Places to Visit in Paris

The Louvre Museum, officially known as the Great Louvre, is the national museum of France and is situated on the right side of the 12th-century fortress of Philip Augustus. It is the most-visited museums of the world that preserve a collection from ancient civilization to the mid 19th century.

The magnificent, baroque-styled palace and museum sit on the bank of the Seine river in Paris. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in France and the entire Europe. The Louvre’s collection includes Egyptian antiques, ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, crown jewels, paintings by old masters and artifacts from French nobles among other such things.

Its collection spans from the sixth century BC to the 19th century AD. More than 35,000 works are on display at any given time at the museum.

With its cobbled streets, artists, bistros and the majestic Basilica, Montmartre is full of charms. Located on the top of a small hill in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is one of the most famous Parisian districts. The place has evolved from its traditional village atmosphere of the 19th and 20th centuries that appealed to artists so much. Montmartre has been depicted in various popular culture stories as well. It is the highest point in the City of Lights.

Montmartre is an ideal melting pot of art, music and culture. As a tourist, the best thing here is to take a stroll down the roads, visit the museums, art galleries and other such hubs of art and culture here. You should take a wonderful view of the city from the top of Sacre Coeur, the most prominent landmark of the city and a masterpiece of grandeur and grace.

Montmartre is a little green haven that has been mesmerising its visitors with its beautiful gardens and vineyards. With its gorgeous locales, vibrating nightlife, rich history of art and great archaeological background, Montmartre is a must-visit place for all tourists, especially backpackers.

Palais Garnier or  is one of the most renowned and impressive landmarks located within the city of Paris. It symbolizes the opulence of the Second Empire. Commissioned by Napoleon III in the year 1861, the present-day structure of the Palais Garnier is nothing short than a luxurious architectural delight.

The moment you step inside, you will see a big chandelier hanging from the Opera Garnier ceiling staggered in 7 tonnes of pure bronze.

The entire Opera Garnier is a brilliant masterpiece of classicism, and eccentricity. The main façade here was tailored as a theatre set. It was entirely dedicatedOpera Garnier to the lyric piece of art with stone columns and arcades. Every single element of this grand edifice is adorned with elaborate statues, carvings, and sculptures. 

The auditorium is a definite sight to behold with a plush bloody red and golden seating area. The stage in the auditorium is massive enough to accommodate a total count of 450+ artists at one go. 

Spread over the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris, the Latin Quarter is a culturally and geographically rich area in France's romantic capital. It graces the river Seine on its left bank and roughly encircles the University of Paris or Sorbonne.

The Latin Quarter is known all over the world to be an educational centre. Besides the historic University of Paris, institutions including École Normale Supérieure, the École des Mines de Paris, Panthéon-Assas University are present in the area.

Even the Schola Cantorum, the Jussieu university campus, and the École Polytechnique educational institutions have been established in the area very recently. Due to the presence of such significant centres of education, this area has a vibrant student life, bistros, pubs, restaurants, malls and cafes.

If you are looking to spend your vacation amidst the lively streets of Paris, the Latin Quarter is one area you shouldn't miss exploring.

Located on the eastern edge of Paris, Bois de Vincennes is the largest public park in the city. Constructed between 1855 and 1866 by the French Emperor Napoleon the third, the park is located next to Chateau de Vincennes, the royal residence of the former kings of France.

Along with holding a high archaeological significance, the park brings forth various gifts of nature. This unusual combination attracts hundreds of visitors to the park every day.The park fosters a cultivated English garden with trademark flowers and four beautiful lakes.

One can also find a zoo, a bicycle track, a horse-racing track, an arboretum, and a botanical garden in the park. This is how the park brings all kinds of human-made and natural attractions under the same umbrella.

Musée Jacquemart-André gives you the relief of stepping into a fabulously rich and luxurious world of Paris. Situated within an opulent Belle Epoque mansion, the museum is worth every single penny you spend in getting here.

Edouard André and Nélie Jacquemart were renowned as an ambitious art-loving couple. The artifacts and the myriads of collectibles that you find here are all a part of their collections. They were keen on the choice, purchase, and archival of the different artifacts which you see here presently.

The central courtyard of this beautiful mansion features an incredible façade. There are large rooms inside where the wealthy couple would organise their extravagant parties. Today, you get to witness some impressive displays of Chardin, Boucher, Fragonard, and Nattier here. Besides, the exquisite paintings and art displays here will let you know the deep love of the royal couple for the French arts and culture.

The mansion has a double spiral staircase, which is flanked by Tiepolo frescoes. There is a miniature winter garden where you get to see some exotic plant varieties. On its first floor, the mansion features a miniature Italian Museum displaying splendid works of the then well-known artists in town.

Besides the permanent collections here, you get to witness some temporary groups too. In short, you can call Musée Jacquemart-André as a blend of a museum and a home reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of the affluent Parisians.

A shrine to the military history of the French Capital, Les Invalides is a building complex located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Serving as both a care facility for war veterans and a revered place of worship, the compound was designed in the 17th century in Paris. The hospital complex is situated towards the left bank of the River Seine and faces a long esplanade attached to the great river.

Les Invalides is identified by its grand golden dome and intricately decorated features. Its grandiose architecture is the signature of the Baroque style. Constructed by king Louis XIV as a care facility for French war veterans, the complex still holds to its original purpose.

Les Invalides is home to several tourist attractions including three famous museums and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. These sites hold your hand and make you travel through time to the era of the French revolution.

A tranquil retreat in the middle of the most stylish town in the world, Champs de Mars is a vast public green space in Paris. Stationed at the seventh arrondissement, the park is nestled between the world-famous Eiffel tower and the Ecolé Militaire building complex. The field is named after a park in Rome called Campus Martius, an area dedicated to the Roman God of War.

With a paradise-like appearance and refreshing atmosphere, Champs de Mars looks like a park straight out of a French film. Stretching over an area of about 60 acres from the river Seine, the park boasts of quiet corners, tall trees, clear skies and modest stone structures.

In the fast-paced capital city of France, Champs de Mars is a stark contrast against the high-end fashion outlets and night clubs. It is a reminder of Parisian diversity in terms of culture and recreation. With the charm of nature and a touch of french lifestyle, Champs de Mars proves to be an ideal destination for family outings and friendly tours.

Louvre Pyramid, relatively young, compared to the other prominent tourist attractions of Paris, stands out as one of the most visited museums in the world. It is a vital part of Paris’s renowned cityscape. The place that significantly vies with the famous Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe for the city’s most majestic landmark title, earned instant popularity since it was opened in 1989.

The pyramid has been built with glass and metal structures by China-born architect Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. The museum has three pavilions that are Denon, Sully and Richelieu.With its square base and an apex of 21 metres, the pyramid looks just as a miniature of the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt.

The place where the Louvre Pyramid is now placed had been built as a fortress in the 12th century. It served as the residential complex of the royal family for ages before emerging as a public museum in 1793 after the French Revolution.

Parc Des Buttes Chaumont is one of the largest parks in Paris, France. Built-in the 19th century, this park consists of a beautiful artificial lake and an island called Île de la Belvédère. The island comprises a Roman temple - The Temple de la Sibylle alongside the grotto, waterfalls and suspension bridges. The park is spread out on a huge 25-hectare land. This makes the park more gigantic and stunning through its textures. One can spend an entire day in the park and have a good time with your family. You can enjoy the beauty of nature and it's serenity while strolling through the park which is open 24 hours, every day of the year.

The best time to visit the park is the whole day as the atmosphere is cool and soothing. It usually takes 3-4 hours to complete the whole tour of the park. Also, the entry to the park is free. People usually visit this park for jogging and having a peaceful stroll on the paved pathways, enjoying family picnics on the grass and mostly to enjoy the greenery this place has to offer. There are also play areas and activities for the kids to enjoy and have a great time.

Pont Neuf is the third longest and the oldest standing bridge in Paris. Situated on the banks of the river Seine, the historical bridge is ornate with 381 stone sculptures of mascarons, magnificent arches and the remarkable bronze statue of Henry IV.

The architectural beauty of the bridge is unique with five of the arches linking the Ile de la Cite to the left bank of the River Seine and the remaining arches linking the natural island to the right bank of the river. Pont Neuf has been listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.The bridge is phenomenal in hosting several Hollywood films.

It is also considered as one of the most luxurious and romantic locations in Paris. Due to its historical significance and artistic beauty, Pont Neuf is a photographer’s delight. Pont Neuf is open 24 hours, but the best time to visit the bridge is between 5 PM and 7 PM. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the end to end tour of the bridge.

Crossing the river Seine, Pont des Arts is one of the most photogenic pedestrian bridges in Paris. It has earned international acclamation as the bridge for romance. Constructed between 1802 and 1804, Pont des Arts is the first metal bridge in Paris. Also known as Passerelle des Arts, it connects the Institut de France with the Louvre museum.

The bridge is a favourite spot for photographers where they can click magnificent photos of the illuminating building lights reflecting on the river waters. It is popular among artists, painters, and photographers for organizing art and photography exhibitions, drawing a large number of crowds. You can also witness the panoramic view of the majestic Eiffel Tower glowing as the sun sets on the horizon.

In 1991, Pont des Arts was listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The bridge also serves as a picnic spot for many locals from the city. Its unique beauty and historical significance have been alluring thousands of visitors every year from all around the world.

Paris bespoke luxury and charm, and nothing describes it better than the most prestigious Rue de Rivoli street. Located in the first arrondissement of Paris, Rue de Rivoli is the most astounding and famous street.

The road gets its name from the victory of Napoleon against the Austrian army in 1797, in the imminent battle of Rivoli. It encompasses a glorious history of Paris, housing the Musee du Louvre, Tuileries Garden and the Place de la Concorde.

The Rue de Rivoli is also known as the commercial hub, owing to the wide array of retail stores and high-end fashion brands present here. Rue de Rivoli is a seamless blend of the culture with modernity. It has something eclectic to offer to every visitor and make them fall in love with the romantic city of Paris.

Located at the 13 avenue du President-Wilson, the Palais de Tokyo is an architectural brilliance cherishing the beauty of contemporary and modern art. Built primarily as the International Art & Technical Exhibition Centre, the theme of Palais de Tokyo exhibits a harmonious blend between the art and technology of the modern era.

The monumental architectural style resembles the bombastic nationalist architecture.  It was explicitly built for housing the Museums of Modern Art so that it has a modernist interior, which is both spacious and flexible.

Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris lies within the East Wing of the Palais de Tokyo and is renowned as the Paris’ Modern Art Museum and comprises brilliant artworks dating back to the 20th and 21st centuries. The second wing of the palace showcases where you get to witness the temporary exhibitions as well as events related to the contemporary art styles.

The resident bistro – Monsieur Bleu occupies the western wing of the Palais de Tokyo and is designed in such a way that it extends both inwards and outwards.The ground floor of the Palais de Tokyo is reserved explicitly for all the permanent exhibits where they are arranged in their chronological order of significance.

Paris is home to many places which attracts tourists from all over the world. Among those places, Paris Flea Market or Les Puces is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Les Puces is also known as Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen and is the second-largest antique market in the world. Other than antiques, the flea market also houses around 10,000 different items ranging from old ornaments, footwear, clothing, gadgets, accessories and whatnot.

Les Puces is one of a kind market which invites around 200,000 visitors a year. Les Puces is filled with some great restaurants where one can sip a cup of coffee or hop in to have some traditional French lunch. Alongside some famous restaurants, the flea market located near the Rue des Rosiers is close to many famous monuments and places such as The Louvre, Montmartre and many other monuments and places.

Montparnasse Tower has got everything that makes it an ideal place to start and end your day with. It offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire city of Paris. Especially, the 56th and 59th observation floors of the Montparnasse Tower offer a stunning view in almost all directions.

The tower has got its name after the Greek mountain – Mount Parnassus and is currently known as the gigantic skyscraper of Paris.  Within a flash of 38 seconds, you will be elevated from the bottom, right up to the indoor observatory in the tower through Europe’s fastest elevator. On the 56th floor, you have various films, viewpoints, and interactive activities, all awaiting your presence.

The observatory on the 59th floor of this gigantic tower is much more enjoyable. And why not? Standing 210 meters from the streets, this 59th-floor observatory offers more pristine and breath-taking views of the city. Apart from this, the newly opened panoramic rooftop terrace features a phenomenal window to give you a lustrous Parisian panorama.

Do not forget to pack your DSLR while visiting here. The views of the Sacré Coeur, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower from here are simply amazing. And you are surely going to thank the Montparnasse for blessing you with ample memories to carry forward for the years to come.

Our eyes love a pleasant view and you can get that in Paris. A dividing yet unifying landmark of the city of lights- the Seine River is the pride of Paris. It is also known as ‘Sequana’ for its snake-like path across the city. River Seine has been an onlooker of the evolution of Paris. Since the time of Parisians in 250 B.C., Seine has been the harbinger of prosperity through its navigable waters.

Even today, its commercial importance is valued by the people of Paris. The banks of Seine locate most of the city’s landmarks. Sailing through the slow-paced water, you get glimpses of every important and magnificent structure, gardens, cityscape and cheerful people.

Its riverside has been the dwelling place of popular names like Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Napoleon Bonaparte. The river has been a source of inspiration for several artists. The beauty and cultural importance of Seine made its banks a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Louis Vuitton Foundation, started in 2006, is a cultural centre and an art museum which is run as a non-profit organisation by the LVMH for promotion of art, culture and creativity. The building of the museum, located at the 16th Arrondissement of Paris, was designed by Frank Gehry. The Louis Vuitton Foundation has been a catalyst internationally for innovation in digital design and construction, setting a brand new standard for the use of fabrication and advanced digital technologies. 

The museum here holds regular temporary exhibitions that include multidisciplinary installations, commissioned works from artists and loans from other private institutions. The works of major artists covered by the foundation are Janet Cardiff, George Bures Miller, Taryn Simon, Sarah Morris and Adrian Villar Rojas among others.

The Louis Vuitton Foundation was created to promote art and culture, especially contemporary art. It aims to perennialize the patronage actions undertaken by the LVMH group since 1990.

Musée de l'Armée is an army museum where you could find some priceless collections dating back to the Middle Ages to Modern Days. Situated in the heart of Paris, the museum is known to organize a fully modernized tour to acquaint you with the historical settings of France’s military. Some of the exciting collections at the Musée de l'Armée are inclusive of swords, armor, and coats of arms, emblems, historical figurines, artillery, photography, paintings, and uniforms. 

Due to its diversity of all in-house collections and the period they belong to, the Musée de l'Armée crowns itself as one of the most significant military and art museums in the world. The Hôtel National des Invalides, The Dome (tomb of Napoleon), Main Courtyard,  From Saint Louis to Louis XIV, From Louis XIV to Napoleon III, The Two World Wars,  The Historial Charles de Gaulle,  Extraordinary cabinets, The St. Louis Cathedral,  Museum of the order of the Liberation, and Relief maps are important map spaces here. 

Besides, the museum schedules regular exhibitions and guided tours for their visitors to relieve all the significant moments of France’s military history. There are recreational activities regularly scheduled for the young adult population. 

Once the museum closes for the public visit, you can accompany their curators and Museum restorers to extend your discussion or suggestions with a glass of champagne. Take this opportunity and share what better suggestions you have in your mind for the exhibits displayed here. Not many museums will allow you to do so!

Pont Alexandre III is a bridge which connects the two most famous monuments of Paris, Avenue des Champs-Elysees and Eiffel Tower. Pont Alexandre III was built in 1899 by Nicholas II, the son of Tsar Alexander III. The bridge is built over the River Seine and is regarded as one of the most elegant bridges of the city. Pont Alexandre III is around 500 metres long and 120 feet wide. Both sides of the bridge are illuminated with lamps, making this bridge look like a golden necklace in the night.

With over 100 years old, this magical bridge is an architectural wonder of the city and is considered as a historic monument of Paris. The architectural pattern of this bridge resembles the beaux-arts style, which was a prominent school of arts in France in the 19th century. Describing its architecture, the bridge is marked by four bronze statues of fames, glorifying the culture and history of the city.

Jardin des Tuileries seated between Place de la Concorde and Louvre Museum was the first picturesque garden to be opened in Paris for the commoners. It’s still one of the most coveted parks in the city, the construction of which was commissioned by the queen consort of Henry II, Catherine de Medici. The magnificent palace and the verdant garden was named after Tuileries. Tuileries were the tile-making factories or workshops situated within the palace grounds. 

Today, the garden is a public park where many tourists and locals take leisurely strolls down its beautiful tree-lined paths. Travellers from all parts of the world visiting Tuileries Garden find some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is also a perfect place to sit on one of its benches and sunbathe. 

Tuileries Garden is a must-visit tourist destination in Paris and highly recommended not solely for its picturesque landscape but also because of its strategic location. If you are looking for a verdant oasis, sculptures, and fountains in the middle of the city, this is the place to be.