15 Beautiful Places In Paris You Must Visit
Paris is a city that captivates the hearts and minds of millions of visitors every year. With its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class art, and exquisite cuisine, Paris offers something for everyone. Whether you want to admire the iconic landmarks, explore the charming neighborhoods, or indulge in the finest shopping and dining, Paris will not disappoint. Here are 15 tourist attractions in Paris that you should not miss on your next trip.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly one of the most recognized structures in the world, and the symbol of Paris. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, the tower stands at 324 meters tall and offers spectacular views of the city from its three levels. You can either take the elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top, where you will find a glass floor, a champagne bar, and a panoramic terrace. The tower is also illuminated at night, creating a dazzling spectacle that can be seen from miles away1.
Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, housing over 35,000 artworks from various civilizations and periods. The museum is located in a former royal palace, which adds to its grandeur and elegance. The Louvre is famous for its collection of masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. You can also admire the stunning architecture of the museum, such as the glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei2.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the Île de la Cité, the island in the heart of the Seine River. The cathedral was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and features impressive stained-glass windows, flying buttresses, and gargoyles. You can enter the cathedral for free and admire its interior, or climb the towers for a fee and enjoy a panoramic view of Paris. You can also visit the crypt and the treasury, where you will find relics and artifacts related to the history of Notre-Dame3.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental arch that stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue in Paris. The arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories, but it was not completed until 1836. The arch is decorated with sculptures and reliefs that depict scenes from French history and honor those who fought for France. Underneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who died in World War I4.
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic architecture that was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX to house his precious relics, including the Crown of Thorns. The chapel is renowned for its exquisite stained-glass windows, which cover almost all of its walls and create a dazzling effect of light and color. The windows depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as stories from the lives of saints. The chapel also hosts concerts throughout the year.\
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is a museum that showcases the art of the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements. The museum is housed in a former railway station, which gives it a unique and spacious atmosphere. The museum displays works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, Cézanne, and Rodin. You can also enjoy the views of the Seine River and the Tuileries Gardens from the museum’s terrace.
Montmartre
Montmartre is a hilltop district that offers a charming and bohemian vibe. Montmartre is famous for its artistic heritage, as it was once home to painters such as Picasso, Dalí, and Modigliani. You can visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a white-domed church that dominates the skyline of Paris. You can also stroll along the cobblestone streets, browse the shops and cafés, and watch the street performers and painters at the Place du Tertre. Montmartre is also known for its nightlife, with venues such as the Moulin Rouge and the Lapin Agile.
Versailles Palace
Versailles Palace is a magnificent royal residence that was built by King Louis XIV in the 17th century. The palace is a symbol of the absolute monarchy and the glory of France. The palace features lavish rooms, such as the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartment, and the Queen’s Hamlet. The palace is also surrounded by stunning gardens, fountains, statues, and groves. You can also visit the Grand Trianon, a smaller palace that was used as a retreat by the royal family.
Pompidou Center
Pompidou Center is a cultural complex that houses the National Museum of Modern Art, one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe. The museum displays works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Duchamp, Kandinsky, and Warhol. The Pompidou Center is also known for its futuristic and colorful architecture, which features exposed pipes, ducts, and escalators. The center also hosts exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events throughout the year.
Panthéon
The Panthéon is a neoclassical monument that was originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. The Panthéon was later converted into a mausoleum that honors the great men and women of France. The Panthéon contains the tombs of illustrious figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, Zola, Curie, and Malraux. You can also admire the dome of the Panthéon, which offers a splendid view of Paris. You can also see Foucault’s pendulum, an experiment that demonstrates the rotation of the Earth.
Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs of Paris are an underground network of tunnels and chambers that hold the remains of over six million people. The catacombs were created in the 18th century to solve the problem of overcrowded cemeteries in Paris. The catacombs are decorated with skulls and bones, arranged in artistic and macabre patterns. You can enter the catacombs through a spiral staircase and follow a 2-kilometer-long path that takes you through the history and secrets of this dark and mysterious place.
Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is the most famous and glamorous avenue in Paris, stretching for 1.9 kilometers from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs-Élysées is lined with luxury shops, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and theaters. You can also find some of the most important monuments and landmarks of Paris along the avenue, such as the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais, and the Place de la Concorde. The Champs-Élysées is also the venue for major events, such as the Bastille Day parade, the Tour de France finish, and the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is a theme park that brings the magic of Disney to life. Disneyland Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park features five themed lands, such as Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland, where you can enjoy rides, shows, and attractions based on your favorite Disney characters and stories. Walt Disney Studios Park showcases the behind-the-scenes of movie-making, with attractions such as Ratatouille: The Adventure, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Toy Story Playland.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg is a beautiful and relaxing park that was created by Queen Marie de Medici in the 17th century. The park covers 23 hectares and features a large pond, a palace, statues, fountains, flower beds, and playgrounds. You can also find various activities and facilities in the park, such as tennis courts, chess boards, puppet shows, and pony rides. The park is also home to the Musée du Luxembourg, which hosts temporary exhibitions of art.
Opéra Garnier
The Opéra Garnier is a stunning opera house that was built by Charles Garnier in the 19th century. The opera house is a masterpiece of architecture and decoration, with a façade adorned with sculptures and columns, a grand staircase made of marble, a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall, and a chandelier that weighs seven tons. The opera house hosts performances of opera, ballet, and classical music. You can also visit the opera house for a guided tour or admire it from the outside.
