Paris is the capital and the largest city in France. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it is recorded that the city receives 45 million tourists annually. With a great number of museums and monuments, given below are the main attractions which draw large numbers of visitors daily.
Eiffel Tower
This tower which is also called the "Iron Lady" is located on the Champ de Mars in Paris and is now a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris, is the most visited and paid monument in the world with millions of people ascending it every year. The tower has three levels for visitors; the stairs or lift can be used to get to the first and second levels.The walk to the first level has 300 steps and another 300 to the second level. The third level which is the highest is accessible only by elevator. A unique feature is that restaurants are available in both the first and second levels.
Louvre Museum
This is the most popular national museum and art gallery of France and is housed in a large palace in Paris. It is one of the world's largest museums, the most visited art museum in the world and a historic monument. The museum is housed in Louvre Palace which began as a fortress in the late 12 the century. Remnants of the fortress are still visible. There are over 6000 works of paintings from the 13 century to 1848.
Center Pompidou
The Center Pompidou is ideal for those interested in modern art and architecture. This museum is devoted to all forms of modern and contemporary creations, literature, theater, film and music. This is the 3rd most visited attraction in Paris. It houses a bibliotheque, a large public library, a center for music and acoustic research. The museum of modern art is the largest museum in Europe. The Place Georges Pompidou in front of the museum is well-known for street performers such as mimes and jugglers. In the spring visitors can enjoy the miniature carnivals, bands and much more
Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie
This attraction is ideal for families traveling with kids. The museum features a mix of interactive and interesting exhibits on science. It also features a Children's Cite which joins kids between ages 2-12, as well as shows and movies. This is considered to be the largest science museum in Europe. It is an exceptional attraction which promotes cientific and technical culture. It is located in Parc de la Villette and it records about 5 million people each year. The Cite has a planetarium, a submarine, an IMAX theater and special departments for children and teenagers.
Musee d'Orsay
This is another of the world's most-visited museums. The Musee d'Orsay houses the largest collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative objects. It is located on the left bank of the Seine, and is housed in the former railway station, the Gare d'Orsay. The museum gives visitors a detailed and breathtaking look at the birth of modern painting, sculpture, design and also photography.
Arc de Triomphe
This monument is dedicated to one of France's most brave leaders, Napoleon Bonaparte. Visitors can see its architectural wonder as well as the picturesque view of the surrounding area. This was a brainchild of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1806 when the Parisian were thinking of ways to improve the five-way intersection at the start of the Champs Elysees, Bonaparte decided to build a monument for his army and his own military genius. Today it is a victorious symbol in Paris.