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Paris, the city of grandiose architecture, cosmopolitan charm, and endless cultural delights, beckons travellers from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast, a foodie craving culinary adventures, or a wanderer seeking romantic strolls along historic streets, Paris promises something extraordinary for everyone. Here are our Top Tourist Places to See and Things to do when in the City of Light.
(1) The Eiffel Tower
Website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en (You can book your ticket here)
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower; head to Trocadero Metro or take a taxi to the Trocadero viewing platform, everyone knows this area and there are lots of lovely cafes where you can watch the Tower and get a great unobstructed view. Or consider a stroll through the Champ de Mars park at its base or Quai Branly – and queue up to go inside. Go all the way to the top for the epic view. Or even have lunch at the Jules Verne restaurant inside the tower if it’s open, prepare to book up to 6-12 months in advance. Restaurant’s Website: https://www.restaurants-toureiffel.com/fr/restaurant-jules-verne
(2) The Avenue des Champs-Élysées then down to Place de Concorde
Walk down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées down to Place de la Concorde – the famous square that serves as one of the most beautiful roundabouts in the world leaning to several main Avenues such as Ave du Champs Elysees, is functional as well as stunning, with Egyptian Obelisks and statues. Quite a sight to behold on a beautiful stroll in the city centre or on a drive through the city. If you cross the Seine River at the Place de la Concorde, go past the National Assembly then turn into Boulevard Saint-Germain to the left, you will reach the next attraction on the list, Musee D’Orsay.
(3) Musee D’Orsay
Website: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en
Even if you’re not a major art fan, you will be pleasantly delighted by the famous works of the Impressionist master painters such as Monet, Renoir and Degas. Most museums in Paris have a cafe or lots of other places nearby to have a meal or snack.
From Musee d’Orsay, you can easily walk through Tuileries Gardens to reach our next attraction, the Louvre. It’s worth noting that Les Jardin Tuileries is a beautiful convivial garden with beautiful gardens and a great atmosphere, a tourist attraction in its own right and a great place to relax and pass away the time)
Note: The Passerelle Leopold-Sefar-Senghor is a footbridge that links the Musee D’orsay to Tuileries Gardens.
(4) The Louvre
Website: https://www.louvre.fr/en
Most people pop in just to see the Mona Lisa painting, I love the Ancient Egyptian collection too. The Pyramid entrance has the longest queues so try the other entrances or get an e-ticket online beforehand which speeds the queue through the Pyramid entrance. If you’re not that into art, just take killer photos outside.
There’s a lovely restaurant in Place Dauphine that’s close by on an island on the River Seine called “Le Caveau du Palais” that’s a nice place for a meal with great vibes for dinner for example.
If you’re into art, make a day of it as there are endless amazing collections. In addition to Musee d’Orsay, also consider Musee Quai Branly.
The following museums are also popular:
Le Grand Palais, le Petit Palais, Musée De Picasso and Musee de l’orangerie.
(5) The Parisian Banks of River Seine
The River Seine – that seemingly endless stretch of river, surrounding riverbank, pavements and bridges that run along the heart of Paris and from the English Channel almost entirely across France for 482 miles/ 775 km to be exact. Paris was in fact, built around the River.
It’s always pleasant to take a walk alongside the Seine pavement banks or the different bridges (Ponts) themselves, each one has a different character. I particularly like Pont Neuf for beauty, and Pont des Arts for vibes – formerly the famous love lock bridge, the padlocks placed by lovers from around the world have now been removed as they were weighing down the bridge, but there are often live musicians.
I love Pont Alexandre II – for the beautiful status and gold Angels etc. You could also Cycle, Jog around the seine and its bridges or take a river cruise in “bateaux mouches” along the Seine itself (a great way to gain some spatial awareness of how the city is laid out, as the cruise guide will walk you through the locations of the key landmarks) or have a picnic at Quai d”Orsay overlooking the Seine, just by Musee D’Orsay.
(6) Notre Dam
Now it almost burnt down we won’t ever take this Gothic architectural masterpiece for granted ever again. An ancient cathedral immortalised in Victor Hugo’s classic literary classic “ The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, this landmark is popular all year round for those wanting to see the stained glass and gargoyle statues on the arches.
See the Arches and walk through Jardin des Tuileries and Avenue des Champs-Élysées in between. If you’re not a walker hop on a tourist bus or take an Uber down.
(7) Marais
A quintessentially Parisian neighbourhood full of cafes, restaurants and bars; a good place to have lunch and a wander. The Place des Vosges is a charming park-like square of greenery and fountains (the oldest in Paris) that is often bustling with people when the weather is nice. If you’re a foodie you may wish to visit Le Marche Des Enfants Rouges at 29 Rue De Bretagne in Marais, it’s one of the most visited markets in Paris since 1615, listed as a historic monument since 1982. A hidden gem loved by locals. There are lots of great restaurants and cafes nearby in Marais. Foodies may also wish to try a Pastry or general food tour.
(8) Sacre Coeur
Paul Abadie designed the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur). It was constructed between 1875 and 1914. The building was completed in 1923. The Basilica sits on top of the hill of Montmartre and is one of the highest natural points in the city, overlooking all of Paris and providing an impressive vista over the city.
Whilst you’re at Sacre Coeur, head to the side of the church and have a wander through Montmartre which has an artsy village vibe. The Place du Tertre is a well-known square where you often find street painters and musicians. The Rue De L’abreuvoir was once voted the most scenic street in Paris. I didn’t realise when I took some photos there on a recent wander around Paris. It has a timeless quaint feel with a beautiful pink and cream house and cobbled pavements. Google Maps should help you towards our next pick, the Wall of Love also in Montmartre.
(9) The Wall of Love
Situated in Place de Abbesses, just by a charming carousel and some bakeries across the square, the Wall of Love can be found in the small Jehan Rictus garden square in Montmartre, just by the Abbesses metro. Every inch of the blue “Wall of Love” is filled with “ I love you” written in white in almost every major language known to man, over 300 languages and dialects. I feel they could improve on the African language coverage. I did spot Swahili however.
(10) The famous Parisian Vaudeville shows
If you get a chance, Go to see one of the well-known vaudeville shows in Paris. They include Le Lido, La Folies Bergere and of course the legendary Moulin Rouge. Google and Book one of these if time and budget allow for a stereotypical tourist experience. Note: Moulin Rouge is in the Montmartre area so it’s a good one to try if you’re already visiting Sacre Coeur or the Wall of Love, then you may wish to end your evening at the Moulin Rouge. For a short trip, it’s important to optimise your trip by visiting attractions clustered in the same area.
(11) Versailles Palace
The Palace of legendary fame, the seat of government and home of the Great King Louis XIII and subsequent King Louis after, after the King moved the official centre of government and official residence of the Monarch from the Louvre to Versailles. Versailles is more than a complex of Chateaus, sitting over 800 hectares, the sprawling estate boasts stunning gardens, fountains, buildings and palatial quarters that now house additional works of art as well as some wings of original rooms with delicate furnishing, finery, chandeliers and precious gems. It’s all quite grand, The hall of mirrors is a beautiful highlight. Located about a 25/30 minute drive from Central Paris, it’s half to a full day’s experience just outside the city. If you have kids or enjoy the outdoors another interesting day out is to visit the Bois de Boulogne – a huge public park on the western edge of the 16th Arrondissement near the suburb of Boulogne-BIllancourt, also outside central Paris or even further out to the forest of Fontainebleau. In all cases, Uber, taxis and a reliable train system allow for ease of travel within an hour or thereabouts traffic permitting.
(12) L’Opera
Opera Garnier is the stunning Paris Opera House, a masterful building designed by Charles Garnier. It was built from 1861 to 1875 at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III.
The building is masterful with striking gold cherubim all over it, grand pillars and elements of Baroque and Renaissance architecture with some of the classicism of Palladio. The Opera House was famously immortalised in The Phantom of the Opera as the Opera of the book’s title and the setting of the book.
One of Paris’s landmarks and arguably the most famous Opera house in the world, the surrounding area is called L’Opera about the Opera house. Galerie Lafayette and Le Printemps shopping centres are just opposite, a stone’s throw away, a must-visit if you love shopping and are in the area.
(15) Go Shopping
In addition to the department stores mentioned, the Samaritaine Department store opened its doors again after a 16-year renovation process Wed 16th June 2021, a welcome re-addition to the Parisian shopping scene.
The Stunning Art Nouveau building is staffed by 700 employees and was visited by President Emmanuel Macron and Bernard Arnaul the CEO of LVMH luxury retail empire and one of France’s most prominent businessmen and billionaires. Place Vendome has some great designers and fine jewellery shops. Rue du Faubourg St Honore is known for its divine high-end shops and boutiques. Rue de Georges V and Rue de Rivoli also have some shops.
Planning Tips
- Purchase museum tickets online to skip queues.
- Consider a Paris Pass for discounted entry to attractions and public transport.
- Utilise the metro system for easy access to most areas.
Conclusion
With its timeless beauty, rich history, and boundless charm, Paris invites you to embark on a journey like no other. Whether you’re captivated by the artistic wonders of the Louvre, enchanted by the romantic allure of Sacre Coeur, or simply savouring the flavours of French cuisine in Marais, Paris promises an experience that will stay with you forever.
Dive deeper into the heart of the City of Light with our comprehensive guide, you can easily download it at: https://lyblglobal.com/paris-travel-guides.
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We offer insider recommendations, personalised itineraries, curated selection of immersive tours and activities. and exclusive deals on top attractions. From skipping the queues at the Eiffel Tower to indulging in VIP shopping experiences, our guides ensure that every moment in Paris is nothing short of extraordinary.
So why wait? Plan your Parisian adventure with us today and discover the magic that awaits in this enchanting city. Regardless of what your preferences are, you have no reason not to experience everything that this fun and unique city has to offer. Bon voyage!
