Alternative Name: Notre Dame de Paris Contact Details:

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1 Paris - Day 01 Name: Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris Address: Place du Parvis Notre Dame, Paris, Île-de-France, France Alternative Name: Notre Dame de Paris Contact Details: Map Data Terms of Use Entry Information: Notre Dame Cathedral is open weekdays from 8am to 6pm and weekends from 7:15am to 6pm. Entry is free. The reception office is open from 9am on weekdays and 9:30am on weekends, closing at 6pm. Just note that services are held throughout the week, all day on Sundays. Site Direction: To get to Notre Dame by Metro: line 4 (Station Cite or Saint Michel), lines 1 and 11 (Station Hôtel de Ville), line 10 (Station Maubert-Mutualité or Cluny La Sorbonne) and lines 7, 11 and 14 (Station Châtelet). By RER take line B or C to Station Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame. Buses 24 and 47 both stop at Notre Dame. Description Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) is a gothic cathedral in Paris s fourth arrondissement. Original construction began in 1163, with the first stone supposedly laid in the presence of Pope Alexander III. At this time, it was the project of the bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully who built it as a religious focal point in the city dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the original Lady of Paris or Notre Dame de Paris. Notre Dame Cathedral has since undergone numerous building and refurbishment campaigns, with several religious, political and royal leaders determined to leave their mark on this impressive building. It was also necessary to rebuild parts of it following the French Revolution, when much of Notre Dame and its religious artifacts were destroyed. Notre Dame Cathedral is still an operating church, but visitors are also welcome to tour the building and appreciate both its beauty and sheer size. Some of the

2 highlights at Notre Dame include its stained glass windows, gothic architecture and many sculptures. Free tours are conducted throughout the year, Monday to Friday at 2 and 3pm (except the first Friday of the month and every Friday during Lent) as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm. The nearby tower outside the cathedral is also worth a visit. Dating back to the 13th century, it houses the 17th Century Emmanuel Bell as well as Viollet-le-Duc s 19th century chimera and gargoyles. Those feeling particularly fit can climb its 387 steps for magnificent views. Also recommended is the archeological crypt just to the west of Notre Dame Cathedral and located under the Parvis. This underground crypt was built to protect ancient ruins found in 1965 and can be accessed via a staircase opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, near the Police Headquarters. Finally, Notre Dame s Treasury houses some of the relics of the Passion of Christ including the famous Crown of Thorns. Notes

3 Paris - Day 01 Name: Crypte Archeologique - Paris Address: Crypte Archeologique (Paris Archaeological Crypt), Parvis Notre Dame, Alternative Name: Paris Archaeological Crypt Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: Site Direction: The Crypte Archeologique is open daily, 10am-6pm (last admission 5:30pm). Closed 1 Jan, 1 and 8 May, 1 and 11 Nov and 25 Dec. Entry costs 4 (free for under 14s), reduced price 3. The Crypte Archeologique is located under the main square of Notre Dame on Ile de la Cite and is accessed down an innocuous set of stairs in front of the cathedral. The nearest metro station is Cite on line M4 and RER station Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame on lines RER B and C. Description The Crypte Archeologique (Archaeological Crypt) in Notre Dame Square (Parvis) in Paris is an incredible site for those interested in the history of Paris. During the Gallo-Roman Period, Paris was known as Lutetia, which developed from the first and second centuries BC. The Crypte Archeologique contains the remains of Gallo-Roman Lutetia, including its third century BC walls, its streets and heating systems and even the ruins of a cathedral. Some of the remains are medieval, dating to the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries and including a hospital. A little known site, the Crypte Archeologique is often not as crowded as the streets above it. Notes

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5 Paris - Day 01 Name: Musee de Cluny Address: Musee National du Moyen Age, Musee de Cluny, 6 place Paul Painlevé, 7 Alternative Name: Musee National du Moyen Age Contact Details: +33 (0) Entry Information: Musee de Cluny is open daily except Tuesdays, 9:15am-5:45pm (last entry 5:15pm). Closed 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec. Entry costs 8.50, 6.50 reduced. Audioguide 1. Entry free first Sunday of each month. Site Direction: The nearest metro stations to Musee de Cluny are Cluny-La Sorbonne (line 10), Saint-Michel (line 4) and Odéon (lines 4, 10). RER lines B and C go to Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame. Buses 21, 27, 38, 63, stop nearby. Description Musee de Cluny in Paris is steeped in both medieval and Ancient Roman history. Officially known as Musée National du Moyen Âge the National Museum of the Middle Ages - Musee de Cluny has an impressive collection, including Roman statues, gothic sculptures, a treasury filled with the works of medieval goldsmiths and an exhibit of funereal objects. Also housing a collection of tapestries, one of the star exhibits at Musee de Cluny is the La Dame à la Licorne series, translated as The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, which date back to the fifteenth century. Musee de Cluny contains a number of other interesting exhibits, including a set of Jewish gravestones dating back to Roman times. However, it is not just what is inside Musee de Cluny which is of interest to historians the very buildings in which it is contained are of great historical importance. Notably, Musee de Cluny is made up of two main buildings, the fifteenth century Cluny Abbey Hotel (Hôtel de Cluny) and an important series of Gallo-Roman baths. These baths, known as Thermes de Cluny, date back to the first to third centuries AD and represent some of the best preserved remnants of the Gallo-Roman city

6 of Lutetia. With much of their walls intact, Thermes de Cluny is an exciting find for Ancient Rome enthusiasts. Some of the rooms of Musee de Cluny were once part of the baths (the official site has a map showing which these are otherwise it is hard to tell). Outside the museum, one can see the original walls of the cold room or caldarium and warm water room (tepidarium), although, at the time of writing, visitors cannot walk around this part of the site. Notes

7 Paris - Day 02 Name: Pont Neuf Address: Pont Neuf, Paris Alternative Name: - Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: There is a pedestrian route along Pont Neuf as well as a road, accessible at all times. Site Direction: Pont Neuf is located in Paris s First Arrondisement and has its own metro station, Pont Neuf on line M7. Description Pont Neuf in Paris dates back to the sixteenth century, making it the oldest bridge in the city. Work on Pont Neuf was started in 1578 by King Henry III and completed in 1607 by Henry IV. Notes

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9 Paris - Day 02 Name: Sainte Chapelle Address: Sainte Chapelle, 4 boulevard du Palais, Paris Alternative Name: Holy Chapel Contact Details: +33 (0) Entry Information: March-October: 9:30am-6pm daily. November-February: 9am-5pm daily. Closed 1 May and 25 December. Entry to Sainte Chapelle is 8 for adults, 5 reduced and free for under 18s and EU residents under 26. Group entry is 6 per person. Site Direction: To reach Sainte Chapelle travel via Metro Line 4 or Bus routes 21, 27, 38, 85, 96 or Balabus. By car, follow the banks of the Seine to Châtelet or Saint- Michel, then boulevard du Palais. Description Sainte Chapelle or the Holy Chapel is a gothic church built by Saint Louis in Ile de la Cité in the centre of Paris. The construction of Sainte Chapelle began in 1246 under the orders of King Louis IX, and was carried out with the specific purpose of housing the relics of the Passion of Christ, including the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the true cross. In fact, even by the time Sainte Chapelle was consecrated on 26 April 1248, at a cost of 40,000 livres, this expense paled in comparison to the 135,000 livres which these relics cost when bought from the Byzantine emperor Baldwin II. The relics are now housed in the Treasury at the Notre Dame Cathedral, but there are still many attractions in Sainte Chapelle. With its two impressive upper and lower chapels and imposing gothic architecture, Sainte Chapelle a top tourist attraction. Audio tours are available guiding visitors through and explaining the significance of its colourful stained glass windows and statues. In particular, the windows at Sainte Chapelle depict over a thousand images relating to the Old Testament and the Passion of Christ. Notes

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11 Paris - Day 02 Name: La Conciergerie Address: La Conciergerie, 2 boulevard du Palais, Paris Alternative Name: - Contact Details: Entry Information: La Conciergerie is open daily, 9:30am-5pm (to 6pm March-Oct). Closed 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Last entry half an hour before closing. Entry costs 7 for adults, 4.50 for non-eu students aged and free for under 18s and for EU students under 26. Further concessions available. Combined tickets available with Sainte Chapelle. Site Direction: La Conciergerie is located along the banks of the River Seine on Paris s Ile de la Cité. The nearest metro station is Cité (line 4). Other nearby stations include Châtelet (lines 1, 7, 11, 14) and Saint-Michel (line 4). Buses 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81 and 85 stop nearby as does Balabus. By RER line B to St Michel or Châtelet or via line C to Saint-Michel. Description La Conciergerie in Paris, France is located on an important site which once formed the seat of the city s Roman leaders during their occupation of Gaul. La Conciergerie itself originally formed part of thirteenth century Palais de Justice, the royal palace built by King Philip IV. It served this role until the 1350 s, when the French royals moved to the Louvre. As it ceased being used as a royal residence, La Conciergerie became the site where judicial functions were carried out, a purpose which parts of the palace still fulfil today. From 1391, La Conciergerie s judicial function took on a different character as it was transformed into a prison. Thus it remained for centuries, playing its sinister role during the French Revolution as the home of the ominous Revolutionary Tribunal which sent thousands of prisoners to the guillotine. In the course of the Revolution, La Conciergerie held over a thousand prisoners at any given time. Some of the most famous inmates at La Conciergerie included Francois Ravaillac, the assassin of King Henri IV, imprisoned there in 1610, revolutionaries Georges Danton and Maximilien Robespierre, and, most prominently,

12 Queen Marie Antoinette. Each was then executed. Visitors to La Conciergerie can enjoy both its impressive medieval architecture, such as its large Hall of the Men at Arms and its history, both royal and as an instrument of punishment. Its original torture chambers can still be viewed. Notes

13 Paris - Day 02 Name: Palais de Justice Address: Palais de Justice, 4 Boulevard de Palais, Paris, France Alternative Name: - Contact Details: Entry Information: Palais de Justice is a working courthouse. It is open to the public weekdays 9am-6:30pm. Closed public holidays and August. Site Direction: Palais de Justice is located in Île de la Cité in Paris and is accessed via the Cour de Mai. The nearest metro station is Cite on line M4. Description The Palais de Justice in Île de la Cité in Paris is a vast and majestic gothic structure, the site of which was originally the home of governors of Ancient Rome. Palais de Justice then became the royal residence of the French monarchy such as Louis IX and remained as such until Charles V moved the royal palaces to Marais in 1358 following the Jacquerie revolt. As the current seat of the French judicial system, the Palais de Justice serves a function which it has fulfilled in various guises since medieval times. This began in earnest in April 1793, when the civil chamber or Premier Chambre Civile of the Palais de Justice became the home of the Revolutionary Tribunal. This was the fearsome court of the French Revolution from which the Reign of Terror was systematically carried out. Also part of the Palais de Justice is the famous prison known as La Conciergerie and it is next to Sainte Chapelle, which was built by Louis IX. Notes

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15 Paris - Day 03 Name: The Eiffel Tower Address: Tour Eiffel, 5 avenue Anatole France, Champ de Mars, Paris Alternative Name: Tour Eiffel Contact Details: +33 (0) Entry Information: The Eiffel Tower is open daily, 9:30am-11pm (to midnight from 1 Jan to 12 June and 1 Sept to 31 Dec). Adults pay 8.10 for entry to the second floor via lift ( 6.40 for ages 12-24, 4 for ages 4-11), for top floor entry ( for ages 12-24, 9 for ages 4-11) and 4.50 for stairs entrance to the second floor ( 3.50 for ages 12-24, 3 for ages 4-11). Further discounts available for disabled individuals. Site Direction: To reach the Eiffel Tower via Metro, use line 6 to Beir Hakeim or Dupleix, lines 6 and 9 to Trocadero or line 8 to Ecole Militaire. Via RER take line C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel. Buses 42, 69, 72, 82 and 87. Description The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) is an imposing iron monument on Paris Champ de Mars by the river Seine. The Eiffel Tower was built between 1887 and 1889 based on the design of engineer Gustave Eiffel, after whom the tower was named. In fact Eiffel s design was chosen out of 107 other proposals as part of a competition to create an iron structure as the entrance way to Paris Universal Exhibition World Fair or Exposition Universelle. The intention was to mark the centennial of the French Revolution. Work on the 15 metre foundations began on 26 January 1887 and the Eiffel Tower was inaugurated on 31 March 1889 when Eiffel himself climbed the Tower s 1,710 steps and planted the French flag at its peak. At that time, the Eiffel Tower s 312 metres in height made it the tallest building in the world, only eclipsed in 1929 with the construction of New York s Chrysler

16 Building. Today the Eiffel Tower is 324 metres tall due to the later addition of antennas, making it the tallest building in Paris and the fifth tallest in the world. The Eiffel Tower is a tourist hotspot and visitors can climb or use the lifts to reach the first or second floors, the latter of which is 115 metres high. The most expansive views can be found on the Eiffel Tower s third level at 276 metres, which has its own separate lift from the second floor. A backstage tour is available, which details the workings of the Eiffel Tower and its history. Notes

17 Paris - Day 03 Name: Les Invalides Address: Place des Invalides, Paris 75007, France Alternative Name: Hôpital des invalides Contact Details: +33 (0) Entry Information: Les Invalides is open daily, 10am-5pm (to 6pm April-Sept). Closed the 1st Monday of each month, 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov and 25 Dec. The Charles de Gaulle Department is closed Mondays. Entry costs 8.50 for adults, 6.50 for veterans, groups (reserved) and visits from 5pm and free for under 18s and for EU nationals aged Site Direction: By Metro, use line 8 (stop Latour-Maubourg, Invalides) or line 13 (Saint- François-Xavier, Invalides, Varenne). By RER, use line C to the Invalides stop. Bus routes 28, 63, 69, 80, 82, 83, 87, 92, 93, Balabus. Parking is available at the esplanade des Invalides. Description Les Invalides was originally built by the order of Louis XIV as a hospital and home for ailing soldiers. This order was given on 24 November 1670, the building designed by architect Liberal Bruant and Les Invalides was completed in In fact Les Invalides still operates as an institution for war veterans, under the name Institution Nationale des Invalides. Following its initial construction, several further additions were made to Les Invalids, including a chapel in 1679 and the striking Dome Church or 'Église du Dôme', which incorporates the royal chapel built by Louis XIV and completed in One of the most significant dates in the history of Les Invalides was when the body of the Emperor Napoleon I (Napoleon Bonaparte) was brought there on December 15th His tomb, which was completed in 1861, remains there today and is housed in the Dome Church. Les Invalides is made up of several buildings and now stands as the largest complex of monuments in Paris, including its comprehensive military museum, Musée de l'armée.

18 Les Invalides operates numerous types of tours, including those specifically dealing with historical, cultural or artistic issues. There is even a tour dedicated entirely to Napoleon. The multimedia presentation on the life of Charles de Gaulle is also worth seeing. Notes

19 Paris - Day 04 Name: Musee du Louvre Address: The Louvre, Place du Carrousel, Paris, France Alternative Name: The Louvre Contact Details: +33 (0) Entry Information: Open daily except Tuesdays, 9am-6pm (rooms begin closing at 5:30pm). Open to 10pm Wednesdays and Fridays (rooms begin closing at 9:30pm). Closed 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Entry costs 10 (inc Musée Eugène Delacroix). From 6pm to 9:45pm, entry costs 6. Entry is free on the 1st Sunday of every month. To avoid queues, you can buy advance tickets online. Site Direction: Located in the First Arrondissement on the Right Bank of the River Seine. The main entrance is by the Pyramid. If you have bought tickets in advance, you can enter at the Passage Richelieu entrance (next to Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre station, lines M1, M7). Buses 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95, and the Paris Open Tour bus stop at the Pyramid bus stop. Description Musee du Louvre, also known as, the Grand Louvre or just The Louvre, is one of the world s foremost art museums, exhibiting over 35,000 works from around the globe and throughout history. The Louvre s eight departments cover an extensive array of historical periods and artistic genres, each represented through the museum s permanent and temporary exhibits. Amongst these exhibits, The Louvre holds Near Eastern and Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities, Islamic art, sculptures and paintings as well as decorative arts, prints and drawings. Some of the most famous pieces held by The Louvre include the Jewels of Rameses II and Leonardo da Vinci s Mona Lisa. Set over 60,000 square meters, Musee du Louvre can be fairly daunting, but guided tours and audio tours are available in English and French lasting ninety minutes. Tours can be historically themed.

20 The building in which Musee du Louvre is housed has a fascinating history of its own, having started life as a fortress built by Philippe Auguste to protect Paris from the Anglo-Normans. It later became a royal palace of Louis XIV. The Louvre opened as a museum in The history and archaeology of The Louvre is explored on the lower ground floor of the museum in room 3. Notes

21 Paris - Day 04 Name: Avenue des Champs Elysees Address: Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris, France Alternative Name: - Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: Open at all times. Site Direction: Several metro stations stop at Avenue des Champs Elysees including Champs-Élysées Clemenceau (lines M1 and M13), Franklin D Roosevelt (M1 and M9) and Concorde (M1, M8 and M12). Description The Avenue des Champs Elysees is a central street in Paris first established in the 1660 s and in which many of the France s national events are marked, including parades to celebrate the victories of each of the two World Wars. Today, Avenue des Champs Elysees is a focal point for both Parisians and tourists and is lined with some of the city s most important sites such as the Arc de Triomphe. Of course, it is also renowned for its myriad of shops. Notes

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23 Paris - Day 04 Name: Place de la Concorde Address: Place de la Concorde, Paris, France Alternative Name: - Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: Place de la Concorde is viewable at all times. Site Direction: Place de la Concorde is located in Paris s 8th Arrondissement. The nearest metro station is Concorde on lines 1, 8 and 12. Description Place de la Concorde in Paris was the site where King Louis XVI was executed on 21 January During the French Revolution, Place de la Concorde was named Place de la Revolution. Prior to this, it had been known as Place Louis XV and had contained a statue of the monarch. However, when the revolution took hold, this monument was taken down and replaced with the guillotine. Place de la Concorde became the focus of the executions of France s elite during the Reign of Terror, a period of exceptional violence during the French Revolution. Over 1,300 people were executed at Place de la Concorde, amongst them Louis XVI s wife Marie Antoinette and even leading revolutionary figures such as Danton and Robespierre. Today, Place de la Concorde is the home of the Luxor Obelisk. This monument was gifted to the French by the viceroy of Egypt in 1833 and it once formed part of the ancient Luxor Temple. Notes

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25 Paris - Day 04 Name: Arc de Triomphe Address: Place Charles de Gaulle Paris France Alternative Name: - Contact Details: +33 (0) Entry Information: Opening hours: April to September 10am-11pm; October to March 10am pm. Closed: 1st January, 1st May, 8th May (morning), 14th July (morning), 11th November (morning), 25th December. Admission fees: Adults 9; concessions (18 to 25) 5,50; free admission for children under 18. Site Direction: You can reach the Arc de Triomphe by both Metro (lines 1, 2) and RER (line A) to Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station - and by bus 73. Description The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a 162 foot monumental arch in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, shortly following his victory at Austerlitz, with the aim of commemorating French soldiers, particularly those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. The Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1836 and is an imposing and ornate structure. Its many engravings include the dates of military victories, the names of important soldiers and depictions of war. Visitors can climb to its peak for magnificent views or enter the small museum inside it, both of which are included in the entrance fee. A further attraction at the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which commemorates those who fought in the two World Wars with an eternal flame. Notes

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27 Paris - Day 05 Name: The Catacombs of Paris Address: Les Catacombes de Paris, 1, Place Denfert-Rochereau, Paris, Fran Alternative Name: Les Catacombes de Paris Contact Details: +33 (0) Entry Information: The Catacombs of Paris are open 10am-5pm daily. Last entry at 4pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays. Entry costs 8 full, 6 reduced, 4 for youth ticket, free for 13 years and under. Guided tours cost 4.50 full, 3.80 reduced for individuals on top of entry fee. Group/school discounts available. Long queues make arriving well before the closing time advisable. Site Direction: To get to the Catacombs of Paris you can take both the Metro and the RER B to Denfert-Rochereau station. Buses 38 and 68. Description The Catacombs of Paris (Les Catacombes de Paris) came into use as a burial place for Parisian bones in the eighteenth century following the overpopulation of Parisian cemeteries and the closure of the Cemetery of Innocents (Les Innocents). The Catacombs are underground quarries encompassing a portion of Paris old mines near Place Denfert-Rochereau and, at the time, were outside the city gates. The official decision to use the quarries was made on 9 November 1785 and they were blessed on 7 April 1786, following which bones from the Saint-Nicolas-des- Champs cemetery were moved there. Further remains were amassed at the Catacombs of Paris over the years, including those who died in several riots during the French Revolution. Overall, approximately six million human skeletons lie within the Catacombs of Paris. A fascinating, unusual and somewhat haunting tourist attraction, The Catacombs of Paris are well worth a visit for those who are not claustrophobic or easily spooked. A tour of the Catacombs takes approximately an hour and involves climbing 83 steps.

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29 Paris - Day 05 Name: Arenes de Lutece Address: 47 rue Monge et rue de Navarre, Paris Alternative Name: Lutetia Arena Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: Open daily, summer 9am-9:30pm, winter 8am-5:30pm. Entry is free. Site Direction: Arenes de Lutece is located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, a short walk from Cardinal Lemoine metro station (line 10). Buses 47 and 89 stop nearby. Description Arenes de Lutece or Lutetia Arena in Paris is one of the most important and rare remnants of the Gallo-Roman settlement of Lutetia. Lutetia or Lutece was a settlement located on the site of what is now Paris. Originating in pre-roman Gaul it then became a Roman city. Originally built in the first to second century AD, Arenes de Lutece was a vast amphitheatre able to seat between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators. In 280 AD, Arenes de Lutece was sacked, leaving few remains. Rediscovered during building works carried out in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Arenes de Lutece was subject to a great deal of renovation, sadly to the extent that much of what can be seen today such as the tiered seating - is not original. Having said this, it is definitely worth seeing if you are interested in Roman Gaul. Some of the Roman stage settings are still visible and one does get a good sense of what the theatre would have looked like. Today, Arenes de Lutece is more likely to be the site of skateboarding competitions and picnics rather than gladiator matches. Notes

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31 Paris - Day 05 Name: The Pantheon - Paris Address: Place du Panthéon, Paris, France Alternative Name: Le Pantheon Contact Details: Entry Information: The Pantheon is open at the following times. April-Sept: 10am-6:30pm ; Oct- March: 10am-6pm. Last entry 45 min before closing. Closed 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Adults 8, reduced rate 5, adult group rate (min. 20 people) 6, Free for under 18s, EU residents under 26, disabled visitors and their escorts and for unemployed persons. Site Direction: The Pantheon is located in the centre of Paris, near the boulevard Saint- Michel. It can be reached by Metro line 10 at the Cardinal Lemoine stop, by RER line B at the Luxembourg stop and via bus routes 21, 27, 38, 82, 84 and 89. Description The Pantheon in Paris (Le Pantheon), was built as a result of King Louis XV s determination to create an edifice to the glory of St-Genèvieve, the patron saint of Paris. The Pantheon means Every God and construction began in 1758 with the intention that the building be a church. However, it was completed just before the French Revolution in 1789 and the revolutionary government converted The Pantheon into a mausoleum for the interment of great Frenchmen. The Pantheon s crypt is now the burial place of many French icons and bears the inscription Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaissante, meaning "To the great men, the grateful homeland". Those buried there include Rousseau, Émile Zola, Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Jean Moulin, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, and the architect of the Pantheon Jacques-Germain Soufflot. In fact, Soufflot died before the Pantheon was completed, meaning that his vision of a semi-gothic building with elements of basic principals was somewhat compromised.

32 Guided tours of the Pantheon are available and last approximately 45 minutes. Notes

33 Paris - Day 06 Name: Palace of Versailles Address: Palace of Versailles, pl d'armes, Versaille,France Alternative Name: Chateau Versailles Contact Details: Entry Information: The Palace of Versailles is open daily except Mondays, 9am-6.30pm (to 5:30 Nov-March). Last entry half hour before closing. Closed on 25 December, 1 January and 1 May. Entry to all sites costs 20 (Apr-Oct) or 16 (Nov-Mar). Other ticket types available. Site Direction: Palace of Versailles from Paris: RER Line C (yellow line) westbound to Versailles (Rive Gauche). Not all westbound trains run to Versailles so ensure you get the correct train/change where necessary. Or by SNCF from Paris Montparnasse station to Versailles Chantiers or from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite station (0.5hrs). There are car parks at Place d Armes, Allée de Bailly, Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon. Description The Palace of Versailles was originally the hunting lodge of France s King Louis XIII, but was transformed into a magnificent residence by his son and successor, Louis XIV. The ostentatious monarch built the Grand Apartment of the King and Queen which included the magnificent Hall of Mirrors before moving both his court and the government of France to Versailles in And so it remained until the French Revolution in In the 19th Century King Louis-Philippe turned it into the Museum of the History of France. The gardens of the Palace of Versailles, designed by André Le Nôtre at the instruction of Louis XIV, are equally spectacular and took forty years to complete. There are numerous places to visit at the Palace of Versailles and a range of tour options. Audio headsets are available as are guided tours. When visiting the Palace of Versailles, you can also see Marie Antoinette s estate and The Grande Trianon.

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35 Paris - Day 07 Name: Remains of the Bastille Address: Remains of the Bastille, Square Henri Galli, Paris, France Alternative Name: - Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: The remains of the Bastille are viewable at all times. Site Direction: The nearest metro station to the remains of the Bastille in Square Henri Galli is Sully-Morland on line 7. Description Some remains of the Bastille, the state prison which was famously stormed thus sparking the French Revolution, can be seen in a small park known as Square Henri Galli in Paris. A small plaque next to what seems like an innocuous pile of stones marks this out as the remains of one of the most notorious sites in history. For the original location of this prison, see the entry for The Bastille. Notes

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37 Paris - Day 07 Name: Pere Lachaise Cemetery Address: 16 rue du Repos, Paris 75020, France Alternative Name: Cimetière du Père-Lachaise Contact Details: Entry Information: Pere Lachaise Cemetery is open daily all year round and entry is free. Site Direction: Pere Lachaise Cemetery is located on Boulevard de Ménilmontant. Accessible via Metro lines 2 and 3 (alighting at Gambetta station on line 3 offers a downhill tour of the cemetery or Philippe Auguste as this is closest to the main entrance). The Père Lachaise Station on line 3 is another option - this is near a side entrance. Description Pere Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père-Lachaise) was established by Napoleon I in Originally considered to be too far from the main city, Pere Lachaise Cemetery initially attracted few funerals, but following a marketing campaign and the transfer of the remains of French philosopher Pierre Abélard in 1817, its popularity grew and it soon gained over 33,000 residents. From singer Edith Piaf, novelist Marcel Proust and impressionist painter Camille Pissarro to playwright Oscar Wilde, an array of famous figures are buried there today. One of the most popular graves at Pere Lachaise Cemetery is that of The Doors front man Jim Morrison, probably attracting the largest number of visitors, but all of the graves are fascinating, including those of the regular citizens. Pere Lachaise Cemetery is also the home of the Mur des Fédérés or Communards Wall where 147 of the working class defenders of Belleville or Communards were shot on 28 May 1871 as part of the Bloody Week. This is also surrounded by monuments to concentration camp victims from the Holocaust. Maps are available to buy at the entrance, but you can also use the directories on the grounds. Overall, Pere Lachaise Cemetery is a peaceful and interesting way

38 to spend an afternoon. Notes

39 Paris - Day 08 Name: Basilica of St Denis Address: Basilica of St Denis, 1 rue de la Légion d Honneur, Saint-Den Alternative Name: Basilique Saint-Denis Contact Details: Entry Information: The Basilica of St Denis is open daily, 10am-5pm (to 6:15pm April to September). On Sundays it opens at noon. Closed on 1 January, 1 May, 25 December and during some religious services. Admission costs 7 for adults and free for under 18 s as well as for EU residents aged under 26. Other concessions are available. Site Direction: The Basilica of St Denis is located 3km north of Paris, France. The nearest metro station is 'Saint-Denis - Porte de Paris' (line 13) and the journey takes around 20 minutes from Paris. Other nearby stations include Saint Denis RER on line D and tram line 1 stops nearby. By car from Paris it is a 10 minute journey, taking Route A1 towards Lille and exiting at Saint-Denis. Description The Basilica of St Denis (Basilique Saint-Denis) in Paris, France is a cathedral basilica named after France s patron saint. In fact, the place where Basilica of St Denis stands is believed to the site where Saint Denis, also known as Saint Dionysius, was buried after his death in around 275 AD, making the then abbey church a place of pilgrimage. Whilst originally founded in the 7th century, the current Basilica of St Denis was built in a gothic style in the 12th century by the Regent of France, Abbot Suger. From the 7th century onwards, and officially from the 10th century, the Basilica of St Denis acquired a new and important role as the burial place of the kings and queens of France. It retained this role for hundreds of years and all but three of France s monarchs were buried there. However, during the French Revolution, many of the tombs were opened and the remains removed. In 1966 the Basilica of St Denis became a cathedral.

40 Today, the Basilica of St Denis is open to the public, allowing views beyond its stunning façade into its vaulted interior. Inside, visitors can view its incredible necropolis. Guided tours and audio guides are available in English, French, Spanish and Italian, lasting between an hour and a quarter and an hour and a half. Notes

41 Paris - Day 09 Name: Jumieges Abbey Address: Abbey Jumièges, 24, Rue Guillaume le Conquérant, Jumièges Alternative Name: Abbey Jumièges Contact Details: Entry Information: Site Direction: Jumièges Abbey is open daily from 9.30am-6.30pm (5.30pm mid Sept to mid Apr). Closed Jan 1, May 1, Nov 11, Dec 25. Last entrance 30 minutes before closure. Entry costs 6 adults, 4 concessions, free for under 18s. From Rouen take the D982 and then the D143. The abbey can be found just off this road. Description Ranking among the most beautiful ruins in France, Jumièges Abbey now stands as a stark yet picturesque shell, all that remains of its once glorious past. In fact, Jumieges Abbey was one of the oldest monasteries in Western Europe, tracing its history back as far as the mid-7th century, when it was founded by Saint Philibert. This first incarnation of Jumièges was destroyed by the Vikings but it would be rebuilt by the dukes of Normandy. The monastery was consecrated anew in 1067 by William the Conqueror. For several centuries Jumieges thrived despite damage during the Hundred Years War but eventually the abbey met its end during the French Revolution, when the monks were forced to leave and the abbey closed. Following the Revolution, Jumièges Abbey was sold off, stripped of valuables and much of the masonry pillaged for other structures. Today, the attractive ruins of Jumièges have become a popular attraction, and visitors can explore the remains of the abbey as well as its scenic grounds.

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43 Paris - Day 09 Name: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum Address: Centre Guillaume Le Conquerant, 13 Rue de Nesmond F Bayeux Alternative Name: Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux Contact Details: Entry Information: Site Direction: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is open daily, with seasonal opening times as follows: 15 Mar to 15 Nov 9am-5:45pm (6.15pm May to Aug); 16 Nov to 14 Mar 9:30am-11:45pm and 2pm-5.15pm. The museum is closed 7th-31st Jan, and 31 Dec. Entry costs 9 (full), 4 (children), free for under 10s. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is located in Bayeux, Normandy, around 30km northwest of Caen and 260km from Paris. By car, it is accessible via motorway A13 onto the A84 and then the N13. From Paris s St Lazare station, get the train towards Cherbourg and alight at Bayeux (2hr train ride plus a short walk). By bus, the green line goes from Caen to Bayeux. The entry gate is on Allee des Augustines. Description The Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux) is housed in a seminary in Bayeux called Centre Guillaume Le Conquerant and holds one of the most famous historical chronicles in the world, the Bayeux Tapestry. The Bayeux Tapestry is 230-foot wool embroidered account of William, Duke of Normandy s conquest of England including the Battle of Hastings where he defeated Harold, the King of England on 14 October Whilst the origins of this incredibly detailed tapestry are a subject of controversy, it is thought that it dates back to the year of the battle and was commissioned by William s half-brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux. Told from the Norman viewpoint, the Bayeux Tapestry has itself been a subject of debate, but it remains one of the only sources telling the story of the Norman Conquest and a useful insight into the medieval world. The importance of this historical document has been recognised by UNESCO, who listed it on their Memory of the World Register.

44 The Bayeux Tapestry Museum displays the original embroidered piece in a special gallery and has a further exhibit offering an insight into the story it tells as well as the way in which it was made. Audio guides lasting twenty minutes explain each of the 58 scenes shown in the tapestry are available in 14 languages and for children in English and French. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum also has cinema room, showing a documentary about the history of the Norman Conquest and the tapestry. A visit to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum lasts around 1.5 hours. Notes

45 Paris - Day 09 Name: Abbaye aux Hommes Address: Abbey of Saint-Etienne, Esplanade Jean Marie Louvel, Caen Alternative Name: Abbey of Saint-Etienne Contact Details: Entry Information: The Abbaye aux Hommes is open daily 9:30 5:30; Wednesdays and Saturdays 9:30 12:30pm. Closed between 12:30 and 2:30pm. Guided Tours daily at 9:30am, 11am, 2:30pm and 4pm. It is free to enter, but a guided tour is highly recommended. Site Direction: The Abbaye aux Hommes is located in the centre of Caen, off Rue Guillaume le Conquerant. There are a few pay and display car parks nearby at Rue Pasteur and off the main roundabout by the library (called Hotel de Ville ). The Abbey is about 1.5 miles from Caen station. Description The Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen, also known as the Abbey of Saint-Étienne, is a beautiful 11th century Romanesque abbey church known for being William the Conqueror s gravesite. Consecrated in 1077, William built the Abbaye aux Hommes as atonement for his marriage to Matilda of Flanders, which the Pope had condemned due to their family connection. In 1087, upon his death, William was buried in the foundations. However his grave has been disturbed on multiple occasions, including during the Wars of Religion and later the French Revolution when his remains were scattered, resulting in only his thighbone remaining in the marked grave. Through the centuries, the Abbaye aux Hommes has undergone many architectural renovations. The main abbey is made up of the original Romanesque nave and transept and the 13th century Gothic choir. A ribbed vault was added around 1120, making the abbey a forerunner of the Gothic architectural style, and the nine spires were a 13th century addition. Further additions occurred right up until the late 18th century. However, despite the many changes, much of the original Norman church remains and forms the core of what visitors see today.

46 The abbey buildings lead off from the south end of the church, including the refectory; they now house the town s museum and municipal offices. Impressive features of the church and grounds include the grand staircases, designed without cement to seem as if they are floating, the ceremonial Salle des Gardes room and the large collection of 17th and 18th century art and furniture gathered in the monastery. One of the abbey s most distinctive features is the white Caen stone it is carved from, this same stone was taken to Britain to build the Tower of London, Canterbury Cathedral and the abbeys of Durham, Norwich and Westminster. The abbey itself was used a model for many Norman churches built throughout England, making it a must-see for those interested in both French architecture and Britain s Norman history. The church is open to all visitors but taking a guided tour is recommended in order to fully appreciate all of the buildings incorporated into the church. These tours are available in French and English (although English-speaking tours will be filled quickly!) four times a day. Contributed by Isabelle Moore Notes

47 Paris - Day 10 Name: Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls Address: Rue Lucien Sportisse, Lyon, France Alternative Name: Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules Contact Details: Contact local tourist office. Entry Information: Open daily. Entry is free. Site Direction: The amphitheatre is located in northern Lyon, a ten minute or so walk from Crois Paquet metro station (line C). Description The Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, translated as Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, was an early first century amphitheatre in Lyon. Lyon was once the Roman city of Lugdunum. Whilst the city was founded in approximately 44 BC, the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls is thought to have been constructed in around 19 AD. The reference to the Three Gauls relates to Gaul s main three provinces at the time, Belgica, Aquitania and Lugdunensis, and of which Lugdunum was the capital. In the second century AD, it is thought that several Christians were martyred at the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls in the course of the campaign of persecution against Christians at the time. Only a fraction of the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls remains, the rest seemingly swallowed up by modern roads and buildings which surround it. What does remain includes a section of its walls, its northern gate and some of its foundations. Notes

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49 Paris - Day 10 Name: The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs Address: The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs, Place Eugène Wernert, Lyon, France Alternative Name: Tombeaux Gallo-Romain Contact Details: Contact local tourist office. Entry Information: The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs are viewable at all times. Site Direction: The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs are located in southwest Lyon. Nearest funicular is Saint Just. Description The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs (Tombeaux Gallo-Romain) are three reconstructed ancient burial chambers displayed at Place Eugène-Wernert. Dating from the 1st century AD, these tombs were discovered in the late 19th century during works constructing the railway system. In order to ensure their preservation, the tombs were painstakingly moved brick by brick to their current location. Today, these ancient tombs are an interesting site and, in places, the original inscriptions giving details about the occupants of the tombs can be seen. Notes

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51 Paris - Day 10 Name: Vienne Roman Theatre Address: Rue du Cirque, Vienne Alternative Name: Theatre Antique de Vienne Contact Details: +33 (0) Entry Information: Nov-March open 9:30am-12:30pm and 2pm-5pm Tues-Fri, weekends 1:30pm-5:30pm. April-Aug open 9:30am-1:30pm and 2pm-6pm Tues-Sun, Sept-Oct open 9:30am-1pm and 2pm-6pm Tues-Sun. Closed Mondays, 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov, 25 Dec. Entry 2.30 full, 1.70 reduced. Site Direction: Fairly centrally located within Vienne. Description Vienne Roman Theatre (Theatre Antique de Vienne) is a first century AD theatre said to have once been amongst the largest in Gaul. Built sometime around 40 to 50AD, it was originally able to house 13,000 spectators. From games and shows to public meetings, at its peak Vienne Roman Theatre hosted a variety of events, making it very much a social hub. Now restored, Vienne Roman Theatre is full of life once again as the site of everything from plays to opera and jazz festivals. Notes

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53 Paris - Day 11 Name: Saint-Remi Abbey Address: Saint-Remi Abbey, Place Chanoine Ladame, Reims Alternative Name: St. Remi Basilica Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: Site Direction: Saint-Remi Abbey is open daily, 8am-7pm. Entry is free. Saint-Remi Abbey is located in the south of the city of Reims, which can be reached by car from Paris along route A4 (1.5 hrs - toll road) or by TGV train (45 mins.). Description Saint-Remi Abbey is a UNESCO listed historic Benedictine abbey in Reims which was built in the eleventh century and renovated in the twelfth century. Upon its construction, Saint-Remi Abbey replaced the former St Christopher s Chapel in housing the relics of Saint Remi ( AD), an archbishop of Gaul who famously baptised the Frankish king, Clovis I and was canonized after his death. Notes

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55 Paris - Day 12 Name: Arch of Germanicus Address: Arch of Germanicus, Place Bassompierre, Saintes, France Alternative Name: Arc de Germanicus Contact Details: n/a Entry Information: The Arch of Germanicus is a public site and is free to access and view. Site Direction: By train: The Arch of Germanicus is roughly one mile from Saintes station which is located on Place de la Gare. By car: Leave the A10 motorway at junction 35 and follow the D137 to the centre of Saintes. Take the Cours National until you cross the river, then turn right onto Place Bassompierre, the Arch of Germanicus is a short way along this road. Description The Arch of Germanicus (Arc de Germanicus) is a Roman era arch in Saintes which was constructed in 19AD. The arch was built to honour Roman Emperor Tiberius, his son Drusus and his adopted son Germanicus. Germanicus was the nephew of Tiberius and brother to Emperor Claudius. He was a successful Roman general and won a series of impressive victories against the Germanic tribes, hence his honourary name. The Arch of Germanicus celebrated these victories and honoured the commander, who had died the year before. The Arch of Germanicus once stood at the head of a Roman bridge but was carefully moved and restored in the 19th century when the bridge was replaced. Today the Arch of Germanicus stands near the river and is open to view and visit. Notes

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57 Paris - Day 12 Name: Constantine Baths - Arles Address: Rue du Grand Prieuré, Arles, France Alternative Name: Thermes de Constantin Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: Open daily. A 9 ticket allows entry to this site plus four other Arles sites or, for 13, unlimited access to the main monuments for a year. Site Direction: The Constantine Baths are located in the town of Arles in Provence, 30km southeast of Nimes along route A54. By train from Avignon, Arles is a 20 min. train journey, 25 min. from Nimes. Description The Constantine Baths (Thermes de Constantin) are a well preserved set of ancient Roman public baths in the Provence town of Arles. Dating back to the fourth century AD, the Constantine Baths would once have formed part of an imperial palace known as Palais Constantine. It is also thought that this was one of three sets of public baths in Roman Arles. Today, visitors can see the well-preserved remains of the Constantine Baths, the excavated part being only its northern area. Whilst only a fraction of these baths are visible, what can be seen is fascinating and includes several of the bathing sections. The Constantine Baths are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notes

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59 Paris - Day 12 Name: Nimes Arena Address: 4 Boulevard des Arènes, Nîmes, France Alternative Name: Arenes de Nimes Contact Details: Entry Information: Nimes Arena is open: Nov-Feb daily 9am-5pm; Mar and Oct open 9am-6pm; Apr-May and Sept open 9am-6:30pm; Jun 9am-7pm, Jul-Aug 9am-8pm. Entry costs 7.80 full, 5.90 reduced. Combined entry to the Nimes Arena, Maison Carrée and the Tour Magne costs 9.90 full, 7.60 reduced. Free for under 7s. Discounts/group rates available. Site Direction: Nimes Arena is centrally located in Nimes, within walking distance of the train station (TGV). Nearest airport is Nîmes-Garons. Accesible by car via routes A9 and A54, exit at Nimes and follow signs to Arènes. Description Nimes Arena (Arenes de Nimes), also known as Nimes Amphitheatre, is amongst the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. A Roman Marvel Built during the reign of the Emperor Augustus in the first century AD, Nimes Arena is a marvel of Roman engineering. A vast oval with a stunning façade resplendent with archways and ornamentation, Nimes Arena could seat up to 24,000 people in its 34 terraces. Social Hub All the people of Nimes - then called Nemausus - would sit according to their social status and watch the games played there. These would range from animal hunts involving lions, tigers and even elephants to the famous gladiatorial matches. Executions would also be held at Nimes Arena, in the form of those convicted to death being thrown to the animals. A Visigoth Fortress

60 In the sixth century, under the Visigoths, Nimes Arena began to play a military role. Transformed from a sports arena to a castle fortress or "castrum arena" complete with a moat, Nimes Arena was a sort of emergency shelter of the people of the town in the event of attack. From Castle to Village Nimes Arena would go on to play an even more elaborate role in the twelfth century when it became the seat of the viscounty of Nimes and home to a chateau. In the eighteenth century, this went even further with the establishment of a whole 700-strong village within its walls. It was only in 1786 that Nimes Arena began to be restored to its original grandeur. Nimes Arena Today Now fully restored, Nimes Arena is a popular tourist attraction and allows people to really experience what it would have been like for Roman spectators. Including an interactive audio guide and some detailed exhibits, the site is now a fitting museum of its past. However, beyond just its historic significance, Nimes Arena is also still used for events today. Notes

61 Paris - Day 12 Name: Roman Theatre of Orange Address: Theatre Antique, Rue Madeleine Roch, Orange Alternative Name: Theatre Antique Contact Details: Entry Information: The Roman Theatre of Orange is open daily, 9:30am-4:30pm (to 5:30pm in March and October, 6pm in April, May, September and 7pm in June, July, August). Best to check time of closing in case of rehearsals/plays. A joint ticket for the site and the nearby Orange Museum costs 7 for adults (discounts/other combined tickets available). Site Direction: The Roman Theatre of Orange is quite centrally located in the Provence town of Orange, which is 55km northeast of Nimes and approx. 100km northwest of Marseille. Orange is accessible via routes A7 and A9 (exit at Orange). There s a car park near the site. Description The Roman Theatre of Orange, known locally as the Theatre Antique, is a stunningly well-preserved first century theatre and one of the best preserved Roman sites in the world. Dating back to the rule of Augustus (31 BC to 14 AD), the Roman Theatre of Orange is an incredible site and one of the largest existing theatres of its kind, able to hold up to 10,000 spectators. The façade wall of the Roman Theatre of Orange is an impressive 338 feet long and 121 feet high and the structure still retains its original stage. This is despite the fact that the Prince of Orange, Maurice of Nassau, damaged it in the seventeenth century by using it as a quarry for building materials. Today, the Roman Theatre of Orange is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage historic site together with the Triumphal Arch of Orange. It is still used as a theatre, meaning that visitors can enjoy a play in its incredible and historically evocative surroundings. There are also audio guides included in the entry prices (seven languages) and guided tours are offered.

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63 Paris - Day 12 Name: Triumphal Arch of Orange Address: Arc de Triomphe d Orange, Rue D976/N7, Orange, France Alternative Name: Arc de Triomphe d Orange Contact Details: Contact local tourist office Entry Information: The Triumphal Arch of Orange is viewable at all times. Site Direction: The Triumphal Arch of Orange is located in the north of the town of Orange in Provence on route D976. Orange is located approx. 55km northeast of Nimes and 100km northwest of Marseille. It can be reached via routes A7 and A9 (exit at Orange). Description The Triumphal Arch of Orange (Arc de Triomphe d Orange) is an Ancient Roman monumental gate, probably built during the reign of Augustus. Originally built on what was via Agrippa, it is thought that the Triumphal Arch of Orange was built in honour of those who fought in the Gallic Wars, particularly the Second Legion. Today, the Triumphal Arch of Orange is a UNESCO World Heritage site together with the nearby Roman Theatre of Orange. Extremely well preserved with its relief scenes of military events still decipherable, the Triumphal Arch of Orange is considered to be one of the most important existing relics of Roman Gaul. Notes

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65 Paris - Day 12 Name: Jardin des Vestiges Address: 12, rue Henri Barbusse, Marseille Alternative Name: - Contact Details: Entry Information: Open daily except Sundays, noon-7pm (last entry 6:30pm). Entry costs 2 ( 1 reduced) includes Marseille History Museum. Site Direction: The nearest metro stations are Vieux-Port (line 1), Noailles and Jules Guesde (line 2). Tram 2 goes to nearby Belsunce-Alcazar station, tram 1 to Noailles. Buses 31, 32, 41, 57, 60, 70 and 80 stop at Vieux-Port/ Canebière. Access to the site is from rue Henri Barbusse or from the History Museum. Description The Jardin des Vestiges is an archaeological site in Marseille housing the remains of this city s ancient Greek then Roman port. Discovered during building works carried out in the 1960 s, the ruins of Jardin des Vestiges have been excavated and include large sections of walls, gates and the remnants of warehouses and the general infrastructure of the old port. Periods of time intermingle from the ancient to the medieval, with the earliest find dating back to 600 BC. There are trilingual panels at the site (in English, French and Italian), which make understanding the different ruins a more accessible experience. Many of the finds excavated at Jardin des Vestiges, such as the remains of a third century AD ship, can now be seen at the adjacent Marseille History Museum. A visit to one usually includes the other, particularly as the entry fee is for both. Notes

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67 Paris - Day 12 Name: Pont du Gard Address: 400 Route du Pont du Gard, Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France Alternative Name: - Contact Details: Entry Information: Pont du Gard and its museum are open daily, 9am-5pm (to 7pm May-Sept). The discovery areas (i.e. the historic parts) are closed Nov-Mar. Entry costs 18 for a family package (up to five adults and one vehicle). Pedestrians or bikes are charged at 10 per person or 15 for groups up to five people. Site Direction: Pont du Gard is located approximately 27km northeast of Nimes in France. It can be reached by car from Nimes along the A9 (exit 23) 30 mins. Nimes can be reached by train from Paris (3 hours). Description Pont du Gard is an iconic Ancient Roman bridge and aqueduct built in first century AD and located near Nimes in France. In fact, it was the tallest bridge ever built by the Romans, rising 160 feet. Nimes had been a major city of Gaul before 45BC, when it was incorporated in the Roman Empire. As the city s population grew, exceeding 20,000, the need for water surpassed the available supplies of the Nemausus spring. Thus, from 40AD, over 1,000 workers were engaged in building Pont du Gard in order to transfer water from the Gard River (the Eure) to the city. Upon its completion, it would stay in use until the sixth century, when it was finally abandoned. Since then, Pont du Gard has undergone a series of restoration projects and is now a spectacular place to visit. In 1985 it was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today guided tours of Pont du Gard take visitors right to the very heart of this iconic structure to see the how such an engineering feat was achieved and how the aqueduct operated. Visitors can also walk the full length of the bridge itself and explore this Roman marvel up close. These tours last approximately 1.5 hours.