Things to do in Gentilly

The Eiffel Tower dominates the Paris skyline and forms an essential part of the heart-stopping Parisian panorama, viewable from the top of many of the city’s prominent landmarks. But there is no better view of the city than from the 276-metre high top floor observation area of the tower itself, where visitors can treat themselves to a glass of bubbly from the Champagne bar and toast their trip while feeling as though they are truly on top of the world.

The Louvre offers 6 hectares of exhibition space housing some of the world’s most famous works of art. Visitors flock from around the globe, many drawn to the Louvre by the legendary Mona Lisa and other works including the marble statues of the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo. The Musée du Louvre - known to most simply as the Louvre – houses a vast collection of works with objects in the collections ranging in date from 5,000 B.C. to the 19th century.

Walk along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and gaze up at the imposing Arc de Triomphe. Discover the history behind the intricate carvings decorating it. Enjoy the walk along the boulevard and shop in the designer stores lining the road.

Cutting an imposing figure at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe can be accessed from one of 12 tree-lined avenues, named after France’s military leaders, that radiate out to form a star. The most famous of these is the Champs-Elysées, with the Arc de Triomphe situated at its western end. Despite the near-constant stream of busy traffic, pedestrians are afforded plenty of space to wind in and out of the columns that form the base of this architectural masterpiece.

Notre Dame sits on le Île de la Cité, one of two natural islands situated in the middle of the Seine. Construction on the awe inspiring building at the heart of the city began in 1163, and was commissioned by Bishop Maurice de Sully to replace the 4th century cathedral dedicated to St. Stephen. Work was completed in the 14th century with the installation of the huge flying buttresses.

Treat yourself to an evening of classical entertainment at the Paris Opera (Opéra National de Paris). Admire the handsome architecture and luxurious interiors of Palais Garnier, the home of this historic French opera company. Learn about the 300-year-old past of the Paris Opera via art collections, multimedia displays and museum exhibits.

The Luxembourg Gardens date back to 1612, when the Palais du Luxembourg and its grounds were built at the request of Marie de Medici. The park opened to the public in the 19th century and the 21-hectare Luxembourg Gardens is today known as a park of the people. The palace now houses the French Senate.