If it was necessary to choose, here are the ten places and thing to do that we would recommend you in Paris. Check it out now and fall in love with this awesome city.
Eiffel Tower
What would Paris be without the Eiffel Tower? Built by Gustave Eiffel in commemoration of the centenary of the French Revolution, it was presented at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889. At 324 meters high, it is one of the most visited monuments in the world, with almost 7 million people a year.
The first floor houses the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, which extends over two floors, 58 meters above the ground, as the name says. On the second floor, 115 meters high, the view is even better, as you have a clear view of the ground below. Finally, on the 3rd floor, 275 meters away, you can see what Gustave Eiffel’s office was like.
Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a must for anyone who wants to enjoy the magnificent view of Paris.
Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
One of the greatest symbols of Paris: Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as Notre-Dame, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the eastern part of the Île de la Cité. It is considered as one of the most beautiful examples of French Gothic architecture, both in France and in Europe. Started in 1163 and completed in 1345, this cathedral is a spectacle with its flying buttresses, its doors surrounded by sculptures and its numerous gargoyles that adorn the ceiling.
We advise you to visit the surroundings of the cathedral, and then visit its interior and climb the 387 steps to the top of the towers. The climb can be tiring, but quite rewarding thanks to the stunning panoramic view of the region. In addition, it is possible to see the gargoyles up close.
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, this historic monument is a former royal palace. It has an area of 210,000 m², of which 60,600 m² are dedicated to exhibitions.
The museum is located in the “Palais Louvre”, originally a fortress built in the late 12th century under the reign of Philip II. It is possible to see remains of the fortress in the basement of the museum. In 1682, with the choice of the Palace of Versailles as a royal residence by Louis XIV, the Louvre was basically responsible for exhibiting the royal collection. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre would be used to exhibit the nation’s masterpieces. Inaugurated on 10/08/1793, its collection gradually increased, especially under the reign of Napoleon, Louis XVIII, Carlos X and during the Second French Empire.
The collection is divided into eight departments:
- Egyptian Antiques
- Eastern Antiques
- Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiques
- Islamic Arts
- Sculptures from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Modern Times
- Art objects
- Paintings
- Graphics.
Champs-Élysées – Arc de Triomphe
Under the charm of ancient Roman architecture, Napoleon commissioned Jean Chalgrin an arc of triumph dedicated to the glory of the imperial armies. Built in the 19th century, the arch is currently the largest monument in the world of its kind. The pillars are decorated with impressive sculptures. In addition, the names of the 558 generals, as well as the great victories are engraved on the upper part of the arch. Under the Arc de Triomphe is the tomb of the “Unknown Soldier of France”.
A panoramic terrace at the top of the arch offers a beautiful panorama of Paris. 50m high, 45m wide and 22m deep, the arch is located in the “Place de l’Etoile”, which leads to the Champs-Élysées.
Champs-Élysées is known as the “most beautiful avenue in the world”. It is 1.9 km long and is located between Praça da Concórdia and the Arc de Triomphe. There are several luxury boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Guerlain, Cartier, Montblanc …), entertainment venues (Lido, cinemas), cafes and restaurants (Fouquet’s).
Seine cruise
What is the best way to visit the “City of Light”, if not navigating the Seine at night? When the sun goes down, the monuments gradually light up. Thus, there is a panorama in the foreground to enjoy the beauty of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Pont Alexandre III and others.
It is also possible to enjoy a dinner cruise on board a glass vessel. For about two hours, while enjoying a good dish, people enjoy the most beautiful views of Paris.
Montmartre Hill
Montmartre is a hill located in the north of Paris, 130 meters high, which gives its name to the neighborhood in its surroundings. The place is known mainly for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur. This was completed in 1919 and honors the French victims of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870.
If you are in the neighborhood, be sure to visit the “Place du Tertre”, very close to the basilica. There, its countless artists put their easels to paint tourists or exhibit their works. The “Place du Tertre” is a reminder of the time when Montmartre was the center of modern art. In the early 20th century, painters such as Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh worked there. The Salvador Dalí Space, a museum dedicated mainly to sculpture and drawings by the Spanish artist, is located just a few steps from the “Place du Tertre”.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the most famous in France. Built in the 17th century as a symbol of military power and a demonstration of French supremacy in Europe, this huge complex of buildings, gardens and terraces is definitely a must-see destination for any visitor. This one will be enchanted by the exceptional accommodations, luxurious decorations, golden furniture and works of art of the Renaissance.
Visit Versailles: start with the “Big Apartments”, then go to the “Hall of Mirrors” and then to the “Queen’s room”. Don’t forget to stroll through the famous “à la française” gardens.
Latin Quarter – Luxembourg Gardens
The Latin Quarter of Paris is located on the “rive gauche”, near the Sorbonne. Known for its student life, lively atmosphere and bistros, the “Latin Quarter” houses several higher education institutions. The area won the name “Quartier Latin” thanks to the Latin language, formerly quite widespread in the academic world, from the moment that Latin became the international language of learning in the Middle Ages.
The Luxembourg Garden, although private, is open to the public. Created in 1612 at the request of Maria de Médicis to accompany the Luxembourg Palace, it is affectionately known as “Luco”. The “Palais du Luxembourg”, which houses the Senate, is surrounded by the garden. Renovated by André Le Nôtre, it is a very pleasant place to stroll; there is also an orchard with various types of apples, an apiary and greenhouses with orchids. There are 106 statues, including a bronze miniature statue of Liberty.
Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret known as the spiritual cradle of the famous cancan. Located near the Montmartre hill, in the heart of the Pigalle district, it was built in 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler. Originally introduced as a seduction dance, the cancan gave rise to cabaret, currently present in several countries around the world. Today, the Moulin Rouge is considered a tourist attraction, providing entertainment for visitors from around the world.
His style and name were imitated and adopted by cabarets around the world, as in Las Vegas, for example. In addition, many films contributed to Cabaret’s notoriety, among which, Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.
Disneyland Paris
For Mickey fans there is Disneyland Paris. The resort is located 32 km from the center of Paris and consists of two parks: Disneyland (with the castle) and Walt Disney Studios.
This is even more essential if you have children!