1. Notre Dame-A fine specimen of gothic architecture full of history. The church still conducts services in the cathedral on Sundays. Some contain Gregorian chants. Each of the bells in the towers have their own name. The bells do sound on the hour. Tours are available for the cathedral. There are also tours where you can climb the bell towers and see the gargoyles up close. The entrance to the underground crypts of the city are also located nearby.
2. The Louvre-This is a world class museum with many important works. Many people want to see the three ladies (The Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Nike of Samothrace). The museum is located in the former palace used by French kings, including Napoleon III, who backed the Emperor Maximillian when he set up his reign in Mexico. There are several wings of the Louvre, each catering to different periods of history and art. There are tapestries, paintings, sculpture, furniture, and various historic artifacts located in the museum. Whether you are into fine art or historical artifacts, the Lourve is an outstanding museum.
3. The Eiffel Tower-This is a perennial pleaser. Elevators are available to carry visitors to the observation deck. There is usually a crowd gathered around the tower base.
4. Arc d’Triomph-This was originally designed by Napoleon. You can climb the stairs to the top (there is no elevator). The view provides you with a panoramic of the city. At the top there is a small museum that contains many artifacts associated with Napoleon and his accomplishments. On the outside are listings of the battles his armies fought and the generals who served under him. It was at this arch that armies of Nazi Germany marched in humiliating triumph over the French nation.Recall that Moses Rose who saw a portion of the battle at the Alamo, had been a soldier in the army of Napoleon during his Italian campaign. The early French colony near Liberty, Texas was populated by veterans of the Napoleonic campaigns.
5. Versailles-This is the palace built by a French king at the peak of French power and influence. The palace and grounds are breathtaking. This has been the site of elegance and history for many years. The grounds are filled with statues and gardens that create the sensation of being in another world. At one point a Venetian gondola was sailed in the waterways of the gardens. This is the location where many of the negotiations occurred which ended World War I. The Texan, Edward Mandel (Colonel) House was a key player in the negotiations occurring at the site.
6. Napoleon’s Tomb-This is a spectacle. The dome of the building is covered in gold. The structure itself was used as the model for the San Francisco City Hall. Napoleon accomplished many things for France. The nation honors this man in this monument. The nearby museum at Invalides contains France's military heritage. Many of the captured flags and banners from their campaigns are located in the church there. Among the interesting items are the 'flag of farewell' which Napoleon kissed when he was banished to Elba island. There are also the the names of the French legionaires who served in Mexico under Maximilian. This was during the time period that Texas-born general, Ignacio Zaragosa defeated the French in the battle now celebrated as "Cinco de Mayo". Zaragosa was part of the Seguin family that were prominent in Texas history.
7. The Paris Opera House-This is the opera house that inspired "The Phantom of the Opera". The elegant opera house is wonderful to gaze upon both inside and out. It contains lavish stairways and ornate decorations.
8. The Streets of Paris-These are a cultural experience. Each section of Paris has its own unique feel. The streets are filled with people and hidden gems in the form of restaurants, stores and fascinating sites. Cafe Procope is the oldest cafe in Paris. It was at this cafe that Benjamin Franklin and other early colonial leaders dined when in Paris. Franklin was an associate of Moses Austin and his son Stephen F. Austin. The caves of Huchette are also interesting, in that those caves were where many of the leaders of the French revolution planned out their uprising. These are also the streets that the people of Paris took to and fought in when they rose up against the Nazi occupiers in World War II.
9. Location of the Texas Embassy-As a Texan, it was imperative to visit the location of the Texas Legation in Paris. The Republic of Texas maintained legations in Paris and London. The Texas Legation was located in one of the nicer sections of the city known as the Vendome.

10. Champs d’Elysse-The premier shopping and strolling street in Paris. It is lined with sidewalk café’s and shops.

These are the top 10 sites of Paris that my family and I enjoyed. The culture of the city is often as rich as its food. Everywhere you stroll, there has been history or some notable event that occurred on that street or at that site. The streets are often full of life with people walking by. Cafes remain places filled with lively conversations. Since my wife and I enjoyed “Before Sunset”, and I am an author, we had to locate Shakespeare and Company Bookshop that is featured in the film. Although the film is a fictional account, the character played by Ethan Hawke is from Texas.