The most overrated tourist attractions in Paris, France – Part 5

In Paris there alot an unbelievable amount of tourist attractions. From the Arc De Triumph to the magnificent Eiffel Tower. As I think about Paris I also begin to think that none of the tourist attractions there are overrated as they are all beautiful, historical structures. The main tourist attractions are; The Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triumph, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Louvre Museum.

The Eiffel Tower, what an absolutely superb structure. It was built, in 1889 for the purpose of a celebration of the French Revolution. The man behind the Eiffel tower is Gustave Eiffel, who also made some bridges and the iron work of the statue of liberty, a few decent things to put on your CV! Standing at an amazing 300 meters, it was the tallest structure in the world until the Chrysler Building was erected in 1930. Even if your visit Paris and don’t go to the Eiffel Tower, the chances are you will still see it, as most of Paris can as it towers of the whole city.

The Arc De Triumph was built in 1836 to commemorate the victories of Napoleon, and is engraved with all the names of generals who commanded troops during the era of Napoleon. At night the Arc De Triumph is an amazing sight, when all of the lights are lit. The arch also has an observatory, where it has an amazing view across to La Defense, where most of Paris’ tall buildings stand.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral is probably the most famous cathedral in the world, although it is not the biggest. Built in 1345, although the building work started in 1163, it was one of the first gothic cathedrals ever built. During the revolution alot of the cathedral’s sculpture work had been destroyed and it was in the 19th century when it was restored. It was restored again between 1991 and 2001.

There are many many more tourist attractions across Paris. Although I do not believe any of the tourist attractions in Paris to be overrated if I had to choose one of them to be the most overrated I would have to choose the Arc De Triumph, as, after all it is just a big structural arch.

The most overrated tourist attractions in Paris, France – Part 3

I love Paris. The atmosphere of street cafes is something that no other city can match, and the hum of trafic along the Champs Elysee. What Paris has to offer the tourist is so much history, and there is a wealth of beauty and architecture that many miss, plumbing for the alternative that I feel is one of the most overrated tourist attractions in Paris.

Look for example at the Eiffel Tower. It is a national monument, which was built as long ago as 1899 as a temporary monument to the anniversary of the French Revolution. This was just one contestant in a whole wealth of other projects, though what set it apart was that the French adored it, loved it’s design as a focal point to their capital City and was saved by a fluke of war, being needed as an antenna for military purposes. Standing proud amidst Paris streets, the Eiffel Tower is certainly worth a visit, though I believe that the first level is just as good as the top, as you can see as much of the City from that level without paying the extra, plus having the advantage of a bar/restaurant to protect the tourist from cold winds and take a moment’s pause in the center of this beautiful City.

Likewise, the Sacre Coeur Cathedral is a high spot in a visit, it’s white towers looking out over the city, and it’s calming effect on the tourist that seeks a little bit of spiritual rest amidst the storm of City life really does humble a human being into submission and makes tourist feel like they are part of the vastness. This is one of my favorite places in the city.

I gave these examples because in order to demonstrate the over rated attraction I have in mind, there needed to be a contrast to compare it with. My most over rated tourist attraction in the whole of Paris would have to be the fashion industry and I believe with good reason. Haute Couture is rife in this wonderful City that purports to be the fashion center of the world, though how does this relate even remotely to the tourist industry ?

Tourists come with expectations, though what lets the Haute Couture business down is it’s seeming apathy towards the tourist. Of course it’s fun looking into the shop windows to see what fashion has in store, though sneak behind those doors and try to grab the attention of assistants and tourists soon find themselves not only judged by appearances but largely ignored unless of course their financial status is unquestionable.

Fashion houses aren’t really that accessible to the tourist. They really do not make the effort to open up that area of Paris life that the world knows them for. The secrecy of it all and the elitism really does make this a grey area for the tourist, and walking away disappointed with the reception gained in the fashion district, I tended to reflect upon what the city gave me, as a tourist, and when I compare those attractions that the city is renowned for, the fashion circuit came into perspective as shallow, unwelcoming and certainly not something that could compete with the other attractions available to the tourist in Paris.

Take a ride down the river at moonlight, and see the City lights, walk through the parks, see the real artists of Paris in their riverside location, or sit on the steps of the Sacre Coeur and suddenly everything comes back into the perspective that makes life valuable and Paris worthy of a visit.