The Tuileries garden
The Tuileries Garden is the ideal place to relax and admire the great monuments of Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Musée de L’Orangerie and the Musée du Louvre. Located between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Museum, the garden is also home to several statues by Maillol along with paintings by Rodin and Giacometti, giving Parisians and tourists alike a chance to relax and learn more about French culture. A few kilometers from the Jardin des Tuileries, you will be greeted by the impressive architecture of the Musée D’Orsay.
You will cross the “Pont De Solferino” after walking for five minutes. It will be full of tourists and love locks engraved with the names of couples from all over the world. A beautiful fountain, pond, and carousel garden await you once you cross the bridge into the Jardin des Tuileries. During the summer, the garden celebrates a festival known as FEte des Tuileries with more than 60 attractions ranging from horror games, climbing walls, slides and roller coasters. The festival features a variety of food, including churros, hamburgers, popcorn, crepes, and cotton candy. It runs from July 3 to August 28, with no entry fee. Ride prices will range from $5 to $15, depending on the ride. If you’re looking for a place to get a good view of the French monuments, gardens, and festival attractions, you might want to spend some time at the Jardin des Tuileries.
Arch of Triumph
As its name suggests, the Arc de Triomphe honors the soldiers who fought and died during the Napoleonic Wars and the French Revolution. Designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1809 on the orders of Napoleon, the monument was inaugurated by King Louis-Philippe in 1836 on the sixth anniversary of the glorious three. Beneath the arch lies the body of an unknown French World War I soldier who was added to the arch in 1921. To access the Arc de Triomphe monument, visitors pass through an underground passageway. Historical photos from the time of the monument’s construction are exhibited there, along with a description of his legacy. There will be a line full of excited tourists and Parisians as you approach the monument, so get there early to avoid the crowds as wait times vary from 30 to 45 minutes.
Fortunately, you can avoid the long second row if you choose not to climb to the top of the monument, despite the reasonable price of 13 euros. Standing under the arch, you can witness the delightful monumental sculptures celebrating the military victories of the revolution the French refer to as “The marsellesa”, which is placed on the left pillar of the arch. As part of a commemoration ceremony for soldiers who died on the battlefield, veterans gather every night at 6:30 pm to light a flame under the arch. The Arc de Triomphe is a must see if you are looking for incredible sculptures, a unique point of view, and most importantly, symbolic gestures in honor of deceased soldiers.
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, located in the seventh district of Paris, offers tourists a unique view of the city. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the sweet smell of French delicacies nestled under the iron monument. There you can buy a variety of French pastries, such as sweet and savory crepes, hot dogs and churros, which the French call “chichi”. As you queue to enter the tower, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a look at some French museums, giving you an idea of what to expect from other historical museums like the Musée de l’Homme.
On the ground floor, you will also have a great view of the metal iron structure monument, created by Gustave Eiffel for the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889 to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Going up the stairs will give you a better view of the city, and you will also be able to skip the line and enter the tower faster. On the second floor, you will find a gift shop and the Jules Verne Restaurant, but most importantly, you will have a spectacular view of French monuments such as the Seine, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Grand Palais des Champs Elysées. The Eiffel Tower in Paris is definitely a must-see destination if you are looking for a spectacular view.
Shoah Memorial
the Shoah Memorial is a Holocaust museum and archives center perpetuating the memory of Jews incarcerated in French concentration camps during World War II. The Shoah Memorial in Drancy it is an extension of the first monument in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. When you arrive at the museum, you will be informed that there are two floors to explore. The first floor is the permanent exhibition that traces the history of the Jews during the Holocaust. There, you will see original documents, photographs and articles that tell their story.
The exhibition is divided into two sections; the section on the right was devoted to people’s testimonies and fates, while the section on the left focused on history. The second floor of the Museum featured other original documents and an optional virtual tour that described the history of the Holocaust through three-minute videos. The second floor has an incredible view of the City of the Dead, the former Drancy internment camp, where a Holocaust train is currently on display. For copyright reasons, you will not be allowed to take photographs of the original documents and articles. The Memorial of Shoah is a perfect place if you are interested in learning more about the Holocaust historically and chronologically, as well as learning more about religious identity.
Featured images courtesy of kiliane cake