Visit Les Halles

It was the traditional central market of Paris and was enlarged in 1183 by King Philippe II. Known as the "stomach of Paris", the massive glass and iron buildings that the area is known for were constructed in the 1850s. In 1971, the original open-air marketplace was demolished and replaced with an underground modern shopping center and sculptures, fountains and a museum were added.

Visit the Palais Royal

People watching is one of the great Parisian traditions and the Palais Royal is a spectacular place to partake in it.

This palace and garden is located near the Louvre and features people of all forms mingling and relaxing in the famous courtyard. In the 1780s, the gardens were enclosed and filled with cafes, theaters and shops.

Pont Neuf at Sunset

French for "New Bridge", the Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge (1578) across the river Seine in Paris. An extensive restoration began in 1994 and was finally completed in 2007. Enhanced with new lighting to highlight its architectural features, no bridge in Paris could claim to be more beautiful.

A Grand Theatre

Theatre du Chatelet is one of Paris' most famous theaters. Built in the middle of the 19th century, it was dedicated to the “opérette“, a kind of entertainment mixing songs, speeches and sometimes ballet.

Dancers like Nijinsky and Anna Pavlova and musicians like Stravinsky, Malher, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Debussy have all performed there.

A Return to La Sainte-Chapelle

A detail of the beautiful stonework at La Sainte-Chapelle, the church from Saturday's post.

Also, a detail from the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry by the Limbourg Brothers, showing La Sainte-Chapelle circa 1400. The rose window, seen in the previous post, is shown here on the front of the chapel.

Stained Glass of La Sainte-Chapelle

Louis IX built La Sainte-Chapelle to house precious relics from the Passion, including Christ's Crown of Thorns he'd bought from Baldwin II in 1239. In 1241, he added a piece of the true cross. During the French Revolution the relics were stolen.

The pious king was later granted sainthood by the Catholic Church.

Les Escaliers du Louvre

As this stairway proves, the architecture at the Lourve is often just as stunning as the work on display. Famous Dutch artist Escher was no doubt inspired by the Lefuel staircase in the Richelieu aisle of the Louvre.

Escher is famous for his staircases to infinity, which seem to be going nowhere and everywhere all at once.

Les Jardins de Paris: Tuileries

In honor of spring, a series of entries dedicated to the beautiful les jardins de Paris.

The garden of Tuileries is situated in the center of Paris in the 1st arrondissement between the Louvre and Concorde Square. The garden is surrounded by walls and has many shade trees, benches and quiet corners to rest your weary feet.