Les Invalides (Paris)
Louis XIV was concerned about his wounded soldiers, so he ordered the erection of a building in which they could seek refuge. It is a classical building, designed by two successive architects, Libéral Bruant, and Hardouin-Mansart, Mansart was basically in charge of the general design of the building and dome. It is practically impossible to visit the building in one day, with over 10 miles of corridors, but you should see the Church of St. Louis, with elaborate tombs of generals and others, also the tomb of Napoleon I. His ashes are contained in six coffins, which are inside an ornate monument made of porphyry. Only a few soldiers actually live there today. The military still has ties to the building via the Museum of the Army, with contains one of the richest collections of arms, uniforms, banners, armour and other items from French military history. Invalides is located on Avenue de Tourville, Place Vauban.
Palais et Jardin du Luxembourg (Paris)
Built for Marie de Medici in 1612 to compete with Florence's Petti Palace, it is now the location of the French Senate, and not open to the public. During the Revolution, it was a prison. Designed by Salomon de Brosse in Renaissance style, it was modified in the 19th-century. Surrounding the palace are classic formal gardens with statues and the famous Medici fountain. Today the gardens are frequented by many, and are a favourite spot for students from the nearby schools. The Palace is located at 15 Rue Vaugirard.
Panthéon (Paris)
Designed by Soufflot, the building was originally planned to be a church. Before construction was finished, the Constituent Assembly voted to turn the building into a Republican temple, to receive the great men of the era of French Liberty. There are also other national heroes buried in the crypt; Victor Hugo, Voltaire and Emile Zola to name a few. Inside, in addition to the tombs, there are murals done by Puvis de Chavanne depicting the life of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. The Pantheon is located at Place du Pantheon.
Sorbonne (Latin Quarter) (Paris)
The Latin Quarter is the area extending from the Palace of Luxembourg to the Seine, just beyond Place St. Michel. It is full of shops, restaurants, churches, bookstores and all kinds of boutiques. The name is derived from the 12th-century, when Abelard, rebelling against church teachings, moved across the river to form a new university. In 1253 Robert de Sorbonne open a college that offered room and board to poor students. His name was extended to the surrounding universities, and soon, with over 10,000 students attending, Paris became the intellectual capital of Christendom. The scholars would discuss everything in Latin, hence the name. The Sorbonne still exists today, although the only ancient part is the chapel dating to 1635. To get there, take the Métro to Odéon or St. Michel. Interesting places one will see starting with the Les Iles are: The Island of the City is the birthplace of Paris. The Island of St. Louis is still a village setting, and was home to many famous people, such as Mme Curie, Voltaire, Baudelaire and others. The islands are so full of history, one could easily spend an entire day visiting all the sights.
Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris)
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 colored 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.
Palais de Justice and Sainte Chapelle (Paris)
Originally the first seat of the Roman military government, and then headquarters of the early kings, Louis IX built a new palace, and added the chapel to house the remnants of Christ's Sacred Crown of Thorns, and other religious relics. The new chapel was built between 1246 and 1248 in less than 3 years. It has 15 elaborate stained glass windows and a 250 foot spire. The Law Courts now fill the old palace. Extensively remodeled at the turn of the century, it still has a considerable amount of the remains of the original Gothic palace that housed 12 Capetian kings of France. It is located at 4 Boulevard du Palais.
Conciergerie (Paris)
This building is the remains of the old Royal Palace. Filled with tragic moments, it served as a prison during the Revolution when Marie-Anionette and Robespierre, along with many others, were held prisoners waiting for the guillotine. Today you can visit the prisoner's Gallery, and a museum of the Revolution located in the chapel. The Salle des Gens d'Armes - Soldiers room, is a stunning arched hall. On the outside of the building, look for the Tour de l'Horloge - the clock-tower. It has been telling Parisians the time faithfully since 1334. Located at 4 Boulevard du Palais.
Ile St. Louis (Paris)
The Island of St. Louis was originally two islands. Joined together and developed by the mid 1600's. It is still home to many beautiful houses from that era which, are located on Rue St. Louis en Ile. The views of the Seine from one of the quay's is wonderful. The island has managed to keep its charm.
Interesting places one will see starting with the left Bank are:
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