Those interested in art should visit the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. The latter displays famous French art of the 1800s and 1900s, including works by Monet Manet and Degas.
The Eiffel Tower offers some of the most spectacular views of Paris. It is an iconic symbol of the city and a must-see for all visitors. Find the top sights to see in the city using a Paris tourist map.
1. Place De La Concorde
Place de la Concorde is the biggest square in Paris and a stunning reminder of its past glory. It is shaped like an octagon and is bordered by buildings designed in the classic style by the king’s primary architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. The square also provides a superb view of the Champs Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens. The Orangerie Museum is a great place to see the famous paintings of waterlilies by master impressionist Claude Monet.
The middle of the square is a 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk, also known as “Cleopatra’s Needle”. The square also features a couple beautiful fountains as well as a beautiful bridge that crosses over the Seine.
One of the best ways to enjoy the square and its surroundings is to take one of the affordable tours that pass through the square. Segway, Segway walking, and group bike tours can be purchased for about EUR25. Seine river cruises will cost you around EUR80. Also, stop to admire the 18 magnificent rostral column Streetlamps, designed by Hittorff, in 1837, and originally made at Louis XIV’s palace at Marly-le-Roi. These are the most prominent features of Place de la Concorde.
2. Louvre
The Louvre is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. It is the largest museum on earth. It was built in the late 12th Century under Phillip II as a palace and served as the home of the French Kings until 1682.
The museums collection is unrivalled in the world and features a wealth of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art; Near Eastern antiquities; French paintings; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Prints and Drawings; and Islamic Art. Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is the most famous artwork in the museum.
Venus de Milo, another top attraction in the Louvre. It is celebrated for its beauty and the mystery surrounding it. Praxiteles is believed to be the sculptor, although it’s not certain. Also on the list of must-see attractions is The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the most iconic of all the Louvre sculptures. The Louvre is a massive museum and it will take you more than one day to see it all. That’s why it is best to plan your visits in advance. Pariscityvision offers guided tours. The tours are a great way to save time and navigate the museum.
3. Arc De Triomphe
If anything rivals the Eiffel Tower as the most recognizable symbol of Paris, it’s this 1836 monument to Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz. It stands sentinel in the center of the chaotic Place de l’Etoile (formerly Place de l’Arc de Triomphe) at the western end of the Champs-Elysees, and can be seen from any point on the 12 avenues that stretch out from here.
Visitors can climb to the top of the Arch (164ft/50m up via 284 steps) to get one of the best views of Paris. It’s worth exploring the base. The neoclassical design is beautiful, and each of the sculptural groups on the pedestals evokes a specific event: La Departement of Volunteers represents the 1792 conscription; Le Triumph of Napoleon relates the 1810 year of Napoleon’s expansion; The Resistance represents 1814’s fight against foreign invasions and Peace celebrates the 1815 Treaty of Paris.
The Arc is the center of the Voie Historique – the city’s famous historic axis. It lines up directly with the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde, then extends along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees to the Louvre and beyond. And it’s located close to many of the 8th arrondissement’s best restaurants, the top designer showrooms in the 16th district, and a range of specialty museums.
4. Musee D’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay in Paris is one of the most popular museums. This former railway station and hotel features an unparalleled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The art is seamlessly integrated into the museum structure, which has been tastefully transformed. This is a must-see for art enthusiasts and visitors from all over the world.
The museum is divided up into sections, each with their own style and focus. For example, one section showcases the work of Impressionist artists including Gustave Courbet’s The Artist’s Studio (1854-55), Edouard Manet’s Luncheon on the Grass (Le dejeuner sur l’herbe) and Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (Bal du Moulin de la Galette). The other section of the museum highlights the works of Impressionists that are less well known but just as worthy of attention.
There are sections dedicated to artists and styles such as Neoclassicism Romanticism and Realism. Another highlight of the museum is its sculpture garden, which contains over a hundred masterpieces by sculptors such as Rodin, Brancusi and Giacometti. The golden clock that is located near the entrance of the museum is one of the most recognizable features. The clock was designed and built by architect Victor Laloux. Its ornate details resemble the Belle Epoque style.
5. Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou includes a museum and library as well as a centre of art, science, and technology. It is one of Paris’ most popular attractions and is instantly recognisable because of its unique architectural style. The building is a landmark of modern art and a symbol of contemporary culture.
The building was created by architects Renzo piano and Richard Rogers. Its colourful pipes are a distinctive feature and have become the visual signature of the Centre Pompidou. It is the world’s most famous and largest collection of modern and current art.
The collection is very diverse and includes works by artists as well-known as Picasso and Klee. It has Europe’s biggest collection of photography, and hosts a wide range of events from master classes to thematic cycles.
Families with young children should visit the Galerie des Enfants. It offers interactive introductions into contemporary art. There are also two annual exhibitions and workshops conceived by young artist. If you are interested in sculptures, a visit to level 1 will allow you to see the reconstruction of Brancusi’s studio as well as the gallery of contemporary and modern sculptures. Shopping facilities are available onsite, with a Flammarion bookshop and Printemps design shop.
6. Notre Dame
Paris attracts visitors from all over the world. There’s always new things to see, whether you’re a frequent visitor or planning your first trip. From iconic bucket list attractions like the Eiffel Tower to picture-perfect pleasures such as steak-frites and a glass of wine in a cozy bistro, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall for this beautiful city.
Notre Dame, a symbol of Paris that sits proudly atop the Ile de la Cite is a must-see. This medieval Gothic church is a must-see for anyone who appreciates beautiful architecture and likes to take pictures. The church has everything a church should have, including a transept and a nave flanked with aisles. Viollet-le-Duc’s high windows are what really make this place stand out.
If the tower is open, you can climb it to get an aerial view of this church. From here, you’ll also get a close-up look at some of the cathedral’s most imposing decorative features: gargoyles. These grotesque animals not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the cathedral, they also serve a practical purpose as waterspouts. Don’t be afraid to approach – but don’t forget the camera!
7. Sacre-Coeur
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the Montmartre hill is one of the most popular destinations in Paris, and it’s easy to see why. The gilded church with its sweeping views and gilded roofing is a feast for your eyes. Its unspoiled white color, a result of stone that secreted a natural white substance, has become a symbol of Paris’ resilience and rebirth after the devastating war and Commune of 1873.
Climb the 300 soaring steps to reach the church’s dome, which offers one of the city’s most spectacular panoramas. You can see the entire city from the top of the dome, including the Montparnasse Tower and the Eiffel Tower. The Sacre Coeur boasts a massive 19-ton bell named La Savoyarde.
Plan ahead if you want to visit Montmartre. It can get very crowded during the weekend. The neighborhood, which was once home to Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec and boasts charming narrow streets and hidden garden, is a delight to discover. You can take a walking tour to learn more about the rich cultural history of the area and see the Moulin rouge Cabaret.
