7 iconic monuments of Paris selected by the Editorial

Paris (sighing dreamer)... City of lights, city of lovers and much more. Here are 7 must-see places in Paris according to the Editorial!

When we say Paris, what do you think? At the Louvre and its dome in which the sky (not always gray, is it promised) likes to lorg themselves? To the smoke of the chimneys that escapes the confusing clusters of houses, palaces and magical arches? Or perhaps at the cafés and their hot croissants from seven o'clock, as the philosophers and writers of the Lights knew them?

Yes, Paris is a dream! But even more, the beauty of Paris holds in its history. In any case, it was Paul Verlaine himself who said it! And who other than Parisian monuments to tell this millennium story? These masterpieces of Art and Architecture are among the most visited in the world. They are greedy in the centre of Paris and discover each other through enchanting walks. These non-chalizing strolls and the nose in the air are also the best way to discover the city and its secrets.

The selection of the must-see monuments to visit in Paris is harsh. Competition is great. In addition to stuffing Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame However, we managed to select 7 places to be missed. To immerse yourself smoothly, here is a glimpse of their history and their radiance.

1. The Centre Pompidou

The Centre National d’Art et de Culture Georges-Pompidou, or “Centre Pompidou” and even “Beaubourg” for the intimate, is the icon of the 4th arrondissement of Paris! He was born of the will of the President of the same name. The latter wished to establish a space entirely dedicated to the art and creativity of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries . A multitude of know-how and disciplines are represented: plastic arts, literature, music, cinema, photography... Since its inception, this multicultural centre has been held away from elitist culture. Here, nothing dusty and pompous, exhibitions are popular, modern and worldwide!

This vocation focused on popular culture was intended to compete with that of the cultural and original centres of other major cities such as New York. Pari (Paris) successful! The Centre Pompidou is today an ode to originality and openness. And this despite the first years of scandals around its "too industrial" architecture and its "bad taste" selections in the eyes of some bourgeois.

2. The Orsay Museum

The Musée d’Orsay and its history continue to nourish the imagination. Originally, this museum was a reusing palace. The building was burned down in 1871, barely sixty years after being out of the ground. We then built a station over the ashes. This careful task was entrusted to brilliant architects of the time: the only ones capable of carrying out such a large project.

The terminals were intended to accommodate all foreign visitors and representatives during the 1900 universal exhibition. Orsay Station was also an aesthetic challenge. It was necessary that it be at the height of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, one of the most elegant and prestigious districts of the capital, and its neighbours the Louvre and the Tuileries garden. Architects, including the famous Victor Laloux , deployed all their know-how to hide metal structures, erect a facade of rare beauty and garnish the interiors with the best services of the time.

During the Second World War, the Orsay Station became the place of shipment to the prisoners and then a reception centre for the prisoners. In 1977, the President of the Republic Valéry Giscard d’Estaing decided to transform this large historical carcass into a museum.

Today, the Orsay Museum is home to collections of unbelievable wealth . Paintings, sculptures, photographs and impressive decorations dating back to the 19th and twentieth high place of Western art , which is regularly enriched by temporary collections. Orsay Museum is also known as temple of contemporary art . His auditorium is the place of shifted representations, projections and artistic discussions of all kinds.

3. The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe, at the elbow with the Eiffel Tower, is The symbol of Paris worldwide. In addition to the magnificent Champs-Élysées, this magnificent monument is much more than an aesthetic prowes. It is a tribute to the fighters who lost their lives on the Napoleonic battlefields and under the cobblestone of the French Revolution.

Under the intimidating vault, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier continues to ignite memories. The design of this mastodon, inspired by the Roman arch of Titus, is often copied but, let’s say, never equalled!

His construction was commissioned by Napoleon, after the battle of Austerlitz. “You will only return to your homes under the bows of Triumph,” the general wrote! In the image of the Roman Emperors who celebrated the victorious generals, he then built this Arc of celebration to the French soldiers.

4. Hotel de la Marine

The Hotel de la Marine, unprecedented jewelry at the edge of the Place de la Concorde, is responsible for History. Originally, this superb monument was simply born to hold company to the equestrian statue to the glory of Louis XV.

The latter, at the time when Paris was holding (almost) in a pocket handkerchief, seemed to be quite alone halfway between the Tuileries garden and the Bastille. The Hotel de la Marine had therefore, for the first purpose, to fill the void around the superb royal statue. The architect in charge of the project imagined a place entirely dedicated to the Sovereign. He built two huge twin palaces, flanked by unmeasured facades and monumental clothing.

For profitability or lack of space, the two palaces quickly became the Royal Guard-Meuble before becoming the Hotel de la Marine in 1789. We owe this change of status to the Secretary of State of the Navy who, at the Revolution, made it its place of residence. By posing his suitcases, he gave his name to the monument. It was necessary to wait until 2015 for the Ministry of National Navy to finally leave the Place de la Concorde to join the Balard Hexagon. But at least that gem of Parisian architecture can be entirely dedicated to its Baha' visitors!

5. The Pantheon

The eminent French citizens rest until the end of time in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris. More specifically, protected from the neoclassical domes of the Pantheon.

This mausoleum can widely tarnish from its bright hosts : philosophers of the Lights, writers and scientists of engineering, great figures of French resistance and politics, it is much more impressive than a Cannes Festival or a Grévin Museum! Voltaire, Rousseau, Pierre et Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Zola, Jean Moulin, Malraux, Dumas, Tillion, Veil: Here are some famous names you can find on site.

In addition to its prestigious tombs, the Pantheon overflows with exciting anecdotes . Do you know, for example, that his work was financed by a majoration on national lottery tickets? That the neighborhood that aroused the Pantheon was meant to highlight the monument? That the Pantheon church was – before the Eiffel Tower – the highest point in Paris? Or was it at Victor Hugo’s funeral that the Pantheon officially became the eternal home of the great men of the nation?

6. La Sainte-Chapelle

Out of land in the middle of the island of Cité, Sainte-Chapelle can boast of its decor and its dimensions. Amazing, cyclopean, reversing, superlatives are not missing to characterize the one that houses the Crown of Epines, a tip of the True Cross and other relics of the Passion.

Moreover, it is precisely in order to shelter these witnesses of the life of Jesus that the Holy Chapel was built. These venerated and precious relics deserved, according to Louis IX, a refuge to the height of their splendor .

The Sainte-Chapelle thus bears witness to an incredible architectural achievement. In addition to the perfect technique and precision, there is an exemplary style and finesse. Its mystical and airy atmosphere, both warm and solemn, invites at a moment suspended in time!

7. La Conciergerie

Going from Palace to prison, it may seem a funest spell. Yet La Conciergerie de Paris owes its glory to this "demise". Dansant dans la Seine, la silhouette longiligne de la Conciergerie interpelle. We have to say that her medieval architecture can only catch the eye. Visitors discover with passion all the roles she has been able to endo!

She was first strong symbol of royal power , adjacent to the powerful Notre-Dame Cathedral and raised in the heart of the island of Cité. This islet, naturally protected, was a long time at the heart of the city's development and the most coveted of the Parisian kidneys. It is thus between the walls of the Conciergery (Palais Royal at the time) that Clovis, king of the Franks, found refuge throughout his reign.

Over the centuries, his successors have never ceased to beautify and enlarge the Royal Palace. Nevertheless, he gradually passed in the shade of the Louvre and Château de Vincennes and soon, under the radars of Parisians. He then became, in turn, courthouse, prison and revolutionary court. However, the Conciergery was right to fight to remain in the memories. Today, it is an integral part of our journey to meet the must-see places of Paris!