Culture Explorer
Culture Explorer

@CultureExploreX

25 Tweets 5 reads Jul 24, 2024
On Friday, Paris becomes the second city to host the Olympic Summer Games at least three times.
"Paris isn’t a city, it’s a world.” — King Francis I
I must say, I have to agree. Let's take a stroll and see why! 🧵
1. Eiffel Tower
The iconic symbol of Paris, built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 for the World's Fair. It was initially criticized but now stands as a beloved landmark.
2. Louvre Museum
Home to the Mona Lisa, the Louvre was originally a royal palace before becoming the world's largest art museum.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
This Gothic masterpiece, begun in 1163, has witnessed centuries of French history, including the coronation of Napoleon.
4. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
The grand avenue leading to the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor his victories.
5. Sainte-Chapelle
A stunning Gothic chapel completed in 1248, known for its magnificent stained glass windows depicting biblical stories.
6. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Sitting atop Montmartre, this white basilica was completed in 1914 and offers panoramic views of Paris.
7. Palace of Versailles
Just outside Paris, this opulent palace was the home of Louis XIV and a symbol of absolute monarchy.
8. Luxembourg Gardens
Created in 1612 by Marie de' Medici, these gardens are a green oasis in the heart of Paris, surrounding the Luxembourg Palace.
9. Pantheon
Originally a church, this neoclassical building now serves as a mausoleum for notable French figures like Voltaire, Marie Curie, and Rousseau.
10. Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, this museum displays art from 1848 to 1914, including masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh.
11. Place de la Concorde
The largest square in Paris, known for its Egyptian obelisk and as the site where King Louis XVI was guillotined during the French Revolution.
12. Opéra Garnier
This opulent opera house, completed in 1875, is famous for its grand staircase and the inspiration for "The Phantom of the Opera."
13. Pont Alexandre III
This ornate bridge, completed in 1900, connects the Champs-Élysées to the Invalides and is known for its lavish decorations.
14. Les Invalides
Originally a hospital and retirement home for war veterans, it now houses Napoleon's tomb and a military museum.
15. Montmartre
This historic district, once a haven for artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, is known for its bohemian atmosphere and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
16. Tuileries Garden
Created in the 16th century, these gardens stretch from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, offering a peaceful retreat.
17. Moulin Rouge
The famous cabaret, established in 1889, is known for its vibrant shows and the birthplace of the can-can dance.
18. Rodin Museum
Dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, this museum is set in a beautiful mansion and gardens.
19. Grand Palais
Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, this Beaux-Arts building hosts major exhibitions and events under its impressive glass dome.
Fencing and Taekwondo venue for Paris 2024.
20. Place des Vosges
As the oldest planned square in Paris, Place des Vosges, built in the early 17th century, is a perfect example of early French Renaissance architecture.
Located in the Marais district, it features beautiful, symmetrical buildings and a tranquil central garden.
It's also famous for being the residence of notable figures like Victor Hugo.
21. Musée de l'Orangerie
Situated in the Tuileries Gardens, this museum is best known for housing Claude Monet's stunning Water Lilies series.
The museum, originally built in 1852 as a greenhouse for orange trees, provides a serene environment to appreciate Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
22. Conciergerie
Once a royal palace and later a prison during the French Revolution, the Conciergerie is part of the larger Palais de la Cité complex.
This Gothic structure, located on the Île de la Cité, is where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her execution.
23. Pont Neuf
Despite its name meaning "New Bridge," Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge across the Seine in Paris, completed in 1607.
It connects the Île de la Cité with the rest of the city. Famous for its statues and historic significance, it's a wonderful spot to enjoy views of the Seine and the city.
24. Galleries Lafayette
This iconic department store, located on Boulevard Haussmann, is a shopping paradise and an architectural gem.
Established in 1894, Galeries Lafayette is renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau glass dome, which was completed in 1912.
The dome is an awe-inspiring sight, casting colorful light throughout the store.

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