The Panthéon’s Viewing Platform: best views of Paris
Want some of the best views of Paris away from the tourist crowds? Then head up to the Panthéon’s Viewing Platform.
Want some of the best views of Paris away from the tourist crowds? Then head up to the Panthéon’s Viewing Platform.
Summer in Paris is truly magical, and it’s definitely a great time of year to come and visit the city. However, with this, comes a mass of tourists into Paris. But do no fret! For this blog post will show you some of the lesser-known sights of the city, meaning that you’ll be able to avoid those crowds who flock into Paris in the summer. Escape the rush, and stroll along the Promenade Plantée The Promenade Plantée offers walkers an unparalleled and unique experience. Often off the beaten-track for tourists, the promenade provides visitors with expansive views of the city – you become one with the various buildings and architecture, yet remain a flâneur simultaneously. It is a surreal experience – hardly do you find a place within a capital city wherein you feel totally separated from the buzz and rush; but whilst uniquely being right in the middle of it. Ascend the mysterious La Tour Saint-Jacques Throughout the summer months, the Tour Saint-Jacques opens its doors to visitors, to allow the public to ascend up …
Every year within a section of the Jardin des Tuileries, the garden turns into a lively fête foraine (summer fairground), and this year sees its 30th anniversary. With over 80 different attractions to explore and experience, the Fête des Tuileries is great for all the family. Recently I headed up la Grand Roue, aka the Ferris wheel, to see some amazing views of Paris above. I decided to ascend in the evening, with the hope of seeing the incredible sunset from overhead. Even though I didn’t, the views of the city did not fail to impress as always. Here are a few photos that I took. If you would like to head up the Grand Roue, the Fête des Tuileries is open until 23rd August 2015.
Have you ever walked past this big tower near Hôtel de ville on Rue de Rivoli, and thought ‘what is that?!’ If so, you’re not alone, with myself included. I have often been around this mysterious tower, and known nothing about it… untill now. What you are viewing is la Tour Saint-Jacques. Built in the early 16th century, the tower was part of the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (yes you might have guessed it – ‘Saint James of the Butchery’). However, the church was demolished during the French Revolution in 1797, and all that remains today is the tower. After lots of reconstruction beginning in the 19th century and finishing in 2009, the tower was given a new facelift and brought back to its original splendor. However, la Tour Saint-Jacques still possesses an air of mystery. While you can access the square surrounding it, it’s another story with the tower itself. Often I have found myself by its gates, wondering if the lock preventing people from entering is ever unlocked – and only last week were …
Summer has truly arrived here in Paris, which means that not only is it beautiful sunny weather but it is also the perfect time to go exploring around the city! Last week I headed to the 18th arrondissement, to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, and had a wonderful afternoon wandering the streets. Whilst there, it was hard not to be impressed by the stunning array of roses that have blossomed. Located in the Square Louise Michel Park, these gorgeous flowers welcome those heading up towards the Church. You can never have too many photos of flowers, right?
Having been here in Paris for 9 months – where does the time fly?! – I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my favourite places that I think everyone should visit when coming to this magical city. Off the beaten track, the places listed here will no doubt provide you with delightful experiences and fantastic memories. This blog post is based on my entry on a new-and-upcoming website, called Marco, where travellers like myself write about particular trips we’ve been on. There are so many great things about this website. For starters, you can find real inspiration from reading other people’s entries, and be fixated on stunning photographs posted. Without doubt, another great factor of the website is that when you enter the weekly competitions, you have the chance of winning $1000! Think of new amazing places that could take you to! You can check out my entry here. If you could vote for me, that would be great – just click here to vote, and don’t forget to choose ‘Explore the hidden gems …