Five Hidden Attractions of Paris

Catacombs of Paris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Henri Barbusse

Everyone knows about the most famous sights for a holiday in Paris: Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe. It's true that no trip to France's capital should pass up the big sights, especially if it is your first visit. But there's more to Paris then just these big five - it is a city that rewards careful exploration with a number of hidden highlights. As a Paris airport transfer driver, I've been all over the city, and hear plenty of visitors talking about the highlights of their trip. Away from the major sights, there are some hidden gems that people consistently rave about (when they can find them!): here are five of the best unusual sights to see on a holiday in Paris.   

The Paris Top 10 Sights

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Paris is unsurpassed in it's natural beauty, charm and history. First time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer amount of attractions to see, and how to fit it all into their limited time.
No wonder so many people return to Paris!
However, if you only plan on going to Paris once, you will want to see the best that Paris has to offer. With so many sights and attractions to see, it's very difficult to narrow the field of choices, but there are some sights which shouldn't be missed.
With that in mind, here are the top ten sights in Paris, chosen because of their historical significance, popularity or natural beauty.


The Eiffel Tower: When you mention Paris, most people automatically think of the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World Exposition. When the tower was first unveiled, the populace thought it was a towering monstrosity, and it was nearly torn down. Since then, more than 220 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower, and it has become a national icon. The tower is beautiful to behold when lit up, and offers a spectacular view from above, or below.



Notre Dame Cathedral: The Notre Dame took over a century to build, and was once the center of medieval Paris. It is probably the most beautiful cathedral in all of Europe.



Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees: The Arc was built by Emperor Napolean, and offers a fantastic view. No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the sculptures and reliefs that adorn the arch. The promenade offers some spectacular shopping opportunities, as well as an assortment of cafes.



Versailles: Versailles was home to the King of France, as well as the seat of their government for more than 100 years. A walk through this remarkable palace, will ensure you feel like your walking in the footsteps of nobility. Inside is the Hall of Mirrors, which consists of 250ft of sheer glass. The Louvre: The Louvre is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world.



Pere Lachaise Cemetery: The crypts are amazing to behold, and there are some extremely famous people buried here. Including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Richard Wright of Pink Floyd fame.



Seine River Cruise: See the majesty of Paris glide by while riding in a glass boat. You'll get to see the Eiffel Tower, old historic bridges and even the Notre Dame Cathedral.



Musee d'Orsay: One of the most visited museums on the planet, the Musee d'Orsay has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures produced between 1848 and 1914. If you're a lover of art, then this is a sight you won't want to miss.



The Sorbonne: Founded in 1257, the Sorbonne is one of Europe's oldest universities, and many a great thinker has wandered its halls.



Sacre Coeur and Montmartre: This basilica dominates the highest point of Paris, and was consecrated in 1909. It boasts gold mosaic interiors, and offers a magnificent view of the city below.

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Vacationing in Paris - Venture Beyond the Eiffel Tower

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Paris is a Mecca for tourists who are drawn by many iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Many travelers, however, locate lesser-known Parisian gems that give them a completely unique travel experience. From architectural feats to historical landmarks, this cosmopolitan capital remains one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.



Paris is overflowing with history and continues to be influential in the spheres of culture, fashion, art, design and food. It is known as the City of Light with its motto proclaiming its staying power, "She is tossed by the waves but is not sunk." For those seeking a unique experience in the incredible city, exciting opportunities are around every corner. The Centre Culturel George Pompidou, for example, is not as well-known as other Parisian tourist destinations, but hosts millions of visitors each year. Opened in 1977 to house literature, art and cinema, this groundbreaking vision of architect Le Corbusier attracts artists and visitors alike.




Other attractions include La Defence, a business district stretching over 400 acres that is recognized for its stunning skyscrapers and underground circulation as well as the more than 60 modern art sculptures and monuments. The infamous Catacombs of Paris contain the bones of more than six million people, many of whom were believed to be killed during the French Revolution. Maximilien Robespierre and Jean-Paul Marat, influential figures in the Revolution, are believed to be buried there. Tourists from around the globe have visited the catacombs since 1867.



Another location rich in history is the Pere Lachaise Cemetery which has become a silent oasis in the midst of the many busy Paris neighborhoods. It offers rich vegetation comparable to any of the more well known parks in Paris. One can spend hours looking for tombs of famous icons buried there including French singer Edith Piaf, Irish writer Oscar Wilde and American rock legend Jim Morrison.



From the cemetery it is easy to stroll through the nearby city of Belleville. Literally translated into "beautiful town," this neighborhood is home to outdoor markets and large numbers of artists and musicians from around the world. The multicultural community creates a rich and unique environment unlike anything else in Paris. It is in this area that the least expensive city hotels will be found along with other exotic and interesting restaurants.



Though the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre are must-see attractions for a first-time Paris visitor, there are hundreds of galleries, restaurants, monuments and regions to explore. Rich in history, glitz and glamour, you'll be sure to find something new every time you embark on a Paris vacation.

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Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed Netbiz SEO 2.0 researcher. When you vacation in Paris, he highly recommends Paris apartment rentals managed by Glamour Apartments. They offer affordable rental contracts for studio apartments, luxury suites and family dwellings in nearly every unique neighborhood of the city.



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