Cité de l'Architecture et du Partimone.

This was undoubtedly my 'surprise discovery' of my whole stay in Paris so far! I am an avid admirer of Gothic architecture and somehow missed the 'Cité de l'Architecture et du Partimone' on previous visits to Paris. I firmly believe that most guide books do not give this museum of French architectural achievements the credit it deserves. The museum allows the visitor the opportunity to view the rich architectural heritage of France from the Middle Age's to the present day, in less than half a day! The museum is located opposite the Eiffel Tower and comprises 8000 m2 of exhibition space with life - size reproductions of the doorways of Chartres and Strasbourg cathedrals (to name but a few) and a full scale apartment of Le Corbusier's 'Cité redieuse'. If you enjoy architecture and have a short stay in Paris that does not allow you to visit all these historic monuments scattered throughout France, head for Cité de l'Architecture et du Partimone for a surprisingly invigorating experience! The best part...no trampling crowds...