It's sad to say but, I'm a practical-minded person, so here are the facts: when in Paris, you most likely won't have unlimited time at your disposal. You want to make the best possible use of your time. You want to see memorable sites. And you don't want to be disappointed.
In addition to the four attractions I listed yesterday, there are two more popular tourist attractions that, in my opinion, are not to be missed- no matter how pressed for time you are.
When in Paris, you must not miss...
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
Why?
A white jewel atop the crown of Montmartre, this impressive cathedral was built in 1873. The winding staircases that lead up to it will leave all but seasoned athletes winded, but it's worth taking them- you're climbing a sacred hill, a site of religious worship that predates recorded history. The pagan Gauls performed ceremonies here; Romans made dedications to Mercury. Christians laid claim to the spot in the second century, and it has been a Catholic holy place ever since. The view from the top of the hill is everything that the view from the Eiffel Tower is not- immediate, romantic and utterly Parisian. Make sure to take a wander through the winding streets behind the cathedral, too. Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain was shot in and around the area. You just might see a café you recognise.
What to avoid...
Don't bother taking the funicular. If you go on a busy day, the line-up will be stupidly long. Taking the stairs is part of the experience, anyway. If the weather is nice, the area surrounding the basilica can get very busy and crowded- this is a gathering place for people from the neighbourhood as well as a tourist attraction. Be aware of who is around you. Hold your belongings tightly. Give any peddlers- whether they're selling plastic Eiffel Tower key chains or offering you a Senegalese bracelet, but especially if they are offering you a bracelet- a wide berth. Sacré-Coeur is notorious for pickpockets. I lived a few blocks away from the cathedral the last time I was in Paris and can say from personal experience that there are smooth-talkers on site almost twenty-fours hours a day. But as long as you're alert, you'll be fine.
How to get there...
(M) Anvers
Hôtel des Invalides
Why?
Napoleon and his tragically fated son, Joseph, are buried in the church on-site, Église Saint-Louis-des-Invalides. Alongside them are many heroes of the French military. It doesn't matter whether burial sites are of general interest to you. This is the most bizarre and opulent shrine you will ever chance to witness. The architecture alone makes the trip worthwhile. The complex surrounding the church was built by Louis XIV in 1670 as a military hospital. It still houses some clinics for veterans. However, the majority of the space is used to house La Musée de l'Armée, an enormous collection of French (and foreign) military memorabilia from ancient times to present. The World War I and II exhibits are fascinating, particularly the old propaganda pamphlets. See if you can find an anti-Canada leaflet. (I did; it's there.) Admission is 8,5€. A leisurely tour of the exhibits can easily take an entire day, and will intrigue even the most devoted pacifist. (Note: There is currently an Afghanistan 2001-2009 exhibit on display. This will run only until February 26, 2010.)
What to avoid...
The Hôtel des Invalides is a positively enormous complex that monopolises several city blocks in an otherwise relatively quiet neighbourhood. There is little, if any, food available on-site and no restaurants in the immediate vicinity. If you plan to spend the day here, make sure that you eat a big breakfast. In all likelihood, you won't have an opportunity to eat again until you leave. (Trust me. I learned this the hard way. A Kinder bar is not enough sustenance for six hours.)
How to get there...
(M) Invalides
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