Paris is one of the most visited and romantic cities in the world, which is no wonder! This article introduces the must-see attractions!
The capital of France is located on the banks of the Seine River. Paris has played a significant role over two millennia and continues to be one of the world’s leading economic and cultural centers, among the four most important cities globally.
Table of Contents
Paris attractions
Eiffel Tower
Naturally, this is the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind about Paris! The tower standing on the banks of the Seine is one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
It is named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who owned the designing company. It was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and was the tallest structure in the world until 1930. The tower’s total height is 324 meters, with the tower itself being 300 meters tall, topped with a 24-meter television antenna.
It’s worth waiting for sunset in the nearby Champ de Mars, when they start to light it up. A great experience!
The tower has several levels, with the 3rd level being the highest (276 meters high), which can be reached by a lift from the 2nd level.
Prices, opening hours, and online ticket booking are available here!
Access: by metro line 6 to Bir-Hakeim, line 8 to École Militaire, line 9 to Trocadero; or by RER C train to the Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel stop.
Champs-Élysées
It’s definitely worth walking along Paris’s famous avenue, where you can encounter numerous world-famous brands. The road runs between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe.
Access: the metro line 1 runs underneath the avenue, with Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and Concorde as the two endpoints.
Arc de Triomphe
The Triumphal Arch stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, another iconic structure of Paris.
Napoleon ordered the building to proclaim the glory of the French army. Since the emperor was a fan of ancient Rome, it was modeled on the similar monument of Roman ruler Titus. It was not completed until Napoleon’s fall, finishing in 1836.
The Arc de Triomphe bears numerous inscriptions, partly commemorating about 158 locations of Napoleonic battles and, in accordance with the emperor’s last will, all 660 generals of the era. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where an eternal flame burns.
Its top serves as an observation deck. Free for EU citizens under 26! All information here!
Access: by metro lines 1, 2, 6, and RER A train to the Charles De Gaulle-Étoile stop.
Place de la Concorde
One of Paris’s main hubs, from where the Champs-Élysées starts.
It was once the scene of revolutionary bloodshed. Today, the American embassy and the Crillon luxury hotel are located here, offering a splendid view towards the Arc de Triomphe.
The square’s defining element is the column erected by King Louis Philippe of France. It is the counterpart of the obelisk standing in front of the Luxor Temple, donated to France by the Egyptian viceroy, Mohammed Ali, in 1829.
Next to the obelisk stand two fountains – symbols of river and sea navigation –, and statues of France’s eight leading cities surround them.
Access: by metro lines 1, 8, 12 to the Concorde stop.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais is one of the most significant buildings on the Champs-Élysées, notable even from the outside.
It was built for the 1900 World’s Fair as a monumental symbol of art and technology. Its architectural style is characteristic of the Beaux-Arts movement, blending modern architectural and artistic trends of the time with classical elements.
Its magnificent façade, huge glass roof, and elegant wrought iron structures make it particularly remarkable. The large glass dome above the main entrance and the fine decorative elements reflect the spirit of the Belle Époque era.
The building is divided into three main sections: the Palais de la Découverte (Discovery Palace), the Grand Exhibition Hall, and the National Galleries, which host various art and science exhibitions.
Access: by metro lines 1, 13 to the Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau stop.
Petit Palais
The Petit Palais is opposite the Grand Palais, in many ways, its smaller counterpart.
It was also built for the 1900 World’s Fair to showcase arts and crafts. Today, it houses the Paris Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris).
Its collection is extensive, ranging from antiquity to the end of the 19th century, including paintings, sculptures, art objects, and graphics. It features French and European masterpieces, as well as masterpieces of ancient and medieval art.
Notre-Dame
Paris’s most famous Gothic cathedral rises with its large size and beautiful decoration on one of the small islands in the Seine.
The cathedral is a masterpiece of early Gothic architecture. Its foundation stone was laid by Pope Alexander III in 1163, and construction continued until 1345. Napoleon I was crowned emperor here in 1804.
Notre-Dame is built of stone, with the cross-vaulted solution typical of large Gothic medieval churches. Its three richly decorated portals and the equally ornate stained glass windows are significant decorations of the cathedral. The great rose windows made of multi-colored glass are also important elements. Many consider its 113-register, five-manual organ to be one of the best instruments in the world.
The building was severely damaged in a fire on April 15, 2019. After years of work, it will be open again in December 2024!
Access: by metro line 4 to the Cité stop.
Sainte-Chapelle
Located a few hundred meters from Notre-Dame, its tower is visible from afar. The 13th-century Gothic chapel is a popular tourist attraction for its interior.
The single-nave chapel is famous for two peculiarities. One is the two-level solution, a rare example in medieval church architecture. The other is the upper chapel’s large rose window and 15 huge, stained-glass panels, depicting Old Testament scenes, events from the life of Christ, Saint Helena, Saint Louis, and the Apocalypse.
All information here!
Sacré Coeur
North of the city center, the imposing basilica stands on the city’s highest hill.
The building was erected in memory of those who fell in the war against the Prussians, and the location is no coincidence (Montmartre means „Martyrs’ Hill”).
The church has five domes, and its interior is covered with marble and mosaics. The building is 85 meters wide, 35 meters long, the dome is 55 meters high and 16 meters wide. The highest point of the dome is 83 meters. Bronze statues of Joan of Arc and Saint Louis stand on either side of the main entrance.
Entrance is free!
Access: by metro line 2 to Anvers, line 12 to Abbesses. If you want to avoid stairs, a funicular operates to the square in front of the basilica.
Les Invalides
Not far from the Eiffel Tower, this complex contains monuments and museums related to France’s military history.
One of the most important parts is the Dôme des Invalides. The double church on the complex’s main axis was the venue for masses held for former soldiers.
Napoleon is buried under the dome. His sarcophagus, as well as his characteristic hat and coat, can be viewed for an entrance fee.
Entrance to the building’s main courtyard, the upper floor, and the Dôme des Invalides church is free!
Access: by metro lines 8, 13 to the Invalides stop.
Panthéon
A building similar to the Roman Pantheon, it serves as the resting place for famous French individuals.
Originally intended as a church by King Louis XV, in honor of Paris’s patron saint, Saint Genevieve, it became the burial place for France’s greats from 1885. It houses the remains of Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Voltaire, among others.
Architecturally, it combines the colonnades of the Louvre and the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London with Gothic structural solutions. The hall of Corinthian columns closely resembles the similar structural unit of the Roman Pantheon.
All information here!
Access: by metro line 10 to Cardinal Lemoine, then 250 m on foot.
Opera
The Palais Garnier has been operational since 1875, a neobaroque building that can accommodate 2200 spectators.
At the entrance of the theater, between the columns, bronze busts of famous composers (e.g., Mozart, Rossini, Auber, Beethoven) can be seen.
Access: by metro lines 3, 7, 8 to the Opera stop.
Madeleine Church
This church receives less attention, but it is worth seeing both inside and out.
Napoleon had it built after the Battle of Jena in 1806, but it was only completed in 1842. It shows the influence of the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, southern France, and even the Theseion in Athens, built during the time of Pericles.
Its bronze door is adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the Ten Commandments. Notable in the richly decorated marble and gold interior is the dome fresco, and valuable sculptures can also be seen.
Access: by metro lines 8, 12, 14 to Madeleine stop.
Colonne Vendôme
This column is a monument to the glory of the Napoleonic wars, especially commemorating the victory at Austerlitz in 1805.
It is 44 meters high, and bronze melted from cannons captured during the Battle of Austerlitz was used for its construction. At one time, a statue of Napoleon, dressed as a Roman deity, stood at the top of the column.
It was modeled after the ancient Column of Trajan and is covered in spiral bas-reliefs depicting important events from Napoleon’s campaigns.
The square is surrounded by elegant buildings, including famous brand stores and the Ministry of Justice.
Access: 450 meters on foot from the Opera.
City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
The central building of Parisian administration, definitely worth a visit.
Built in the 16th century but reconstructed in the 19th century after a fire. It’s a stunning example of the neo-Renaissance architectural style, with a richly decorated façade adorned with statues and bas-reliefs, paying tribute to historical figures of Paris and significant events in France.
The interior is also uniquely rich in decorations, including frescoes, carvings, and spectacular stained glass windows.
It is open to the public on a limited basis, with access possible during certain exhibitions and open days.
Access: by metro lines 1, 11 to Hôtel de Ville stop.
Statue of Liberty
This is a small-scale replica of the original Statue of Liberty in New York.
The 11.5-meter-tall statue is located on the southwestern tip of the Allée des Cygnes, an artificial embankment island in the Seine, not far from the Eiffel Tower. It is oriented so that its face looks towards New York.
Access: by metro line 10 to Charles Michels stop, then 550 meters on foot.
Moulin Rouge
The famous cabaret inspired two films of the same name and still hosts performances today (though quite expensive). Many famous singers and stars have performed on its stage.
Access: by metro line 2 to Blanche stop; line 12 to Pigalle stop and then 200 meters.
Jardin du Luxembourg
One of Paris’s most popular and largest parks, great for walking and relaxing.
It spans over 25 hectares and combines different styles: English, French classical, and natural. It is adorned with numerous statues, fountains, and flower beds, including the famous Medici Fountain. The park features a large artificial pond, the Grand Bassin.
On its northern side stands the Luxembourg Palace, today the seat of the French Senate.
Access: by metro lines 4, 10 to Odéon stop, then 300 meters on foot; RER B train to Luxembourg stop.
Attractions near Paris
Disneyland
If traveling with children, this is an unmissable attraction among the sights of Paris! Many accounts describe the indescribable experience for children meeting Mickey Mouse or seeing the pink castle.
Eurodisney consists of two parts. One park is Disneyland Park, more suitable for younger children. The other is Walt Disney Studio Park, where older children can also enjoy themselves. Additionally, there’s Disneyland Villages, where shops and restaurants await visitors.
For children, especially the younger ones, Disneyland Park will be of most interest as it brings to life the characters and buildings of the fairy tale world. It is divided into five areas and has a total of 39 attractions! The iconic pink Sleeping Beauty Castle is located in this park.
Entrance to all rides is free with the purchase of an entry ticket! Prices and all other information on the official website!
Access:
- Get off at Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, from there it’s a 2-minute walk to the entrance. From downtown Paris, it’s a 35-minute trip by the RER A suburban train;
- From Charles-de-Gaulle airport, Disneyland is very easily accessible by TGV, only a 9-minute journey.
Versailles
Although about 17 km west of the center, its famous palace and park are definitely worth the visit. It played an important governmental role but has long functioned as a museum.
Its most famous room is the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces), which is open to visitors. The Grand Trianon is also located here, where the treaty that significantly reduced Hungary’s territory was signed on June 4, 1920.
Access:
- By RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche terminal station (in zone 4);
- or by bus 171 to Chateau de Versailles terminal station (starting from Pont de Sévres metro station on the city side).
