Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Paris, France
Called the City of Light and perceived as the symbol of French culture, Paris is a magical city that is full of typical touristic sites to discover. Moreover, every year, millions of tourists are visiting the French capital and visit its multiple places of interest.
Ranked among the most visited cities in the world, Paris, the French capital, is distinguished by its famous monuments and tourist attractions, its culture and its many curiosities. With its modern means of transport, it is a city that can be easily visited, and this, whatever the time of the year. The fascinating history of the town has often inspired writers, filmmakers, and even artists.
It is time to discover some of the many reasons that make this city so exceptional.
1. Climb To The Top of The Eiffel Tower
Visiting Paris necessarily involves discovering the Eiffel Tower! Symbol of Paris and known throughout the world, the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters high.
Discovering this capital tourist hotspot is an incredible experience. Besides photographing the Eiffel Tower from below, climbing to its summit is exceptional! To rise to the third floor, you will have to take the elevator. Here, a 360 degree view of the city awaits you! Climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower promises you an unforgettable ascent to 276 meters in height!
2. Follow The Reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris
With over 14 million visitors each year, and rising above Place Jean-Paul-II on the Ile de la Cité, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is the symbolic heart of Paris and, for many, that of France. Part of the 4th arrondissement, Notre Dame, is located in the east of the Ile de la Cité, and its western facade overlooks the Notre-Dame square and Place Jean-Paul-II.
Before the terrible fire on April 15, 2019, you could come and discover the incredible interior of the Gothic cathedral, but also the exterior with these superb architectural details and the unforgettable view of Paris, between a few gargoyles, from the top of the south tower.
Begun in 1163, and completed in 1345, badly damaged during the Revolution, and restored by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, Notre-Dame is not the oldest or the largest cathedral in France. Still, in terms of beauty and architectural harmony, few are comparable. Today, guided tours of the Île de la Cité allow you to follow how Notre-Dame will be rebuilt and why it must be protected.
3. Discover the Montmartre District
Visiting Paris also means strolling through the Montmartre district! This neighborhood, which has managed to keep the appearance of a small village, is charming and warm. Montmartre is also essential places like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which sits on the hill and which offers you a magnificent view of Paris. Inside, you will also be amazed in front of its dome located 50 meters high and facing the largest mosaic in France, representing the sacred heart of Jesus.
Another place to visit in Montmartre: the Place du Tertre, where many artists take place. You can find a nice souvenir of your visit to Montmartre there!
In the evening, go to the Moulin Rouge, the most famous cabaret in the world where dancers chain paintings. The Montmartre district has some great surprises in store for you.
4. The Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur
The Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, located at the top of the Montmartre hill, in the Clignancourt district of the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is a significant Parisian religious building.
It’s hard not to believe that you’re going up to heaven when you visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, this white castle perched at the top of Montmartre. The French government ordered it in 1873, after the devastating years of the Paris Commune and the Franco-Prussian War.
It was the architect Paul Abadie who built the Sacred Heart, using elements of the Romanesque and Byzantine style for its design. Construction lasted until the First World War, and the basilica was finally consecrated in 1919.
5. Exploring The Sorbonne and The Latin Quarter
Located on the banks of the Seine, the Latin Quarter is the liveliest area with countless attractions within the historic heart of the Sorbonne. To visit the Latin Quarter is to choose to stroll between Roman remains, iconic monuments such as the Pantheon, the gardens and museum of Luxembourg, and more. The Latin Quarter is also an opportunity to explore religious precincts such as the Sorbonne chapel or the Saint Etienne Dumont church.
The Sorbonne, meanwhile, is an area renowned for hosting the cream of world education. There are prestigious universities and colleges. Besides, some celebrities have taken by the Sorbonne for their higher studies: René Descartes, Jean-Paul Sartre, and more.
This district is therefore one of the essentials areas to discover to have a feel of the Parisian student life, with some of the best bars in Paris.
6. The Pantheon
In the Latin quarter at the top of Sainte Geneviève mountain, the Pantheon is a Neo-classical building which houses in its crypt a necropolis of characters who have marked history: Victor Hugo, Marie Curie or Simone de Beauvoir.
From the dome’s arcade, the view of the capital is very significant.
7. Stroll on The Champs-Élysées
Here is the major tourist site to discover if you plan to visit Paris! Known as the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Elysées connects Place de la Concorde to Place Charles-de-Gaulle. For almost two kilometers, strolling on the Champs-Elysées allows you to discover some of the best monuments of Paris, to go shopping or to take part in major events. Day and night, the Champs-Elysées is bustling!
In terms of shopping, many brands are located along this avenue: sport, fashion, beauty … there is something for everyone! Besides shopping, the Champs-Elysées is also a broth of culture: exhibitions, theaters, cinemas, etc. To spend a glamorous Parisian evening, the Champs-Elysées is the ideal place!
8. Contemplate The View from Arc de Triomphe
Another symbol of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe is a majestic building built in the center of the Place de l’Etoile (a huge roundabout) at the top of the Champs-Élysées.
Gift offered by Napoleon to the French, this monument, whose construction lasted from 1806 to 1836 is very imposing and represents today, the largest arch in the world. At its foot lies the tomb of the unknown soldier of the First War World and the eternal flame lit every night at 18:30.
A visit to the Arc de Triomphe must absolutely to be planned during your stay in Paris. From its terrace, the panoramic view is magnificent! There, you can admire the French capital with a unique view of the Louvre, the Champs-Elysées, La Défense and La Concorde.
Then, to complete your visit, do not hesitate to take a tour of the museum located inside the monument.
9. Stroll on Foot in Marais District
Historic and lively district, the Marais shelters many places of interest in Paris, but also private mansions dating from the 18th century occupied today by museums: the Picasso museum, the Carnavalet Museum, etc.
Located in the 3rd and 4th district of Paris, the Marais is a place with exceptional architecture that mixes modernism and old. You will be able to walk its alleys and discover its essentials such as Place des Vosges, its art galleries and museums.
10. Walk Along Saint-Martin Canal
In the 10th and 11th arrondissement, there is the Saint-Martin canal, a bohemian and chic reference that stretches over 4.55 kilometres. Immortalized in the movie Amélie Poulain, this district is ideal for a stroll, for a picnic by the river, or just for a drink.
Continue to the Bassin de la Villette which is located in the 19th arrondissement with its large quays where you can play pétanque or just relax in the sun.
But Paris is also home to unique cultural and art places, with some of the best museums in the world. These are individual architectural buildings as well as one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris.
11. The Louvre Museum
The largest museum in Paris, the Louvre contains many treasures: works of Egyptian, ancient civilizations, Western art, graphic arts and many others. By browsing the different rooms of the museum, the Louvre will reveal all its masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo.
In 2019, its collections included over 500,00 artworks, including 35,000 exhibited. Ranked among one of the most visited museums in the world, the Louvre is simply the world most place. Visitors will find magnificent collections, unique and authentic pieces. The Louvre Museum is several centuries of stories in one place.
In addition to the treasures it shelters, the Louvre is also a magnificent museum easily recognizable thanks to its entrance hall in the shape of a glass pyramid.
12. Discover Contemporary Art at Centre Pompidou
The Pompidou Center is a multicultural establishment easily recognizable thanks to its outdoor escalators and colorful pipes. It houses the National Museum of Modern Art where collections from the 20th and 21st centuries are on display.
During your visit, you will be able to discover works by great artists (Pablo Picasso, Matisse, etc.), but also exhibitions of international renown. These take place on the top floor, hence the panoramic view of Paris and the city skyline.
The Center Pompidou is, therefore, a pleasant place where you can admire the works, stroll through the shop and have a drink on its terrace.
After a day full of visits and discoveries all around Paris, It is time to enjoy the Parisian nightlife and glamour with 3 of the best activities to experience the Parisian nights.
13. Sunset Boat Cruise on Seine River
How about taking a short cruise on the Seine with the Bateaux Mouche company, climb aboard a boat and visit Paris differently? During this short cruise, you can enjoy a commented walk and admire the emblematic monuments of the capital while strolling on the Seine.
Cruises are organized during the day and in the evening. And if you want to eat on the boat, this is possible since a restaurant will offer you lunch or dinner on the Seine. Cruise departures are daily … so, do not hesitate to embark on one of the boats!
14. Attend an Opera at Opéra Garnier
The most beautiful opera house in Paris, the Opéra Garnier is a magnificent building built in 1875 by Charles Garnier at the request of Napoleon III. This building, which brings together different styles (the Baroque style is dominant), houses several rooms, including a magnificent performance hall that can accommodate 2,000 people.
If you like opera or if you simply want to attend a performance in this majestic Place, do not hesitate to find out about the next performances and shows in the capital and will allow you to find tickets at the best price.
15. Unforgettable Evening at Moulin Rouge
Famous Parisian cabaret renowned all over the world, the Moulin Rouge is an incredible place where dancers chain paintings amidst sumptuous decor. The Moulin Rouge has seen many artists pass by, and it is here that the famous French Cancan was born.
Spending an evening at the Moulin Rouge is, therefore, a unique experience if you wish to visit Paris!
Plan your trip to Paris now
Many obvious reasons make Paris a great tourist destination. There is a wide choice between monuments and natural gems!
You can opt for visits to the Seine, museums, and especially the Eiffel Tower. Shopping lovers can visit the luxury boutiques of the capital. Do not neglect the natural assets of Paris which offer lots of great things to see and some of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world.
