The only safe way to get over to the Arch is via the underground pedestrian tunnel. The 12 avenues joining at the arch make one of the most chaotic intersections in Europe. The Arch is located at the Place Charles de Gaule.
Champs Elysées
Paris' most famous boulevard. A swampland until 1616, it was slowly converted, and in the1660's, André Le Notre, who later designed the grounds at Versailles, created gardens and a wide avenue radiating out of the Tuileries to the Queen's courtyard. During the second empire, High Society was often found strolling among the flower beds with the Arc de Triomphe as a magnificent backdrop. In 1800 there were only six buildings on the avenue, and it was not until 100 years later that it resembled what it looks like now lined with plain and horse chestnut trees, shops, theatres, clubs and cafés. The round point of the Champs Elysées to Place de la Concorde, is still home to a park area, and is marked off with glass fountains by Lalique. To the north side of the round point is the Palace of L'Elysée, the official residence of the French president.
Many other streets off the Champs Elysées are worth visiting, like rue Foch, rue Françoise Premier or rue Montaigne.
Grand Palais and Petit Palais
These elaborate buildings were built for the 1900 World Exposition. The turn-of-the-century style of these buildings is glass and stone, with huge stone columns, and a large glass roof that is a classic example of Art Nouveau in iron architecture. They are both devoted to art exhibitions, the Grand Palais is devoted to the sciences, and the Petit Palais is a museum of fine arts. The Palais' are located on Avenue Winston Churchill.
Place des Vosges
The oldest square in Paris, located in the Marais district, northeast of the Louvre, was a marsh that was converted and completed in 1612 by request from Henry IV. The houses are all built to a like symmetry, with a soft pink brick, and a cloister-like arcade. All the original façades remain intact, though the buildings behind have been updated. Victor Hugo lived at number 6. This is now a museum containing items from the poet's life, including a few rare paintings and ink drawings.
The Opera
Charles Garnier designed Paris’ original opera house. Said to be the most perfect example of 19th-century architecture, the construction took over 15 years to complete. The building was inaugurated in 1875. The façade is decorated with sculptures, notably Carpeaux's The Dance. The interior is magnificent, with an ornate grand stairway, a beautiful foyer, and gleaming marble. The Opera is open for visitors during the day.
Notre Dame Cathedral
France's largest cathedral was begun in the late 1100's. The choir and transept were completed around 1200, four more stages were built, and it was completed around 1345. The interior of the cathedral is lit by 3 great rose coloured windows, which still have their original 13th-century stained glass. The building itself is a perfect example of Gothic harmony. There has always been an association with religion where the cathedral is located. The druids were said to have originally gathered here, the Romans built a temple here as well. It is the 4th building on the site, and is one of the earliest Gothic cathedrals ever built. A climb to the bell tower offers a great view of the heart of Paris, and also a closer view of the structure's famous gargoyles. The church is located at Place du Parvais.
