For the last two years, England rugby star James Haskell has played his club rugby in France turning out for Paris based Top 14 side Stade Français. His time there is now coming to a close, but apart from picking up a few Gallic rugby skills, what else has he learned?
As you would expect, anyone who has spent time in one of the world’s major cities is bound to have some useful advice on where to go and how to get around, and James is no different. In this video he jumps in his car and takes us to some of his favourite Parisian places:
1 – Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is 121 years old. It was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. As France’s symbol in the world, and the showcase of Paris, today it welcomes almost 7 million visitors a year (around 75% of whom are foreigners), making it the most visited monument that you have to pay for in the world.
2 – Musee D’Orsay
The history of the museum, of its building is quite unusual. In the centre of Paris on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Tuileries Gardens, the museum was installed in the former Orsay railway station, built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. So the building itself could be seen as the first "work of art" in the Musee d'Orsay, which displays collections of art from the period 1848 to 1914.
3 - Arc De Triomphe & Champs Elysees
The Arc de Triomphe is recognized as a symbol of Parisian pomp and elegance around the globe. Erected by the Emperor Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate France's military prowess, the 50 metre/164 foot tall Arc de Triomphe crowns the west end of the Champs-Elysées, the city's most famous avenue, at the juncture known as the Etoile (star), where 12 prestigious avenues radiate out from the arch.
4 – The Place des Vosges
A stroll through Le Marais without visiting Place des Vosges would be like going to the Champs Elysées without seeing the Arc de Triomphe! It is elegant with a classically French style, and is a pure and unique example of early 17th century architecture. Inside the square, the splendid fountains still have the name of King Louis XIII who was in power when the square was completed in the 1600s.
5 - ‘Ô Château’ bar
Everyday, Ô Chateau offers fun and informative wine tastings. They are presented in English by an animated and passionate sommelier. You’ll learn, taste, have fun, and rest your feet from all this Paris walking – all in a beautiful space 5 minutes from the Louvre
