Talk about France and immediately you think about Paris. Talk about Paris and the first image that comes to your mind is the Eiffel tower. One of the top ten most visited attractions in Paris among Notre Dame, Sacré Coeur, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.

The EiffelTower

Many people don’t know that the area around the Eiffel tower is just as amazing as the tower itself. Although not as tall (324 m.) as many buildings in New York, on a clear night the beam of the tower covers an 80 km radius. The tower feels bigger than it actually is because it is located in a vast green space surrounded by small but not less impressive buildings. For example, just opposite is the Palais de Chaillot decorated in 1937 for the Universal exposition.

From the tower, the view is amazing as it stretches from the Esplanade des Invalides to beyond Pont Alexandre III. The best way to climb the tower is by foot. The last time I was there it didn’t take us too long to climb through the numbered steps (1,665) to the second level and the views are more impressive than just taking the lift.

Opening times:

The EiffelTower is open every day all year long, - from 9:30am to 11:00pm, January 1 to June 12 and September 1 to December 31 - from 9:00am to midnight, June 13 to August 31

During Easter weekend and the spring vacation the Tower remains open until midnight.

Prices:

1) If you take the lift you can choose to go:

• only to the first level (57m) for €4,80;
• to the second level (115m) for €7,80;
• Or go all the way to the third level (276m) for €12.

2) If you take the stairs (first and second level only) the price is €4

How to get there by metro:

• Lines 8, 13 to Invalides
• Line 8 to Ecole militaire
• Line 6, 9 to Trocadero
• Line 9 Iéna
• Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim
• Line 13 Varenne
• Line 12 Rue du Bac

These are the vast gardens laid out below the EiffelTower. Although the name evokes the God of war, the Champs de Mars even have a Wall of Peace. The park owes its name to the fact that in its origins, it was used as an exercise area for the young cadets of the military school.

Trocadero

The elevated Trocadero offers a privileged viewpoint of the Eiffel tower on the opposite bank of the Seine. The curved wings of the Palais de Chaillot have sloping terraces and gardens dotted with gilded bronze statues.

Aquarium de Trocadero

An aquarium and cinema in one place. In the aquarium, sharks, clown fish and divers put on a show. At the cinema, you can see in-house animation, humorous and poetical works. There is also a touch pool and workshops for children.

Invalides

An imposing building built in 1671 under the orders of Louis XIV. It was done to house all retired and crippled officers. The soldier’s church and the church’s dome decorated with 12kg of gold, were built later.

The ensemble serves now days to house the Ministry of Defence, the Museé de la Ordre de Liberation and the Museé de l’ Armeé which houses the tomb of Napoleon.

Museé National Rodin

A place not only for art lovers but also known for its peaceful gardens where you can relax among roses and statues. Discover the bronze and marble works by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) This was Rodin’s residence from 1908. Here you will find Rodin’s art works as well as paintings by his friends Monet and Van Gogh among many others.

Palais de Tokyo

A place for lovers of contemporary art, experimental and irreverent exhibitions.

Open from midday to midnight. Entrance fee €6. If you are looking for amusing, limited series souvenirs, the Palais shop is the place to go.

Museé de Art Moderne

The museum of modern art features the fauvists, the cubists, and all the trends in non-figurative art. It also supports the most outstanding trends in new design.

The entry fee varies according to the exhibitions.

Museé de l’homme

Travel back four million years in this outstanding museum.

Palais Galliéra: Musée de la Mode

A Fashion museum housed in a 19th century palace. Here you can find haute couture labels, and discover the history of fashion through a total of 90,000 costumes and accessories.

Opening times range from 10 am to 5 or 6pm. A few stay open in the evening.

The majority of Museums close either Monday or Tuesday.

Paris MuseumPass

This pass gives unlimited access without having to queue to over 60 museums and monuments in central Paris and the Paris region. You can choose from 3 different passes which cover 2, 4, or 6 consecutive days for €30, €45 or €60.

The pass does not give access to temporary exhibitions. You can buy your pass here

National Museums

There are 15 in Paris, among them the Louvre, the Picasso, and the museé d’Orsay.

Admission to the National museums is free the first Sunday of every month and free all the time for under 18s, art history students, journalists and teachers.

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