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Places to visit [ Paris , France ]

At 324 metres, the iconic Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. Built between 1887 and 1889 for the World Exhibition, the Tower is made from over 7,000 tonnes of metal and has observation decks on three levels. The first two are accessible by lift or foot (by climbing 695 steps!); but the third level can only be accessed by lift from the second. The views of Paris from all three levels, and particularly the third, are spectacular and will help you to get your bearings.
where? The Eiffel Tower, 7th Arondissement, Paris. Metro: Bir Hakein, Dupliex (both line 6); Trocadero (line 6 and 9); Ecloe Militaire (line 8). Overground (RER): Champy de Mars-Tour Eiffel (line C). Bus: 42,69,72,82,87.
when? 365 days a year. 13 Jun - 31 Aug: 9 am to 0.45 am. 1 Sept - 12 Jun: 9 am to midnight.


Occupying over 60,000 square metres, the Louvre attracts around9 million visitors each year, making it the most visited tourist attraction in the world. Housed in the magnificent Louvre Palace on the right bank of the Seine, the museum continually displays over 35,000 objects dating from 4000 BC to 1850 AD (later works are housed in the Musée D'Orsay (see below)). The Louvre is accessed via the I M Pei designed Grande Pyramid(pictured), standing over the main court, the Cour Napoléon.
where? Palais Royal, Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris. Metro: Station Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7). Buses: 21,24,27,39,48, 68,69,72,81,95
when? 9 am to 6 pm six days a week (not Tues). Closed 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. Late opening on Wed and Fri till 10 pm.
The Palace of Versailles and its surrounding grounds, situated about 20 km to the south-west of central Paris, are a UNESCO world heritage site. The Palace is historically important because it was the home of the French royal court between 1682, when it was established byLouis XIV, and 1789, the start of the French revolution. It also has a continuing political function: heads of state regularly meet there, as do theFrench Senate and Assembly when debating changes to the constitution.
where? Chateau de Versailles, Place d'Arme, 78000 Versailles. RER from Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche (line C). SNCF from Paris Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Gauche.
when? 1 Apr to 31 Oct: Palace 9 am to 6.30 pm; Gardens 8.30 am to 7 pm. 1 Nov to 31 Mar: Palace 9 am to 5.30 pm; Gardens 8 am to 6 pm. Closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan and 1 May.
The Musée D'Orsay is found on the left bank of the Seine and displays a collection of mainly French art dating from 1850 to 1915. The collection is housed in an imposing converted railway station and is best known for its impressionist masterpieces. The best known pieces include: Cezanne's Apples and Oranges; Manet's The luncheon on the grass; Monet's The Saint-Lazare Station (pictured), Rouen Cathedral and Blue water lilies; Renoir's Montmatre; van Gogh's Starry Night over the Rhoneand Self-portrait; and Whistler's mother.
where? Rue de Lille, 75343 Paris, France. Metro: Solferino (line 12). RER: Musée D'Orsay (line C). Bus: 24,63,68,69,83, 84,94
when? 9.30 am to 6 pm six days a week (not Mon). Late night opening on Thurs to 9.45 pm. Closed 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec.
Situated on the eastern portion of the Íle de la Cité (the small island in the middle of the Seine) lies Notre Dame de Paris. Considered by many to be the best example of French Gothic architecture, this cathedral was built between 1163 and 1345 (yes, it took nearly 200 years!). It is known for its imposing bell towers (holding five bells, of which one weighs 13 tonnes), flying buttresses, and having hosted important moments in France's history (for example the coronation of Napoleon I in 1804). It was also the inspiration for Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Damewww.notredamedeparis.fr
where? Place Jean-Paul II, Íle de la Cité, 4th arrondisement. Metro: Cité or Saint-Michel (line 4); Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11); Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny-La Sorbonne (line 10); or Châtelet (lines 7, 11 and 14). RER: Saint-Michel--Notre-Dame (lines B and C).
when? 365 days a year, 8 am to 6.45 pm (7.15 pm on Sat and Sun)