Cathedrale Saint Alexandre Nevsky

This 1861 Russian Orthodox cathedral stands like a displaced piece of Moscow on an otherwise typical Parisian street. The five golden onion domes catch sunlight beautifully, but it's the interior that delivers the real impact - floor-to-ceiling icons painted directly on the walls, a towering gilt iconostasis separating the nave from the altar, and that distinctive Orthodox incense smell that hits you immediately upon entering.

The visit feels intimate since the space is relatively small, maybe 200 people maximum capacity. Your eyes need a moment to adjust to the dim lighting before the full splendor reveals itself - the walls are completely covered in religious scenes painted in rich blues, golds, and reds. The acoustics are remarkable; even whispered conversations carry, which explains why the Orthodox chanting during services sounds so ethereal here.

Most visitors spend too much time photographing the exterior and rush through the interior. The real treasures are the 19th-century icons flanking the entrance and the intricate woodwork of the iconostasis - give yourself time to examine the craftsmanship up close. Skip the small gift shop unless you're specifically interested in Orthodox religious items; the selection is limited and overpriced.