Renowned as one of the most prestigious destinations in the world, The French capital has plenty to offer history buffs, art buffs and cultural enthusiasts. The city is home to numerous attractions that are well worth visiting, but if you intend to visit it on a budget, the following destinations will help you get the most out of your visit.
Cité des Sciences
The highest Science Museum in the world,ité des Sciences is not only a great day out for the whole family, but also a must-see for science-loving visitors. Founded in 1626, with work beginning in 1637, the salon rolls out over 170,000 exhibits travelling through time, all focusing on a single theme.
Parc Astérix
A sometime favourite among school-tour operators, Parc Astérix is located in the Northern Porteastern, less than a minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. Also known as the Napoleon House, it features a breath-taking waterfall and a marine-refuelling house, complete with a museum, aquarium and a Buenos Aires Rock Art Museum exhibition. While in the city, you must not miss exploring the Parc Astérix Park, containing the areas largest beach resort wave pool and the largest artificial reef in the world.
Palais des Nations
A day at the Palais des Nations is not complete without a stroll around the world famous arch, which is also the site of the Petit Palais. It was originally created for the International French Tennis Open, and remains the venue for a number of events, from weddings and legal conferences to European championships and Olympic medals. Elsewhere, make sure to visit the Olympia, where the final of the 2012 Olympics is being held, and join the crowds in revelry over a fabulous spectacle.
Musée d’Orsay
Housed in the only remaining original building from the leadsville palace, the Musée d’Orsay is probably the most popular of the many museums in the city. Also known as the Museum of World Art, it holds maquarinas by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh on its permanent collection. The building itself is a work of art, with its golden and green metalwork highlight the finest French neoclassical ornamentation.
Place Georges Pompidou
Famous for its Statue of Blanc, Place Georges Pompidou is the main square of the city, and also the site of the Petit Palais, the National Archeology Museum of France. It is also the final home of Napoleon I, who died in exile here before ending up in his tomb in Versailles.
rappelès
On the site of the former Bastille prison, rappelès offers a fantastic experience in itself, with its winding streets and immersion into the history of Paris. After prison, these cells used to houseurations for Bastille throughout the 19th century, before being used as the basis for the prison itself.
Bastille
Secreted behind an arched door, Bastille is one of the most historic areas of Paris and well worth a visit. Bastille has multiple museums and a plethora of churches, palaces and temples. The palace itself, meanwhile, used to be the residence of French Ambassadors and can be seen today, with the thankfully left over paving stones adding a finishing touch.
Aux stays
While Paris can be visited on a traditional visit through other means, fully immersed in the culture it has to offer it is better to spend longer in one of these famous bastions of Parisian history. For the sake of international visitors, however, the Parc Astérix hosts a larger exhibition of these mansions and buildings.