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Monuments of Paris

1) Eiffel Tower: One of the world’s most familiar monuments measuring 300 m- 984 ft tall in height was inaugurated for Paris exposition in 1889. It was constructed to depict the mastery of science and engineering. When it was erected it became the tallest building in the world, by eclipsing the then tallest structure the Washington monument. It was only in 1930 that another American building Chrysler Building in New York whose height was 319 m 1047 ft tall overtook the tower to become the tallest structure in the world.

Eiffel Tower accounts for more than 6 million visitors every year. The metal monument has three levels. One can climb by using both steps and elevator. The first level which is 57.63 meters (189 feet) in height offers souvenir shops, observatory. The elevator charge to this level is 4.50 euros. The middle or the second level is 115.73 meters (379 feet) in height .

It has the notable restaurant named Jules Verne Restaurant. Besides offering panorama of Paris the second level also has telescopes and shops on this level. The elevator charge to the second level is 7.80 euros. The third or summit level is 276.13 meters (905 feet). The elevator charge for the final level is 11.50 euros. Unimaginable panoramic view of Paris can be seen from this level. The final level also houses the office of Gustavo Eiffel the designer and engineer of the Eiffel Tower.

The service of this tallest tower in Pars has been utilized by French telegraph, French radio and French television. If one includes the height of the antenna which is 24 m (79ft) high than the height of Eiffel tower becomes 324 m (1063 ft) high.

2) The Louvre:The largest museums of the world, Louvre enjoys a unique place for its architectural French grandeur and its famous art museums. The former palace has a priceless collection of arts from all ages: ancient, middle and modern. Among the ancient works are Greek statue Venus de milo, marble work of Greek Goddess, ruler from sumeria and paintings on Egyptian stone. One of the oldest museums in the world Louvre also has works of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Madonna of the Rocks, Michelangelo’s: the famed treasure of the abbey - St. Denis The monument also has a separate unit on Islamic art and artifacts. The most visited museum in the world Louvre was visited by 8.3 million tourists in 2006. One needs a full day to have a complete look on Louvre. To relax after a few hours of going around some portions of the massive museum there are two main gardens the Tuileries and Carrousel. The fee for the museum is 8.50 euros.

3) Notre Dame Cathedral: An extremely charming and attractive cathedral took nearly 200 years to be constructed. The Gothic cathedral’s construction started in 1163 and completed in 1361. It is believed that this catholic cathedral was constructed at the very site where once the churches of Mother Mary and St. Stephen existed. The cathedral is devoted to Virgin Mary. The Archbishop of Paris operates from this cathedral. Religious practices like masses, adoration and choir are conducted everyday. Entry to Notre Dame Cathedral is from 7:45 am to 6:45 pm .The entry to the cathedral is free. Another elegant monument which enthralls millions of visitors year after year.

4) Champs –Elysees:Shoppers and cinema buffs needs are catered by an extremely impressive walkway called Champs –Elysees. Magnificent shops, food joints and cinemas are nestled on this world famous boulevard. It is also a very important place for national celebrations like the annual July 14 military parade and the New Year eve celebrations. Champs –Elysees lies between Place the la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe.

5) Arc de Triomphe: The arch is dedicated to the finest French victories under Napoleon. On the surface of this victorious monument is imprinted with the names of the officers of French forces who worked under Napoleon. For every citizen of France, Arc de Triomphe is a symbol of patriotism. The July 14 military parade starts from this national structure. The entry fee to Arc de Triomphe is 8 euros.

Below mentioned are few links that will help you understand Paris tourism better-