Capital of Europe: Paris
Paris, the capital of France, located on the banks of the Seine river, is one of the capitals that attract the most tourists with its symbol Eiffel Tower, the beautiful harmony of its cream-colored buildings with green tall trees, the Louvre, the most distinguished museum in the world.
Paris, also known as the city of love, truly makes you feel in love. Especially if it is autumn and the tall trees in the city have started to turn slightly orange…
Lots to do in the cosmopolitan city of Paris and it is not possible to visit this city in a few days. For this reason, I have compiled the main places to visit in Paris based on my own travel.
Eiffel Tower: The tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the exhibition to be held for the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower, which was thought to have been built temporarily at first, was not very popular with the French people. But over time, it attracted the attention of tourists and became the symbol of the city. At the top of the Eiffel Tower, there is a viewing terrace where you can look down on the city and admire the layout of the city.
If you want to go to the viewing terrace, I strongly recommend you
to buy tickets online. Otherwise, you may have to wait in a long line. It is also very enjoyable to have a picnic while watching the Eiffel Tower, lying on the Champ
de Mars, the green area in front of the tower, as well as watching the city from the Eiffel Tower.
Louvre Museum: The Louvre Museum is one of the largest museums in the world, where the most distinguished works of art are exhibited. It is not possible to visit the Louvre in one day, there are 35 thousand works in the museum. The structure of the museum is
as interesting as the artifacts inside. It is a truly magnificent building with its large doors, wide courtyards and the simple elegance that dominates it...
Arc de Triomphe: Napoleon Bonaparte promised that the victorious soldiers from the battle of Austerlitz would return to their homes by passing under the triumphal arch, and ordered Georges Eugene Haussmann, who is considered the creator of Paris, to have
the arch made. The names of French victories and French generals are written on the inside and outside of the arch.
Sacré-Coeur: The Roman Catholic Basilica, located on the Montmartre hill, one of the most beautiful places to see the city. The grass of the basilica is among the most visited spots by Parisians and tourists. SacréCouer, one of the most famous churches in Paris, was
designed by Paul Abdi. I think the Magnificent Jesus Mosaic, Equestrian Statues and Christ Statue, which are located in the building, are among the must-sees.
Montmartre: Paris consists of 20 districts and the Montmarte district is one of my favorite parts of the city. In the past, Montmartre was a region where artists, dancers, and social outcasts were accommodated. Over time, this area has turned into a neighborhood where everyone goes for nightlife and where famous artists reside. In Montmartre, in the section called painters’ hill, you can visit the unique paintings painted by street artists; You can watch them while drawing pictures.
Le Marais: When you visit touristic areas, you may not understand what it means to live like a Parisian. In fact, Paris may seem a bit cold, as if it is just a touristic city. You can erase this perception from your mind by seeing the Marais region. Cafes where young people hang out, stylish galleries, small boutiques... Parisians and people from different cultures mostly socialize in this area.
Notre Dame Cathedral: The cathedral is located on the island of the Ile de la Cite on the Seine river. Notre Dame, which has a slightly different architecture than the whole of Paris with its Gothic style, was originally built on the ruins of another church. The church, which
was wanted to be demolished at the time, gained its current reputation with Victor Hugo’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. I definitely recommend you to visit this magnificent building.
Food and Drink in Paris
When I think of Paris, the first thing that comes to my mind is croissants. There are many patisseries in the city that make croissants. Although there are many options, one of my favorites is Stroher, especially their almond croissants are very good. Paris is known as one of the capitals of gastronomy. Onion soup, oysters, snails, foie gras, tartar, steaks with various sauces are among the most famous dishes of the French.
I recommend Les Antiquaires as a restaurant where you can taste French delicacies.
Paris is a city with many things to experience, and although it may seem cold, it has a uniquely vibrant city life. It is really enjoyable to mingle with the city life in Paris and to wander the streets where historical buildings are carefully preserved.
Prepared: Nilsu Kotil
