paris itinerary: 2 days

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My Paris in 2 days - Packed ItineraryDay 1, Sat Oct 3 2015

Hour Where Recommended Visit Time

1. 14:00 Place de la Concorde 30 mins

2. 14:40 Alexander Bridge 15 mins

3. 15:20 Arc de Triomphe 30 mins

4. 16:05 Champs Elysees 1 hour, 30 mins

5. 17:55 River Cruise 1 hour

6. 19:00 Eiffel Tower 1 hour


Area: Around the Louvre

Metro Station: Concorde

Address: Place de la Concorde, Paris

14:00 Place de la Concorde Rating: Square

Visit Time: 30 mins

The Place de la Concorde (Paris) is located at the very

beginning of the Champs-Élysées avenue and is an

important site in Paris landmarks and attractions list. It was

once named after Louis the 15th and is now one of the

major touristic squares in Paris. As it happens, Place de la

Concorde Paris is also the largest square in the French

capital. It was Muhammad Ali, viceroy and pasha of Egypt,

who took the impressive 3300-year-old obelisk from the

temple of Ramses at Thebes and gave it as a present to

France in 1831.

But even before the obelisk was placed in the Place de la

Concorde, Paris most visited square was quite famous

when it became the Place de la Révolution (The Square of

the revolution), where Louis the 15th, Marie-Antoinette, and

some 2,500 others lost their heads to the guillotine in the

late 18th century.

Notice the nice 18th-century buildings facing the Place de la

Concorde, one of them is the Hôtel Crillon which was

originally built by Gabriel, architect of Versailles's Petit

Trianon as a private home. Take your time to stroll around

the square and watch the nice female statues placed in the

corners of the square. These statuses represent the eight

largest cities in France.

0.7 KM, 10 minutes by walking

14:40 Alexander Bridge Rating: Bridge

Visit Time: 15 mins

Alexander Bridge is located right between all of the best

attractions in Paris and is considered as the most decorated

bridge in Paris, this bridge is well worth a visit. The

Alexander Bridge Paris, with its Art Nouveau lamps, winged

horses statuses and nymphs connects the two banks of the

Seine from the Champs-Élysées quarter to the Eiffel Tower

quarter.

The constructions, an impressive achievement for the time,

started by the end of the 19th century to honor Tsar

Alexander III and lasted several years until thje Universal

Exposition of 1900.

Alexander Bridge, Paris is a nice visit if you are coming from

the Concorde square or Champs Elyse to the Eiffel tower or

the Hotel des Invalides. Notice the similarities between the

bridge and the Grand Palace behind it on the right bank.


Metro Station: Étoile

Website:

http://www.arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr

Opening Hours: April until September 10:00 -

23:00, October until March 10:00 - 22:30

Admission: €9.5, free under 18

Phone Number: (01) 55377377

Address: Pl. Charles-de-Gaulle, Champs-Élysées,

Paris


15:20 Arc de Triomphe Rating: Landmarks

Visit Time: 30 mins

One of the most popular attractions in Paris, Inspired by

Rome's Arch of Titus, the Arc de Triomphe is located in

Paris in the world’s largest traffic roundabout and is the

biggest and tallest triumphal arch in the world - about 49

meters (161 ft.) high and 44 meters (144 ft.) wide. Arc de

Triomphe (Paris) is located 2 kilometers northwest from the

place de la Concorde in the middle of the well know and

extremely busy "Place Charles de Gaulle" (or better known

to Parisians as “Place de l’Étoile”). This 161 foot triumphal

arch was commissioned by Napoléon in 1806 to honor his

imperial victories but it is only 20 years after he died that the

Arc de Triomphe was finished, in 1836.

Some important events took place under the great Arc de

Triomphe. The greatest state funeral, for one, was of Victor

Hugo. His coffin was placed in 1885 here while many

Parisians came to place their last respect. On the other

hand, some of France most humiliating moments are also

related to this place, notably in 1871 and 1940. The sights of

German troops walking under the arch are not to be

forgotten by the French people.

Important tip – do not cross the square in order to reach it as

this is Paris's busiest traffic circuit and this is either

dangerous or practically impossible. Instead, use the easily

accessible underground passage.

It is well worth climbing the stairs to the top of the arch from

which you can see the 12 radiating avenues that goes in

and out of the circuit. You can view across the

Champs-Élysées from the Arc all the way to the Place de la

Concorde and the further away Musée du Louvre (the

Louvre Museum).

Before you leave, take a closer look at the Arc as it is also

well known for its magnificent sculptures by François Rude.

Pay a special notice to The Departure of the Volunteer, to

the right of the arch when viewed from the Champs-Élysées.


Metro Stations: Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau,

Franklin-D.-Roosevelt, George V, Étoile

Address: Champs-Élysées, Paris


16:05 Champs Elysees Rating: Shopping

Visit Time: 1 hour, 30 mins

Champs Elysees Avenue (Paris), named after the ‘Elysian

Fields’ where happy souls live in the hereafter according to

Greek myth, runs through Paris for 2-km (1¼ mile) from the

Place de la Concorde until the Arc de Triumph.

While walking in Paris, In Champs Elysees Avenue, the city

stands for the style and happiness of living in France, and

on top of the massive traffic and fast food restaurants, the

Avenue des Champs Elysees still sparkles. Along the way,

you will see fancy brands such as Louis Vitton and Cartier

but also cinemas and cafés. In some magical way, the

avenue always feels like there is something happening in

this avenue - the stores are open up until late in the evening

and many are open even on Sunday, something which is

not a common practice in Paris and certainly not in France.

The Champs Elysees Avenue (Paris) is unarguably one of

the famous streets in the world and is also considered by

real estate experts to be one of the most expensive real

estate streets in Europe.

The avenue is also where the last part of the Tour de France

bicycle race starts (this happens in late July, check out their

web site for exact date each year). Also the parades on

Bastille Day (July 14) and Armistice Day (November 11)

take place in this fancy street.

Walking in the Champs Elysees Avenue, Paris looks shiny,

luxirious, This is once spot you want to be if you're looking

for some great shopping.



17:55 River Cruise Rating: River

Visit Time: 1 hour

Cruise up the majestic Seine and see how Paris famoussites are revealed from a new perspective. This cruisecomes for free with the Paris Pass. From the water it ispossible to see the bridges and monuments of Paris as you

could never hope to from land.

This hour long river cruise delivers spectacular and hiddenviews of this magnificent city. An informative historical andcultural commentary is available in English and on-boardguides occasionally take the microphone to inform Paris

visitors about current events, exhibits, and festivals.

The main Bateaux Parisiens pier is located close to theEiffel Tower. Do not miss this wonderful opportunity for anyParis visitor to better understand the geography of the city,to learn more of the history, and to see this city from a newperspective.


Area: Around the Eiffel Tower

Metro Station: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, École

Militaire

Website: http://www.tour-eiffel.fr

Opening Hours: June until August, daily

9:00-00:45 (23:30for summit). September until

June, daily 9:30-23:00. Stairs close at 18:00 in

winter

Admission: By elevator: 1st and 2nd levels €8.20,

top €13.40. By stairs: 1st and 2nd levels only,

€4.50

Phone Number: (01) 4411-2323

: Address Quai Branly, Trocadéro/Tour Eiffel, Paris

0.3 KM, 17 minutes by transit

19:00 Eiffel Tower Rating: Landmarks

Visit Time: 1 hour

The Eiffel Tower (Paris), one of the must sees in Paris, can't

be missed from any spot while walking in Paris, was built by

the French engineer Gustave Eiffel which was already

famous at the time for building bridges. He spent several

years building the Eiffel Tower as a monument for the World

Exhibition in 1889. Although today, it is without doubt one of

the most recognizable monuments in Europe, one that can

be compared to the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Big

Ben is London and the Taj Mahal in India, it was not

supposed to be permanent when it was first introduced.

After the Eiffel Tower was built, it faced a lot of criticism from

Paris artistic and literary elite. The fact is, that the tower was

almost torn down sometime in 1909 while the only reason it

was eventually kept was due to its ability to provide a perfect

platform for transmitting antennas.

Slowly, the Eiffel Tower became a permanent part of

Paris view, settling in the hearts of Parisians as the symbol

of Paris providing it with the most beautiful and famous

skyline during the evening.

It is possible to climb up the stairs as far as the third floor.

Going up to the top though is possible only using the

elevator. From the top of the Eiffel Tower, Paris at 1,050 ft

(320 meters) is very romantic, especially in the evening.

You can reserve your ticket or book a guided tour online

which will skip the lines as well.


Day 2, Sun Oct 4 2015

Hour Where Recommended Visit Time

1. 09:00 Notre Dame 1 hour

2. 10:10 Pompidou Center 1 hour, 30 mins

3. 11:55 Louvre Museum 1 hour, 30 mins

4. 13:35 Pont Neuf Bridge 15 mins

5. 14:05 Wine Tasting at O Chateau 30 mins

6. 15:00 Sacre Coeur Basilica 1 hour, 15 mins

7. 16:20 Montmartre District 1 hour, 15 mins

8. 17:40 Dali Museum 1 hour, 30 mins

9. 19:10 Place du Tertre 1 hour, 30 mins

10. 20:50 Moulin Rouge 1 hour

09:00 Notre Dame Rating: Churches

Visit Time: 1 hour

Many Parisians and tourists alike consider this place to be

one of Paris top 10 attractions alongside the Holy Chapel , the

Eiffel Tower , The Louvre Museum and others.

The Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris), the most visited site in

Paris (10 million tourists each year), lies in the true heart of


Area: The Islands

Metro Station: Cité

Website: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr

Opening Hours: Cathedral daily 7:45-18:45.

Towers April-June and September, daily

10:00-18:30. July and August, weekdays

10:00-18:30, weekends 10:00-23:00. October until

March, daily 10:00-17:30. Treasury weekdays

9:30-18:00, Saturday 9:30-18:30, Sunday

13:30-18:30. Crypt Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Admission: Cathedral free, towers €8,crypt €4,

treasury €3

Phone Number: (01) 4234-5610

Address: Pl. du Parvis, Paris

Paris and by some even of entire France. With so many

people visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris

unforgettable setting on the Seine, it has always been one

of Paris top attractions. The Notre Dame Cathedral Paris is

not only a Gothic architecture masterpiece but a site which

was also the focus of Catholic Paris for 700 years. Although

the cathedral is not France's oldest or largest cathedral, it

has very little completion in beauty and architectural

harmony.

The work on the cathedral started on 1163 by Maurice de

Sully, who was the bishop of Paris at the time. It took 182

years to complete this building in the summer of 1345. As

Paris has changed , Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris) also

changed and grown over the years trying to fit into the rapid

changes Paris went through. At some point, the cathedral

was already scheduled for deconstruction. It was mostly due

to the incredible popularity of the book Hunchback of

Notre-Dame(by Victor Hugo's) which restored the interest in

the Gothic period, the cathedral was stayed untouched while

eventually restoring its original glory. In the middle of the

nineteenth century, after it was severely damaged during

the French Revolution, the world famous Architect

Viollet-le-Duc was placed in charge of the renovations.

The Notra Dame cathedral is practically huge, The interior

alone is 425 foot long, 150 foot wide and 115 foot high. It

can practically host 5000 worshippers at a given pray. Some

if its exceptional structures include the spectacular rose

windows. Pay special notice to the 30 foot wide one rising

above the huge pipe organ. Also notice the beautiful window

to the north, which has remained untouched for the last 700

years!

Although its stunning interior, you may feel that for the Notre

Dame Cathedral, Paris makes it more interesting from the

outside. To fully appreciate the architecture you should

spend some time walking all around it. Probably the best

view of the Notre Dame de Paris is from square Jean XXIII.

If you have time, visit again the Notre-Dame at sunset.

The entrance to the twin towers immortalized by Victor

Hugo, rising to a height of 220 foot is from the North Tower.

There are 420 spiraling stairs that will eventually bring you

all the way up where you will find the cathedral most

frightening statues in a very close range. The South Tower

will reveal a spectacular view of Paris.


Area: The Marais

Metro Station: Rambuteau.

Website: http://www.centrepompidou.fr

Opening Hours: Wed-Mon 11:00-21:00, Thu

11:00-23:00

Admission: €10 normally, €12 during temporary

exhibitions

Phone Number: (01) 44781233

Address: Pl. Georges-Pompidou, Beaubourg/Les

Halles, Paris

There are free 90 minutes guided tours of the cathedral in

English at noon on Wednesday, at 2pm on Thursday and at

2.30pm on Saturday.


10:10 Pompidou Center Rating: Museums


The Pompidou Center (Paris) is one of the unique looking

buildings out there, the museum of modern art named

"Centre Pompidou" hosts about six million visitors every

year strolling through hundreds of art works created in the

last 100 years. The building of the Pompidou Center in Paris

will not leave you indifferent when you will first see it. In the

late 70’s when it was first opened it was not accepted well

by the Parisians but most seems to grow into liking it and it

is now one of Paris's known marks. It is named after the

French president Georges Pompidou and was designed by

Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano by putting the building's

internals (mostly brightly painted pipes and elevators) on the

outside. The The Pompidou Center Paris went through a

serious internal facelift in 2000. The building was, and is

considered until today a radical architectural statement.

Going up to the 5th floor which is where you enter the

museum, you cannot miss an amazing view of Paris all the

way from the Montparnasse up to the Sacré-Coeur hill

which will be on your right.

You will start the tour with 1905-60 modern art work such as

paintings of Matisse, Picasso and Modigliani while going

down one floor you will meet contemporary art from the 60’s

onwards such as paintings, sculpture and video art. The

Children's Gallery on the middle floor may be interesting to

the young ones while it tries to keep them occupied.

On a sunny day, do not miss the pedestrian streets on the

west of the The Pompidou Center, Paris is usually lovely in

these day and this place in which juggles, musicians and

other street artists are found is no exception.


11:55 Louvre Museum Rating: Museums


At the top of Paris top 10 attractions, The Louvre Museum

(Paris) is in fact the largest art museum in the world and the


Area: Around the Louvre

Metro Stattion: Palais-Royal, Musée du Louvre

Website: http://www.louvre.fr

Opening Hours: Monday, Thursday and weekends

9:00-18:00, Wednesday and Friday 9:00-21:30

Free on the first Sunday of every month:

Admission: permanent Collections €12, exhibitions

in the Hall Napoléon €13, combined ticket €16.

Free under 18 and 18-25 year-old residents of the

European Economic Area.

Phone Number: (01) 4020-5317

Address: Palais du Louvre, Louvre/Tuileries, Paris

home for one of the finest art collections anywhere to be

seen including two of the most famous painted woman - the

Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo just to name two out of the

30,000 exhibits displayed in the Louvre Museum.

The Louvre Paris was originally built as a fortress around

year 1200 and was reconstructed again around 1650 for the

personal use of the king. It was in 1793 that the French

revolutionists have decided that this should become

French’s first national museum.

Carefully planning of the tour in the Louvre Museum is

important and will help you make the most out of it rather

than making your way through the crowds, coming out tired

and most probably disappointed. Remember that this

gigantic museum stretches for almost half a mile (750

meters). Our best advice for the first time visitor would be –

decide upfront what are the works that you must see, go for

those and then settle in one of the sections for a pleasant

stroll through the works of art and historical artifacts.

It was François the first and Louis the 14th who purchased

most of these paintings and sculptures while the rest were

contributed or purchased (and in many cases simply taken)

by Napoleon later to be returned to the original owner’s

family.

The most famous smile in the world, better known as the

Mona Lisa, was ordered by François I from Leonardo the

Vinci. It gained most of glory after it was stolen in 1911 by a

Louvre employee, who simply left the building with the

painting under his coat.

The entrance to the Louvre Museum Paris is a glass

pyramid, one of the city's most distinct symbols and what

has become a tourist attraction by itself as no photo album

of Paris seems to be complete without it. Notice the contrast

between the modern glass structure and the classic interiors

and how well the natural light flows in through the huge

geometrically designed glass.

There are seven sub-galleries in the Louvre

Museum distinctly defined by their content. The first hold

some of the most important antiques from the ancient

Egyptian world. The second is dedicated to Antiquities from

the far-east. The third part of the Louvre Museum (Paris) is

devoted to the Greek and Roman period while the forth is

focused on all kind of Sculpture. Fifth and the most visited

hold many famous paintings while the sixth is dedicated to

the Decorative Arts. The seventh and last is all about

Graphic Arts.

Some of the famous antiques are the Seated Scribe which

can be found in the Sully wing, room 22, 1st floor, Venus de

Milo which is located in room 7, in the ground floor, of the

Denon Wing, the Code of Hammurabi in room 3, ground

floor, Richelieu Wing and the famous Winged Victory of

Samothrace which is located just opposite of room 1 in 1st


floor at the Denon Wing.

The Denon wing of the Louvre Museum hosts many of the

famous art treasures such as The Dying Slave by

Michelangelo located in the ground floor at Michelangelo

Gallery and some of the works of Raphael such as Botticelli

and Titian. Other works in this wing includes the French

masterpieces such as The Raft of the Medusa by Géricault’s

in room 77, 1st floor.

The Louvre Museum Paris is famous not only for its art but

unfortunately also for the long line you have to stand in

before you get a chance to see anything. Skipping this line

can be done with the planning as you can order tickets by


mail though http://louvre.fnacspectacles.com or.

08-92-68-46-94. You can also pick up the tickets at any

FNAC branch.


13:35 Pont Neuf Bridge Rating: Bridge

Visit Time: 15 mins

The Pont Neuf Bridge, the New Bridge, with its

sparkling-white stone, is actually Paris oldest standing

bridge built in 1578 to connect the right bank with the left

from the 1st to 6th arrondissements. The stone structure

was considered radical from an architectural point of view

when it was built. As it happens, Pont Neuf Bridge is also

featuring one of Europe’s earliest pedestrian sidewalks. It is

a popular road for strolls even today when no tourist should

be allowed to miss the view of Notre-Dame de Paris or the

Eiffel Tower while standing in the middle of the bridge. The

tip edge of the island is Square du Vert-Galant, named after

Henry the forth (was called the green gallant). The seven

arches on which the Pont Neuf Bridge is built are decorated

with figures. The bridge is actually composed of two

separate parts - one of five arches connects the left bank to

the Île de la Cité while the other seven arches connects the

island to the right bank.


Visitors should book in advance by contacting O

Chateau by telephone or booking online:

http://www.o-chateau.com/paris-wine-tasting/tastings/introductory-tasting

Opening Times: Daily from 3pm to 4pm

Tel: 33 (0)1 44 73 97 80

Address: 68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris

75001


14:05 Wine Tasting at O Chateau Rating: Activity

Visit Time: 30 mins

France and Paris is home to the finest wine in Europe. Fromchampagnes to Bordeaux, the variety is wide and the quality

is high.

Whether you are a wine novice or a connoisseur, the OChateau Wine Tasting is for you! With a unique approach,this is a great opportunity to have some good fun and

experience some great French wine.

The tasting is also educational and will teach you everythingyou need to know about the local wine. YourEnglish-speaking O Chateux sommelier will introduce the

wines and teach you some basic tasting techniques.

Paris Pass holders get Free entry to O Chateux - Wine, 2, 3tasting session, that's a fantastic saving of 30 Euros! Thisintroductory session includes the tasting of 3 French wines(whites & reds) and takes please in O Chateux's historic

cellar, central Paris.

Specially design for tourists and visitors the Paris Pass is the

ultimate sightseeing package offering you free entry to over 60 top

attractions. You also get a Travelcard for free use of public transport

helping travel around this amazing city with ease.


Area: Montmartre

Metro Station: Anvers, plus funicular, Jules Joffrin

plus Montmartrobus.

Website: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

Opening Hours: The Basilica is opened from 6:00

- 23:00, the dome and crypt from October until

March, daily 9:00-18:00, from April until

September daily 9:00-19:00.

Admission: Free; dome €6

Phone: (01) 53418900

Address: Pl. du Parvis-du-Sacré-Coeur,

Montmartre, Paris


15:00 Sacre Coeur Basilica Rating: Churches


While some of Paris residents like it more than others, the

Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris, devoted to the sacred heart of

Jesus (the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris) is one of

Paris's most beloved tourist attractions.

Read on other Paris Religious Sites:

The Holy Chapel

Madeleine Church

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Sacre Coeur is a church and a basilica, located in the

top of the Montmartre which is also the highest point in the

entire city. The Sacre Coeur Basilica (Paris) is not as old as

it looks. Paul Adabie designed the basilica on the late 19th

century and the constructions ended several years into the

20th century. It was built to recognize the end of the

Franco-Prussian War.

Step inside the Sacre Coeur Basilica to enjoy the lovely

decorations and mosaics on the walls, the metal doors, the

windows (all broken in 1944 and restored since) as well on

the ceiling. The mosaic above the choir is considered one of

the largest golden mosaics in Europe. Look for the "La

Savoyarde" - the 19 tons bell which makes it one of the

heaviest in the world.

The climb up to the gallery in the inner dome (271 foot high)

is well worth the effort as the view is simply stunning.

However, if you choose not to climb, you can still admire the

view while standing on the front stairs of the Sacre Coeur

Basilica.

At the bottom of the hill you will find some amusements for

kids which may also enjoy the ride in the small cables train

up the hill.

Try to pay the visit either in the morning (early) or evening

(also early) and try to avoid visiting on a Sunday as it may

become quite busy then.



16:20 Montmartre District Rating: Quarter


The Montmartre District of Paris has long been known as

the district of the arts. In the case of this district, arts include

painters, sculptors, singers and dancers both dead and

alive.Unless you are staying in one of rental apartments or

small hotels in the district, prepare to climb steps. There is

an alternative funicular railway from the center of landing

you in front of the Sacre-Couer – Sacred Heart Basilica –

from there you are on foot. With interesting alleyways,

intimate cafés and quaint shops, Montmartre is a series of

secret cubbyholes with charming homes, apartments,

balconies connected by climbing something. Visiting the

graves of the famous prior residents of the 18th District, you

enter the Montmartre Cemetery from the Avenue Rachel

where the roadway dips into the crater of an abandoned

quarry. Here lies Degas, cancan dancer la Goulue, Jim

Morrison and Egyptian singer, Dalida whose bust you may

have seen when arriving in the district lying quietly beneath

the Rue Caulaincourt viaduct. Throughout Montmartre, there

are sidewalk cafés and museums for art lovers. The

Salvador Dali museum and Jewish Museum are both in this

district. For those who wish to take a break from walking,

local artists offer art workshops for children and adults and

adults are welcomed at one of the French cooking classes

offered nearby. Montmartre was originally the vineyards of

the abysses for France. Many of the remnants are open to

visitors. Once you are “child-free”, end the night in the

Pigalle, the red light district, with dinner and one of the most

spectacular shows in all Paris. You’ll recognize the theater

at a distant because it is a red windmill building – thus, the

name – Moulin Rouge.


Web Site: http://www.daliparis.com/english

Area: Montmartre

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Mon to

Sun. Jul and Aug opened until 8:00 PM.

Admission: 11.50 € adult, 6.50 € children and

students.

Address: 11, rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris


17:40 Dali Museum Rating: Activity


The Dali Museum (Espace Dali), is located in the heart of

the Montmartre and hold an art collection devoted to the

works of the surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Most of the works

presented in this museum are sculptures and engravings.


Area: Montmartre

Address: Place du Tretre, Paris


19:10 Place du Tertre Rating: Square


Renoir, Dali and Van Gogh lived in their artist apartments,

frequented the back alley cafés and honed their skills as

artists in the town square - Place du Tetre - offering to do

portraits of visitors to the district. Every inch of allowable

space contains an artist, supplies, samples and canvases of

every imaginable art form. Those artists that are not asking

you if they may do your portrait, are legitimate, authorized

artists. The rest are of the pirate class and are most likely to

scalp you price-wise and produce an inferior piece. You

cannot help but notice the works of art hanging on ropes,

easels, display cloths, and even from trees. Some are

beautiful and some are quirky. Some are originals and some

are prints of the originals. Be careful before you buy. You

are allowed to haggle for the best prices. And remember,

many amateur arts fan have returned home with a print. The

square embraces a small park framed by the Basilica on

one side and small stores, apartments and street cafés on

the rest. One of the little shops is actually the Montmartre

Cultural Center aka Espace Montmartre which has a

permanent exhibit of Dali. In a small alcove off the square, is

a café and flower shop honoring the children’s postcard

artist Poulbot. After WWII, when the artist was held as a

prisoner of war by the Germans, he established this café,

flower shop and postcard center to help feed the hungry

children in Paris. His family continues the mission today.

The café is one of many that offers a quiet place for a cup of

coffee or cold beverage while you people watch.



20:50 Moulin Rouge Rating: Landmarks

Visit Time: 1 hour

The Moulin Rouge (Red mill) is an iconic cabaret theatre in Paris, the

distinctive red windmill protrudes above the theatre roof on Boulevard

de Clichy in the Pigalle District. the venue first opened its doors in

1889 as a music hall and as the owners, Joseph Oller and Charles

Zidler, predicted it soon became a "the first palace of women." The

cabaret shows of the Moulin Rouge feature tall, beautiful women who

show off their long legs and exposed breasts in classy elaborate

costumes. In the early days the music hall had a reputation as a place

for vulgar men to gape at women with loose morals but as time went

by the venue gained a reputation as an exclusive, typically Parisian

extravaganza. It was here that the Can-Can dance was born and to

this day it is one of the highlights of the show. In the late 1800s Henri

de Toulouse-Lautrec immortalized Moulin Rouge in a number of his

posters.

With the venue's new cleaned-up image it attracted a more refined

clientele which came to enjoy the now iconic Can-Can dance which

the dancing girls had perfected. Today visitors to the Moulin Rouge

enter along a red carpet into the large auditorium where they sit

around small tables facing a wide stage with a lush red velvet curtain.

Visitors can choose to enjoy a meal or a bottle of champagne as they

watch the show.

More than 100 performers participate in the show each night, in over

1,000 costumes adorned with feathers, rhinestones, glitter and

sequins. There are large elaborate sets, performances by acrobats,

singers and of course the core of the show is the dancing girls.

Although there are other similar cabarets in Paris like the Crazy Horse

and Le Lido de Paris the Moulin Rouge remains the original, iconic,

classic Paris cabaret.