Paris France
Paris France – Places to visit in Paris
Paris France is a city that needs no introduction a city is the global center of art, food, and romance, and is a dream destination for many around the world. A visit to Paris is an experience like no other, taking in the artistic treasures inside the Louvre, the breathtaking gothic architecture of Notre Dame, and overlooking it all the iconic Eiffel Tower.
After taking in the ‘big hitters’, many visitors explore the famous neighborhoods, such as the infamous bohemian area of Montmartre, home of the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur and the Moulin Rouge. Paris is a city of many guises, being a huge center for art, music, literature, philosophy, fine food, and fashion. There’s no other city quite like it!
Main Attractions in Paris France
The Eiffel Tower
The Tour Eiffel is an unmissable sight. The most photographed structure in the world, it can be viewed from many spots in the city. It is also open to visitors all year, with tours running till midnight in the summer. The top of the tower has incredible panoramic views of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and there is also a reasonably priced restaurant and a chic champagne bar, perfect for couples. Tours run in many languages and you will learn the unique history of the tower. The tower is even more spectacular at night, a shining beacon in the city of lights.
The Louvre
Unfortunately, it would take a week to view the Louvre properly. Most visitors only reserve a morning or afternoon to visit, and most visitors go straight to the art wing. There is a huge collection of archaeological treasures, but many will go straight to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the two blockbuster attractions in the museum. “Liberty Leading the People”, the most famous image from the French Revolution, is another popular piece, and an important relic of the history of France. Be prepared for crowds and keep an open eye for pickpockets, and experience the largest and most beautiful museum in the world.
Musee d’Orsay
One of the must-visit museums in the world. Home to the artistic and classical treasure of France, Musee d’Orsay is connected to the Louvre by a bridge. The rooms of the museums on three floors are full of impressionist as well as post-impressionist art wonders including painting, sculpture, photography and decorative objects. The collection of the Musee d’Orsay spans from neoclassicism to romanticism, impressionism and expressionism.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Travel to Paris is incomplete without a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, just as travel to Europe lacks excitement without a visit to Paris. Gothic architecture of magnificence, Notre Dame Cathedral is counted among the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe. The dramatic towers, spires, and stained glasses of this marvelous gothic architecture are awe-inspiring. Once the beating heart of medieval Paris, it is an appealing attraction braving the odds of time.
Paris Boat Tour
A boat tour of Paris gives glimpses into the city’s romantic beauty and mythical wonder. It is an unforgettable experience to have a romantic dinner on the water of the Seine river and breathe in the fresh air. A boat ride on the canals and waterways around Paris is a never-to-be-missed opportunity to explore the landscaped beauty of the city’s countryside. The pleasure of traveling to Paris is dull without this watery entertainment.
Sacre Coeur
A must-visit for photographers and art connoisseurs, this tourist attraction of Paris boasts the Montmartre Photo Gallery. The Sacre Coeur with a gigantic white dome is located at the city’s highest point, the Montmartre knoll. Consecrated in 1909, this architecture is famous for its dramatic terrace and gold mosaic interiors. The terrace of the basilica offers sweeping and stunning views of the city on a sunny day. Montmartre where the Sacre Coeur is located is a poetry-drenched spot on the landscape of Paris.
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
A symbol of Parisian glory and grandeur, elegance, and extravaganza, the Arc de Triomphe is a 164-foot-tall architecture. It was built by the emperor Napoleon to commemorate the military prowess of France in 1806. The beautiful sculptures of the Arc de Triomphe are reflective of the triumph of Napoleon’s soldiers and generals. It crowns the city’s grandiose avenue Champs-Elysées on the west end.
Pont Neuf
One of the oldest constructions with historical significance in the French capital city. Named ‘Pont Neuf’ by King Henry IV, the bridge got recognized as a prominent landmark of Paris the day when the statue of Henry IV was officially unveiled in 1607. The bridge with sweeping pavements soon came to be a meeting place for Parisians. Ideal for socializing, the Pont Neuf has twelve arches. Illumined with lights, the bridge looks illustrious in the dark.
Versailles Palace
A living embodiment of the French extravaganza. The beauty of Versailles Palace is spectacular and stunning. The area with sweeping greenery around the palace is to be strolled in leisure. At present, much of the interior of the palace is open to visitors. A 20km drive from the center of Paris, the Versailles Palace is full of attractions, one of which is the Hall of Mirrors, a remarkable contribution by Louis XIV.
Palais Royal
A wonderful wonder of Paris to admire. The interior of the Palais Royal is not open for public visit. The courtyard as well as the garden surrounding the mammoth edifice can be visited. The outside of this French palace spells marvels to stun the onlookers. It is an escape to the solitude of serenity from the bustling center of the city. There are galleries with exhibitions and restaurants for gastronomic refreshment inside the premises.
Free Things to do in Paris
Ahhhh, Paris – the wonderful French city of romance, glamour, and culture. As well as the famous sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, et al, you will be delighted to hear that there are also plentiful free things to do in Paris. Wander the beautiful streets, gaze at marvelous items in tempting shop windows, and make the most of fantastic Paris without breaking the bank.
Some of the best free things to do in Paris include the following:
Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the main Parisian landmarks, it is also completely free to go inside this impressive and ornate religious icon in the city. The Gothic building is surrounded by fearsome gargoyles and terrific sculptures. It is breathtaking both inside and out, and an absolute must on a trip to Paris.
Sacre Coeur
Another key yet free Paris sight is the marvelous white marble church of Sacre Coeur. The domed church is spectacular from the outside, and inside you can admire the gleaming gold mosaics, shimmering stained glass windows, statues, and pictures. You will need to pay if you wish to visit the dome or the crypt, but there is no charge to go inside the main body of the church.
Museum of Modern Art
Known in French as Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, this excellent museum is home to a great selection of contemporary pieces. Art lovers are sure to love the various works contained within.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
This peaceful, tranquil, and poignant spot is not only beautiful and memorable but also allows you to see the fantastic graves, tombs, and memorials of former Parisian greats. Literary and musical geniuses have been laid to rest in the cemetery, and it is the final resting place of Oscar Wilde. Many adoring fans visit the grave of the legendary late member of The Doors, Jim Morrison. To see where other intellectual and famous former city members lie, head over to the equally serene Montparnasse Cemetery.
Lutece Arena
In the heart of the Latin Quarter, this is the perfect place to see the remnants of the Roman legacy in Paris. The enormous amphitheater is believed to be one of the longest ever built in the whole world. It is impressive and formidable.
Rue Mouffetard
Wander at leisure along this delightful cobbled street and imagine the Paris of yesterday amongst the traditional food shops. Sample some delicious fare as you meander past exquisite fromageries, peek into creperies, see artisan bakers’ stores, drool over ice cream sellers, and more. It is particularly lively and interesting at the weekends.
Other fantastic free things to do in Paris include a stroll along the banks of the pretty St Martin Canal, admiring the statues in the picturesque Parc Monceau, seeing excellent sculptures at Atelier Brancusi, and taking a journey through Paris through the ages at the Carnavalet Museum. Let these places inspire you in the tremendous capital city of France.
Where to Stay
Paris sees millions of visitors every year, and there is a vast range of hotels, hostels, and apartments available for any budget. Honeymooners won’t go wrong with the Le Meurice Hotel, a former palace that is now the ultimate five-star experience, complete with views of the Eiffel Tower, a spa, and beautiful, classically decorated rooms.
Budget travelers will find plenty of hostels in central Paris, including the lovely Peach & Love Hostel or the Le Regent Montmartre, which has a spectacular location at a reasonable price.
