Arc of Triumph
Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the construction of this Triumphal Arch in honour of the French Armed Forces, but the Emperor never saw it completed, because he exiled on the island of Saint Helena. Completed in 1836, under the reign of Louis Philippe, the Arc has become a symbol of the Republic: it houses the tomb of the unknown soldier since 1921. At the top, a panoramic terrace allows us to have an incomparable view on the Champs-Elysees and the business quartier of La Défense.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
A visit in the footsteps of military history from Napoleon I to General Charles de Gaulle!
Denis Doukhan de Pixabay
Best known for its famous tombs such as Édith Piaf’ s and Jim Morrison’s, Père Lachaise Cemetery is also a place to stroll in any season. A multitude of legends and anecdotes about famous people that have marked the national and worldwide history, but also about lesser-known characters. Did you know that the cemetery has graves of mysterious deceased, one of them was known as Bonne Maman… Good Mum!
I’ll take you on a lively tour and will then propose a drink and a possibility to enjoy a share of a good homemade pie at a family-run bistro!
The Louvre Museum
Edi Nughara de Pixabay
The largest and the most beautiful museum in the world! The one that houses the famous Mona Lisa, Victoire de Samothrace and Vénus de Milo, but also a half a million other works of art. The Louvre is a former royal palace that Louis XIV abandoned because of its smallness and its smell! You’ll discover the history of this former royal residence and its rich collections.
Several tours are possible. For families: treasure hunts for children with a playful approach to different works of art. Thematic tours, Classic tours, ask and we’ll will find a tour to suit your needs.
Notre Dame de Paris
Paul Deetman de Pexels
Primitive Gothic edifice, built just after the Basilica of Saint-Denis. During this guided visit, I will explain the symbolism of its architecture. Outdoors: its rose windows, its buttresses and its curious Gallery of Kings. We will observe the mythical towers of Notre Dame with their famous bells immortalized by Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and its heroes Quasimodo and Esmeralda. Inside the Cathedral we will admire the huge organs, the beautiful “Piéta” statuary, imitation of the one Michelangelo made in Rome and the wooden panels carved in the 15th century evoking scenes from the life of Christ. We will talk about the coronation of Napoleon I immortalized by his official painter Jacques-Louis David on a painting which is now at the Musée du Louvre.
Orsay museum
Valentin Simon de Pixabay
Built for the Universal Exhibition held in 1900, this building was first a train station between Paris and Orleans. The very first electric train station in Paris! But soon the traffic was abandoned and the building remained empty for years until in 1962 Orson Welles used it for his film “the Trial”. The President of the Republic, Valérie Giscard d’Estaing, wished to create a Museum devoted to the art of the second half of the 19th century up to 1920. We will admire especially the paintings of the Impressionists artists, enjoying the atmosphere of the magnificent hall which today houses sculptures, paintings and objects of art.
A delightful visit to the 19th century artistic atmosphere! Possibility to visit the temporary exhibitions. Please be in contact and express your wishes!
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument in the world! The “Iron Lady” was built in two years and two months for the Universal Exhibition in 1889 by acrobatic workers . We can climb either by stairs or by elevator to the second floor located at 115 meters above the ground. We will then continue by elevator till the top. On the 3rd floor we may admire the view over Paris and those who wish can offer themselves a glass of champagne to immortalize their ascent.
Originally the metal construction was not scheduled at this location, but Gustave Eiffel negociated hard so that “his tower” obtained finally the absolute best place on Champs de Mars.
Gustave Eiffel invested all his money in this huge project! A project that eventually was profitable because Eiffel recovered his investment in the first year after the official opening of the tower !
The first floor has been renovated recently. A transparent floor allows visitors to stroll above the void as did the acrobatic workers more than 125 years ago !
With your guide learn about its history and make a tour behind scenes of this world-famous “Iron Lady”.
Palace of Versailles
Stocksnap de Pixabay
The magnificient residence of the Kings of France from Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Come with me and discover the palace, you will be hauled by the music of Jean-Baptiste Lully to put you in the atmosphere of the 17th century. The incredible stories about customs in the Court of the Sun King will help you to immerse yourself few centuries back! Will miss only the costumes of that era!
Your guide has more than one trick in her sleeve. After the tour we will discover a part of Kings’ gardens.
Depending on your desires and your possibilities, the visit of the castle may also include the private apartments of the King Louis XV and the visit of the gardens may be extended till the Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet. In that case plan a whole day to visit!
