destroyed in the year 1791, and the state holiday of July 14th is celebrated to recall precisely these events.
Hundreds of designer hotels in Paris offer their services to travelers, and HI Matic manages to stand out in such a variety. This modern environment-friendly hotel is located not far from La … Open
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Paris and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Paris: churches, museums and castles
Louvre Museum, Paris
Location on the map: 
Facts:
» Initially, the Louvre has been built as a military fortress, later it became a royal residence, and only in 1793 museum’s doors were first opened to the public. Facts:» The Louvre is a building consisting of four parts; they are called wings, and each of them serves for its special purpose.
» The Louvre Museum houses some of the most famous works of art in the history of human civilization. Artworks shown in the Louvre have being collected by French government during last 500 years.
» It would take more than a day to explore the Louvre Museum. If you want to see all the exhibits, the best solution is to find a hotel near the Louvre and devote at least a week of free time to go around the museum.
» The Pyramid is the third most popular art object among visitors after the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
» Napoleon I has made special contribution to the expansion of Louvre collection. He demanded tribute in the form of works of art from each of the defeated nations.
Basilique du Sacre Coeur, Paris
Location on the map: Facts:
» Sacre Coeur, literally Basilica of the Sacred Heart, is a bizarre imitation of a Byzantine church. The tower and the snow-white dome became an integral part of the Paris sky. Facts:» The Cathedral is almost as high as the Eiffel Tower. The dome of the cathedral is equipped with an observation deck, which offers spectacular panorama, where Paris and its surroundings are clearly visible.
» The basilica owes its current name, Sacre Coeur, to the Catholic feast of the Sacred Heart of Christ, and the temple is dedicated to the memory of victims of the Franco-Prussian War.
» There is the crypt under the altar and choral part of the basilica, where you can see church relics and the stone statue of Jesus with his glowing heart.
» The milky-white tone of Sacre Coeur is due to stone selected for constructing the Basilica. It was produced not far from Paris, in the town of Château-Landon. As it turned out, it has the property to turn white after been sprinkled by water.
Sainte Chapelle, Paris
Location on the map: Facts:
» Sainte Chapelle is the Gothic chapel and reliquary in the former Royal Palace on the Ile de la Cité in Paris built by Saint Louis. Facts:» Sainte Chapelle features the most complete ensemble of stained glass art of the 13th century and is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic churches of small size.
» Sainte Chapelle is a two-storey building conventionally divided into upper and lower levels, equal in size and different in height.
» The lower chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary; it was visited by palace servants. The upper level was aimed at royals and nobility; it was built in honor of the Holy Cross.
» More than 1,134 biblical and religious stories can be seen at stained glass windows of the Sainte Chapelle. About 700 of them have survived from the 13th century to the present day in their original form, and the rest were reconstructed.
» In order to admire beauty of stained glasses of Sainte Chapelle in full, it’s recommended to visit the chapel on a sunny day. In this case the second tier of stained glass will look just great.
Luxembourg Palace, Paris
Location on the map: Facts:
» Luxembourg Palace was built for Queen Marie de Medici; her contemporaries have said that it has been the most beautiful palace in Paris. Facts:» Marie de Medici asked the famous painter Rubens to help with interior, as Parisian aristocracy was well aware of his works. To decorate the interiors of the Luxembourg Palace the artist has specially created a series called Marie de' Medici Cycle consisting of 24 paintings depicting her life.
» During the French Revolution the palace served as a prison for nobles. Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon's future wife, as well as Lanton and Desmoulins were sentenced there.
» The park of Luxembourg Palace features the Statue of Liberty of about two meters high.
» Today the palace houses the Musee de Luxembourg and French Senate.
Palais de l Elysee, Paris
Location on the map: Facts:
» Elysee Palace is the symbol of supreme power in France. Facts:» The interior of the personal area of the President at the heart of the Elysee Palace has been almost unchanged from 1861. De Gaulle has put the globe there, and the Pompidou hung a picture of Nicolas de Stael on one wall.
» The underground of the Elysee Palace houses the Jupiter Room, where the president may order the use of French nuclear forces. There are three TV screens for direct communication between the President, the Minister of Defense and Air Force Strategic Command.
» According to established protocol, the ‘first table’ of France provides 60 cm of space for each guest. When receiving VIPs, another 10 cm are added, and arm-hairs are placed instead of chairs. Dinnerware is stored in a special room in 35 wooden chests, in special leather containers and boxes of numerous drawers.
» Chef of the Elysee Palace uses a card file menu in order to avoid repetition of dishes for visitors who dine there not for the first time.
» The excursion along the halls of the palace is held once a year, on the Cultural Heritage Day in early September. In the rest of the year, unfortunately, the palace can be viewed only through the garden fence.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Paris
Père Lachaise
Where: Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 20th Arr., Paris; Metro: Line 2 Philippe Auguste;
Where: Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 20th Arr., Paris; Metro: Line 2 Philippe Auguste;
Jardin du Luxembourg
Metro: RER B Luxembourg;
Metro: RER B Luxembourg;
Musée d’Orsay
Where: 62 rue de Lille, 7th Arr., Paris; Telephone: +33 (0)1 40 49 48 14; Metro: Line 12 Solférino or RER C Musée d’Orsay;
Where: 62 rue de Lille, 7th Arr., Paris; Telephone: +33 (0)1 40 49 48 14; Metro: Line 12 Solférino or RER C Musée d’Orsay;
Musée des Arts d´Afrique et d´Océanie
Where: 293 avenue Daumesnil, 12th Arr., Paris; Telephone: +33 (0)1 44 74 84 80; Metro: Line 8 Porte dorée;
Where: 293 avenue Daumesnil, 12th Arr., Paris; Telephone: +33 (0)1 44 74 84 80; Metro: Line 8 Porte dorée;
Le Marais
Where: Bastille, Chemin Vert, Pont Marie, Saint-Paul, Saint-Sebastien-Froissard, Sully Morland, Paris;
Where: Bastille, Chemin Vert, Pont Marie, Saint-Paul, Saint-Sebastien-Froissard, Sully Morland, Paris;
Montmartre
Metro: Line 12 Abbesses;
Metro: Line 12 Abbesses;
Versailles
Where: Versailles, Paris; Telephone: +33 (0)1 30 83 78 00; Metro: RER C, Versailles;
Where: Versailles, Paris; Telephone: +33 (0)1 30 83 78 00; Metro: RER C, Versailles;
Bateaux Mouches
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Paris
♥ Palace 'Palais de la Cité' Paris, 0.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Palais du Louvre' Paris, 0.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Palais Royal' Paris, 1.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Palais du Luxembourg' Paris, 1.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Palais Brongniart' , 1.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Palais des Tuileries' Paris, 1.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Palais de la Légion d’honneur' , 1.7 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Paris and around
♥ Art museum 'Centre Pompidou' Paris, 0.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Musée de Cluny' Paris, 0.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Musée d Art et d Histoire du Judaïsme' Paris, 0.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Musée du Louvre' Paris, 0.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Musée Delacroix' Paris, 0.9 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Paris
♥ Cathédrale Saint-Volodymyr-le-Grand, Paris, 1.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires, Paris, 1.3 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Liban, Paris, 1.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse, Paris, 1.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basilique Sainte-Clotilde et Sainte-Valère, Paris, 2.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Cathédrale Saint-Louis des Invalides, Paris, 2.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basilique Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours, Paris, 3 km from the center. On the map
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Car rental on OrangeSmile.com
Photogallery of cultural heritage of Paris
Landmarks of culture on Paris map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Paris. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Paris: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Paris. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
