Tourist Places To Visit In Paris

We read about it in the books, see it in movies and hear about how beautiful the city of Paris is. Even on its gloomiest days, the city is vibrant and exquisite. It is a tedious task to list down all the places one must visit in Paris, be it the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, Montmartre or Notre - Dame de Paris. But here’s a list of tourist places you cannot miss seeing when in Paris. With its history, geography, and art, Paris is an experience to remember for everyone who steps foot here. 

Better known in French as the La Tour Eiffel, it is the first picture to pop up in our heads when we say Paris. It is the universal symbol of the country. Currently, about seven million people visit the Eiffel tower each year. This magnanimous iron structure was the winning design proposal submitted among a hundred others. The design was submitted by Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer and architect, in 1885. 

The Eiffel Tower is open to visitors from 9 am to midnight June to September and from 9:30 am to 11 pm for the rest of the year. Also, during Easter weekend and during the Spring holidays the hours are extended to midnight.

Built as a fortress in the 12^th century, the Louvre was converted by successive governments into one of the largest museums in the world. As the decades passed, new and intricate changes were made to this place. The glass pyramid at the main entrance to the museum that leads to the main exhibition hall was installed in the 13^th century. This museum is divided into three wings, namely, Sully, Richelieu, and Denon. It showcases about 35,000 pieces of art. It also has the most popular and folkloric showcases of art. Few of the well-known pieces are Mona Lisa by Da Vinci and Dying Slave by Michelangelo.

Another 12th-century architectural marvel, Notre-Dame is the largest cathedral in Paris. The cathedral was initiated by the then bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully. Its construction was divided into four parts and took almost a century to be completed. Notre Dame de Paris is a popular symbol of Paris. It is a bishop’s church, a baptistery and canon’s church that was built in the honour of Virgin Mary. It is located in the heart of the city in Ile de la Cite and has been witness to many historical events. 

After the war of Franco-Prussia, in the 19^th century, the French government built this landmark known as the Basilique du Sacra- Coeur. It is a roman catholic basilica and was congregated in the year 1919. Located at one of the highest altitudes of Paris, it also has the largest mosaic of Jesus Christ. The walls of the church are naturally white and clean due to the travertine stones being used. Some of most scenic and panoramic views can be seen from this place.

Musee d’Orsay is another museum in Paris that was started in the 19^th century. This museum has been converted from a railway station. It has art pieces dating from 1848 to 1914, mostly including French impressionism work. This museum is a one-stop place to know about various fields of art, that developed over that time in France, such as architecture, ceramics, textiles, furniture, metalwork, photography, painting, sculpting and sketching. The museum allows entry to all of its rooms. Some of the sections are on symbolism, art nouveau, impressionism, naturalism, etc. 

The Arc de Triomphe is located at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle. It translates to 'Triumphal Arch' and was built in honour of people who fought and died during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. The names of all the victors are inscribed on the surfaces of the walls. The Tomb of the Unknown solider is located beneath it. There are twelve streets that pass through its surrounding. From its top, the entire city of Paris can be seen gleaming with its beauty. It is sometimes confused with another arch that is much smaller, named Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which is located at the west end of The Louvre. 

One of the worlds most famous streets, the Champs-Élysées sees about 20,000 people a day and 7 million a year. One of the most used descriptions of this street states “the most beautiful avenue in the world”. It is one of the most expensive areas of real estate in the world. This avenue is filled with cafés, luxury shops, cinemas, horse-chestnut trees, and a whole lot of life to it. There are some French monuments along this street as well as the Arc de Triomphe. 

President Valery Giscard officially opened the Center Georges Pompidou in the year 1977. This place has had over 150 million visitors over the years. It was later renovated in 1997. This renovation caused a lot of changes to take place. Though the basic tubular structure was kept intact. Now it allows for more visitors to walk freely and also hosts many performing arts. It has also increased the area for displaying the Museum of Modern Arts. 

A street to lose yourself in… Monmarte is the kind of place where lovers hold hands and discover cafes, shops and quiet corners to steal kisses. It’s one of the most classic streets in Paris, situated on a hill in the district 18th arrondissement. The French village-like aura with cobble stone streets meandering through boutiques and 19th century shops makes you reach for your camera at almost every second turn. You can catch bursts of pop culture, art, food and music here, visit museums, music bars, art galleries and all that makes Paris so evergreen. Even some vineyards!

A grand historical monument in Paris, or just outside it, if the old maps are anything to go by, the Palace of Versailles is a must-visit for all. The palace was home to the French royalty, heightened to its best spender during Louis XIV. Fashion, culture, art, gossip — everything was in excess here. The palace is also known for its mirrors that came all the way from Venice and statues and potted planets imported from all over Europe. The architecture is another story altogether and must be seen with naked eyes to really feel it.

Also called the Opéra Garnier Grand Hall, this is a landmark in Paris. The palace was commissioned by none other than Napoleon III back in mid-1800s. The luxury and opulence of its architecture steals your breath. There are chandeliers and ceilings painted in bronze, classic art sculptures and columns, as well as stone work that has no rival in the world. Do visit if you are an architecture buff.

Another classic area in Paris, familiar to those who are movie buffs, the Latin Quarter is just pure city beauty. The quarter is a district by River Seine, home to the famous University of Paris along with Panthéon-Assas University, École Normale Supérieure, and École des Mines de Paris. This makes the Latin Quarter buzz alive with young blood. From patisseries to bistros, cafes to pubs and even malls, travellers fine some great fun here.

Bois de Vincennes is Paris’ biggest public park and graces a position of pride on the eastern side of the city. It was also commissioned by Napoleon and was used as a strolling ground by the royals who lived in Chateau de Vincennes nearby. The English garden blooming with all kinds of shrubs and flowers, the sparkling lakes and ponds and bicycle tracks have ensured that the park is still a big hit among the people today. There is also a horse race course, a botanical garden, an arboretum and a zoo here.

Who doesn't know what Disneyland is? Well, especially the grand Paris Disneyland!

It is a Disney-themed amusement park in the middle of Marne-la-Vallee, inviting visitors of all ages, all nationalities, locals as well as tourists. You get to experience Disney characters, fairytale heroines, amazing rides, Disney themed finger food and theatres and shows. The park is home to quite a few resorts, cafes and restaurants too. Some of the must-do places here include Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, Walt Disney Studios, Disneyland Park, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Adventure Isle and Disneyland Railroad.

Place De La Concorde is a square in Paris that was designed in the year 1755 by Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Today this building makes for a very attractive tourist destination in Paris city, along with the haunting history of its guillotine days. This public square was named after Louis XV and later changed to Place de la Revolution after the French Revolution.

A true Parisian manor, Le Manoir De Paris is a dark paradise. A haunted house that is open to all, this has been extended into an amusement theme park with a plot that is home to fabricated horror rooms, chambers and a live museum. There are a troop of trained actors, 25 in number, who perform live action horror to make your experience truly magical. Most of their live acts are inspired by myths, legends and horror motifs of Europe, so you will enjoy and fear for your life at every step!

Fun Fact: Panthéon was built way before the grand Eiffel Tower. Even before Arc de Triomphe. You can climb up Panthéon and catch gorgeous views of the city beneath you. It used to be a church, then later turned into mausoleum. The changes over the years in its structure and architecture have rendered it close to Corinthian-Gothic, with a mix of different eras and styles. A worthy visit for everyone.

Pont Neuf is a beautiful bridge, oldest in all of Paris. It is carved with 381 mascarons sculptures and arches that adorn the bank of Seine river. The ornate structure of Pont Neuf makes it an architectural delight and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many famous movies have shot scenes up here. Photographers from all over covet this bridge for shoot, be it street photography or modelling.

Whoever said Paris is all city and no village never walked by River Seine. This is a landmark river that slices the city as well as creates a soul-stirring wind that settles the city life into a quieter, more calm version of itself. You can visit the river for the ferry rides, cafes, artists and poets that sit on its bank and draw you a pretty picture or serenade you with a couplet for a coin. A river cruise also takes you through most landmarks and tourist spots of Paris, so this is a quick fix if you are in Paris for a short time and want to see it all.

The Paris Flea Market is a whole experience in itself. Wanderers, travelers, BoHo chics, trinket collectors, antique fans and all kinds of people are found here, shopping or just roaming in the flea market. It is the world’s second largest flea market and sells everting from accessories to gadgets to ornaments. You can pick up some spiced coffee or baked goods and eat on the go as you shop. Or sit in a cafe and enjoy people watching too.