Paris has been a tourist magnet for the myriads of great and legendary attractions it has in and around it including museums with stunning collections of art & exhibits, beautifully manicured gardens & parks, world renowned landmarks like Eiffel Tower, historic cathedrals, monuments, buildings and lot more.
While the section below will take you through the best that Paris offers to the tourists, you must keep in mind that many attractions require hefty entry fees, and the long queues at the counters can kill a lot of your time. It would be wise to by tickets or discount passes in advance according to your requirement. This will not only enable you to avail discounted prices, you can also opt for skip the line entry tickets to avoid long entry queues.
You can find a wide range of such sightseeing passes including attraction tickets (with skip the line option) and purchase online from this Viator site.
Here are the top sites to visit in Paris:
Eiffel Tower
The 324 meter high Eiffel tower or the Iron Lady as she is popularly referred to by the Parisians has been the subject of much speculation ever since her inaugural in 1889 Universal Exposition. Despite being ridiculed by poets and intellectuals for its iron body and staggering height earlier, the Eiffel has seen a phenomenal rise in popularity since its inauguration.
Right now it’s one of the worlds most loved attractions and a favorite destination for kisses of love, marriage proposals and romantic fantasies. The Eiffel hosts spectacular light shows on special events and every New Year, Christmas, 4th July etc. There are jubilations centering on the innovatively decked up Eiffel. Right now the Eiffel tower visit is a complete entertainment package, explore the huge forecourt while seeing the iron lady rise up above you and walk about on air on the first floor (complete glass made anti slip floor). Restaurants, shops, champagne bars and the newly added Eiffel tower gardens have made enjoying the charms of the tower a full day activity.
To gain a more detailed look take the ‘behind the scenes’ tour and look at the incredible machinery behind the lift and the lights and the engineering precision of the tower which earned it accolades like “a marvel in precision”, “stupendous technical achievement” etc. Buy the tickets from the Eiffel tower website and skip queues and get more time to admire the glittering Champ de Mars and Trocadero spread out below!!
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Louvre Museum
Arguably the richest museum of the world, the Musee du Louvre is converted into a museum from the royal abode of the French monarchs. Every member of the royalty right from Louis XV to Napoleon had acquired objects for the Louvre creating the staggering art wealth that’s now housed in more than 60,600 sq. meters of space.
The gorgeous museum that holds marvelous paintings and sculptures like Mona Lisa, Psyche revived by Cupid’s Kiss, Winged victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Hermaphroditus, Dying Slave etc. is especially known for its 15th and 16th century art collection. From Rembrandt to Michelangelo to Leonardo Da Vinci to Botticelli to Guido di Petro to Titian…it’s hard to find an old master whose best work isn’t showcased here.
The Islamic gallery with its carved 14th century bowl and the Egyptian antiquities with its mummies and the underground moat and dungeons will keep the whole family entertained. Each of its wings; Denon, Sully, Richelieu have the capacity to enthrall guests for days and it’s virtually impossible to see the entire museum in less than 3 days. Which is why you can choose from a wide variety of guided tours, audio books, guide books and even a special Louvre App to help navigate the wonder that’s the Musee Du Louvre. And of course the proximity of the Tuileries gardens, Carrousel gardens with their shops, restaurants and cafes is an added advantage!!
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Palace of Versailles
The former haunt of the French monarchs…the Versailles Palace represents the dazzling and almost ostentatious display of wealth that provoked the French revolution. Famous architects and landscape artists like Jules Mansart, Robert Cotte, Charles Brun and Andre Notre worked on the Versailles palace and gardens and there are more ornate fountains, statues, paintings and period furniture in the estate than its humanly possible to comprehend.
There are endless rooms in the palace but the most famous ones are Hall of Mirrors, Royal Opera, Chapel, State apartments, Museum of French History, Grand gallery and the most famous painters, sculptors and designers of that era have worked on creating the displays. The Royal Opera displays the most technologically advanced multi floor entertainment complex of those times while fantastically designed carriages and royal vehicles are a part of the Royal Stables.
There were silver walls, gold beds and upholstery studded with jewels in the palace that was melted away to sponsor wars…learn all about the fascinating history of the palace in Galerie de l’Histoire du Château. The manicured geometrically designed French gardens with more than 200 statues, fountains and parterres and the more spontaneous English gardens with its Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon have been applauded for their aesthetic appeal.
The entire palace garden park complex stretches across more than 800 acres and a bike/ Segway/ little train tour is recommended to explore it fully. A world heritage site and one of the most visited attractions of France…the palace complex offers a number of guided tours, audio guides, exhibitions and musical fountain shows that can keep visitors endlessly occupied.
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Tuileries Garden
The most notable garden of Paris; Jardin des Tuileries was the official green lung right from the inception of the French republic. The Garden site which once housed tile producing factory hosted extravagant garden parties, hunting expeditions, cavalry marches and was the pleasure hub (and sometimes a hiding place) of the French monarchs who lived in the extravagant Tuileries palace that was razed down in the revolution.
The perfectly symmetrical Tuileries garden (flanked by the Seine, Louvre, rue de Rivoli and Place Concorde) has seen some major renovation work along the years and right now it has numerous fountains, more than 200 statues, a giant Ferris wheel, children’s playgrounds, restaurants and stalls and is actually one big recreational space meant for the entire family.
Browse through the Orangerie exhibits and look at the photo exhibitions at jeu de Paume while enjoying the statues and the views on the two splendid terraces that frame the Tuileries. The works of art here right from the historic vases sourced from the Versailles palace to the fantastic animal statues of Maillol can rightfully claim hours of observation. The free green benches scattered around and the beautiful flower beds and profusion of birds makes the Jardin des Tuileries a wonderful place to explore and relax in.
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Arc de Triomphe
One of the most famous commemorative monuments of the world the Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the epicenter of Place Charles de Gaulle near the Champs Elysees and the Place de la Concorde. The best known designers and architects of the 18th century have worked on the Arc but its grandeur is mostly acknowledged to Jean Francois Chalgrin who got inspired by Arc of Titus but created the Triomphe Arc in much larger dimensions (50 meters high and 45 meters wide).
The arc de Triomphe construction started on August 15th 1806 and ended on July 29th 1836…all reigning French monarchs of that era had contributed lavishly to the creation of this arc. The arc de Triomphe symbolizes the pride, victory and liberty of France in modern times but its conceptualization was to honor the military victories of Napoleon.
12 well known avenues radiate from the plaza on which the arc sits forming a spectacular star….you can enjoy the full view from the observation deck at the top of the arc. There is a museum on the middle floor that will tell you about its history and the famous “tomb of the unknown soldier” underneath the arc.
The 4 columns of the arc are decked with 4 different marvelous sculpture groups with Les Marseillaise being the star of the show. The ceiling of the arch is decked with perfectly sculpted roses while the inside walls have names of 600 Napoleonic soldiers who died in wars. The exteriors have gorgeous reliefs and you need to spend at least half an hour appreciating the true beauty and history of the arc.
New Year’s Eve parties, Bastille Day celebrations and all other national events are celebrated around the Arc. Most tumultuous moments of history have happened here right from Napoleon’s wedding procession to his funeral procession to Victor Hugo’s funeral. Hitler rode his march under the arc during Nazi occupation and the liberation ceremony happened here. The eternal flame on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier still burns bright…even the Nazi occupation couldn’t extinguish it for a moment.
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Palais Garnier
The wealth and opulence of the medieval Parisian society can be best judged by a tour of its most magnificent legacy; the Palais Garnier. Built gradually for 14 years this stupendous opera complex was designed to be a showcase of opulence; a venue where the rich and famous vied to be spotted in. from the statue adorned exterior façade to the painted ceilings and magnificent chandelier inside; almost all leading painters, designers and sculptors of that era had worked on the Palais Garnier.
A constant sense of awe assuages visitors when they view the grand staircase with its 30 marble columns and intricate frescoes and the grand foyer with its abundance of gold leafs and mosaics; the former haunt of Parisian socialites and royalty. The auditorium with its plush 1900 red velvet seats, painted house curtain and lovely frescoed ceiling now hosts ballet shows but is spectacular enough to be admired on its own.
The place which inspired the creation of ‘Phantom of the opera’ offers self-guided and interactive tours apart from phantom of the opera experiences. Wander through the gilded foyers and the enchanting salons and visit a different era of opulence; a minimum of 2 hours is required for savoring this experience. The Palais Garnier also has a restaurant, gift shop and a library museum that stocks manuscripts, paintings and artefacts spanning 3 centuries.
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Notre Dame Cathedral
The historic island of Ile de la Cite holds one of Paris’s priceless gifts to the world; Notre Dame Cathedral. Dated back to 1163 this gorgeous gothic cathedral with its famous rose stained glass windows and flying buttresses are covered with sculpture representing biblical stories. The west façade with its 3 doorways, the north tower with its 387 steps and awe inspiring view and the treasury with the sacred crown of thrones are just some of the magnificent sights that this cathedral offers.
All distances to other French cities are marked from the cathedral and an entire forest was once demolished to build its wooden framework. Whether its stryge (the chief gargoyle) who overlooks Paris or Emmanuel (13,721 kg) bell that rings 5 second before the others; Notre Dame has many claims to fame. Stare with awe at the church organ that had more than 8000 pipes and at the church spire that weight 750 tonnes.
Laden with historical tales and priceless artwork the holy Notre Dame is one of the few Parisian monuments that’s free to visit though commercial tower tours are also available. The abundance of conveyance options and historical attractions like the Saint Chapelle nearby makes visiting the Notre Dame one of the most fruitful sightseeing options.
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Luxembourg Gardens and Palace
The favourite relaxation destination of Parisians; Luxembourg gardens is one of the most serene places you will see. The Italian style property was commissioned by the medieval empress Marie de Medici who pined for her Pitti palace in Florence. The gardens underwent many transformations and each monarch and every historical event added their own touch to the property, so touring it would virtually be a history lesson.
The profusion of lovely statues makes it a sort of walk through museum though there is an actual palace and museum inside too. The gardens span 60 acres and have a palace, orchards, apiary, bee keeping school, hothouse, green house and many recreational options inside. Kids can enjoy the lovely carousel and push around old fashioned sailboats in the pond.
The fountains, statues and excellent strains of flora inside offers much to the nature lover while lots of joggers, photographers, birdwatchers and Parisian families indulging in picnics are found in abundance inside. One of the few free attractions in Paris (though the palace museum has a fixed entry fee) the gardens also have an orangeries, Pavilion Davioud and facilities for bridge, tennis and chess. The puppet theatre and free photography exhibitions/ concerts in the bandstand are other delightful offerings. The gardens are in the 6th arrondissement of Paris and are close to the Musee Cluny, Pantheon and Place Sorbonne.
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Sainte Chapelle
Often overlooked in favour of the more famous history relics like the Notre Dame the Saint Chapelle is an unrivalled creation. Architects still wonder at how a two floored structure can sustainably exist on 618 m2 of glass and a meagre amount of masonry. Artists are awestruck at the impossible detailing of all the 1113 figures inside the stained glass panels.
Photographers cannot put their handheld devices away (unfortunately tripods are not allowed inside) in hope of capturing the surreal dazzling play of light and colour inside. Students and lovers of history and politics will be amused at the clout and power of “Saint Louis” who took great pains in showing his worthy succession as the holder of the holy relics (and their religious and political power) after the great kings of Israel.
And any citizen of the world will admire the grit of the French government who spent 7 painstaking years and about 10 million euros in restoring the beauty of the “Jewel box of Europe”. Step inside the chapelle that lies in the courtyard of the palace of justice and feel the marvel of seeing a shining crystal… from the inside. Jewel toned bursts of colours seep in from all its glass walls and the non-existent (well concealed) masonry creates a fairy tale effect. Though the remnants of the relics (crown of thorns and a piece of the cross) that stayed here now stay in the Notre Dame; this jewelled reliquary is a marvel in its own right. Visit the chapel and be awed and if you are lucky enough you might even catch a classical music concert in there.
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Sacre Coeur
Sacre Coeur is so much more than just a beautiful monument yet the hordes of tourists who crowd the premises of this active Parisian symbol of peace and divinity….know little about its history. Built over 40 years as a spiritual beacon of hope and morale rebuilding crutch; the Basilica was France’s answer for the martyring of Christians, defeats in multiple battles and a moral and economic depravity.
The whole city and the government collaborated and citizens funded this gorgeous piece of religious and architectural beauty that’s a fine example of the Roman Byzantine style. Inside there is a lot to see….right from the apse mosaic (one of the biggest in the world) to the fantastic (and historic) grand organ to the crypt containing religious vows and relics. The lights on the dome of Sacre Coeur never die and the prayers inside never cease.
The 19 tonne Savoy bell rings at 11 a.m. every Saturday and the monument image greets visitors to Paris as they enter through the Gare St Lazare/ Roissy and Orly airports. The iconic Sacre Coeur stands on the Montmartre hill; you can walk up the long steps to reach its while admiring the liveliness of its surrounding cafes and shops. If you don’t wish to walk there is the funicular service (running since 1900) ….it will take you up to the basilica in less than 2 minutes.
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Musee d’Orsay
An elegant railway station that played the roles of a movie set/ dispatch centre/ political meets venue, is now world’s one of the finest museums of art. The Musee d’Orsay was almost up for demolition before the French cultural minister Jacques Duhamel heroically saved the day. Expressly built to act as a bridge featuring artwork in sync with the collections at Louvre and the National Museum of Modern Art; the Orsay museum has architecture rivalling its exhibits.
All the artworks in the museum are stunning but some of the jewels in its crown are the Lunch on the Grass, whistlers mother, Gleaners, Olympia, Starry night over the Rhone etc. Though known for its impressionist art the museum features artwork belonging to realism, Symbolism, Art Nouveau and Post Impressionism besides hosting an impressive collection of photography and sculpture (mostly by Auguste Rodin).
The Musee d Orsay has been hailed for containing the biggest collection of impressionist art in the world and features work done by Van Gogh, Monet, Cezzane, Toulouse Lautrec, Renoir, Gauguin etc. Featuring a chandelier decked restaurant and elegant cafes, auditorium (cinematic screenings and concerts happen here) and gift store, the Orsay museum will take up at least half a day’s time. It’s easy to get bedazzled by the stunning art around so it’s better to take one of those self-guided audio tours of the museum that lets you know about museum history and architecture too apart from its art.
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A travel addict. Still celebrating the day when he quit his high-profile corporate job to pursue his passion for travel writing.