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Chatelet & Les Halles
Rue de la Ferronnerie and Rue des Lombards is now an area of many
gay bars and restaurants. It was outside 11 Rue de la Ferronnerie
in 1610 that Henri IV was stabbed to death in his carriage.
Nearby is Les Halles underground pedestrian concourse lined with
shops and an RER and Metro Hub. It is on the site of the old "Les
Halles" Central Market.
Rue de Rivoli
This lovely arcade was begun by Napoleon in 1811. Under its arches
are two English language book stores; Angelina's, a tea salon famous
for its thick hot chocolate; and the luxurious Hotel Meurice. Tolstoy
at one time lived in one of the apartments above the Arcade.
Eglise de St. Eustache
Begun in 1532 and completed in 1647 it is one of the largest, most famous
and beautiful churches in Paris. It has a particularly noteworthy organ
and was the setting for the first performances of works by Berlioz and Liszt.
Louvre
Once a royal Renaissance palace, the Louvre Museum houses some
of the world’s most famous works of art, highlights of which
are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory,
360
degree visit . Closed on Tuesdays.
Pont Neuf
Paris's most famous and beautiful bridge, was completed in 1607.
A statue of Henri IV stands near its center. The Bridge joins the
Right Bank of the Seine to Ile de la Cite and continues to the left
bank. Along the Quays are the Bouquinistes selling antique books and
prints.
George Pompidou Center
The George
Pompidou Center (Beaubourg,) is home to one of the
most important modern art museums in the world displaying modern
and contemporary painting, sculpture, graphic art, photographs,
rare books, films, new media, architecture and design. It is also
the site of Paris' largest public research library.
Located in the complex, but in another building, is one of the
worlds most advanced computer music laboratories. The high-tech
design of the building incorporates an escalator in a Plexiglas
tube which gives one of the city's best panoramic views. There
is a restaurant on the top floor with the same spectacular views.
The Place Georges-Pompidou, in front of the museum, often has
impromptu street entertainment. Close by is the 'quirky', fun
Stravinsky Fountain where one can sit and have a picnic or choose
from several inexpensive restaurants overlooking the Fountain.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 12 noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday
and Bank Holidays 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
Rue Montorgueil
This is a trendy area with an eclectic mix of cafes, bars and food
stores set amid old, interesting streets and houses. Of particular
interest is the ‘L 'Escargot Montorgueil’ at #38 as it
is one of the most authentic examples of 1830's decor in Paris and
a well known restaurant specializing in snails. At #51 is ‘Strohers’,
founded in 1730 by the former pastry chef of Louis XV.
Continued...
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