Paris, the “City of Light,” is famed for its historical landmarks, world-class museums, charming neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural scene. Beyond the city limits, there are also numerous attractions that make for great day trips or excursions. Here’s a detailed list of must-visit tourist attractions in and around Paris:

1. Eiffel Tower

• The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can take an elevator or climb stairs to reach the various viewing platforms, offering panoramic views of Paris. The top level provides breathtaking sights, especially at sunset or when the city lights up at night. The tower is particularly magical in the evening when it sparkles with thousands of lights.

2. Louvre Museum

• The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and a historic landmark in Paris. Its collection includes masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. The museum’s architecture, particularly the glass pyramid entrance, is iconic. The Louvre’s vast art collections span centuries and cultures, making it a must-visit for art lovers.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral

• Despite recent fire damage, the Notre-Dame Cathedral remains one of Paris’s most beloved sites. Its Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass, and famous gargoyles have inspired visitors for centuries. The restoration efforts have been monumental, and visitors can still admire its exterior and the beautiful views of the Seine.

4. Montmartre and the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur

• Montmartre is a charming neighborhood known for its bohemian past, with cobbled streets, artists, cafes, and street performers. At the top of Montmartre hill sits the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, a stunning white-domed church with magnificent mosaics inside and spectacular views of Paris from its steps and dome.

5. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

• The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world, lined with shops, theaters, and cafes. At one end of the avenue stands the Arc de Triomphe, a monumental arch commissioned by Napoleon. Visitors can climb to the top of the Arc for a spectacular view of the Champs-Élysées and Paris’s grand boulevards.

6. Palace of Versailles

• Located about 20 kilometers from Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most opulent palaces in the world. Highlights include the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, and the vast gardens adorned with fountains and sculptures. The Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Estate are also worth exploring for their historical charm.

7. Seine River Cruises

• A cruise on the Seine River offers a unique perspective on Paris’s landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. Various cruises are available, from short sightseeing tours to elegant dinner cruises. A night cruise is particularly enchanting as the city’s landmarks are beautifully illuminated.

8. Musée d’Orsay

• The Musée d’Orsay is housed in a former railway station and features an impressive collection of French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum is known for its extensive Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, including works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Renoir.

9. Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)

• This beautifully landscaped garden is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. The gardens feature fountains, sculptures, and flower beds, as well as the Luxembourg Palace, which houses the French Senate. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, strolling, or watching a puppet show at the park’s theater.

10. Sainte-Chapelle

• Located on the Île de la Cité near Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel known for its remarkable stained-glass windows. The chapel’s upper level is an awe-inspiring display of colorful glass that tells biblical stories. It’s particularly beautiful in the morning light when the windows are illuminated.

11. Panthéon

• Located in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon is a grand neoclassical building that serves as a mausoleum for notable French figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie. The building’s grand architecture, along with Foucault’s pendulum and views of Paris from its dome, make it a fascinating site.

12. Place des Vosges

• Place des Vosges is one of Paris’s oldest and most beautiful squares, located in the Marais district. The square is surrounded by historic red-brick buildings and lined with trees and fountains. Visitors can explore nearby cafes, galleries, and Victor Hugo’s former residence, which is now a museum.

13. Moulin Rouge and Pigalle District

• The Moulin Rouge, famous for its red windmill and cabaret shows, has become an icon of Paris nightlife. Located in the Pigalle district, the Moulin Rouge offers lavish performances with elaborate costumes and can-can dancers. The area around Pigalle has a lively nightlife scene and is known for its vibrant bars and cafes.

14. Opéra Garnier

• The Opéra Garnier, a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, is a beautiful opera house with grand staircases, chandeliers, and a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall. Visitors can take a guided tour of the opulent interiors or attend a ballet or opera performance to experience its world-class acoustics.

15. Musée Rodin

• Dedicated to the life and works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, the Musée Rodin is housed in a charming mansion with beautiful gardens. The museum’s collection includes famous works like The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. The garden is a tranquil space filled with sculptures and offers a peaceful respite.

16. Palais Royal and Gardens

• The Palais Royal, located near the Louvre, is a historic palace with beautiful gardens and unique art installations. The Colonnes de Buren, a modern art installation by artist Daniel Buren, features striped columns in the courtyard, creating a playful contrast with the palace’s classic architecture.

17. Disneyland Paris

• Located about 32 kilometers from Paris, Disneyland Paris is a family-friendly attraction featuring two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. It’s filled with iconic Disney rides, characters, parades, and attractions, making it a fun day trip for families and Disney fans.

18. Château de Fontainebleau

• This UNESCO-listed castle, located about an hour from Paris, is one of the largest and most beautiful in France. Fontainebleau served as a royal residence for centuries, housing French kings and emperors. Its lavish rooms, Renaissance art, and extensive gardens make it a fascinating historical site.

19. La Défense

• La Défense is Paris’s modern business district, known for its striking skyscrapers and unique architecture. The Grande Arche de la Défense, a modern take on the Arc de Triomphe, offers a viewing platform with panoramic views of the city. The district also features art installations, fountains, and shopping centers.

20. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

• This unique park in northeastern Paris is known for its dramatic landscapes, including cliffs, waterfalls, and a lake with an island. The park has scenic walking paths, a suspension bridge, and a temple perched on a hilltop offering views of Montmartre.

21. Île Saint-Louis

• Île Saint-Louis, a smaller island on the Seine, offers a quiet and picturesque escape with narrow streets, elegant buildings, and charming shops. The island is home to Berthillon, Paris’s famous ice cream shop, and features small boutiques, cafes, and beautiful views of the Seine.

22. Château de Malmaison

• Located just outside Paris, Château de Malmaison was the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his first wife, Josephine. The castle’s interiors showcase period furniture and personal artifacts from Napoleon’s life. The gardens and nearby forested areas provide a serene setting for exploring this historic estate.

23. Musée de l’Orangerie

• Located in the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l’Orangerie is home to Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies series, displayed in two oval rooms designed to immerse visitors in the art. The museum also features works by Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and other masters, making it a haven for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

24. Bois de Boulogne

• The Bois de Boulogne is one of Paris’s largest parks, offering various attractions like lakes, gardens, and walking paths. The Jardin d’Acclimatation within the park is a family-friendly amusement park with rides, playgrounds, and animal enclosures. Fondation Louis Vuitton, a contemporary art museum with striking modern architecture, is also located in the park.

25. Latin Quarter and Rue Mouffetard

• The Latin Quarter is a lively, historic neighborhood known for its universities, including the Sorbonne, and its vibrant atmosphere. Rue Mouffetard is a charming street with bustling food markets, cafes, and shops. The area is perfect for sampling French cuisine and enjoying the energy of student life.

26. Père Lachaise Cemetery

• Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, the final resting place of notable figures like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin. The cemetery is known for its beautiful monuments and mausoleums, and visitors can wander the paths to discover impressive statues and historic graves.

 

Paris offers an enchanting mix of historical, cultural, and modern attractions. Whether you’re exploring grand palaces, relaxing in beautiful gardens, or discovering hidden neighborhoods, Paris provides endless charm and memorable experiences for every traveler.