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Musee des Arts et Metiers
Museum of Science and Technology issSituated to the north of
the 3rd arrondissements, this museum contains machines and models
relating to great inventions from 1500. It has recently been completely
restored and the description besides each exhibit is now both
in French and English.
Place de la Republique
Place de la Republique is a large square at the meeting place
of three arrondissements, 3rd, 10th and 11th and several avenues.
Its central sculpture, Morice's 'La Republique' , glorifies France's
many revolutionary struggles; rather ironically the square was
vastly enlarged in the mid-19th century by Haussmann to minimize
revolutionary activity in this part of the city.
George Pompidou Center
The George
Pompidou Center (Beaubourg,) is home to one of the
most important modern art museums in the world displaying modern
and contemporary painting, sculpture, graphic art, photographs,
rare books, films, new media, architecture and design. It is also
the site of Paris' largest public research library.
Located in the complex, but in another building, is one of the
worlds most advanced computer music laboratories. The high-tech
design of the building incorporates an escalator in a Plexiglas
tube which gives one of the city's best panoramic views. There
is a restaurant on the top floor with the same spectacular views.
The Place Georges-Pompidou, in front of the museum, often has
impromptu street entertainment. Close by is the 'quirky', fun
Stravinsky Fountain where one can sit and have a picnic or choose
from several inexpensive restaurants overlooking the Fountain.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 12 noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday
and Bank Holidays 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
Rue Montorgueil
This is a trendy area with an eclectic mix of cafes, bars and food
stores set amid old, interesting streets and houses. Of particular
interest is the ‘L 'Escargot Montorgueil’ at #38 as it
is one of the most authentic examples of 1830's decor in Paris and
a well known restaurant specializing in snails. At #51 is ‘Strohers’,
founded in 1730 by the former pastry chef of Louis XV.
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