10 Places Every Tourist Must Visit in Paris – France

Paris is the most romantic city in the world, and visitors come here in their droves every year to visit some of the top sites that the city has to offer. Paris is full of places of interest, too many to mention, but we can narrow it down to ten places you absolutely must visit.

1. The Eiffel Tower

Undoubtedly the symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands as a commemoration of the French Revolution built by Gustave Eiffel. Standing 324 meters tall, the monument is visited by around 7 million people every year and is home to the Eiffel Tower 58 Restaurant and a representation of the Gustave Eiffel office. There are fabulous photo opportunities on the second floor and, if you want the full Tower experience, take the stairs; climb all 1665 steps up to the top of the tower.

2. The Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame de Paris is a Roman Catholic cathedral that offers one of the most spectacular examples of the French Gothic style of architecture that you will ever see anywhere in Europe. Building started in 1163 and was finally finished in 1345; the myriad portals on the cathedral are adorned with sculptures and gargoyles watch from the roof. Walk around this magnificent cathedral, take in its glory before going in and climbing up 387 steps to get a spectacular view of the region and come face to face with the gargoyles.

3. The Louvre Museum

Found in the very heart of the city the Louvre Art museum is visited by more people than any other art museum in the world. In what used to be a Royal Palace, the Louvre extends over 210,000 meters with 60,600 set aside just for the art exhibitions. In the basement, you will find the remnants of the original 12^th Century fortress and the rest of the exhibits are categorized into 8 separate departments, including Graphic Art, Islamic Art, Greek, Objet d’Art and more. Whether you are an art lover or not, the building alone is worthy of a visit and is open every day except for Tuesdays with late night opening on Wednesday and Friday.

4. The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is an arch commissioned by Napoleon to mark the imperial armies and the glory they bestowed on the country. It is the single biggest monument of its type anywhere in the world and is dressed in sculptures. On it, you will find engravings of the great victories and the names of almost 560 generals. Beneath the Arch is the infamous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Arc stands 50 meters tall, 22 meters deep and 45 meters wide and a terrace that stands above the door offers fabulous views over Paris. It is found on the Place de Etoile and leads straight to the Champs Elysees, one of the most beautiful avenues anywhere in the world, packed with café’s, restaurants, and luxury boutiques.

5. Cruise the River Seine

Cruising the River Seine is one of the best ways to see the City of Paris especially night cruises. As the sun begins to set, the monuments across the city are gradually lit up, providing you with a front-row view of the Eiffel Tower, Pont Alexandre III, Notre Dame, and so much more. Don’t miss out on a dinner cruise, 2 hours of entertainment, a French dining experience, and magnificent views, the only way to see Paris at night.

6. Montmartre

A hill that stands 130 meters high, Montmartre is found to the north of the city. Topping it is the White dome of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, built to commemorate the French Victims of the 1870 Franco-Prussian war. A few blocks from Montmartre is the Square of Tertre, a place where artists paint the tourists and show off their work, a monument to the time when modern art dominated Montmartre and was a place where artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Modigliani worked. And you will also find the Espace Salvador Dali museum just off the Square. For those interested, Montmartre is also home to the Moulin Rouge.

7. The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is the single most famous castle in the country. A 17th-century symbol of the French military might, Versailles was the political seat of the country between 1682 and 1789. It is a massive complex of gardens, buildings, and terraces that attract visitors from all over the world. A showcase of some of the most magnificent Renaissance gildings, furniture, and decorations. Visit the Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments, and the Queen’s chamber, not forgetting to finish your visit with a wander through the “French” Gardens.

8. Luxembourg Park in the Latin Quarter

On the left bank of the River Seine, you will find the Latin quarter and the Sorbonne. One of the liveliest places around, the Latin Quarter is where you will find some of the more famous higher education places, like the Ecole Polytechnique or the Ecole Normale Superieure. The name come from the language that was once one of the most widely spoken in the area. Private gardens now open to the public, Luxembourg park was created in 1612 to go with the Palais de Luxembourg, located in the center of the park. The garden makes for a pleasant walk, through orchards, an apiary, and an orchid collection. There are 3 magnificent fountains, a bronze version of the Statue of Liberty and more than 100 statues to see.

9. Moulin Rouge

Located at the bottom of Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge cabaret is where the French Cancan was born. Originally a courtship dance, the Cancan has gone on to be represented in countries the world over. The cabaret has been the subject of many films and imitations can be seen in nightclubs everywhere, but its roots still lie in the Moulin Rouge. Tickets tend to sell out fast so book early to avoid disappointment

10. Disneyland Paris

The list would not be complete without mentioning the French home of Mickey Mouse. Just over 30 km from Paris, there are two theme parks to visit – Disneyland and the Walt Disney Studios. The biggest attractions are undeniably Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and It’s a Small world. Both theme parks are open every day.