25 TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION
IN PARIS
Also called the Capital of Fashion, Paris is home to some of the
world’s finest designer names including Yves Saint-Laurent, Lancôme,
L’Oréal and Christian Dior. The city’s shopping scene ranges from
shopping centers to open-air markets, boutiques and flea markets. An
overview of the top tourist attractions in Paris:
25. Place des Vosges
The Place des Vosges, formerly called Place Royale, was the prototype
for all residential squares in Europe. All houses were built using the
same design: red brick with steep pitched blue slate roofs. Not only is
it shaped like a true square, it is the first city square that was
planned by a monarch (Henry IV in the early 17th century). Third, it
turned the Marais into a fashionable spot for French nobility in the
decades before the French Revolution.
24. Moulin Rouge
The year 1889 is known as the year when France’s most famous
landmark, the Eiffel Tower, was constructed. It’s also the year the
Moulin Rouge opened its doors as an entertainment venue. When it opened,
it catered to the rich who wanted to “slum” it. Courtesans worked there
and were responsible for inventing the can-can, a dance considered racy
for the era. The Moulin Rouge is still considered Paris’s premier
entertainment venue and has been the subject of numerous films.
23. Conciergerie
The Conciergerie was built in the 10th century to be the main palace
for French kings who, over the centuries, enlarged it. Its Great Hall
was one of the largest in Europe; another hall was where the palace’s
2,000 workers ate. Some buildings were converted into a prison in the
14th century. The palace later became a revolutionary tribunal and
prison during the Reign of Terror, with famous prisoners including Marie
Antoinette and Madame du Barry. Today the Conciergerie is a popular
tourist attraction in Paris but also still serves as courts.
22. Pantheon
The Pantheon is where famous French citizens are buried. Modeled
after the Pantheon in Rome, it was originally a church dedicated to St.
Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, and her relics. The church was
rebuilt in the neoclassical style by King Louis XV to thank God for his
recovery from serious illness. It was changed to a mausoleum during the
French Revolution to honor revolutionary martyrs. Famous people buried
here include Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie.
21. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
The world’s most visited cemetery, Pere Lachaise became a municipal
cemetery in 1804 under Napoleon. It is the final resting place for many
famous people, including the Doors’ Jim Morrison, author Oscar Wilde and
chanteuse Edith Piaf. The cemetery contains many sculptures, as each
family of the deceased tried to out-do the monuments placed by the other
wealthy families. The result is many spectacular works of art that are
equally as interesting as the various gravesites of famous individuals.
20. Disneyland Paris
When Europeans can’t get to Los Angeles to see the original
Disneyland, they head to Disneyland Paris, the most visited theme park
in Europe. Just like its namesake, Disneyland Paris is more than just a
theme park with spectacular rides. It’s a resort with hotels, shopping
and golf among its varied activities. In 1992, it became the second
Disney park to open outside of the United States. It’s located about 30
km (20 miles) from central Paris. A companion park, Walt Disney Studios
Park, opened in 2002.
19. Musee de l'Orangerie
Travelers who appreciate impressionist and post-impressionist art
need to check out the Musee de l’Orangerie. The museum, located in a
corner of the Tuilries Garden, is home to eight Water Lilies murals by
Claude Monet; these murals are considered the museum’s centerpiece. It
also contains works by other impressionist artists, including Picasso,
Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse and Modigliani. The orangerie was originally
built in 1852 to protect the Tuileries Palace’s orange trees.
18. Palais Garnier
Architect Charles Garnier spared no ornate detail when he designed
the Palais Garnier in the 19th century. Perhaps this is why the building
was the most expensive of its era. Seating nearly 2,000 people, the
Palais Garnier is home to the National Opera of Paris. It is the star of
the novel and subsequent films, Phantom of the Opera. The Palais
Garnier is still in use today though mainly for ballet and also is home
to the opera library museum.
17. Les Invalides
Les Invalides is a complex of buildings that honors the French
military. It was built in 1670 as a hospital and retirement home for
vets. It still serves that function today as well as many more. Les
Invalides is home to military museums and a church that is the burial
site of its war heroes, including Napoleon Bonaparte. Les Invalides is
where rioters obtained the cannons and muskets they used later that day
to storm the Bastille, thus kicking off the French Revolution.
16. Seine Cruise
The River Seine runs nearly 800 km (500 miles) through France on its
way to the English Channel. Cruising the river as it winds through Paris
is one of the most romantic things visitors can do. Seine cruises pass
under numerous bridges in Paris, going by such sights as the Louvre,
Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. A Seine cruise lasts about an
hour, but what a magic hour it is! A Seine cruise also is a good way to
experience Paris at night.
15. Musee Rodin
Travelers who’ve seen copies of the famous sculpture The Thinker can
visit the real thing when they’re in Paris. The statue was sculpted by
Auguste Rodin, a famous early 20th century French artist. The Thinker as
well as 6,600 other sculptures can be found at the Musee Rodin,
established in 1919 in his former studio, the Hotel Biron in central
Paris. Many of his famous sculptures can be found in gardens that
surround the museum.
14. Les Catacombes
In contrast with the City of Lights, Les Catacombes represents the
dark side of Paris. Just under a mile long beneath the streets of Paris,
this tourist attraction presents a gruesome side: the remains of
millions of Parisians who were moved there when old cemeteries started
closing years ago. Bones are arranged artistically; poems and other
passages can be found throughout. Some bodies, such as those killed in
the French Revolution, came directly here, bypassing the cemeteries.
13. Champs-Elysées
The tree-lined Avenue des Champs-Elysees is Paris’s most famous
street and has even been described as the most beautiful avenue in the
world. Just over a mile long, the boulevard connects the Arc de Triomphe
and the Place de la Concorde. Life in Paris centers around the
Champs-Elysees. It’s an avenue lined with restaurants, upscale
boutiques, museums and night clubs. It’s home to the Bastille Day
military parade and the end of the Tour de France.
12. Pont Alexandre III
In a city where romance reigns, what could be more romantic than the
Pont Alexandre III, a bridge that is deemed to be the most extravagant
and ornate in Paris. Named for the Russian tsar, this steel single arch
bridge spans the Seine, connecting the districts of Champs-Elysees, Les
Invalides and Eiffel Tower. Seeing the bridge is almost like going to an
art gallery, since numerous French sculptors made the statues,
including winged horses, nymphs and cherubs that adorn the top.
11. Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles started out life as a royal hunting lodge,
but later became a palace housing the king’s court. The mammoth
structure is ornate, opulent and over the top in its richness. It is one
of Paris’s most visited landmarks, with visitors coming to see its
magnificent gardens and the Hall of Mirrors with its 357 mirrors
decorating 17 arches. The Palace of Versailles ceased being a royal
residence during the French Revolution and today houses a museum of
French history.
10. Place de la Concorde
At the east end of the Champs-Elysées is Place de la Concorde, the
largest square in Paris with fantastic vistas in every direction. It was
in this square that the French King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and
many others were guillotined during the French revolution. The large
3200 years old Egyptian obelisk in the center of the Place de la
Concorde was brought from the Temple of Luxor in the 19th century.
9. Sainte-Chapelle
Begun sometime after 1239, the Sainte-Chapelle is considered among
the highest achievements of Gothic architecture. Its construction was
commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of
Passion Relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns, one of the most
important relics in medieval Christendom. Although damaged during the
French revolution, and restored in the 19th century, it retains one of
the most extensive in-situ collections of 13th-century stained glass
anywhere in the world.
8. Centre Pompidou
Designed in the style of high-tech architecture, Centre Pompidou is a
cultural institution in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement.
It houses a vast public library, the Musée National d’Art Moderne which
is the largest museum for modern art in Europe, a bookshop, a movie
theater and a panoramic terrace. The library occupies the first three
floors of the building, while the museum’s permanent collection is
located on floors 4 and 5. The first and top floor are used for large
expositions. The Centre is named after Georges Pompidou, the President
of France from 1969 to 1974 who commissioned the building.
7. Musee d'Orsay
A must-do for art lovers, the Musee d’Orsay is known for housing the
world’s premier collection of impressionist paintings. Located in a
former railway station, this grand museum showcases thousands of art
works and objects that cover a period between the mid-1800s and the
early 1900s. Visitors can walk through several rooms to view amazing art
works by many famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Cezane, Degas,
Pissarro, Renoir and Jean-Francois Millet.
6. Jardin du Luxembourg
Known in English as the Luxembourg Gardens, this public park is the
second largest in Paris. Visitors here can picnic or stroll leisurely
among beautiful lawns, formal gardens and fruit orchards that feature
many artistic statues and fountains. For fun and sport, there are
jogging paths, tennis courts and fitness equipment. Children can play in
the huge playground, ride ponies, watch a puppet show and sail model
boats in a pond.
5. Sacre-Coeur
One of the most noticeable landmarks in Paris is the striking
white-domed basilica of the Sacre-Coeur. Situated at the city’s highest
point on Montmartre hill, this stunning basilica draws many tourists
every year to see its marble architecture and gorgeous interior. A tour
awards visitors with views of gold mosaics, stained-glass windows and
one of the world’s largest clocks.
4. Notre Dame de Paris
No trip to Paris could be complete without a visit to the world
famous Notre Dame cathedral. Standing more than 400 feet (120 meters)
high with two lofty towers and a spire, this marvelous church is
considered a supreme example of French Gothic architecture. A tour of
this 13th century masterpiece allows visitors to admire the
awe-inspiring rose windows, Gothic carvings, beautiful sculptures and a
collection of relics.
3. Arc de Triomphe
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, the Arc de
Triomphe was constructed in 1806 to memorialize the triumphal battles of
Napoleon Bonaparte. Standing 164 feet high and 148 feet (50 by 45
meters) wide, the arch features intricate reliefs depicting victorious
battles and engraved names of many who died fighting for the emperor.
Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the first world
war.
2. Louvre
Topping the list of the world’s most visited museums, the Louvre
Museum is located in the Louvre Palace with its signature glass pyramid
marking its entrance. Housing a collection of more than 1 million
objects, the Louvre boasts some of the world’s most famous art works
such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave”
and the Greek statue, “Venus of Milo.” Other popular exhibits include
the extravagant apartments of Napoleon III, the ancient Code of
Hammurabi, Egyptian antiquities and paintings by masters like Rembrandt
and Rubens.
1. Eiffel Tower
Visiting the iconic symbol of Paris usually ranks as the number one
thing to do for most tourists. Towering more than 1,000 feet (300
meters) high in the Champ de Mars park, this iron structure was
constructed for the 1889 World Exposition. One of the world’s most
photographed tourist attractions, the Eiffel Tower presents an excellent
photography opportunity for both day and night times. Visitors can ride
the elevator to see incredible views of the city or dine in one of the
two fine restaurants that are situated within the tower.
25. Place des Vosges
24. Moulin Rouge
23. Conciergerie
22. Pantheon
21. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
20. Disneyland Paris
19. Musee de l'Orangerie
Travelers who appreciate impressionist and post-impressionist art
need to check out the Musee de l’Orangerie. The museum, located in a
corner of the Tuilries Garden, is home to eight Water Lilies murals by
Claude Monet; these murals are considered the museum’s centerpiece. It
also contains works by other impressionist artists, including Picasso,
Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse and Modigliani. The orangerie was originally
built in 1852 to protect the Tuileries Palace’s orange trees.
18. Palais Garnier
Architect Charles Garnier spared no ornate detail when he designed
the Palais Garnier in the 19th century. Perhaps this is why the building
was the most expensive of its era. Seating nearly 2,000 people, the
Palais Garnier is home to the National Opera of Paris. It is the star of
the novel and subsequent films, Phantom of the Opera. The Palais
Garnier is still in use today though mainly for ballet and also is home
to the opera library museum.
17. Les Invalides
16. Seine Cruise
15. Musee Rodin
14. Les Catacombes
In contrast with the City of Lights, Les Catacombes represents the
dark side of Paris. Just under a mile long beneath the streets of Paris,
this tourist attraction presents a gruesome side: the remains of
millions of Parisians who were moved there when old cemeteries started
closing years ago. Bones are arranged artistically; poems and other
passages can be found throughout. Some bodies, such as those killed in
the French Revolution, came directly here, bypassing the cemeteries.
13. Champs-Elysées
The tree-lined Avenue des Champs-Elysees is Paris’s most famous
street and has even been described as the most beautiful avenue in the
world. Just over a mile long, the boulevard connects the Arc de Triomphe
and the Place de la Concorde. Life in Paris centers around the
Champs-Elysees. It’s an avenue lined with restaurants, upscale
boutiques, museums and night clubs. It’s home to the Bastille Day
military parade and the end of the Tour de France.
12. Pont Alexandre III
In a city where romance reigns, what could be more romantic than the
Pont Alexandre III, a bridge that is deemed to be the most extravagant
and ornate in Paris. Named for the Russian tsar, this steel single arch
bridge spans the Seine, connecting the districts of Champs-Elysees, Les
Invalides and Eiffel Tower. Seeing the bridge is almost like going to an
art gallery, since numerous French sculptors made the statues,
including winged horses, nymphs and cherubs that adorn the top.
11. Palace of Versailles
10. Place de la Concorde
9. Sainte-Chapelle
8. Centre Pompidou
Designed in the style of high-tech architecture, Centre Pompidou is a
cultural institution in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement.
It houses a vast public library, the Musée National d’Art Moderne which
is the largest museum for modern art in Europe, a bookshop, a movie
theater and a panoramic terrace. The library occupies the first three
floors of the building, while the museum’s permanent collection is
located on floors 4 and 5. The first and top floor are used for large
expositions. The Centre is named after Georges Pompidou, the President
of France from 1969 to 1974 who commissioned the building.
7. Musee d'Orsay
A must-do for art lovers, the Musee d’Orsay is known for housing the
world’s premier collection of impressionist paintings. Located in a
former railway station, this grand museum showcases thousands of art
works and objects that cover a period between the mid-1800s and the
early 1900s. Visitors can walk through several rooms to view amazing art
works by many famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Cezane, Degas,
Pissarro, Renoir and Jean-Francois Millet.
6. Jardin du Luxembourg
5. Sacre-Coeur
4. Notre Dame de Paris
No trip to Paris could be complete without a visit to the world
famous Notre Dame cathedral. Standing more than 400 feet (120 meters)
high with two lofty towers and a spire, this marvelous church is
considered a supreme example of French Gothic architecture. A tour of
this 13th century masterpiece allows visitors to admire the
awe-inspiring rose windows, Gothic carvings, beautiful sculptures and a
collection of relics.
3. Arc de Triomphe
