Paris Top Tourist Attractions

 

FRANCE

There are a multitude of tourist attractions in Paris for visitors. The richness of culture in France gives you so many choices of things to do in France and have fun learning about. 

Eiffel Tower

One of the world's most recognizable monuments and the best known landmark in Europe, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and one of the city's must-see attractions. Be sure to take the lift for a view of the city. 

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe, located at the Place Charles de Gaulle commemorates Emperor Napoleon's victories. It is a huge triumphal arch that was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 and competed in 1836, long after Napoleon's reign had come to an end.  Visitors to Paris can enjoy a wonderful view of the city of Paris from the top of this very famous landmark. If you visit the Arc in the evening hours, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the lights of Paris.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral, located on Ile de la Cite in central Paris, is a top Paris landmark and one of the most famous churches in the world, which is one of the first Gothic cathedrals ever built. Construction started in 1163 and lasted for almost two decades.

Notre Dame Cathedral's dramatic towers, spire, stained glass and statuary are guaranteed to take your breath away. Witness firsthand the spot that was once the heartbeat of medieval Paris, and that took over 100 years of hard labor to complete. From the lookout at the north tower you have a great view over the city.

Although admission to the cathedral is free of charge, there is a fee to visit the treasury and the church tower.

Sacre Coeur Paris

With its unmistakeable white dome, the Sacre Coeur sits at the highest point of Paris on the Montmartre hill, or butte. This basilica, which was consecrated in 1909, is best-known for its garish gold mosaic interiors and for its dramatic terrace, from which you can expect sweeping views of Paris on a clear day.

Sainte Chapelle

Sainte Chapelle was built in 1248 by King Louis IX at the Île de la Cité to store important religious relics. The Sainte-Chapelle is best known for the soaring stained glass windows that line the upper chapel. This chapel is a marvel of perfect medieval stained glass that turns the sun's light into a symphony of color.

Sainte Chapelle is very popular so expect to wait in line. Lines are shortest within the first hour of opening. On weekdays the chapel closes from about 1:00 until 2:15. If you arrive shortly before then, the number of visitors diminishes as you approach the closing time, giving you better visibility, but less time to spend.

Champs-Elysées

The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the most prestigious and most famous street in Paris and possible in the whole world. It stretches all the way from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

 

Panthéon

The Panthéon, a 19th century building, was originally built as a church dedicated to St.Genevieve (the patron saint of Paris), but later turned into a civil temple. The Pantheon building itself represents a fine example of neoclassicism.

 

Disney Land Paris

Disneyland Paris is very similar to the Disneyland theme parks located in Anaheim and Orlando. Visitors to Paris with children can enjoy an excursion to Disneyland during their Paris vacation.

Musée du Louvre

One of the not-to-miss sights in Paris is the Louvre Museum, possibly the most famous museum in the world with a fabulous collection of pre-20th century painting, sculpture, and decorative objects.  Arguably the world's most famous art museum, the Louvre's most popular piece is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." It is housed in the Louvre Palace, once the residence of France's royal family.

The Mona Lisa can be found on the second floor (i.e. 1er Etage) of the Denon Wing of the Louvre Museum. 

Musée d'Orsay

 

The Musée d'Orsay is a museum housed in a grand railway station built in 1900. Musée d'Orsay picks up where the Louvre leaves off, featuring French art from the mid 1800s to the 1st World War. Home to many sculptures and impressionist paintings, it has become one of Paris's most popular museums.

Seine River

The Seine is a major river of North Western France and one of its well-known commercial waterways.

Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou is a cultural center in the heart of historic Paris. The complex was built in 1977 by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It includes a museum of modern art and a large library.

Pompidou is a giant, futuristic arts centre located in the Beaubourg district of Paris.