July 25th, 2023 at 01:26 am
Top Tourist Attractions in Paris, France
The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and of course the Eiffel Tower come to mind whenever Paris is mentioned. The French capital is easily recognizable thanks to these landmark buildings. Unsurprisingly, when visitors arrive in this magnificent city, crowds of tourists worldwide prefer to surround them.
But visiting these magnificent sites is merely the tip of the iceberg. The charming neighborhoods of Le Marais and Montmartre will transport you to the height of the arts, literature, and music. You may get a taste of the neighborhood’s culinary and shopping culture by visiting Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Canal Saint-Martin. Numerous museums, both large and little, are also dispersed across the city.
Here are some of the top Paris attractions and places to go.
Paris Tourist Spots
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) is unquestionably the most recognizable sight in France, not just in Paris. The tower was conceived and constructed by Gustave Eiffel’s company as part of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The building process began in January 1887 and was finished in March 1889. There are three public floors on the tower more than 300-meter height.
Tour Montparnasse
The Tour Montparnasse, one of France’s tallest structures at 210 meters, provides what many people deem to be the greatest view of Paris. There are two observation decks: the open-air panoramic terrace on the 56th floor. The best time to go is just before sunset to watch the Eiffel Tower dazzle as the sun sets directly behind it and the city transforms into a sea of lights.
Its building process began in 1969 and was completed in 1973.
The Louvre
The Louvre Museum, sometimes known as the Louvre, is regarded as a significant historical site in Paris. La Musée The enormous museum, which houses some 38,000 objects from ancient to modern civilizations, is currently thought to be the biggest art museum in the world. With about 10 million visitors in 2019 alone, it is also the site that receives the most visitors overall at the moment.
Montmartre
Any visitor to Montmartre may feel a little bewildered. The area, which is known as Paris’s artistic hub, still has its charming, pastoral feel thanks to the surrounding vegetation and historic structures. Since the second part of the 19th century, numerous renowned painters have made this region their home base for their artistic endeavors. It has several picturesque corners, churches, and museums.
Disneyland Paris
With two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studio Park), numerous hotels, shops, a golf course, and a high-speed train station, it is the largest theme park in the nation. The entire complex is surrounded by La Meridienne, a circumferential road, and is located 20 miles east of Paris.
If visiting every Disneyland park is on your bucket list or you just love theme parks, Disneyland Paris will no doubt keep you entertained all day long with exciting rides and engaging activities.
Parc Asterix
Another amusement park to think about, especially for those in need of an adrenaline rush, is Parc Asterix, which was built 22 miles northeast of Paris. It incorporates historical civilization history themes for each zone: Gauls, historical Egypt, Romans, and Ancient Greece. It was inspired by the comic book series of the same name.
However, the assortment of rollercoaster rides is the main attraction. Seven (7) rollercoasters may be found on the adventure map of the theme park as of this writing. It is France’s second-largest theme park.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most important national icons, has endured the test of time since it was finished in 1345, but not without changes and restorations along the way.
The cathedral is well-known for many things, including its enormous old organ, the vibrant rose windows, the sculptures, the flying buttresses, the gargoyles, and its bells. Additionally, it protects significant artifacts like the nail from the original crucifixion and the Crown of Thorns. The Archaeological Crypt is another noteworthy aspect.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
This 44-hectare municipal cemetery, which was established at the beginning of the 19th century, is the biggest in Paris.
In addition to the three World War I memorials, Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of many well-known individuals, including the playwrights Oscar Wilde and Molière, the authors Balzac, Proust, and Colette, the painters Pissaro and Delacroix, the pianist and composer Frederic Chopin, the rock star Jim Morrison, and the actors Sarah Bernhardt and Yves Montand.
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rogue, which is close to Montmartre, is sometimes paired with a trip to the famed hill region. It’s a club that hosts musical dance performances for both residents and visitors. Due to its striking red color and genuine 19th-century-style windmill feature, the building is particularly distinctive.
It served as an inspiration for several media outlets, including music and film, most notably the Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor musical directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Trocadéro Viewpoint
Trocadéro offers a different angle for enjoying the Eiffel Tower because it faces it from the opposite side of the Seine River. In addition to the view deck, the region is home to the Trocadéro Fountain, Trocadéro Garden, and Palais de Chaillot.
Le Marais
In the past, the Jews of Paris settled in this lovely suburb. It evolved into the thriving commercial area that it is today over the years. The streets were lined with stores, art galleries, and eateries.
The Musée Victor Hugo, Place des Vosges, Maison Européenne de la Photographie, and Musée des Archives Nationales are a few popular attractions in the region. The Notre Dame Cathedral and the Centre Pompidou are also close by.
Pompidou Center
The Pompidou Center opened in 1977 and is a multifaceted complex with an avant-garde design. La Marais is only a short stroll away from it.
Public Information Library, IRCAM, cinemas, performance halls, bookstores, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants are among the businesses headquartered here. But the Musée National d’Art Moderne, billed as the biggest museum of modern art in Europe, is the one that attracts the most visitors.
Avenue Champs-Élysées
Possibly the most famous and frequently captured street in Paris! The Avenue Champs-Élysées is substantially wider than other roadways, according to the map. It connects the Arc de Triomphe with Place de la Concorde, spanning over two kilometers. The Bastille Day parade is held there as well.
The road is among the busiest in Paris and the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. It offers a wide variety of upscale stores, eateries, and coffee shops. Don’t leave without investigating the avenue’s side lanes and the nearby smaller gardens.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe stands magnificently at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 avenues converge, punctuating the western end of Avenue Champs-Élysées.
Its construction was ordered by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to commemorate his successes, particularly those following the Battle of Austerlitz. It is a national cultural treasure and one of Paris’ most recognizable structures. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, combat names, war heroes’ names, a museum, and exhibitions are all included.
Place de la Concorde & Jardin des Tuileries
Place de la Concorde, a classic Parisian square, adorns the eastern end of Avenue Champs-Élysées. It is regarded as Paris’ largest plaza, covering an area of more than 7 hectares.
King Louis XVI’s death was one of numerous public executions that took place in this square in the 18th century. Two fountains, the Maritime Fountain and the Fountain of the Rivers, as well as the Luxor obelisk, a 3,000-year-old, 23-meter structure transported from Egypt in 1833, enliven the area today.
Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle is located on City Island in Paris, just like Notre Dame Cathedral. This Gothic-style medieval chapel was formerly a Palais de la Cité component. It is renowned for its 15 exquisite stained glass windows from the 13th century that are located 15 meters toward the ceiling. Important occasions from both the Old and New Testaments are depicted in these historical windows.
Significant Christian relics are also housed in Sainte Chapelle. In 1862, it was designated a national historic landmark.
The Conciergerie
The Conciergerie, a historical building that dates back to its beginnings as a royal palace converted into a prison, is close by Sainte Chapelle. Marie Antoinette, Elisabeth of France, Georges Danton, and other notable people were detained here and spent time there before being led to be executed.
It was recognized as a national historic monument in 1862, similar to Sainte Chapelle. Currently, it serves as a location for the city’s courts, however, visitors are still permitted in some areas of the structure.
Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum)
The museum is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay (Orsay Station) terminal structure, which adds to the extraordinary aesthetic appeal of the space. The outstanding design of the structure, which was constructed for the 1900 Universal Exposition, earned it a spot on the list of Historic Monuments in 1978. To become a museum, the train station was transformed and opened to the public in December 1986. The building’s design combines elements of Renaissance, Gothic, and French neoclassicism.
Opera Garnier
Opera Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier, is a 19th-century opera theatre with about 2000 seats that dominates Place de l’Opéra (Opera Square). The stage, which is considered to be the biggest in Europe, can accommodate roughly 450 performers.
When Napoleon III ordered built for the Paris Opera, the opera house was given the name Charles Garnier after its creator and architect. The design combines several aesthetic eras, notably Renaissance and Baroque. With its textured look and artistic sculptures, the front alone draws tourists’ and bystanders’ attention.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which is located on the Seine’s southern bank, is another area worth seeing for its history. It served as the home base for some of the greatest authors and artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Oscar Wilde.
St. Germain has evolved from being the epicenter of existentialism doctrine to one of the city’s busiest commercial and retail areas. Additionally, there are numerous stores, galleries, and museums. The Jardin du Luxembourg, Église Saint-Sulpice, and Ecole des Beaux-Arts are just a few of the tourist attractions. But there’s more!
Le Canal Saint-Martin
Le Canal Saint-Martin, a 4-kilometer-long canal that connects the Seine and Canal l’Ourcq, meanders through the city. The canal’s construction began in the early 19th century when it was necessary to supply the expanding metropolis with fresh water. Additionally, it facilitated the flow of supplies of goods into Paris between two ports, one in Villette and one in Arsenal.
Due to the abundance of restaurants and shops that line its length, the canal today attracts both locals and tourists. A well-liked pastime is taking a boat tour around the canal to observe the sights.
Versailles
The sumptuous Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) and its gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and a significant historical landmark of France, are the city’s most well-known landmarks. In 1682, King Louis XIV, the son of King Louis XIII, converted it from a hunting pavilion into a royal home.
It serves as a museum today, presenting a vast and opulent collection of masterpieces, including the building and the entire estate, which showcases many architectural styles from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Les Invalides
The entire complex is home to several museums and monuments honoring France’s armed forces. Additionally, it has a hospital and a veterans’ community. The Musée de l’Armée and Dôme des Invalides are the most well-known sites. Napoleon Bonaparte’s final resting place is the latter.
Pablo Picasso Museum
Spanish painter Pablo Picasso is credited with founding the Cubism art movement. He is regarded as one of the 20th century’s most notable artists.
The Musée National Picasso-Paris will stun you with its more than 5,000 works of art if you’re a fan. The museum, housed in a structure from the 17th century, features not only Picasso’s significant works of art but also some of his first pieces as well as other artifacts. It takes great satisfaction in housing the largest collection of Picasso’s artwork anywhere.
Things to Do
Paris Walking Tours
There are numerous modern and historic sites in Paris. Some of the greatest sights can be visited on foot. Of course, you can DIY, but there are many guided tours available in Paris if you want an in-depth experience at each location. Both free and paid walking excursions are available.
City Tour Packages
A city tour package is a further option for visiting the city, especially if time is of the essence. This often entails traveling around the city by car and then taking a Seine River cruise to visit some of the city’s most famous sights, including the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Seine River Cruise
You can reserve a cruise excursion if you simply want to enjoy being in the City of Love while cruising along the Seine. This includes a comfy glass-roofed boat with a patio and exterior gangways as well as earphones for onboard commentary.
The tour departs from the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower and travels past locations such as the Assembleé Nationale, Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, Institut de France, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Paris Hop-on Hop Bus Tour
Not only in Paris but also in other big towns with rising tourism, the hop-on hop-off bus trip is incredibly popular. If you want to visit as many as you want without bothering about transfers or traveling from one place to another, this is highly practical and easy. You only need to buy a one-day or two-day pass to be able to hop off the bus and explore one attraction before boarding another hop-on-hop-off bus to see the next one.
Paris Food Tour
Paris is a fusion of cultural traditions and culinary tastes, as we’ve already mentioned. Enjoy a delicious “taste” of the city as you explore the food hotspots in search of a full culinary adventure. In conclusion, the following list includes some of the food excursions we’ve taken as well as a few fresh choices:
- St. German Food Tour
- Montmartre Day Food Tour
- Montmartre Night Food Tour
- La Marais Food Tour
- Saint-Martin Food Tour
Shopping
Of certainly, You should look around the shopping areas and streets for items you’ve been wanting to buy since you are in one of the fashion capitals of the globe. You can just be yourself; it doesn’t have to be a designer brand. Shop for apparel, accouterments, cosmetics, and mementos. We are aware that you want to bring something back from your trip to Paris.
Top Budget Hotels and Apartments in Paris
The best cheap hotels and flats in Paris are listed below if you’re seeking a place to stay.
- My Home for You Luxury B&B
- Hotel Recamier
- Hotel Square Louvois
- Hotel Joke – Astotel
- Drawing Hotel
- Hotel Moliere
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