Top 60 Things to do in Paris, FranceWhat to do in Paris?
51 Fontaine des Innocents
Square des InnocentsIn 1788 the Église des Innocents and its cemetery were to be replaced by a market. The fountain was relocated to the Square des Innocents. A fourth side was added to the fountain by Augustine Pajou. This was necessary as there were originally only three sides because the fountain was set against a wall. The Fontaine des Innocents was renovated in 1856 adding the water basins at its base.
52 (45) Parc André CitroënThe popular formal 14 hectare (35-acre) park is named after the old french automobile manufacturer Citroen . The park is situated on the site of Citroen's old factory. The park's main attraction is its attractive greenhouse pavilions. The fountains are also popular with children and adults alike. River SeineParc André Citroën presides on the banks of the River Seine. The design is based around artifice, architecture, movement and nature.
53 (67) Bibliothèque Nationale de FranceBibliothèque Nationale de France contains the treasures of France’s literary world. Built in 1996 the glittering new library is quite futuristic in design which is interesting when you consider its main function is becoming redundant. Bibliothèque Nationale de France
54 (69) Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)
Built in 1882
the Hôtel de Ville is Paris's city hall by a death square.
The building has hundreds of statues representing famous Parisians
and thirty statues representing French cities. If you look around
the clock at the central tower you'll find some feminine looking
sculptures representing the River Seine, Paris, 'Work' and 'Education'
. The guy statues were out smoking cigars and drinking brandy. Salle des FêtesTread the large staircase, gawp at the long Salle des Fêtes (ballroom), enjoy the painted walls, the stained glass windows and get a stiff neck looking up at the chandeliers and decorated ceiling. Place de GreveThe square (Place de Greve) is of bloody interest as most of the executions in Paris took place here. Beheading, quartering, cooked alive or burned at the stake. These were gruesome times. In 1792 a more civilised (?) process was a adopted for the French Revolution. La guillotine. The executions were given the chop in 1830 and Place de Greve was renamed Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. Maybe they should have called it Red Square. 55 (25) Place de la BastilleThe Place de la Bastille (Bastille Square) was where the French Revolution was born. The Square's original function was that of a fort to protect Paris from the infidel English. Place de la Bastille was completed in 1382. RevolutionPlace de la Bastille had four meter wide walls and eight 22m (72ft) high towers yet it was successfully stormed and subsequently destroyed by revolutionaries. The original outline of the fort is marked out by special paving stones covering the Square. In the centre of the Place de la Bastille is a 50m column in memory of the victims of the 1830 and 1848 revolutions. Some of fortress remains can be found in a nearby park. Canal Saint MartinBehind the ex-fort you’ll find a marina for pleasure boats and further south, the Canal Saint Martin.
56 (29) MontmartreThe heart of Montmartre is Place du Tetre, full of 'quick-draw' artists. A great spot to see art in the making – quickly.
57 Palmier FountainThe large Palmier Fountain holds court over the Place du Châtelet, an historic square in the middle of Paris. The Palmier Fountain was built in 1808 to commemorate Napoleon’s numerous lets-get-out-there-and-meet people exploits.
58 St. James Tower (Tour St-Jacques) and PascalDating back to the 16th century the tower is all that remains of a butchers church (Saint-Jacques-la-Boucherie). Yes, no kidding, wealthy French butchers had their own church. St. James Tower (Tour St-Jacques) and Pascal
59 (18) Museum of EroticismEntertaining and funny. Include in your plans to lighten-up your stay. You are on holiday after all. Have some fun and bring your camera. Think of all the people at home and give them something to chuckle about when you return.
60 (24) Paris BeachFrom July to August the beach comes to Paris. With the global economy in the state its in this could catch on. It might also save the planet. The city beach is located on the bank of the not to be swam in Seine from Ile St. Louis to the Jardin des Tuileries. Hotel de VilleThe beach is a people magnet just like the real thing. It feels a little like a city park with umbrellas and sand of course. Watch a wild Friday summer nights bike ride-parade-street thing happening near the nearby Hotel de Ville. Top Links To Top 100 Things To Do In Paris - Paris Beach Top 70 Things To Do In Paris |
The
Fontaine des Innocents (Fountain of the Innocents) is named after
the church cemetery "Église des Innocents" which
was named after the innocent children killed in Judea by Herodes.
The fountain is adorned with nymphs, angels and naked, plump little
boys with wings. The fountain was designed by prominent Renaissance
architect Pierre Lescot. Pierre spent most of his life working on
the Louvre. The fountain was created between 1546 and 1549 making
it over 450 years old and it is the last remaining Renaissance fountain
in Paris.
