London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/19/2012 -- When the Eiffel Tower was finished at the end of the 19th century it was two times higher than the Washington Monument, which had been, up until that point, believed to be the most towering landmark on the globe. The Eiffel Tower has, of course, grown to become the inimitable emblem of Paris, the City of Light.

The Arc de Triomphe is another great edifice in the capital. This renowned arch was, in fact, specially commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to memorialise his conquests. However, he was deposed before the arch was finished. Indeed, it was not completed until 1836, during Louis-Philippe’s reign. The Arc de Triomphe is emblazened with the names of the generals who led troops during the rule of Napoleon. The arch is situated at the end of the Champs-Elysées, in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, a large circular square from which no less than 12 streets spring. The names of the streets themselves refer to French military leaders.

The Notre Dame is the cradle of Paris and has always been the spiritual epicentre of the capital. After all, this region was regarded as sanctified ground by the Celts, and the Romans constructed a temple there in order to worship Jupiter. Unfortunately, at the time of the French Revolution, much of the cathedral's ornate and elaborate furnishings were either removed or destroyed. Even the gallery of Kings was ruthlessly lambasted, as revolutionaries thought the statues embodied French kings.

It wasn't until the 19th century before the original glory and splendour of the Cathedral was finally entirely reinstated.

The reputation of the Louvre undeniably precedes it; it certainly stands firmly alongside the finest museums in the world. It has, as a matter of fact, become the planet's most visited museum, and stands as a lasting emblem of French distinction in art. Comprsing of eight immense thematic departments and home to an incredible 35,000 pieces of artwork dating from the antique to the early modern, the Louvre's permanent collection consists of masterpieces by European prodigies including Da Vinci, Delacroix and Rubens. Immerse yourself in the immense cultural space occupied by the labyrinthine Louvre.

Another museum worth exploring is the Musee National des Arts Asiatiques - Guimet, which is sadly oft overlooked when compared to the sheer renown and popularity that the Louvre possesses. It is home to a vast and altogether captivating selection of artworks from China, India, Japan, Tibet and Southeast Asia.

It cannot be denied that Paris is one of the cultural capitals of the world, and this is only a small selection of its many exquisite attractions. Explore Paris’ most astounding landmarks and mesmerising sites of artistry for yourself on a London to Paris tour: you will never forget the experience.

Visit http://www.goldentours.com/London-to-Paris-tours for more details