Paris, the “City of Light,” is renowned worldwide for its beautiful landmarks, works of art, fashion, cuisine, and culture. Here are ten of the city’s most recognized attractions that no visitor to Paris should miss
List of 10 Famous Places in Paris
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see for any visitor to Paris and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Gustave Eiffel designed and constructed it for the 1889 World’s Fair, and it is now one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. There are restaurants and stores inside the tower, and guests can take an elevator or steps to the observation deck at the very top for sweeping views of the city below.
Louvre Museum
Located in the centre of Paris, the Louvre Museum is a must-see for any culture vulture. Some of the world’s most recognisable works of art, such the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, are on display at the museum’s extensive collection of artwork and antiquities. The Louvre is a fantastic place to spend a few hours or a few days, wandering the halls and taking in the works of art. The museum is a wonderful spot to spend a day in Paris because it is both educational and entertaining, with many options for food and drink.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Located on the Île de la Cite in the centre of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most well-known Gothic churches in the world. In April 2019, a terrible fire destroyed the cathedral’s roof and spire, among other major structural damage. However, the cathedral’s exterior and several of its internal features, notably the stained glass windows and the iconic Rose Window, are still visible to tourists while restoration work is in progress. Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has stood as a symbol of Paris and its cultural significance.
Arc de Triomphe
Paris’s Arc de Triomphe stands proudly in the middle of Place Charles de Gaulle. The arch was erected to commemorate the French patriots who gave their lives in the Napoleonic and French Revolutionary Wars, and it is embellished with elaborate carvings and sculptures depicting pivotal moments from those conflicts. From the top of the arch, sightseers have a panoramic vista of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées. If you’re in Paris, you can’t miss the Arc de Triomphe, a significant landmark that represents France and its history.
Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay, on the Left Bank of the Seine, is one of the most visited museums in the world. The museum is located in a converted train station and is well-known for its enormous collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by artists such as Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and many more. Sculptures, ornamental arts, and photographs are also on display for guests. The museum attracts many art enthusiasts and is highly recommended for those with a passion for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
Palace of Versailles
The town of Versailles, just outside of Paris, is home to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. During the time of Louis XIV’s rule to the beginning of the French Revolution, the palace served as the country’s primary royal home. Gardens, fountains, and statues complement the palace’s already breathtaking architecture, which includes the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. Learn about French history and culture while touring the palace’s most famous rooms, such as the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, as well as the beautiful grounds. Everyone who has even a passing interest in the royal history of France should make the pilgrimage to see the Palace of Versailles, a prominent symbol of France’s history and culture.
Montmartre
Famous for its bohemian vibe, winding lanes, and panoramic vistas of Paris, Montmartre is a historic district perched high above the city. This area has preserved much of the artistic and bohemian vibe that made it popular with creative types in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tourists can stroll the neighborhood’s winding lanes, see the famous Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and take in panoramic views of Paris from the summit of the hill. Montmartre also has a thriving artistic community, with numerous art spaces, theaters, and even street performers.
Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is a world-famous boulevard lined with high-end stores, cafes, theaters, and iconic buildings. The avenue is more than a mile long, beginning at the Arc de Triomphe and ending at the Place de la Concorde. Along its length are some of the city’s finest dining and shopping establishments, as well as notable structures like the Grand and Petit Palais. The Champs-Élysées also plays host to a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Bastille Day military parade and the final stage of the Tour de France. Tourists that come to Paris for the city’s renowned cultural offerings and upscale shopping and dining establishments flock to this neighborhood.
Luxembourg Gardens
The 25-hectare Luxembourg Gardens are a beautiful park right in the middle of the city of Paris. Beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues decorate this park, which also features the palace that serves as the French Senate. The park was initially designed for Marie de’ Medici, the widow of French King Henry IV, in the 17th century, but it is now visited by both visitors and locals. Relax on one of the park’s many benches or chairs while you take in the beautiful scenery of the gardens and the palace and fountain beyond. Also available are various children’s playgrounds and a pond where guests can hire toy sailboats for a spin on the lake.
Seine River
One of Paris’s most recognizable features is the Seine, a huge river that winds through the city. The river, which is roughly 777 kilometers long, passes through several important French cities, including Paris. The Seine is not only a vital economic waterway, but also a famous tourist attraction where visitors may enjoy a cruise or a stroll along the river’s beautiful banks. Along the riverbanks are some of Paris’s most recognizable sites, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Tourists can observe the city from the water on a tour or dinner cruise, or they can sit on one of the many benches or terraces lining the riverbank and people-watch.