Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reasons. The city offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and artistic attractions that appeal to all kinds of travelers. Whether you are looking for romance, history, art, or fashion, Paris has something for you. Here are some of the top tourist destinations in Paris that you should not miss.
Eiffel Tower: The most iconic landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and has become a symbol of France and its culture. The tower stands at 324 meters tall and offers stunning views of the city from its three levels. You can either take the elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top, where you can also enjoy a glass of champagne or a meal at the restaurant. The tower is especially beautiful at night, when it sparkles with thousands of lights.
Louvre Museum: The largest and most visited art museum in the world, the Louvre Museum houses a collection of over 35,000 works of art, ranging from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. The museum is famous for its masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The museum is also a stunning architectural marvel, with its glass pyramid entrance and its former palace building.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: One of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious architecture and art. The cathedral features a majestic facade with two towers, a rose window, and a spire. The interior is equally impressive, with its stained glass windows, sculptures, paintings, and relics. The cathedral is also home to the famous hunchback bell-ringer Quasimodo, who was immortalized by Victor Hugo’s novel.
Champs-Élysées: The most famous avenue in Paris, the Champs-Élysées is a 2-kilometer-long boulevard that stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The avenue is lined with luxury shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and theaters. It is also the venue for many events and celebrations, such as the Bastille Day parade, the Tour de France finale, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Musée d’Orsay: Located in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is a museum dedicated to 19th and early 20th century art. The museum showcases works by impressionist and post-impressionist artists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin. The museum also features sculptures, furniture, photography, and architecture from the same period.
Arc de Triomphe: A monumental arch that stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his military victories. The arch is decorated with reliefs and sculptures depicting scenes from French history and bears the names of generals and battles. Underneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an eternal flame that honors those who died in World War I and II.
These are just some of the many attractions that Paris has to offer. No matter how long you stay in Paris, you will never run out of things to see and do in this amazing city.