France’s capital is the lovely city of Paris. This is one of Europe’s largest cities, with 2.2 million people inhabiting the city of love is the perfect destination for its beautiful architecture, bustling museums and galleries, and its top cuisine. Paris has many landmarks that are totally worth seeing! The city itself is so influential in terms of culture, art, and fashion, so there really is much to explore. Whether you want to spend your time at the famous Eiffel tower, try some enticing patisseries or shop till you drop; there is so much that Paris has to offer you.
Get the most out of Paris with these 21 things to do …
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel tower is amongst one of the most recognizable landmarks of Paris in the world. Tour d’Eiffel was constructed between 1887 and 1889 for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World Fair). It was originally only meant to be a temporary structure, but its demolition talks were avoided twice. The Eiffel Tower today stands as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the whole world.
You are able to walk up to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower or take the elevator all the way up to the top. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to vast panoramic views of the city. Also, try to visit the tower after dark. Between 8 pm and 1 am, it lights up beautifully every hour.
Note: Try and book your tickets to the Eiffel tower beforehand in order to bypass the long lines.
Louvre
The Louvre is visited by millions of tourists every year. It is known across the world as the globe’s largest and most-visited gallery. The museum which first opened its doors in 1793 is considered to be one of the best art museums in Europe. The Louvre houses a 35,000 collection of paintings and sculptures by many famous artists. It is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa.
This glass home is considered one of the greatest in the world. Join a guided tour of the Louvre and make your trip more memorable as you get to dive below the surface of the artwork by world-famous artists.
Note: The Louvre is so massive so try and make a plan in advance of how you are going to navigate it, in order to make sure you will get to see all that you want.
Notre-Dame de Paris
The Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of Paris’ most famous and symbolic landmarks. The Our Lady of Paris cathedral was constructed between 1163 and 1260 and is one of the oldest and grandest cathedrals in the world.
There is much to see at the cathedral, from the rose windows to the gorgeous stained glass. The towers on the cathedral rising from the eastern point of the Île de la Cité. This small island is located in Paris’ center and surrounded by the Seine river.
The cathedral caught on fire in 2019 which caused significant structural and aesthetic damage. Yet the cathedral is a beautiful sight to behold. Gaze up at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris and appreciate the majesty of it all. The French government hopes to have Notre Dame restored by 2024, in time for the Paris Olympics.
Note: The Notre-Dame cathedral is not currently open to the public, however, it is still worth a visit to glimpse.
Moulin Rouge
Cabaret is huge in Paris! Cabaret can be traced back to at least the 1400s in Paris, hence it is viewed as the founding place of cabaret. The Pigalle quarter is suggested to be the home of the Moulin Rouge.
The spectacular show “Féerie” is one of the world’s most famous cabaret performances of the Moulin Rouge. Appreciate the splendor of cabaret with the lavish collection of colors. The show is brought to life by lively music, which features 80 musicians and 60 choral singers.
Catch a show at either 7 pm, 9 pm or 11 pm.
This is a staple of Parisian nightlife, certainly not one to be missed!
Centre Pompidou
The Pompidou Centre in Paris is certainly a show-stopper! The centre was named after former French President, Georges Pompidou and it is especially famous for its unusual modern architecture. The exterior mirrors mechanical structuring and scaffolding which makes it easily identifiable.
This is certainly one of Paris’ most visited cultural sites.
The National Museum of Modern Art can be found at the Pompidou Centre. This is Europe’s largest modern art museum and one of the top 10 most visited art museums in the world. Collections include work by Picasso, Magritte, Duchamp, Pollock, Warhol, and Tinguely. Every notable movement in modern and contemporary art from 1905 to today is accounted for in the museum.
Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris is also commonly known as Sacré-Coeur Basilica. The
The church is France’s second most visited religious monument, after the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. It Resembles a white castle more than a basilica but it is truly magnificent. The church is located at the top of the famous Montmartre hill in the 18th arrondissement.
Make sure to admire its stunning interiors also. The dazzling church has the biggest mosaic in France on the ceiling of the apse. The creation of around 480 m² depicts Christ in glory. Climb up all the steps to the dome and cherish exceptional views of the whole of Paris.
When finished at the church, check out the Montmartre district. Known for its cobblestone streets and artsy past and present there is much history to discover. Picasso is said to have lived in Montmartre.
Palace of Versailles
Chateau de Versailles is located on the outskirts of Paris. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was formerly home to the Kings of France for over 100 years, until Louis XVI was guillotined during the French Revolution leading to the monarchy being abolished. The palace is also named after the famous Treaty of Versailles signed between European powers after World War I.
The palace of Versailles is very grand and truly intriguing, it has 2,300 rooms! One of the most famous parts of the palace that you must see is the Hall of Mirrors, this holds a total of 357 mirrors! The gardens are also very popular and are home to over 1400 fountains and 400 sculptures. Other places to explore are the Royal Opera House, the Royal Chapel, and the King’s Private Apartments.
Embark on an excellent half-day trip from Paris as you visit this splendid Palace.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Musée de l’Orangerie is an art gallery that features a wide selection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. Located on the corner of the Tuileries Gardens, the museum is best known for its enlarged “Water Lilies” paintings by artist Claude Monet. Monet’s eight, tapestry-sized ‘Nymphéas’ (water lily) paintings are housed in two plain oval rooms at the Musée de l’Orangerie.
The collection at the Musée de l’Orangerie includes 144 paintings from the late nineteenth and the first half of the twentieth century.
Monet’s lilies are often referred to as “the haven of peaceful meditation”, go there and welcome the tranquility that it offers.
Seine River
The Seine river flows directly through the heart of Paris. The 775-kilometer-long river is France’s longest after the Loire. La Seine as it is commonly known has 37 bridges across it. Some of the most famous which is the Pont Alexandre III and the Pont Neuf. This is one of Europe’s great historic rivers, acting as a dividing line between Paris’ historically sophisticated and bohemian halves. Its drainage network carries most of the French inland waterway traffic.
On the riverbanks of La Seine, you will find most of the city’s top landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, Jardin des Tuileries, and the Louvre.
The Seine River is a great spot for dates also. The romantic sightseeing boats, called “bateaux mouches,” will take you up and down the river and allow you to view the most gorgeous sights.
Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most famous monuments, built between 1806 and 1836. The Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in 1836 by the French king, Louis-Philippe, honouring those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Inscribed on the arc are all the names of the French victories and generals. Beneath the arc, you will find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. The flame of remembrance is rekindled every day at 18:30.
You will find the Arc de Triomphe situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It stands at 49.5 m (162 ft) tall and 45 m (150 ft) wide.
It is a great photo opportunity, so make sure to get your Instagram shot in front of the world’s most famous Arch.
Food Tour
Get deep into the Parisian culinary culture with a food tour. Paris is not only croissants and crepes, there is so much more to discover. A food tour alongside an expert guide is the best way to enhance your knowledge of a range of Parisian delicacies and leave Paris with a few more dishes added to your cookbook.
You will follow the guide to shops and markets and learn how different specialties are produced. You will also be clued into how to choose the best ingredient and mix them in order to prepare your own gourmet recipes.
This is such a fun experience, but also one that you will leave having learned something!
Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg gardens also known as Jardin du Luxembourg are lushly landscaped gardens that cove(approximately 62 acres of land. Located in Paris’ 6th arrondissement, the garden was built at the start of the 17th century by Queen Marie de’ Medici for the Luxembourg Palace.
There is still a royal and grandiose feel to the gardens and once there, you will see why. The gardens are dotted with more than 100 statues, among which feature a series of 20 French queens and illustrious women. The Medici Fountain is also a must-see! It dates all the way back to 1630, but has since moved and was updated in the 19th century.
This is really one of the loveliest places in Paris to visit. The gardens are picturesque at any time of year.
Luxembourg Gardens is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the streets of Paris.
Paris Fashion Week
Paris fashion week is held semiannually in Paris. There are spring/summer and autumn/winter events that are held each year. Over the week, there is a series of designer presentations from famous brands such as Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Céline.
Fashion week in Paris is normally the final Fashion Week of the Big Four (New York, London, and Milan). Many people from across the globe flock to Paris to see exactly what is currently in vogue.
The fashion week is located all over Paris and has been in venues such as the Grand Palais and Louvre.
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is the oldest district in Paris. Also known as the 5th Arrondissement, its narrow cobblestone streets are packed with a rich history. The quarter was once the site of numerous protests and social uprisings. Now, it is one of the most charming places in Paris to explore. The lively atmosphere at the quarter is one that you will really appreciate. You will also find many of Paris’ most famous landmarks such as the Pantheon, Jardin des Plantes, and Boulevard Saint-Michel.
The quarter is a very student-filled area, hence there are many cafés and restaurants to try out. It is the home of the main Sorbonne campus (the oldest university in France), and other higher education establishments such as the University of Paris and PSL University.
Wander through the pedestrian lanes (try not to get lost) and experience the vibrant and soulful quarter.
Musée D’Orsay
Musée D’Orsay is another popular museum in Paris. The museum is uniquely located in one of Paris’s stunning old train stations, the Gare d’Orsay. The railway station is located beautifully on the banks of the Seine River.
The gallery houses an art collection that displays principally French art from 1848 to 1914. You’ll find one of the finest collections of realism, impressionism, and post-Impressionism. Paintings by French artists like Degas, Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh, among many others are featured.
The collection at Musée D’Orsay is extensive. Apart from paintings, you will also find architecture, sculptures, decorative arts, and photography. The palace-like train station alone is enough to leave you in awe.
This museum is internationally renowned for its rich collection of art, so if you are an art lover, be sure to check it out!
Grande Mosquée de Paris
Grande Mosquée de Paris is the largest Islamic place of worship in Paris. The mosque was founded in 1926, as a tribute to the Muslim soldiers from French colonies who died in battle during World War I. The mosque has also been a secret refuge for Algerian and European Jews, during World II. The mosque, which was Constructed between 1922 and 1926, can be found in the Latin Quarter.
Enjoy the architecture of the mosque as you stroll around, the corridors are embellished with mosaics on the walls. You will not fail to see how intricately decorated the mosque is all throughout. Also, be sure to stop at the central garden. The peaceful gardens are well-kept and are an impressive display of exotic grandeur.
The Mosquée de Paris is also a place for relaxation. There is a hammam spa, restaurant, and tearoom for you to utilize.
Note: The mosque may be closed on certain Muslim holidays, so be sure to check in advance!
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris, and the is the second largest square in France after the Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux. The famous square occupies an area of approximately 18.8 acres and is situated on the right bank of the Seine between the Tuileries Gardens and the Champs-Élysées. Like many other places in Paris, the square is full of so much history. It is where various royals, including King Louis XVI, were executed during the French Revolution.
At Place de la Concorde, you will find the Luxor Obelisk. The 3,300-year-old Egyptian artifact was originally constructed in about 1300 BCE but was erected on the square in October 1836. Surrounding the Obelisk are two monumental fountains designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff – Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves. They are the most picturesque backgrounds for your pictures!
The views of Paris From the obelisk are incredibly breathtaking!
Paris Catacombs
Who doesn’t just love taking a stroll amongst tombs full of bones? The Catacombs of Paris were built between the 17th and 18th centuries due to an overflowing problem in Parisian cemeteries. The tombs were moved and placed in centuries-old tunnels that had existed beneath the streets of Paris since the 13th century. It took the city 12 years to move all the bones (from bodies numbering between 6 and 7 million) into the catacombs.
You can find the fascinating tunnels 20 metres below the ground. The labyrinth is a unique maze of galleries and an ossuary that contains the remains of several million Parisians.
The limestone carved walls of the tunnel are neatly lined with the remains of corpses – human femurs, skulls, and other bones are piled in an oddly ornate way. Although others might deem this a really morbid thing to do, this is a great way to uncover more of Paris’ intriguing history.
Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier is Paris’ world-famous opera house. The stunning theater was completed in 1875 and named after its architect Charles Garnier. The opera house is revered as an architectural masterpiece, from the dazzling onyx balconies to the detailed frescoes. Marc Chagall’s masterpiece painted on the ceilings is also amazing to see. Each room in Palais Garnier is full of elegance.
The 2,200-seat opera house hosts opera and ballet shows in styles both old and new. The stage in Palais Garnier has hosted some of the most refined ballet and opera productions.
Also revel in the opportunity to set off on the trail of one of Paris’s most popular legendary characters: the famous Phantom of the Opera! The century-old tale told by Gaston Leroux has been retold on a number of stages, but returning to its original stage to watch it is an unbelievable experience.
The ethereal energy is crystal clear as you step through the doors of the opera.
Panthéon
The Pantheon is a magnificent landmark in Paris. The monument was erected between 1758 and 1790 and was originally intended as a church. However, it was deemed a mausoleum to the “heroes of France” (France’s greatest men and two women) during the French Revolution. The Pantheon’s exterior was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. today, it is known as The temple of the French nation.
On the front entrance, you’ll see the well-known phrase: ‘To the great men, the grateful homeland’. The tombs of n 70 figures including Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Emile Zola, Marie Curie, and many others can be found here at the Pantheon. Inside, you will also find many mosaics and paintings of scenes from French history.
The Pantheon overlooks Paris and is an ideal starting point if you are walking to the Latin Quarter.
Le Mur des Je T’aime
Le Mur des Je T’aime is also known as The Wall of Love. The large blue wall is located in the Jehan Rictus garden square, in Montmartre and has ‘I Love You’ written all over it in 250 languages. The love-themed wall is 40 square metres.
Created in 2000 by Fédéric Baron and Claire Kito, the wall is a must-see whilst visiting the city of romance. I love you’ features 311 in languages that you may never have even heard of. This monument is great as it reflects an image of love and peace.
Note: Visiting the wall is free of charge, so why not!
