The Palais Garnier, also known as the Opéra Garnier or the Paris Opera, is a grand 19th-century building designed by architect Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875. Having served as the principal venue for the Paris Opera until the opening of the Opéra Bastille in 1989, it continues to be used for ballet performances and concerts.

The structure is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a grand façade with elaborate sculptures, bronze busts of famous composers, and a stunning rotunda adorned with a multi-colored mosaic. The interior is equally impressive, with a grand marble staircase, a massive chandelier weighing over six tons, and a spectacular auditorium decorated with frescoes and a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall.

One interesting historical curiosity about the Palais Garnier is its association with the Phantom of the Opera. This legend inspired Gaston Leroux's famous novel, which was later adapted into a musical. According to the legend, a mysterious figure called the Phantom haunted the opera house's underground tunnels and caused chaos in the theater. Although the story is fictional, the Palais Garnier's underground lake and maze-like passages do exist and can be visited on a guided tour.

Another curiosity of the palace is the grand foyer, a lavish space designed for the elite of Parisian society to see and be seen during intermissions, which features opulent decorations, including a ceiling painted by Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry and sculptures by Carpeaux and Jean-Baptiste Klagmann. The grand foyer has been meticulously restored, and visitors can admire its beauty during guided tours.

Overall, a must-visit destination for architecture and history buffs, music and theater lovers, and anyone looking to experience the grandeur and beauty of one of Paris's most iconic landmarks.

Tip:
If you only possess a mild acquaintance with the opera genre but aspire to experience its glory, Palais Garnier emerges as a suitable destination. The edifice is an ideal venue to witness a classic Italian opera, such as the legendary creations of Verdi or Puccini, which usually span for around 3.5 hours, including intervals, and have great music you might recognize. The website provides comprehensive information on the duration of each performance.
A self-guided tour of the palace is also feasible, or alternatively, a guided tour is available that encompasses access to places off-limits to solo explorers and confers a deeper insight into the history of the palace and opera.

Galeries Lafayette boasts a breathtaking neo-Byzantine stained-glass domed ceiling dating back to 1912, with opulent gilded balconies that steal the show. To behold this grand centerpiece, simply make your way to the center of the main store, surrounded by perfumes and cosmetics, and look up. Alternatively, ascend the escalators to the 7th-floor rooftop for a panoramic view over the back of Opéra Garnier.

If shopping isn't your cup of tea, visit the first-floor Galerie des Galeries, a free art gallery dedicated to fashion, applied arts, and design. And when you need a break, indulge in one of the restaurants, which include a rooftop bar and restaurant in the main store offering some of the city's most magnificent panoramic views.

On your way down, the top floor of the main store is an excellent spot to pick up interesting Parisian souvenirs. Across the street at Galeries Maison, the gourmet food hall boasts one of the city's finest selections of delicacies and several restaurants, such as the elegant Maison de la Truffe lunch bar. YC Café Yann Couvreur's popular teatime features classic madeleines filled with pistachio or lemon. Bar Kaspia, a luxurious eatery located beneath the main building's famous dome, specializes in caviar and seafood. And don't forget to check out Duclot La Cave on the first floor of Galeries Maison/Gourmet, displaying 2,500 bottles of wine from France and around the world.

La Madeleine is a Roman Catholic church named after Mary Magdalene and inspired by ancient Roman temples, sitting nobly in the centre of Haussmannian Paris. Leading to it is the smart and elegant Galerie de la Madeleine – a passage constructed in the 1840s that is impeccably preserved and now home to opulent boutiques and charming cafés.

La Madeleine's construction, started during the reign of King Louis XV, suffered several stoppages including a major one during the French Revolution. Eventually, in 1806, Napoleon announced the decision to make it a temple to glorify his Great Army and commissioned to the job the architect Pierre Vignon. Evidently aware of the emperor's taste for opulent imperial Roman-style architecture, Vignon came up with the idea of an enormous Corinthian temple. He was still working on the project when Napoleon was demoted. The replacing him King Louis XVIII kept Vignon on, but ordered that the temple be made into a church.

The most striking feature of La Madeleine is its enormous size, in part prompted by the surrounding monumentality of Place de la Concorde, but also, no doubt, due to the inflated ego of Napoleon Bonaparte himself. Devoid of windows, so as not to disturb the severity of the temple, the light is let in from above, via three domes open at the top, in the manner of the Roman Pantheon. Each dome is supported by four Corinthian arches with pendentives, featuring a grand imperial Roman style.

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In the basement of the church is the Foyer de la Madeleine which today plays host to some of the most fashionable concerts and wedding parties in Paris. The concerts take place several times a month on Sunday afternoon and include baroque and chamber music, as well as organ recitals and symphonic orchestral performances.

Centermost of all the Paris city parks, the Tuileries Garden forms part of the triumphal axis (the so-called "Grand Axe") stretching from La Défense plaza all the way to the Louvre. The garden is almost totally flat and has a circular fountain in the middle, which is most popular in summer.

Originally, this Italian Renaissance-style garden was created for Queen Catherine de Médici, who in the 16th century began construction of a palace just outside the western walls of the capital. The garden took the name of the tile factories (called "tuileries") that it replaced. First opened to the public in 1667, it became fully accessible only after the French Revolution.

In 1789, following the fall of the Bastille, King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, moved into the Tuileries Palace as a publicity stunt to get "closer to the people". Sadly, this stunt eventually produced the undesired effect and resulted in the royal family being locked up in the palace under house arrest. Three years later, the palace came under attack in what proved to be the defining moment of the Revolution. The French monarchy was abolished, and quite radically so, with the help of the then newly-invented guillotine installed in the nearby Concorde Square. The last words of the king rising to the scaffold were: "Gentlemen, I am innocent of everything of which I am accused. I hope that my blood may cement the good fortune of the French."

In the 19th century, Napoleon merged the Tuileries with the Louvre in a bid to create one huge super-palace complex. The project was barely completed when the bloody uprising of the Paris Commune in 1871 saw the former royal Tuileries Palace set on fire and completely destroyed. But the palace garden survived and to date retains the general outline of its original master plan.

In the 1990s, the landscape was renewed as part of the Grand Louvre project. Now free to access, the park is an oasis of calm amid the bustle of Paris. At visitors' disposal are a good number of green chairs to sit on and enjoy ice cream or drinks, plus a pond with small rented boats, from which one can enjoy a marvelous view of the Eiffel Tower or simply unwind to the chirp of the local birds.

Concord Square is Paris's largest public square, spanning 7.6 hectares at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It was created in the mid-18th century to honor King Louis XV’s recovery. The square's octagonal layout, surrounded by moats and stone bridges, originally featured the equestrian statue of Louis XV at its center.

During the French Revolution, the square gained historical significance as the site of numerous public executions including those of King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and Maximilien Robespierre, one of the most influential and controversial French revolutionary figures. The installed guillotine remained particularly busy throughout the so-called "Reign of Terror" in the summer of 1794 when in a single month more than 1,300 people were executed. Renamed Revolution Square during this period, it was rechristened Concord Square in 1795, symbolizing peace in post-revolutionary France.

Today, the square is home to iconic landmarks. The Luxor Obelisk, a gift from Egypt, was raised there in 1836. In 1998, it was capped with a gold-leaf top. Aged over 3,000 years, this is by far the most ancient monument in Paris, originally standing at Luxor Temple’s entrance. The 230-ton obelisk is complemented by two fountains: the Maritime Fountain, symbolizing France’s seas, and the Fluvial Fountain, representing its rivers. The square’s Neoclassical buildings house important institutions like the former headquarters of the French Navy. In continuation of the nautical theme, there are 20 rostral columns throughout the square adorned with a ship prow which is part of the official Paris emblem.

On its eastern side, the Tuileries Garden connects with museums like the “Game of Palm” National Gallery (a former tennis court turned into an art gallery) and the Orangery, home to Monet’s Water Lilies painting.

Concord Square continues to host significant events, including Bastille Day parades and, more recently, Olympic celebrations. In 2021, plans were announced to make the square more pedestrian-friendly by reducing traffic, adding green spaces, and creating tree-lined areas around monuments.

Tip:
A big Ferris wheel in Concord Square is for those keen on getting a bird's eye view over the nearby river Seine, Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Champs-Élysées, Triumphal Arch, and the Eiffel Tower. This wheel turns three times faster than the London Eye and is much cheaper too!

A spot at the end of the Champs Elysées Avenue was always considered fit to accommodate some sort of a landmark monument. However, it wasn't until 1806 that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte finally decreed that a triumphal arch, dedicated to the glory of his army, should be placed there. Napoleon's architectural projects made clear his desire to identify his regime with the glory of Imperial Rome, and this particular design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus.

The measure of Napoleon's audacious ambitions can be seen in the sheer size of the Triumphal Arch: a colossal 45 meters wide by 50 meters high, making it almost certainly the biggest triumphal arch in the world. Nowadays, the presence of The Great Arch of the Defense on the western horizon of Paris makes it hard to appreciate the Triumphal Arch's original impact on the cityscape. Back then, it was the most prominent and massive object for miles around – the hegemony retained until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in the 1880s.

Inevitably, the arch quickly became an object of national pride and subsequently the world-famous symbol of French patriotism. Built in the era when war was undoubtedly the "overriding argument of kings", the arch was intended primarily for triumphal entrances into Paris by victorious French troops. Napoleon himself had a chance to pass beneath its mock-up replica only once, in 1810, together with his bride Marie-Louise, the Archduchess of Austria. The other Napoleon – Napoleon III – was more fortunate in this respect, and was able to ride underneath the completed Arch of Triumph upon his ascending to the throne in 1852.

As for the proper victory march, the Triumphal Arch saw it for the first time only in 1919. The aftermath of World War I, however, shifted the French public interest away from war, and, since 1921, the arch has been solely the place of commemoration of the fallen soldiers. It has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Flame of Remembrance.

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The roundabout encircling the Triumphal Arch is referred to by Parisians as "the Star" for the 12 avenues emanating from it. Climbing the stairs to the top of the arch, you will see the star-shaped pattern of the radiating streets and enjoy a panoramic view of the Champs-Élysées leading towards Concorde Square and the Louvre Museum in the distance.

Known for its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and its diverse range of attractions, this square offers a memorable experience with its architectural beauty, cultural landmarks, and recreational opportunities.

The centerpiece of Place du Trocadéro is the Trocadéro Gardens, a meticulously landscaped park adorned with fountains, statues, and lush greenery. It serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, providing a serene atmosphere to relax, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Another highlight is the Trocadéro Palace (a.k.a. the Palais de Chaillot), which houses the Musée de l'Homme (Museum of Mankind) and the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (Museum of Architecture and Heritage), offering fascinating exhibits that delve into human anthropology and the evolution of architecture for an enriching educational experience.

As one of the best vantage points in the city, the square is strategically located across the Seine River from the iconic Eiffel Tower, allowing visitors to capture stunning photographs and admire the tower's intricate ironwork from a unique perspective. Whether during the day when it sparkles in the sunlight or at night when it is illuminated, the view from Place du Trocadéro never fails to captivate.

For those seeking entertainment, the area surrounding the square boasts a vibrant atmosphere with an array of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visitors can indulge in a delicious meal while taking in the view, sip on a coffee at a sidewalk café, or explore the boutiques and galleries in the vicinity.

Additionally, Place du Trocadéro serves as a venue for various events and festivals throughout the year. From live music performances to cultural celebrations, there is often something happening in the square that adds to its lively and dynamic character.

Why You Should Visit:
Whether you're interested in history, art, photography, or simply enjoying the ambiance of a vibrant square, Place du Trocadéro is sure to be a memorable part of any trip to Paris.

Equally grand from whatever angle you look at it, whether just walking past or watching it from a distance, day or night, the Eiffel Tower lives up to its iconic status easily. The wrought-iron lattice structure on the Field of Mars in Paris was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and built between 1887 and 1889. Known locally as the "Iron Lady," it was the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair, celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution.

Illuminated by gas lamps at night, the tower was a major attraction from the very beginning, although not to everyone's taste. Before its construction even started, a group of prominent French artists and intellectuals, including writer Guy de Maupassant, condemned the tower as a "monstrous" and "useless" structure that would overshadow Paris' landmarks. By 1918, however, it had become an iconic symbol of Paris – and France – and since then has been one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Standing at 330 meters (or 1,083 feet), the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. It has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second. The top level, at 276 meters (or 906 feet), offers the highest public observation deck in the European Union. Visitors can ascend via stairs or lift, with 600 steps required to reach the second level. The third level, typically accessed by lift, features a private apartment once used by Gustave Eiffel, where he hosted honorable guests like Thomas Edison.

In recognition of their contribution to the construction, the tower is engraved with the names of 72 French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.

Unlike other high risers, the Eiffel Tower is there for visitors only. In Paris, where tall buildings are still in short supply, the bird's eye view from the top of the tower is truly unique and indeed breathtaking. In 2022, the tower welcomed nearly six million visitors, becoming the most visited paid monument globally.

The Eiffel Tower is painted in three shades: darker at the bottom, getting progressively lighter towards the top to complement the Parisian sky. Originally reddish brown, it changed the color to bronze, known as "Eiffel Tower Brown," in 1968. In what is expected to be a temporary change, the Eiffel Tower was painted gold in commemoration of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Tip:
Remember to bring along some warm clothes, because it can get much colder up there, especially when it's windy.
During the day, if it's hot, bring an umbrella, too, to get some shade, and lots of water.

In sunny weather, there is nothing better in Paris than stretching out somewhere on a grassy lawn. A public park between the Eiffel Tower and the Military School, the Field of Mars, is one of the largest parks in Paris and generously offers such an opportunity to those lucky with lots of time under their belt.

This popular outdoor space derives its name from the ancient Mars Field in Rome, once the drilling ground for the Roman armies, dedicated to the Roman god of war. Similarly, the area in Paris was also used originally for military drills. At some point, before its transformation in the 16th century, this flat, open terrain was used for market gardening, though it was not highly fertile.

In 1765, the construction of the Military School began shaping the Field of Mars into its present form. The park was developed with an esplanade, a noble facade, a large ditch, elm avenues, and an enclosing grille fence. Additionally, the Isle of Swans, a small islet near the Eiffel Tower, was attached to the shore for aesthetic symmetry.

The Field of Mars has historical significance, hosting the first hydrogen-filled balloon flight in 1783, as well as several major events during the French Revolution, including the 1790 Federation Day celebration, now known as Bastille Day. However, it was also the site of the 1791 Field of Mars massacre and the execution of the first mayor of Paris, who was guillotined there in 1793. In 1815, during Napoleon’s Hundred Days, the field hosted the so-called “Field of May” public assembly to rally support for Napoleon’s liberal reform.

The park also hosted Universal Exhibitions in 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900, and 1937. For the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, it housed the Eiffel Tower Stadium and the Grand Ephemeral Palace, a temporary exhibition hall, hosting beach volleyball, blind football, and portions of the opening ceremony. Today, it continues to be a significant green space with sports facilities like basketball and football fields.

A favorite spot for many, the Field of Mars can get rather busy on sunny days. Those coming with kids will find several playgrounds available at their disposal.

Tip:
Consider bringing a mat or cover for lying about.

Of all the beautiful bridges spanning the Seine in Paris, the Alexandre III Bridge is celebrated as the city's most ornate and extravagant. Built as part of the preparations for the 1900 World Exhibition, it epitomizes the architectural and artistic grandeur of the Belle Époque. The bridge connects the Champs-Élysées quarter to the areas near the Invalides complex and the Eiffel Tower. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, it was declared a French historic monument in 1975.

Named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia, who solidified the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892, the bridge features elaborate Beaux-Arts styling with Art Nouveau elements, including ornate lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at both ends. This aesthetic continuity aligns with the Grand Palace across the river, emphasizing a cohesive visual narrative across the cityscape. The foundational stone was placed by Tsar Alexander's son, Nicholas II, in 1896, reinforcing the diplomatic symbolism the bridge carried.

A genuine feat of engineering for its time, showcasing a 6-meter-high single-span steel arch, it was designed to preserve unobstructed views along the Champs-Élysées and towards the Invalides, integrating the structure seamlessly with its surroundings.

Prominently, the bridge is adorned with statues by various sculptors, adding layers of artistic merit. Four gilt-bronze statues of Fames, resting on large masonry socles at each end of the bridge, symbolize different aspects of French culture and achievement. These include the Fame of the Sciences and the Fame of the Arts on the Right Bank and the Fame of Commerce and the Fame of Industry on the Left Bank, each flanked by corresponding figures representing different eras of France, from Charlemagne to Louis XIV to Contemporary France.

The piers and groynes supporting the lower part of the bridge are also impressive, especially for those who sail underneath it.

The center of the bridge features hammered copper nymph reliefs, commemorating the Franco-Russian Alliance, with one facing toward Paris and the other toward Imperial Russia. This symbolic decor is echoed in the Trinity Bridge in Saint Petersburg, also a Franco-Russian memorial, underscoring the deep cultural and political connections between the two countries.

Tip:
If you happen to be on the bridge at night, make sure to walk down the stairs and check out its underbelly for some truly amazing photos.
Also, look out for a small antiques market down there, along the riverfront, for some vintage fashion, excellent silver flatware, and knick-knacks of various sort.

The Palais Bourbon and the Hôtel de Lassay were built as villas for Louis XIV's daughter and were completed in 1728. Following the French Revolution, the Seine-side building became home to the French Parliament (National Assembly), with a semicircular meeting chamber added. The bold, neo-classical complex with striking Corinthian columns and an elaborate portico, added in 1806 to mirror the Madeleine church on the opposite side, is impossible to miss by the Pont de la Concorde.

The name of the old palace is a reference to the Bourbon dynasty, who were overthrown by republicans during the French Revolution. After nationalization, the edifice served as the meeting place for the Council of Five Hundred, which elected government officials, until 1799, when Napoleon Bonaparte orchestrated a coup d'état and seized power. Following Napoleon's downfall in 1814, the Bourbon monarchy was restored under Louis XVIII, who retained some democratic institutions established during the Revolution, such as the Chamber of Deputies. The chamber rented the palace until 1827, when it eventually purchased the building.

Currently, the Palais Bourbon is the seat of France's National Assembly, the lower house of the country's legislative branch. Guided tours of the palace are offered free of charge, including access to the hemicycle (the debating chamber), conference room, and other historically significant rooms. These tours are conducted in French and must be booked in advance on the National Assembly website.

Despite its name suggesting newness, New Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge over the Seine in Paris. Located at the western end of the City Island, this historic overpass marks the early heart of the French capital. Built in two parts-one with five arches connecting the left bank to City Island, and the other with seven arches linking the island to the right bank-the bridge offers a unique view of the island’s expanded tip, now home to the Square du Vert-Galant, a park named for Henry IV, also known as the "Green Gallant."

Named "New" to distinguish it from the older bridges existing at the time, traditionally lined with houses on both sides, New Bridge became a cultural and architectural landmark for its open design, which allowed unbroken views of the Louvre. Construction began in 1578, under Henry III, and was completed in 1606, under Henry IV, producing the first stone bridge free from houses, with paved walkways for pedestrian safety and angled spans for resilience. An equestrian statue of Henry IV, destroyed during the French Revolution and restored in 1818, commemorates his legacy.

Another distinctive element of the bridge was the semicircular bastions jutting out above the piers. These were made to allow people to step aside so as not to get wet or soiled in mud by passing carriages. Later on, they served as popular gathering spots and, at one point, even functioned as trading areas for street vendors and even tooth-pullers. Now that the tooth-pullers are gone, these bastions are primarily occupied by tourists and enamored couples seeking to immerse themselves in the city's romantic ambiance.

New Bridge's decorative features include 381 mascarons - Renaissance-style stone masks with high relief - on the outer edges of the bridge, close to the cornice. In the 1850s, they were replaced with copies. On closer examination, it becomes apparent that each mascaron is unique, with its distinct and rather unconventional expression; some appear to be contorted in grimaces or otherworldly visages.

Between 1712 and 1719, a large pump house was built on the bridge. Decorated with an image of the Samaritan woman at the well, it was aptly called the Samaritan. Years later, it inspired the eponymous department store “La Samaritaine,” established in the area in 1869.

Tip:
Ardent bridge enthusiasts seeking a unique perspective of New Bridge should consider embarking on a River Seine cruise with the "Vedettes du Pont-Neuf" company, conveniently located nearby. Their cruise offers excellent value for money, and you can even obtain a discount voucher from most tourist information offices in Paris.

The Seine is known as "the only river in the world that runs between two bookshelves", as evidenced by the large green boxes set along the river banks, hitched tight to the sidewalk walls. These bookstalls have contributed to the romantic image of bohemian Paris since the 16th century; remarkably though, their owners, the "bouquinistes", obtained official recognition themselves only in the 1970s.

For the most part, the contemporary Paris bouquinistes sell posters, stamps, maps, magnets, and whatever else the tourists might love. According to some, they have the best deals on souvenirs in Paris. However, their true specialty lies in books, which include high-quality French prints and more. Unless you are limited by luggage space, you can purchase a few books, both new and used, at reasonable prices. In fact, you can find all of the classic French literature here for just a few euros.

Regulated by municipal authorities, the bouquinistes are generally open from around 11 AM until sunset, although their hours may vary depending on the weather. During snowstorms or heavy rain, they are unlikely to work at all. However, on sunny days, the bouquinistes eagerly display their merchandise and welcome passersby to stop by, browse, and perhaps even engage in a friendly chat.

While the Eiffel Tower is an instantly recognizable symbol of France, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is an unmistakable symbol of Paris. Notre-Dame de Paris, or "Our Lady of Paris," is a medieval Catholic church renowned for its French Gothic appearance. Among other features, this cathedral showcases period architectural innovations such as the rib vault and flying buttress, as well as large rose windows and rich sculptural decoration. Notre-Dame’s architectural and historical significance is underscored by its vast pipe organs, iconic bells, and its role in hosting significant ceremonies like Napoleon’s coronation, the celebration of the Liberation of Paris in 1944, and the funerals of presidents Charles de Gaulle and François Mitterrand.

Before Notre-Dame, a temple to Jupiter and later a cathedral dedicated to Saint Étienne occupied the site. Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 and concluded in 1260, incorporating architectural advancements in four major stages, with additions in the 13th century enhancing stability and light. At the time of its construction, it was the most ambitious cathedral project ever undertaken in France, its vaults rising over 33 meters and holding a national height record for several decades.

In 1431, Notre-Dame saw the coronation of King Henry VI, and during the French Revolution, suffered vandalism when it was repurposed as a warehouse. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, spurred its restoration, largely preserving Notre-Dame’s legacy.

Amid the Second World War, upon the Fall of France, there were fears that the German invaders might destroy the freshly renovated stained glass of the rose window. As a result, the lion's portion of it was hidden and re-installed only after the war.

In 2019, a fire severely damaged the cathedral's oak roof and spire. Firefighters saved much of the building, including the world's biggest 13th-century glass window and other artifacts and relics which were temporarily removed for safety. Though many decorations have been removed over time, the cathedral retains Gothic, Baroque, and 19th-century sculptures, altarpieces, and revered relics, including the Crown of Thorns and fragments from the True Cross.

As a symbol of Paris and France, Notre-Dame is renowned for its traditional Lent sermons since the 1830s and attracts annually around 12 million visitors.

The City Hall of Paris, overlooking its namesake square, is the largest city hall building in Europe. Historically central to Parisian life, this location has been the city’s administrative hub since 1357 when the provost of merchants purchased the site intending to make it a public gathering space. Curiously enough, the early sessions of the Paris municipal council were held at the home of a city mayor – the practice continued until the 16th century when King Francis I ordered a purpose-built edifice for that. The Renaissance-style building's south wing was commissioned in 1535. Later, it was joined by the north wing, in 1605, under Henry IV and Louis XIII.

As the French Revolution headquarters, the City Hall accommodated Maximilien Robespierre and his supporters. Ironically, it was here that Robespierre himself was arrested in 1794, at the end of the infamous Rule of Terror period, during which anyone opposing the revolution was sent to the guillotine.

In 1835, the building was expanded to accommodate the growing city government. However, during the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune, it once again became a stage for political upheaval, culminating in its near-total destruction. During the final days of the Paris Commune, when their defeat was imminent and the French army closed in on the building then used as the Paris Commune headquarters, the Communards set it ablaze, completely destroying everything inside, including the city archives.

Reconstruction between 1874 and 1882 adhered to the original Renaissance-style exterior, while the interior had to be created anew, including lavish ceremonial rooms decorated with murals by noted artists. The façade featured 108 statues by prominent sculptors, including Auguste Rodin, who created the likenesses of famous Parisians such as philosophers Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, writer Charles Perrault (author of "The Sleeping Beauty", "Little Red Riding Hood", and "Cinderella"), sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, and many others. Another thirty statues here represent French cities. The clock at the central tower is also adorned with statues – several female sculptures depicting the river Seine, the city of Paris, the “Work,” and the “Education”.

In the 20th century, the City Hall witnessed Charles de Gaulle’s Liberation speech in 1944. In recent years, the Mayor of Paris opened the building to public events including the annual White Night festival. The City Hall also played a role in the 2024 Olympics, hosting the start of the marathon.

While public access to the City Hall is generally restricted, there are two rooms in the building constantly allocated to art exhibitions: one for photography, and one for art in general. Also, there are almost always some cultural events taking place outside, in the square in front of the building.

The iconic glass pyramid entrance to the Louvre is a testament to the lasting fascination of the French with ancient Egypt, and perhaps the first thing associated with the Louvre in the eyes of the numerous tourists visiting Paris these days.

Initially considered a bit too futuristic and arousing concerns over its expedience and extravagance (as being too big or too glassy), this pyramid nonetheless has played well the role of a "beacon" for visitors, just as intended. Amid the debate as to whether the Louvre's great size demanded multiple smaller entrances, instead of just one, to ensure getting in and out quicker, the idea of the Grand Louvre pyramid being more than just a gate but a symbol of national power and greatness prevailed.

Whether one admires the pyramid or not, it is hard not to appreciate its sheer engineering magnificence, projecting both solidity and immateriality. Similar to the one in Giza, the Louvre pyramid follows the golden mean proportions and features specially laminated glass that lacks the greenish tinge present in commercially available glass, resulting in minimal color distortion when viewing the Louvre's facade through it. On Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as on the first Saturday of the month, the museum stays open through the night and the pyramid goes ablaze, giving the Louvre a very special touch.

In 2019, to celebrate the pyramid's 30th anniversary, Californian artist JR produced a collaborative artwork that created a colossal optical illusion, making it seem as though the pyramid had vanished underground. Fortunately, it was just an entertaining stunt, and the genuine pyramid remains in its place. However, if you want to be sure, pay a visit to the Louvre when you're next in Paris, and confirm it for yourself!