A Comprehensive Guide to All of the Places to See in Paris, France

Paris, the City of Lights, is one of the most beloved cities in the world. From its beautiful architecture to its rich history and culture, Paris is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are plenty of places to explore and see in Paris. In this guide, we will explore some of the must-see sights in Paris, along with some of the best tours to take.

A Brief History of Paris

Paris has been a bustling city for centuries. The city is thought to have been founded by a Celtic tribe known as the Parisii in the 3rd century BC. As the city grew, it became an important trade center and religious center. In 52 BC, Julius Caesar and his Roman legion conquered the city and named it Lutetia. This marked the beginning of Paris as a Roman city.

In 486 AD, Clovis I, the King of the Franks, made Paris his capital. This was the beginning of Paris as we know it today. In the Middle Ages, Paris was an important city in Europe and was known for its universities, art, and culture. The city was also the home of some of the most influential kings in French history, such as Louis VI and Louis VII.

During the 16th century, Paris was one of the most important cities in Europe. It was a center for art, science, culture, and literature and was home to some of the most influential thinkers of the time. The city underwent a period of rebuilding during the reign of Louis XIV and was transformed into one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

In 1789, the French Revolution began and Paris became the center of political and social change in France. This period saw the construction of many iconic monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. During World War II, Paris was occupied by Nazi Germany and liberated by Allied forces in 1944.

Today, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is home to over two million people and is known for its art, fashion, food, and culture. The city has something for everyone and is a great place to visit for a memorable vacation.

Famous Monuments and Landmarks

Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments and landmarks. From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame Cathedral, these sights are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. Here are some of the must-see monuments and landmarks in Paris:

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Paris. Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, this 324-metre tall wrought iron tower is one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can ascend to the top of the tower on either one of two lifts or take 704 steps to reach the top. From here, visitors can take in breathtaking views of Paris from high above.

The Louvre

The Louvre is one of the world’s most famous museums and a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Paris. This former royal palace houses an incredible collection of art from all over the world. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to masterpieces from French artists such as Monet and Degas, there is something for everyone at the Louvre.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is an iconic landmark located in the heart of Paris. This Gothic-style cathedral was built in 1163 and is one of the most famous churches in Europe. Visitors can explore its stunning interior and enjoy stunning views from its towers.

The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic monument located at one end of the Champs-Elysees. Built in 1806 to commemorate Napoleon’s victory in Austerlitz, this monument stands at an impressive 50 metres tall and provides stunning views of Paris from its top.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is an impressive building located in Latin Quarter of Paris. Built in 1791 as a temple to honour great French citizens, this building now serves as a mausoleum for some of France’s most famous people such as Voltaire and Victor Hugo. The Pantheon also offers stunning views from its dome which can be admired from its observation deck.

Popular Activities & Tours

In addition to checking out some of Paris’ famous monuments & landmarks, there are plenty of other activities to experience during a visit to this beautiful city. Here are some popular activities & tours that visitors can book:

Seine River Cruise

A Seine River cruise is one of the best ways to experience Paris’ iconic sites from an entirely different perspective. A guided tour will take visitors along the Seine River past some of the most famous monuments in Paris such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. Tour guides will provide interesting details about each monument while visitors relax on board a boat and take in stunning views of Paris from the river. Book a Seine River Cruise here.

Paris Food Tour

A food tour is one of the best ways to explore Paris’ vibrant food scene. On a guided tour, visitors will get to sample some of the city’s most famous dishes such as croissants, crepes, and macarons while learning about local food customs and traditions. Tour guides will also provide helpful tips on where to find some of the best restaurants in town. Book a Paris Food Tour here.

VIP Louvre Tour

The Louvre Museum is one of Paris’ most popular attractions and it can get very busy during peak season. A VIP Louvre tour will take visitors on a guided tour through some of the museum’s best-kept secrets while avoiding long lines at each attraction. Tour guides will provide interesting insights about each piece while visitors explore one of Europe’s biggest art collections from up close. Book a VIP Louvre Tour here.

Bike Tour

Exploring Paris on bike is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful city up close. On a guided bike tour, visitors will get to explore all of Paris’ undiscovered corners while learning about its rich history & culture from their tour guide. Tour guides will take visitors past some of Paris’ iconic sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, and more while providing interesting facts about each location along the way. Book a Bike Tour here.

Conclusion

Paris is one of Europe’s most iconic cities and it has something for everyone, from art lovers to foodies and history buffs alike. There are plenty of places to explore & tours to take that will make your visit to this beautiful city unforgettable. From iconic monuments & landmarks such as The Eiffel Tower & Notre Dame Cathedral to guided tours such as Seine River cruises & bike tours, there are plenty of things to do & places to see in Paris that will make your visit worthwhile. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets today and explore one of Europe’s finest cities!