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Paris is a city that never ceases to amaze and enchant visitors with its rich history, culture, and beauty. Whether you are looking for iconic landmarks, world-class museums, or charming neighborhoods, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in the French capital. Here are some of the top sights in Paris that you should not miss.

Eiffel Tower

No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the most famous symbol of the city, the Eiffel Tower. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, this iron structure stands at 324 meters tall and offers stunning views of the city from its three levels. You can either take the elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne or a meal at the Le Jules Verne restaurant. At night, the tower sparkles with thousands of lights every hour on the hour, creating a magical spectacle.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, housing more than 35,000 artworks from various civilizations and periods. Among its treasures are the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo by Praxiteles, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace by an unknown artist. You can spend hours exploring the vast collections of paintings, sculptures, antiquities, and more, or join a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the masterpieces.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that dominates the Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine River. The cathedral was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and features two majestic towers, three rose windows, flying buttresses, and gargoyles. You can admire the intricate facade and stained glass windows from outside, or enter the cathedral to see the nave, the altar, and the relics of Sainte-Chapelle. You can also climb up to the towers for a panoramic view of Paris and a close encounter with the gargoyles.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental arch that stands at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 avenues converge. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories and honor his soldiers. The arch is decorated with reliefs and sculptures depicting scenes from French history and bears the names of generals and battles. Underneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, where an eternal flame burns. You can also ascend to the top of the arch for a sweeping view of Paris and its landmarks.

Versailles Palace

Versailles Palace is a magnificent royal residence that was built by Louis XIV in the 17th century and served as the seat of power until the French Revolution. The palace is famous for its lavish rooms, such as the Hall of Mirrors, where important treaties were signed, and the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette lived. The palace is also surrounded by splendid gardens that feature fountains, statues, groves, and canals. You can explore the palace and gardens on your own or join a guided tour that includes access to some exclusive areas.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a charming neighborhood in Paris that sits on a hill overlooking the city. It is known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere, as well as its stunning views and landmarks. Montmartre was once a village outside of Paris, where many famous artists lived and worked, such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Today, you can still find traces of their legacy in the museums, galleries, and studios that dot the area. You can also enjoy the lively cafes, bars, and restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines and entertainment. Montmartre’s main attraction is the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, a white-domed church that dominates the skyline and offers a panoramic view of Paris from its steps. You can also explore the narrow streets and squares that are full of charm and character, such as Place du Tertre, where you can see artists painting and selling their works. Montmartre is a place where you can experience the authentic and romantic side of Paris.

Musée d’Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is a museum that specializes in 19th- and early 20th-century art, especially Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. The museum is housed in a former railway station that was converted into a stunning exhibition space with a glass roof and a large clock. The museum displays more than 4,000 artworks by artists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Rodin, and many more. You can admire the paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography that capture the spirit of the era, or join a guided tour to learn more about the artistic movements and their influences.

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is a lively and historic district on the left bank of the Seine, where the Sorbonne University and other prestigious schools are located. The name comes from the fact that Latin was the language of learning in the Middle Ages. The area is full of bookshops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and theaters that cater to students and intellectuals. You can stroll along the narrow streets and discover hidden gems like the Panthéon (a neoclassical mausoleum for French luminaries), the Luxembourg Gardens (a beautiful park with a palace and a museum), and the Shakespeare and Company (a legendary English-language bookstore).

Seine River

The Seine River is the lifeline of Paris, dividing the city into two banks and offering a scenic perspective of its landmarks. You can enjoy the views of the river from its many bridges, such as the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris), the Pont des Arts (a pedestrian bridge with love locks), and the Pont Alexandre III (a ornate bridge with statues and lamps). You can also take a cruise on the river, either on a hop-on hop-off boat or on a dinner boat with live music and gourmet cuisine. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or a scooter and ride along the riverbanks, where you can find parks, playgrounds, cafes, and cultural events.

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous and elegant avenues in the world, stretching for 2 km from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle. It is lined with luxury shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, and theaters that attract tourists and locals alike. You can shop for designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, or Cartier, or enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the chic cafes or brasseries. You can also visit some of the attractions along the avenue, such as the Grand Palais (a monumental exhibition hall), the Petit Palais (a fine arts museum), and the Lido (a cabaret show).

Centre Pompidou

Centre Pompidou is a modern art museum and cultural center that stands out for its futuristic architecture and colorful pipes. It was designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers in 1977 and has become one of the most visited museums in Paris. The museum hosts one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe, featuring works by Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, Dalí, Warhol, and many more. You can admire the paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography that capture the spirit of the era, or join a guided tour to learn more about the artistic movements and their influences.

Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic jewel that was built by King Louis IX in the 13th century to house his precious relics, including the Crown of Thorns. The chapel is famous for its exquisite stained glass windows that cover almost the entire walls and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The windows create a dazzling effect of light and color that is best appreciated on a sunny day. You can also admire the delicate sculptures, paintings, and relics that adorn the chapel, or attend a classical concert in the evening.

Musée Rodin

Musée Rodin is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Auguste Rodin, one of the most influential sculptors of the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is located in the former Hotel Biron, where Rodin lived and worked for several years. The museum displays more than 6,000 sculptures by Rodin and his students, such as Camille Claudel, as well as paintings, drawings, photographs, and personal belongings. You can see some of his most famous works, such as The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. You can also explore the beautiful gardens that surround the museum, where many of his bronze statues are displayed.

Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are an underground ossuary that holds the remains of more than six million people. They were created in the 18th century to solve the problem of overflowing cemeteries and to prevent epidemics. The bones were arranged in a macabre but artistic way along the walls of former quarries that stretch for about 2 km under the city. You can enter the catacombs through a spiral staircase and follow a guided tour that will take you through dark tunnels and chambers filled with skulls and bones. You will also learn about the history and legends of this mysterious place.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg is a lovely park that was created by Queen Marie de Medici in the 17th century as part of her palace (now home to the French Senate). The park covers 23 hectares and offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. You can admire the statues, fountains, flower beds, and orchards that decorate the park, or relax on one of the chairs around the central pond. You can also enjoy a game of chess, tennis, or boules, or visit the puppet theater, the carousel, or the playground with your children. The park also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that dominates the Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine River. The cathedral was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and features two majestic towers, three rose windows, flying buttresses, and gargoyles. You can admire the intricate facade and stained glass windows from outside, or enter the cathedral to see the nave, the altar, and the relics of Sainte-Chapelle. You can also climb up to the towers for a panoramic view of Paris and a close encounter with the gargoyles. Note that the cathedral is currently undergoing restoration after a fire in 2019 damaged part of its structure.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a hilltop district that was once home to artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Today, it retains its bohemian charm and offers a picturesque view of Paris from its highest point, where the white-domed Basilica of Sacré-Cœur stands. You can wander around the cobblestone streets and discover quaint cafes, shops, galleries, and studios. You can also visit some of the landmarks of Montmartre, such as Moulin Rouge (the famous cabaret), Place du Tertre (the main square where artists sell their paintings), and Musée de Montmartre (a museum that showcases the history and culture of Montmartre).

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is a theme park that brings to life the magic of Disney movies and characters. It is located about 32 km east of Paris and consists of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. You can enjoy thrilling rides, shows, parades, fireworks, and meet-and-greets with your favorite Disney heroes and villains. You can also explore themed lands such as Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Discoveryland. You can also stay at one of the themed hotels or resorts that offer entertainment and dining options for all ages.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most famous cemetery in Paris, where many celebrities and historical figures are buried. It is also a beautiful park that features sculptures, monuments, chapels, and tombs that reflect different artistic styles and periods. You can follow a map or a guided tour to find some of the most famous graves, such as those of Jim Morrison (the lead singer of The Doors), Oscar Wilde (the Irish writer), Edith Piaf (the French singer), Chopin (the Polish composer), and Victor Hugo (the French novelist). You can also pay your respects to the victims of wars and revolutions that are commemorated in various memorials.

Le Marais

Le Marais is one of the oldest and most fashionable districts in Paris, where you can find a mix of history, culture, and nightlife. Le Marais was once a swampy area that became a aristocratic neighborhood in the 17th century, with many elegant mansions and churches. Today, it is a vibrant and diverse area that attracts artists, designers, and hipsters. You can explore the narrow streets and alleys that are full of boutiques, galleries, cafes, and bars. You can also visit some of the attractions of Le Marais, such as the Place des Vosges (the oldest square in Paris), the Musée Picasso (a museum dedicated to the Spanish painter), and the Musée Carnavalet (a museum that traces the history of Paris).

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous and elegant avenues in the world, stretching for 2 km from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle. It is lined with luxury shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, and theaters that attract tourists and locals alike. You can shop for designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, or Cartier, or enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the chic cafes or brasseries. You can also visit some of the attractions along the avenue, such as the Grand Palais (a monumental exhibition hall), the Petit Palais (a fine arts museum), and the Lido (a cabaret show).

Musée de l’Orangerie

Musée de l’Orangerie is a museum that houses a collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, especially those by Claude Monet. The museum is located in the former Orangerie of the Tuileries Gardens, where Monet donated eight of his large-scale paintings of water lilies. These paintings are displayed in two oval rooms that create a serene and immersive atmosphere. You can also admire other works by artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events.

Les Invalides

Les Invalides is a complex of buildings that was originally built by King Louis XIV as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Today, it is a military museum and a burial site for some of France’s most illustrious figures. You can visit the Musée de l’Armée (the Army Museum), which displays weapons, uniforms, medals, and flags from different periods and conflicts. You can also see the Dôme des Invalides (the Dome Church), where Napoleon Bonaparte and other military leaders are buried. The dome is covered with gold leaf and has a height of 107 meters.

Île de la Cité

Île de la Cité is an island in the Seine River that is considered to be the heart of Paris. It is where the city was founded by the Celtic tribe of the Parisii in the 3rd century BC. It is also where some of the most important landmarks of Paris are located, such as Notre Dame Cathedral (see above), Sainte-Chapelle (see above), and the Conciergerie (a former prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution). You can walk around the island and admire its medieval architecture and bridges. You can also visit some of its lesser-known attractions, such as the Crypte Archéologique (an underground museum that reveals the ancient history of Paris), or the Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux (a flower and bird market).

Opéra Garnier

Opéra Garnier is a stunning opera house that was built in the 19th century by architect Charles Garnier. It is one of the most ornate and impressive buildings in Paris, with a facade decorated with statues, columns, and friezes. The interior is equally lavish, with a grand staircase, a marble foyer, a frescoed ceiling, and a chandelier that inspired the Phantom of the Opera. You can visit the opéra during the day and admire its architecture and history, or attend a performance of opera or ballet in the evening and enjoy its acoustics and atmosphere.