Three Top Places in Paris, France

Paris, world famous for its beauty and charm, is the most popular travel destination in the world. With numerous landmarks and attractions, deciding what to see can be quite overwhelming. To help, here are my top three places to visit while in Paris.

The Musee du Louvre- The most visited and one of the oldest, largest and most famous art galleries and museums in the world. Built in 1200 as a fortress and keep to protect Paris, it was rebuilt for use as a royal palace in the mid-16th century and became a museum in 1793. The Louvre hold some of the world most famous works of art, such as the Mona Lisa, Madonna of the Rocks, Liberty Leading the People and Venus de Milo, just to name a few. In the central courtyard of the museum in the Louvre Pyramid, which serves as the main entrance to the museum. Being the Louvre is an incredibly large museum, you can spend a week in there and still not see all the art and sculptures there is. Be sure to have an idea of what you want to see most and were it is located in the museum, so you don't spend a whole lot of time searching.

Arc de Triomphe- Construction started in 1806 by Napoleon, after his victory at Austerlitz, and was completed in 1836. One of the most famous monuments in Paris, it stands in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle. The Arch honors those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. There are four huge sculptures at the bases of the four pillars. These sculptures commemorate the Triumph of 1810, Resistance and Peace and the Departure of the Volunteers or La Marseillaise. The names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods, are engraved around the top of the Arch. The names of less important victories, as well as 558 generals, are found on the inside walls. Beneath the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Eternal Flame commemorating the dead of the two world wars. Inside the Arch is a small museum documenting the history and construction. From the roof of the Arch you can see spectacular views of Paris.

Sacre-Coeur Basilica- A Roman Catholic Basilica and popular landmark in Paris. Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914, but did not officially open for worship until 1919. For a great view of Paris climb to the top of the dome. The walk around the inside of the dome, makes the climb alone well worth it. At the rear of the grounds is a contemplative garden and water features. The crypt contains a relic that some believe to be Christ's Sacred Heart, which gives the basilica its name. The work on the basilica was financed by gifts from all over France. The names of the donors are carved in the stone