1Eiffel Tower
What would Paris be without its symbolic Eiffel Tower? Built by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution, it is presented at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889. 324 meters high, it is one of the most visited monuments in the world with nearly 7 million visitors a year.
The first floor houses the Eiffel Tower 58 which extends over two levels, 58 meters above the ground as its name suggests. On the second floor, the view is the best at 115 meters because you have a diving view on the ground below. Finally on the 3rd floor at 275 meters, you can see what the office of Gustave Eiffel was. For the more adventurous one, it is possible to use the stairs and climb the steps (1,665 to the summit).
The ascent of the Eiffel Tower is a must to enjoy the magnificent view of Paris.
2Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the most enduring symbols of Paris: Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as Notre Dame, a Roman Catholic cathedral is located on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cité. It is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in France and Europe. Begun in 1163 and completed in 1345, this cathedral is a sight with its portals surrounded by his many sculptures and gargoyles that adorn the roof.
We advise you to walk around the cathedral, then go inside and climb the 387 steps to the top of the towers. The climb to the top of the towers can be exhausting, but you will get a panoramic view of the region and see the famous gargoyles up close.
3Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, this historic building is a former royal palace, with an area of 210,000 square meters including 60,600 for the exhibitions. The museum is housed in the Louvre, originally a fortress built in the late 12th century under Philip II. The remains of the fortress are visible in the basement of the museum.
The collection is divided into eight departments:
- Egyptian antiquities
- Oriental antiquities
- Greek, Etruscan and Roman
- Islamic Art
- Sculptures of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Modern Times
- Objects of art
- Paintings
- Graphic arts.
4Champs Elysées / Arc of Triumph
Under the spell of ancient Roman architecture, Napoleon commissioned Jean Chalgrin the design of a triumphal arch dedicated to the glory of imperial armies. Built in the 19th century, it is the largest monument of its kind in the world. Impressive sculptures adorn its pillars. In addition, the names of 558 generals and the great victories are engraved on the top of the arc. Under the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of France.
The panoramic terrace above the door offers a beautiful view of Paris. 50 meters high, 45 meters wide and 22 meters deep, the Arc de Triomphe is located on the Place de l’Etoile which leads to the Champs Elysees which is nicknamed “the most beautiful avenue in the world.” It stands on 1.9 km between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. There are many luxury boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Guerlain, Montblanc …), places of ehntertainment (Lido, cinemas), famous cafes and restaurants (Fouquet’s).
5Cruise on the Seine
Find the best way to visit the “City of Light” enjoying a cruise on the Seine, especially at night. When the sun sets, the monuments are lit slowly. You get a panoramic view to the forefront so you can enjoy the beauty of Paris: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Pont Alexandre III and many more.
You can also enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine aboard a boat. For about two hours, you are welcomed.
6Montmartre
Montmartre is a hill located in the north of Paris, 130 meters high, having its name to the surrounding neighborhood. It is best known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacred Heart, at the top. It was completed in 1919 and honors the French victims of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870.
If you’re in the area, do visit the Square of Tertre, few blocks from the Basilica. There are many artists setting up their easels to paint tourists or exhibit their work. Place du Tertre is a reminder of the time when Montmartre was the hub of modern art in the early 20th century; many artists such as Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh worked there. The Espace Salvador Dalí, a museum dedicated primarily to sculpture and drawings of the Spanish painter, can be found a few steps from the Square of Tertre.
The famous cabaret Moulin Rouge is located in Montmartre.
7Palace of Versailles
The Château de Versailles is the most famous castle in France. Built in the 17th century as a symbol of military power of France and as a demonstration of French supremacy in Europe, Versailles was the seat of political power in the Kingdom of France from 1682 to 1789. This huge complex of buildings, gardens and terraces is definitely a must for any visitor who will be captivated by exceptional accommodations, lavish decorations, furniture and gilded works of Renaissance art.
Visit Versailles: you will start by the State Apartments and the famous Hall of Mirrors, the Queen’s chamber. Do not forget to stroll through the famous “French” gardens.
8The Latin Quarter – Luxembourg park
The Latin Quarter of Paris is located on the left bank of the Seine, around the Sorbonne. Known for its student life, lively atmosphere and bistros, the Latin Quarter is the home to many higher education institutions, such as the Ecole Normale Superieure, the Ecole des Mines de Paris or the Ecole Polytechnique. The area takes its name from the Latin language, which was once widespread in and around the University since Latin was the international language of learning in the Middle Ages.
The Luxembourg park is a private garden open to the public created in 1612 at the request of Marie de Medicis to accompany the Luxembourg Palace. The Parisians affectionately call it the “Luco”. The garden surrounds the Palais du Luxembourg, where the Senate seats. Redesigned by André Le Nôtre, it is very pleasant to walk around; you will also find an orchard, several varieties of apples, an apiary and a greenhouse with orchid collection. There are 106 statues, a bronze reduction of the Statue of Liberty and 3 beautiful fountains.
9Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret known as the spiritual birthplace of the famous French Cancan. Located at the foot of Montmartre hill in the heart of Pigalle, it was built in 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler. Initially introduced as a courtship dance, the cancan made possible the birth of the cabaret, now present in many countries around the world. Today, the Moulin Rouge is a tourist attraction, providing entertainment for visitors from around the world.
Its style and its name have been imitated and borrowed from other nightclubs around the world, Las Vegas, for example. In addition, many films have helped the reputation of the cabaret, such as Baz Luhrmann’s movie in 2001, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.
Book the Moulin Rouge tickets in advance, it sells out extremely quickly.
10Disneyland Paris
Fans of Mickey can visit Disneyland Paris which is located 32 km from central Paris, with a connection to the suburban RER A.
Disneyland Paris has two theme parks: Disneyland (with Sleeping Beauty’s castle) and Walt Disney Studios. Top attractions are Space Mountain, It’s a Small World and Big Thunder Mountain.
11. Panthéon – Latin Quarter
The Panthéon located in the dynamic Latin Quarter houses a crypt containing the tombs of well-known French figures such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie.
A visit to the Panthéon will also bring you to its surrounding Latin Quarter – a lively student neighborhood known for quaint bookstores as well as cheerful cafés and bistros.
Open everyday, from 10 am to 5.45 pm.
12. Jardin du Luxembourg – Palais du Luxembourg
The beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Park) on the left bank of River Seine is the perfect spot for a cozy picnic.
The substantial lush green surroundings allow you to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a quiet afternoon.
The Palais du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Palace) located right inside the park is also worth a visit.
– Open everyday from 7.30 am to 8.15 pm until September, then earlier.
13. Saint-Germain-des-Près
Located along the picturesque River Seine, Saint-Germain-des-Près is a classic Parisian neighborhood distinguished by upscale shops, galleries, trendy cafés and restaurants.
It is also a top place for night out in Paris.
14. Musée Picasso
The Musée Picasso (Picasso Museum) houses over 5,000 works and tens of thousands of archive pieces demonstrating the creative process of the Spanish cubist master Pablo Picasso.
There you can discover different artworks of the artist: painting, drawing, sculpture, and engraving. Thus, it is the unique public collection in the world to see his whole work and also these of close artists.
- Open everyday, except on Monday, 25th December and 1st May, from 10h30 am to 6 pm.
15. Centre Georges Pompi
The Centre Georges Pompidou (Pompidou Centre) is a complex building constructed in high-tech architectural style.
It is home to the National Museum of Modern Art where some of the originals by Matîsse, Picasso and Andy Warhol are exhibited.
Open everyday, except on Tuesday and 1st May, from 11 am to 9 pm.