Top 10 Sights in Paris

Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world. From its iconic landmarks to its charming cobblestone streets, the City of Light has been a beacon of culture and art since its inception. Paris’ streets have been walked by some of the most influential people in history, and its iconic architecture has been the backdrop for countless romantic scenes. There is truly no place like Paris, and it’s no wonder why it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

History & General Facts

The City of Paris has been around since the 3rd century BC. The city has gone by many names over the years, such as Lutetia and Parisii. In the 12th century, Paris became an important center for trade and commerce and was later declared the capital of France in the 14th century. The city has long been known for its beauty, culture, and history, and it has drawn visitors from all over the world. Today, Paris is the most populous city in France, with over 2.2 million people living within its limits.

When it comes to sightseeing, Paris offers plenty of things to do and places to go. From world-famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral to charming parks and gardens like the Jardin des Tuileries and the Palais Royal, Paris is a city full of culture and history. There are also plenty of museums to explore such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, as well as numerous cafés, brasseries, and bistros to enjoy French cuisine.

Top 10 Must-See Sights in Paris

Paris is a city with countless attractions and wonders, but here are 10 of the most iconic sights that no visitor should miss:

1. Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to its most famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, this 324-meter-tall iron lattice tower is one of the world’s most recognizable structures. It’s best seen at night when it’s lit up with thousands of twinkling lights – a sight not to be missed! Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower for amazing views of the city or take a ride on the tower’s glass-enclosed elevators to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

Located on the Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in Europe. This grand Gothic cathedral is known for its intricate stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and towering spires. It’s also home to many sculptures depicting biblical scenes, as well as a world-famous organ. Visitors can explore this majestic building inside and out, marveling at its beauty and grandeur.

3. Arc de Triomphe

Completed in 1836, this towering archway was built to honor those who fought in Napoleon’s campaign in 1805. The Arc de Triomphe stands at 50 meters tall and 45 meters wide and is decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting battles and famous people from French history. Visitors can climb to the top of the arch for stunning views of the Champs Elysees or take photos from below on either side of the arch.

4. Champs Elysees

This iconic avenue runs from Place de la Concorde all the way to Arc de Triomphe. Widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful streets, Champs Elysees is lined with luxury shops, cafes, restaurants, and more. It’s also a great spot for people watching or for taking a leisurely stroll along its tree-lined pathways.

5. Jardin des Tuileries

This beautiful garden was opened in 1664 and is located right across from the Louvre Museum. This garden features beautiful fountains, manicured lawns, and various sculptures throughout. It’s a great spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing or to take a leisurely stroll on a sunny day.

6. Louvre Museum

No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to this iconic museum. Located on the Right Bank of the Seine River, this museum is home to some of Europe’s greatest masterpieces of art. Its most famous attraction is undoubtedly the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci, which has been admired by visitors from all over the world. Other highlights include sculptures from ancient Greece, Renaissance paintings, Egyptian artifacts, and much more.

7. Palace of Versailles

This grand palace was once home to Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette and was built in 1623 by King Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. Today it’s open to visitors who flock here to admire its grandeur, which includes stunning gardens, grand halls, and ornate furnishings throughout. The Palace also holds many important pieces of art from some of Europe’s greatest painters such as Rembrandt and Rubens.

8. Sacré-Coeur Basilica

This beautiful basilica stands atop Montmartre hill and is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Built in 1873, this Romanesque basilica features ornate sculptures, intricate stained glass windows, and breathtaking views of Paris from its observation deck at the top of the dome. Inside visitors can explore its beautiful chapels or attend mass at one of its many daily services.

9. Montmartre

This hilltop neighborhood is full of quaint cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and some of Paris’ best views. This area was once home to some of France’s greatest painters such as Picasso and Renoir who painted many famous works here. Today it’s a popular spot for visitors who come to admire its charming atmosphere or enjoy its many art galleries and shops.

10. Centre Pompidou

Located in Beaubourg on the Right Bank of the Seine River, this modern art museum houses some of Europe’s best contemporary art collections from all over the world. Its main attraction is its colorful exterior which features colorful pipes that form an abstract design – a sight not to be missed! Inside visitors can explore its many galleries featuring works from legendary artists including Picasso and Dali or take in one of its many workshops or cultural activities held throughout the year.

Popular Tours & Activities

In addition to exploring these 10 must-see sights in Paris, there are some great tours you can take to get a more in-depth look at what makes this city so special:

1. Seine River Cruise

A Seine River cruise is one of the best ways to get an up-close look at Paris’ iconic landmarks along with some amazing views along the way. A cruise takes you past some of Paris’ most famous attractions such as Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee d’Orsay, Grand Palais, and more – all while you relax onboard a comfortable boat with refreshments included! You’ll have plenty of time to snap photos or just enjoy the sights from aboard your vessel as you drift down this historic river. Book a Seine River Cruise here..

2 .Bike Tour through Paris

If you’re looking for an active way to explore Paris then taking a bike tour through this beautiful city is a great option! This tour will take you past some of Paris’ most iconic attractions such as Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame Cathedral, Jardin des Tuileries, Louvre Museum, Centre Pompidou and more! You’ll get an up-close look at all these amazing sites without having to worry about crowds or traffic – it’s an experience not to be missed! Book a Bike Tour through Paris here..

3 .Paris Food Tour

Paris is well known for its amazing food scene – but with so many restaurants and unique dishes it can be hard to know where to start! That’s why taking a food tour through the city is a great way to sample some of Paris’ best cuisine while learning about its food culture from an expert guide! You’ll get to try everything from classic French dishes like crepes and croissants to more unique items like escargot or even frog legs if you’re feeling adventurous! Book a Paris Food Tour here..

Conclusion

Paris is truly one of the most unique cities in the world – with so much culture, history, art, food and more it’s an experience not to be missed! With so many incredible sights to explore it can be hard to narrow down your must-see list – but these 10 attractions are definitely ones that you won’t want to miss out on during your visit! From exploring iconic landmarks like Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral to taking in beautiful views from atop Montmartre hill – there’s something for everyone in Paris! Don’t forget that there are also plenty of great tours available too – so why not take advantage while you’re there? Be sure to book one (or two!) before your trip so you can get an even better look at what makes this city so special!