Luxembourg Garden
Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg, colloquially known as the Garden of the French Senate (Jardin du Sénat), is a haven of tranquillity and charm. Originally commissioned by Marie de' Medici, the garden exudes elegance with its meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and regal statues. A central palace, the Luxembourg Palace, adds a touch of grandeur, while tree-lined promenades, ornate fountains, and the iconic Medici Fountain create an enchanting atmosphere.
This is one of the most interesting places in the city to people watch, where you will encounter frolicking families, strolling students, runners, rushing politicians, pickup chess matches, and lovers holding hands.
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is an expansive 84,000m² square located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It holds historical importance for several reasons: the liberation struggle during World War II brought many battles to Place de la Concorde; during the French Revolution, over a thousand people were beheaded here, many of them famous: Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and revolutionary Robespierre, just to name a few.
The site is dominated by the 24-metre Obélisque de Louxor, one of Cleopatra's needles - a gift from Egyptian viceroy Mohammed Ali to Louis Philippe.
Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most charming and bohemian neighbourhoods in Paris, with the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica and its beacon atop the 130-metre Montmartre hill, being the highest point in Paris. Montmartre is famous for the cafés and studios of many great artists, such as Dalí, Monet, and Picasso. It is also easily recognisable as the filming location of the movie 'Amélie'. Other famous places in the area are the Moulin Rouge and Lapin Agile, downhill to the southwest, in the red-light district of Pigalle.
Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 on account of the French victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to be erected and was then inaugurated by the French king Louis-Philippe in 1836, 15 years after Napoleon's death. Standing tall at 50 metres (164 feet), it is one of the most famous monuments in Paris.
Located at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées Avenue, the arch honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Under its vault, lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War.
