If you have a few days in Paris, here are some things to do!
Paris is one of my favourite cities, and I never tire of walking without a plan just following my curiosity. I've organized this post thematically.
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Churches
If you can, try to find the brochure "Guide des visites d'églises de Paris", which lists all the churches by arrondissement with a small description. This website also has the information but I prefer leafing through the paper version. I found it in one of the churches next to the many pamphlets about the church at the entrance.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a gothic chapel with the most glorious stain glass windows I've ever seen. It was commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of relics - specifically meant to be on the upper floor; which was reserved for the royal family & guests. Luckily nowadays this restriction no longer applies and you can visit both floors - look for the entrance to the stairs on the side.
Construction began sometime after 1238 and the chapel was consecrated on 26 April 1248. Although damaged during the French Revolution and restored in the 19th century, it has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained glass collections anywhere in the world.
Highly recommend to get the combined Sainte-Chapelle / Conciergerie (right next door) ticket: during the summer currently at €25 p.p.
Saint-Germain des Prés
The church of Saint Germain des Prés is named after Saint Germain, a 6th century bishop
"Les Prés", meaning meadow, refers to the fields and meadows where the original church was located, outside the medieval walls of Paris. The church suffered serious damage over time: by the Vikings in the 9th century, and - sounds familiar? - by exploding gun powder which was stored there during the French Revolution
Saint-Merri
The parish church of Saint-Merri can be found across from Centre Pompidou, and is next to the Stravinsky fountain (see picture) but the entrance is around the corner from fountain and museum. The church is named after the 7th century Saint Mederic, a monk and hermit. I feel bad for the dude: the more he tried to live a self-abusive austere life away from the world, the more the crowds came to search him out to worship him and be healed. When he wanted to be left alone, they appointed him abbott. When, in his old age, he and a disciple go on a pilgrimage to Paris, doing miracles along the way, apparently people still followed with gifts and need for cures. He finally finds some peace living in a cell "open day and night to the prayers of passers-by" (does not sound that peaceful to me!!) in the church of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des Prés.
Construction of the church dedicated to Saint-Merri was started in about 1520 in gothic style, and modified in the 18th century with classical elements. It was heavily damaged during the French Revolution (1789-1799) when it was used as a gunpowder factory, but restored as a church in 1795. Moving into this quiet space from the busy streets around Centre Pompidou is a great way to take a break.
Monuments
Tour St Jacques
Place des Vosges
Medieval city wall
There are still a few remnants left of the old city wall, dating roughly from 1200, for instance on Rue Charlemagne (close to the intersection with Rue des Jardins Saint Paul).
And while you are in this neighbourhood, check out Village Saint Paul, where you'll find very cute courtyards and shops. Look for the gorgeous bird houses, and the tree full of paper folded cranes!!
Seine
Make sure to make some time to amble along the Seine. Enjoy the little stands with second hand books, posters, artists and cartoonists. Bring a bottle of wine, sit down and wait for the sunset. You'll find many musicians (and often very good ones!), runners, roller bladers, and bikers on the low road along the seine, and it makes for a great experience and people watching.
Musea
Musée Carnavalet
The Carnavalet - History of Paris Museum - is the oldest City of Paris museum. It opened to the public on February 25, 1880, in the Carnavalet mansion (Hôtel Carnavalet) located in the Marais.
The building itself is beautiful and the museum has many period rooms that showcase furniture and decor.
Centre Pompidou and surrounding area
Random items of beauty
- Don't forget to have a croissant and coffee along the Seine
- Admire murals and random art
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