1. Notre Dame de Paris
The cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece and is one of the most related building with the Paris history. The first stone was laid in 1163 by the Pope Alexander III. It was finished arround 1330. The south tower houses the cathedral's famous Emmanuel bell.
Opening hours: every day, from 8:00 am to 6:45 pm (7:15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays).
Price: free of charge, during the opening hours.
The Notre-Dame tower (387 steps (there isn’t an elevator) to the top of the South Tower)
The entrance for the visit of the tower is located OUTSIDE of the cathedral, on the left-hand side of the facade, Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame.
2. Square Jean XXIII
Since the 17th century, this area was occupied by the archbishop's palace, but later it was vandalized by rioters and in the end demolished. The presend day square was designed and built by the Prefect of Paris. The Square is named in honor of Pope John XXIII, who was pope from 1958-1963. The Gothic style fountain of the Virgin nas been there since 1845.
3. Marché aux Fleurs et Marché aux Oiseaux
Metro: Cité
The Marché aux fleurs was established in 1808 and since then has always been known as having beautiful metal pavilions that offer the most amazing variety of plants, trees and flowers. On Sundays, the flowers are replaced with the popular caged bird market and you will find for sale many bird cages of the rarest species.
4. Conciergerie (2, Boulevard du Palais)
This function was confirmed over the centuries, and in 1793, the Conciergerie became the main prison of the revolutionary law courts. The building was renovated in the 18th century and now retains the 11th century torture chamber, the Bonbec Tower and the 14th century public clock tower on the Tour de l'Horologe. Several cells have been reconstituted, including that of Marie-Antoinette where she was imprisoned before being executed on the guillotine
Opening hours: every day, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (until 5:00 pm - November to 28 February)
Price: Adults : 7 €
5. Sainte-Chapelle (Boulevard du Palais)
The Sainte-Chapelle was built in 1248 by Louis IX to house Christ's purported Crown of Thorns(now housed in the Notre-Dame treasury).
The upper chapel is resplendent in its Gothic architecture — light, color, and space blend to inspire a sense of harmony between art and religious faith. The lower chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, whose statue stands freely next to the central pier of the portal.
The building was classified as an Historic National Monument in 1862.
The upper chapel is resplendent in its Gothic architecture — light, color, and space blend to inspire a sense of harmony between art and religious faith. The lower chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, whose statue stands freely next to the central pier of the portal.
The building was classified as an Historic National Monument in 1862.
Opening hours: every day, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm - November to 28 February)
Price: Adults : 8 €
6. Palais de Justice (4, Boulevard du Palais)
The beautiful stone buildings of Palais de Justice were erected by the Roman governors as administrative and military headquarters and witnessed important actions in France's history. From the 16th century onwards the palace was the seat of the Parliament de Paris, the highest French court of justice, whose assent was necessary for all laws promulgated by the king. Today the site embodies Napoleon's great legacy, the French judicial system.
7. Place Dauphine
Commissioned by Henri IV in 1607 as part of the city's redevelopment, Place Dauphine was dedicated to his son and heir apparent, the future Louis XIII. It was considered as the second “royal square”, the first one being Place Royale (now Place des Vosges).
Commissioned by Henri IV in 1607 as part of the city's redevelopment, Place Dauphine was dedicated to his son and heir apparent, the future Louis XIII. It was considered as the second “royal square”, the first one being Place Royale (now Place des Vosges).
8. Square du Vert-Galant
This square commemorates Henri IV, who was known as the Vert Galant ("Lusty Gallant"). There is an equestrian statue of the king on the terrace above the garden. The place offers splendid views of the Louvre and the Right Bank of the Seine, where Henri was assassinated in 1610.
9. St-Louis-en-l'Ile (19 bis Rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile)
This entry was posted
on 14 June, 2009
at Sunday, June 14, 2009
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