1: Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
The most popular landmark of Paris is the Eiffel Tower, therefore it is customary for any tourist to have a photo with the spectacular tower as the background. Inside the tower there are a number of fun and exciting things that you can do. On the first floor you are going to see an exhibit of the tower’s 120-year history through photographs, films and other interactive displays. On the second floor you can find best spots for taking photos of scenic Paris views. In the evening, the tower sparkles and glows in a beautiful golden light, making it even more breathtaking.
Website: www.tour-eiffel.fr
2: Louvre Museum (Musee du Louvre)
Drawing nearly 10 million visitors each year, the Louvre is home to some of the most exquisite and most unique art collections in the world. Check out their exhibits such as The Treasury of the Abbey, Birth of A Museum, and Contemporary Art — The Biggest Tent In The World. While you are here you can learn more about art by joining their lectures and symposia, you can watch films on archaeology and art history, and even watch exciting live performances.
Website: www.louvre.fr/en
3: Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris)
One of the city’s most iconic structures, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a true testament to the city’s history and religious devotion. While you are here, you can take part in the Cathedral’s services for prayer and reflection, you can watch their night shows composed of beautiful sounds and images projected on a large screen, and make sure to go on a tour of the tower and the crypt. See the gargoyles and the chimera built way back in the 19th century as well as the archaeological crypt featuring elements from successive building constructions throughout the years.
Website: www.notredamedeparis.fr
4: Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur)
Since the beginning of time, the Montmartre, or the Mount Of Martyrs has been a sacred place of worship. Today it continues to be a shrine of prayer and a place where devotees from all over the world flock to every year. You can join the Crypt of the Martyrium tour to see the Pieta Chapel, the tombs of Cardinals Guibert and Richard, and a beautiful bronze statue of Christ. You can also go all the way up to The Dome to see a splendid view of the city. Just make sure that you are ready to climb 300 steps as there are no lifts to get to the top.
Website: www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
5: Arch of Triumph (Arc de Triomphe)
Standing tall and proud as the strongest symbol of France as a nation, the Arc de Triomphe was built between 1806 and 1836. It has become the city’s most celebrated site for many of its major national events. Climb all the way up to the Arc’s viewing terrace and gaze at the beautiful sight below you. This is the best way for you to admire the city’s urban geometry and one of the best spots to take a souvenir photo of the beauty of Paris.
Website: arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr
6: Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)
For 30 years now, the Versailles Palace has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Three French Kings have lived here throughout the French revolution and today it remains to be a symbol of royalty and a true epitome of classical French Art. To make the most out of your visit, you need to purchase The Passport, which will give you complete access to all the palace’s tours including the grounds, the Trianon palaces as well as Marie Antoinette’s Estate, plus passes to the Musical Fountain show and the Musical Gardens.
Website: en.chateauversailles.fr
7: Square of Concord (Place de la Concorde)
Situated between the Tuileries and the Champs-Elysees, the eight-hectare Place de la Concorde is the city’s largest square. Make sure to take a photo with each of the statues and fountains, all of which represent a French city. Here you can join the Paris Walking Tour, where you will learn everything that you need to know about the city’s rich and colorful history.
Website: www.paris.fr
8: The Orsay Museum (Musee d’Orsay)
Home to some of the world’s most impressive permanent collections, Musee d’Orsay is one of the world’s richest museums visited by thousands of tourists each year. Here you can stand in awe in front of the greatest works of early and modern impressionist artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, Matisse and Rodin. While you are here, make sure to check out the museum’s lectures and symposia for a deeper understanding of art and its history. You can also watch shows and concerts to make the most out of your visit.
Website: www.musee-orsay.fr
9: The Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg )
Originally owned by the duke of Luxembourg, the park is a popular attraction both to locals and tourists alike. While you are here, make sure that you take your children to the octagonal pond in the middle of the park called the Grand Bassin where you can rent small boats for them. Your kids can enjoy the pony rides around the park, the merry-go-round, as well as exciting puppet shows. If you simply want to relax and unwind with a good book, then you can simply find a nice shaded spot to sit and while the hours away.
Website: www.senat.fr
10: Centre Georges Pompidou
President Georges Pompidou, the country’s leader from 1969 to 1974, wanted to construct a cultural center in Paris that would attract visitors from all over the world. It was in the 1970’s, when two architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers built the most architecturally unique museum of our time, now known as Centre Georges Pompidou. Visit the museum with a guided commentary by a lecturer for a better understanding of each exhibit. You can also let your kids participate in workshops and activities designed for children and teenagers.
Website: www.centrepompidou.fr