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5 Absolutely Must-See Sights in Paris

Paris is one of the most-visited cities in the world. There is history and culture on literally every street of this city.  The city is jam-packed full of some of the best museums, theatres, restaurants, and monuments throughout the land.  It’s often hard to know what are the absolutely must-see sights in Paris.  We’ve visited the City of Romance a handful of times and these are our must-see sights in Paris.

5 Must-See Sights in Paris

The Louvre Museum

Obviously, if you’re heading to Paris you absolutely must stop by  the Musée du Louvre.  This world-renowned museum houses the largest collection of art in the world. It has approximately 380,000 objects ranging from pre-history to the 21st century. Don’t plan on seeing it all, thought. It would take you about 200 days to see each of the 35,000 works of art on display- if you only spent 30 seconds to see each piece!  

Before you head into the Louvre, you should have a game plan.  Know exactly what pieces of you want to see and where they are located.  Check out all of our tips on visiting this massive museum.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Jardin des Tuileries.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most-recognized structures in the world.  The tower is nearly 81 stories high and is the tallest structure in Paris. The upper platform is 906 feet above ground making it the highest observation deck (open to the public) in the European Union.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the daytime or during the nighttime will give you two totally different experiences.  Personally, I think visiting during the daytime gives you the best photos of the city.  You’re able to capture the skyline and make out what you’re seeing.  That being said, the views from the observation tower in the evening are breathtaking. 

While you’re in the area, check out the Statue of Liberty Paris on the Île aux Cygnes.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral that dates back to 1163.  Even if you aren’t a religious person, a visit to the cathedral is an absolute must!  The sculptures and the stained glass are stunning both inside and outside.  The interior has filled with remarkable artwork and ornate decor that will make your draw-drop.

The interior of the cathedral is currently closed after the 2019 fire.  The goal is to finish the restorations before the 2024 Olympics.  Even still, it is worth stopping by.

While you’re in the area, check out the Square Jean XXIII, Point Zero, and Sainte-Chapelle.

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is an avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.  It stretches 1.2 miles long and is 230 feet wide running between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle .  The avenue is known for its upscale shopping, cafes, theatres, and the annual Bastille Day military parade.

Even if you aren’t into upscale shopping, you  should definitely make a point to stop by.  This avenue is home to the Arc de Triomphe, the chaotic Charles de Gaulle roundabout, the Place de la Concorde, and  the Jardins des Champs-Élysées.

Pro-Tip:  The Champs-Élysées can easily be paired with the Louvre.  Start at the Louvre, walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, visit the Place de la Concorde, and stroll up the Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe.  From there, grab the Metro or RER to head to your next destination.  

Musée d'Orsay

Across the Seine from the Jardins des Tuileries is the Musée d’Orsay.  Housed in a former railway station, this museum is known for its collection of impressionist works by French artists like Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Monet, and many more.  As much as I love the Louvre, I have to admit, I prefer the Musée d’Orsay.  The museum is a lot less daunting and there are fewer crowds.

Pro-Tip:  Visit the museum’s upper balcony for impressive views of  the Sacré-Coeur Basilica through the museum’s massive transparent clock.

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Europe France Paris

The World-Famous Champs-Élysées

Did you know that the world-famous Champs-Élysées is visited by about 300,000 people each day?  People flock here from all over the world to admire the monuments, take in the sights, enjoy a shopping spree, grab a scrumptious meal, or participate in the special events that take place here.  The Champs-Élysées is an avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.  It stretches 1.2 miles long and is 230 feet wide running between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle .  The avenue is known for its upscale shopping, cafes, theatres, and the annual Bastille Day military parade.

History of the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées dates back to 1667 when it was designed by a French landscape architect, André Le Nôtre, whom also designed the gardens of Versailles.  The original design was called the Grande Promenade and featured a wide promenade lined with elm trees and symmetrical flower beds.  

During the 1850s through 1870s, Napoleon III reconstructed the French capital.  He demolished the medieval city-center and replaced it with wide tree-lined boulevards.

Throughout history, the avenue has been the site for many military parades.  Every year on Bastille Day (July 14), the largest military parade in Europe  makes its way down the avenue.

The Avenue Today...

It is estimated that more than 3,000 vehicles per hour drive down the bustling avenue.  This has led to nitrogen dioxide levels twice as high as the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization.  

In 2021, the Mayor of Paris announced that the city would be transforming the avenue into “an extraordinary garden” that would add more green space, pedestrian space, and traffic in half.  There are also plans for a walkway that would stretch between the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde, and the Tuileries Gardens.  The project will not begin until the 2021 Summer Olympics have taken place in Paris.  It is expected that the project will be completed by 2030.

In the meantime, cars are now banned from the avenue on the first Sunday of each month to help cut down on the air pollution.  The avenue is even more enjoyable when it is car free!

Highlights of the Champs-Élysées

Even if you aren’t into upscale shopping, a trip to this popular avenue is a must while you’re in Paris.  And honestly, there are several affordable shops and restaurants lining the street, as well.  In fact, there are more burger joints than I can count!

There are two schools of thoughts as to where you should start.  Some say you should start at the Place de la Concorde and walk towards the Arc de Triomphe so that you get the full view of the arch as you walk down the avenue (this involves walking uphill).  Others suggest that you start at the Arc and walk downhill to the Place de la Concorde.  Personally, I prefer walking towards the Arc.  I suggest starting at the Place de la Concorde, walking to the Arc and then taking the metro back.

 

  • Arc de Triomphe– an iconic triumphal arch built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories.  
  • Shopping
  • Dining
  • Jardins des Champs-Élysées– formal gardens landscaped by André Le Notre in 1667.

Where is the Champs-Élysées located?

The Champs-Élysées is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.

Metro Stops:

Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12)

Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (lines 1, 13)

Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9)

George V (line 1)

Charles de Gaulle Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6).

The nearest RER station is Charles de Gaulle Étoile.

What is There to do Nearby?

  • Musée de l’Orangerie- a 20th-century European art museum featuring 8 of Monet’s water lilies.

  • Tuileries Garden- a 17th century formal garden decorated with statues.

  • Statue of Joan of Arc Paris- a gilded statue of Joan of Arc.

  • Louvre- the world’s largest art collection.

  • Musee d’Orsay– an art museum featuring 19th and 20th century European art.
  • Sainte-Chapelle– a 13th century Gothic chapel.

  • Notre Dame Cathedral– 13th century cathedral with flying buttresses and gargoyles.

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Europe France Paris UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Magnificent Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps one of the most recognizable structures in the world.  Can you believe that when it was constructed it was meant to be temporary?  This wrought-iron lattice tower on the Camp de Mars in Paris was built for the 1889 World’s Fair.  The original plan was to tear it down after the grand event- but clearly that never happened.  Today, it is the most-visited paid monument in entire world!  In 2015, more than 6.91 million people ascended to the top.  More than 250 million people have visited the tower since it was completed in 1889.

The Eiffel Tower

The tower is nearly 81 stories high and is the tallest structure in Paris.  During its construction (between 1887 and 1889) it surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world.  It held that title for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building was constructed in New York City.

The tower has three levels that are accessible to visitors.  There are restaurants on the first and second levels and an observation deck on the upper level.  The upper platform is 906 feet above ground making it the highest observation deck (open to the public) in the European Union.

Visitors can climb from the ground level to the first level (300 steps), and then climb the stairs to the second level (an additional 300 steps).   Although there is a staircase to the top level, it’s usually only accessible by elevator.

One of my favorite memories from Paris is racing from the top observation deck to the ground floor via the staircase (we went downwards because I’m no fool!).

Every evening, as the sun sets on the  city, the Eiffel Tower illuminates and gives off a romantic golden glow.   There is also a beacon located at the top of the tower that lights up, drawing visitors towards this iconic structure.  

At the top of the hour, the Eiffel Tower puts on an impressive twinkling light display.  There two versions of this nightly show.  Every hour leading up to 1 AM, you’ll see the twinkling lights and the beacon lit up for five minutes.  At 1 AM, the beacon gets turned off the and sparkling lights dance for 10 minutes.  The final light show has always been my favorite!

Should I Visit During the Day or Night?

Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the daytime or during the nighttime will give you two totally different experiences.  Personally, I think visiting during the daytime gives you the best photos of the city.  You’re able to capture the skyline and make out what you’re seeing.  That being said, the views from the observation tower in the evening are breathtaking.  Honestly, when we visit Paris we make an effort to visit the Eiffel Tower both during the day and at night.  You can never visit the Eiffel Tower too many times!

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased online or at the tower itself.  We strongly suggest buying your tickets online to avoid the long lines.  On average around 20,000 people visit this site each day!

Where is the Eiffel Tower Located?

The nearest metro station is Bir-Hakeim and the nearest RER station is Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel.

The tower itself is located at the intersection of the quai Branly and the Pont d’Iéna.  The 15th arrondissement, known as Vaugirard, is situated on the left bank of the River Seine. 

What is There to Do Nearby?

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 15th arrondissement.    Other points of interest in this neighborhood include:

  • Tour Montparnasse
  • Carousel of the Eiffel Tower
  • Statue of Liberty by Bartholdi in the Île aux Cygnes
  • André Citroën Park with the Ballon de Paris
  • Bir-Hakeim bridge spanning the Seine

Outside of the 15h arrondissement you’ll find:

  • Arc de Triomphe 
  • Champs-Élysées
  • Place de la Concorde 
  • Hôtel des Invalides
  • Rodin Museum
  • Notre Dame
  • Luxembourg Gardens

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Europe France UNESCO World Heritage Site Versailles

The Stunning Palace of Versailles

Versailles is known for being one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.  It is a harmonious mixture of architecture, history, art, and perfectly designed gardens. 

Each year, more than 10 million people flock from all around the world to gaze at its grandeur.  In fact,  is the second-most visited monument in the  Île-de-France just behind the Louvre, and amazingly ahead of the Eiffel Tower.  

The History of Versailles

Future King Louis XIII grew up hunting in the forest and meadows of Versailles. He, and other royals, would hunt for deer, pheasants, boar, and other game. In 1623, the king decided to build a small hunting lodge so he could comfortably rest after a long day of hunting. For years, Versailles served as a retreat for the royals.

Over the years, there were several additions to the hunting chateau. In 1682, Louis XIV decided to leave Paris and his Palace at the Louvre behind and make Versailles his permanent residence.

The palace has been the venue for many historical events including the Peace of Paris (1783), the Proclamation of the German Empire, and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

Today, Versailles is a historical monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is most known for its opulent decor, extravagant Hall of Mirrors, Royal Opera, ornate royal apartments, and lavish gardens.

Palace Highlights

Louis XIV’s Grand Apartments

Seven rooms make up Louis XIV’s Grand Apartments.  Considering this guy was known as the Sun King, it’s probably no surprise that his chambers are full of glitz, glam, and, of course, gold.  

The rooms include The Room of Abundance and the Hercules, Venus, Diana Mars, Mercury, and Apollo Rooms. 

The DIana Salon once held a billiard table and seating so that spectators could watch the Sun King play.  There were even two platforms next to the table for women to stand on and cheer him on.  

The Room of Abundance led to the Cabinet of Curios where Louis XIV displayed his collection of precious jewels and rare objects.

The Salon of Mercury was where the king rested his head at night.  The bed that is currently in the room is a replicat of the original commissioned by King Louis-Philippe when he turned the palace into a museum.

Hall of Mirrors

Of course, no visit to the palace would be complete without a glimpse at the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces).  The Hall of Mirrors is the most famous room in the entire palace.  It is just over 245 feet long and features 357 mirrors. It was built to replace a large terrace that once opened up onto the gardens.  The terrace connected the King and Queens apartments which was exposed to the elements.  Just think, this fancy schmancy hall was built just to keep the king’s wig dry on a rainy night!

The room pays tribute to the political, economic, and artistic success of France.  The political successes are showcased via 30 painted compositions on the vaulted ceiling.  The economic success  is flaunted by the sheer number and size of the 357 mirrors n the hall.  Mirrors were the ultimate status symbol back in the day.  The artistic success is shown in more ways than just the ceiling.  It is also highlighted by the gilded bronze statues.

The Gardens

Louis XIV was quite the outdoor enthusiast and considered the gardens of Versailles equally as important as the palace.  This man literally moved mountains (well hills) to create the garden of his dreams.  Hills were flattened, forests were relocated, entire marshes were drained, and thousands of men labored for 40 years to create the gardens we see today.

The gardens are well-known for their fountains which in retrospect is probably a good thing considering supplying water for these fountains was once a huge problem for the government.  The palace sits 490 ft above sea level and the nearest body of water is the Seine River, 6 miles away.  Engineers had to construct a series of paddle wheels, 259 pumps, and reservoirs just to make these things work.

 

Where is the Palace of Versailles Located?

Versaille is only about 9 miles outside of Paris, making it a perfect option for a day trip.  The easiest way to get from Paris to Versailles is by train.  Take the RER (Line C) train, which departs from Metro stations in the center of Paris and arrives at the Versailles  Château Rive Gauche station.  The ride takes about an hour.

Another option is the SNCF Train from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to the Versailles Chantiers station.  The ride takes about 20 minutes.  From here, it’s about a 25 minute walk to the palace.

Address: 

Place d’Armes
78000 Versailles
France

Ticket Information

Versailles has a tendency of getting extremely crowded.  Around 10 million people visit the site each year- over 27,000 a day!  If you purchase your ticket in advance, it helps cut down on the wait time to get in.

Visiting Information

Palace Hours 9 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays)

Gardens 8 am to 6 pm

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Europe France Paris UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Louvre- The World’s Largest Art Museum

The Louvre is hands down one of my favorite places to visit in Paris. It is the largest art museum in the world. In fact, it would take you about 200 days to see each of the 35,000 works of art on display- if you only spent 30 seconds to see each piece!  

In 2019 (prior to COVID), the museum saw 9.6 million visitors, making it the most visited museum in the world!

History of The Louvre

The Three Graces- The Louvre

The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, which was constructed in the late 12th to 13th century.  The structure began as a small fortress and later converted to the primary residence for the French Kings.  Each king added onto the castle making it bigger and bigger as time progressed. 

Then, along came King Louis XIV who decided that the Louvre was too small.  Therefore, he chose the Palace of Versailles as his residence. 

In 1682, the building began transitioning into the museum it is today.  It was primarily used to display the royal collection of art, including ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.

During the French Revolution, the National Assembly declared the the Louvre should be used as a museum to showcase the nation’s masterpieces.  The museum opened in August 1793 with a collection of 537 paintings.

Where is the Louvre Located?

The Louvre is located in the heart of Paris. It is on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city’s 1st arrondissement. 

Address:  Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Metro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7) and Pyramides (line 14)

The Collection

The Louvre Through the Pyramid

The museum is the largest art museum in the world.  It has approximately 380,000 objects ranging from pre-history to the 21st century.  The collections are broken down into the following categories:

  • Egyptian Antiquities 
  • Near Eastern Antiquities
  • Greek, Etruscan and Roman
  • Islamic Art
  • Sculptures
  • Decorative Arts
  • Paintings
  • Prints and Drawings

Egyptian Antiquities

This expansive collection includes over 50,000 pieces including artifacts dating as far back as 4,000 BC.  It is among the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities.  

The collection is guarded by the Large Sphinx (c. 2000 BC) and spans more than 20 rooms.  The art, papyrus scrolls, mummies, tools, clothing, jewelry, weapons, and musical instruments are some of the most popular items in the museum.

Near Eastern Antiquities

Despite the age of some of the pieces in this collection, this is actually the second newest department in the museum.  The collection features several pieces that were uncovered during archaeological expeditions during the mid-1800s.  

Greek, Etruscan, and Roman

This is probably my favorite collection in the entire museum.  It is also one of the oldest and most visited collections. It features pieces from the Mediterranean region dating from the Neolithic Period (10,000–4,500 BCE)  to the 6th century.  

The collection was originally focused around sculptures like Venus de Milo.  Some other popular pieces include “City Gates” sarcophagus, and the Winged Victory.

Sleeping Hermaphroditus is one of our favorite pieces in this collection.

Islamic Art

This is the museum’s newest collection is being marketed as spanning “thirteen centuries and three continents”.  The collection features textiles, ceramics, glassworks, metalware, wood, ivory, and more.  

Sculptures

This department focuses on work created before 1850- but does not include Etruscan, Greek, or Roman art.  All works that were created after 1850 have been moved to  Musée d’Orsay.  

The department is split into two different exhibition spaces.  The French collection is housed in the Richelieu Wing, and all other works are showcased in the Denon wing.

Decorative Arts

These works are located on the first floor of the Richelieu wing.  It features vases, bronzes, stained glass, and other decorative pieces.

Paintings

Of course, what would an art museum be without paintings?  The Louvre is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world.  Nearly two-thirds of the collection are French artists, and more than 1,200 of the paintings were done by Northern Europeans.  It also includes masterpieces by Raphael, da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

Our Favorite Pieces:

  • The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault
  • Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix
  • The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David
  • Portrait of an old man and his grandson by Domenico Ghirlandaio
  • Baltasar de Castiglione by Raphael
Of course, this is also the home to the world-famous “Mona Lisa”.

Prints and Drawings

The prints and drawings department encompasses works on paper.  It includes drawings, sketches, prints, and books.  

How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit

Research the Louvre’s collection and decide what pieces you must see. 

Remember, the collection is massive, you can’t possibly see it all in one visit.  Focus on which pieces you are dying to see and plan your day from there.  

Use the Right Entrance

There are multiple entry points to the museum.  Some of them are much busier than others.  To avoid the long lines, not only should you purchase your tickets in advance, but you should absolutely avoid the I.M. Pei Pyramid Entrance. 

Instead, use the Carrousel du Louvre Entrance.  There is typically just a very small line at this entrance and there are multiple ticket machines in the lobby- making buying a ticket a breeze.

This entrance is an underground entrance accessible from the Metro Line 1 to the Palais Royale-Musee du Louvre stop or from 99 Rue de Rivoli. 

Learn the Layout

Even with a map (which you should absolutely pick up when you enter the museum), you may get lost.  The museum is a U-Shape divided into three wings: Richelieu, Denon, and Sully.  Each of these wings has 4 floors.  The Louvre’s official website has an interactive map that is really helpful. 

The Richelieu wing is most known for the collection of decorative arts including the apartments of Napoleon III.

The Denon Wing is where you’ll find the most-famous paintings, including Mona Lisa.  

The Sully Wing houses their expansive statue collection, including the Venus de Milo.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, hit up the Denon and Sully Wings.

 

Ticket & Visiting Hours

Tickets for The Louvre can be purchased directly from their website.  Standard tickets are 17 Euros in advance or 15 Euros the day of.  Buying tickets in advance saves you from having to wait in line to buy the tickets and a security line.

The museum is free for visitors 18 and under.  

The Louvre is free on the first Saturday of the month from 6 PM until 9:45 PM- which means it gets crazy busy!

The Louvre is open every day but Tuesday from 9am-6pm. On Wednesday’s and Friday’s, things get wild and the museum stays open until 9:45pm.

What Is There to do Nearby?

  • Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
  • Jardin des Tuileries
  • Musée de l’Orangerie
  • Place de la Concorde
  • Champs-Élysées 
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Grand Palais
  • Notre Dame
  • Sainte-Chapelle
  • Latin Quarter

Special Tours

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