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Paris: What first-time visitors should know about the City of Light, protests and all (photos)

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Marc Bona (via Cleveland.com)
The tower is illuminated at night, and lights will flicker along, drawing oohs and aahs of the crowd.The city's architecture is something to behold.Pittsburgh defeated New Orleans in the first NFL game in Paris.The Jardin des Tuileries is a wonderful park to stretch your legs, a respite of greenery amid a metropolitan city.Look close and you can see barbed wire deterring would-be climbers.Tourists are drawn from all vantages to the tower.A variety of boats cruise the Seine River.The Eiffel Tower offers both stairs and an elevator (you can go to the very top only by elevator).One of many cafes worth a stop in Paris.The detailed artwork is amazing in Notre Dame.Notre Dame has come a long way since the fire in 2019.A line formed outside Louis Vuitton.Plywood-covered windows were a precaution at many high-end stores.A tribute to Princess Diana sits near where she was killed in 1997.Bridges across the Seine can be ornate, like this one.Scaffolding is still up outside Notre Dame.The Flame of Liberty now honors Princess Diana.The Eiffel Tower always looks majestic no matter what the weather.Arc de Triomphe is an impressive structure - though I wouldn't want to try driving the roundabout beneath it.The Eiffel Tower is impressive from its many vantages, especially up close.Another view of the second level of the Eiffel Tower.There is no shortage of Eiffel Tower trinkets.The first NFL game in Paris took place during our trip.Notre Dame offers so many impressive sculptures and artwork.Notre Dame's majestic interior.Gargoyles are common on many of the buildings in Paris.Notre Dame stands majestically.Notre Dame remains an impressive stop in Paris.Paris is a city of 2 million.La bouquinistes – traditional booksellers - set up along parts of the Seine.A view from the second level of the Eiffel Tower.A sculpture honors Gustave Eiffel outside of his tower.Police had a strong, preventative presence in the city, especially along the Champs-Élysées.The detail on Notre Dame is stunning.Votives are stacked at Notre Dame Cathedral.The two fans in front wearing Darrelle Revis and Jaxon Dart jerseys spoke French all game. The first NFL game in Paris took place during our trip.Another view from the second level of the tower.All sorts of boats cruise the Seine, from tour boats and other craft.The tower is repainted about once every seven years.Notre Dame sits close to the Seine.Another view of the Eiffel Tower's second level.

PARIS – It’s been said there is nothing like Paris in springtime. For our first trip to the French capital, we opted for Paris in protests.

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