Paris is a global epicenter of culture and art. Boulevards and street lights induce a romantic atmosphere in the cityscape dominated by 19th century buildings.
 |
| Kateryna T/ Unsplash |
Before you step into this magnificent city, read our list below for some inspirations about the most interesting places to visit and things to do in Paris and its surrounding.
1. Palace of Versailles
Come see the main residence of the French King and his family until the Revolution in late 18th century. Walking through the gilded Palace of Versailles is surely a magical experience. You will be impressed by huge gardens, lawns, and halls in what was once the center of political power in France.
2. Louvre Museum
As the world's most-visited museum, this gem contains more than half a million artworks and artifacts from around the globe, including Mona Lisa. The Louvre Museum was originally a royal palace from 18th century. It turned into museum after the revolution, and a glass pyramid was added later.
3. Notre-Dame de Paris
Located in the 4th arrondissement, Notre-Dame is described by many as one of the finest examples of French gothic architecture. The building is decorated with lots of beautiful statues and artworks. Sadly, it is closed temporarily for reconstruction after a fire in 2019 damaged the roof and upper walls.
4. Palais Garnier
Built in 19th century, the opera house is undoubtedly an architectural masterpiece with influence of Beaux-Arts and Baroque Revival style. You can find it in the 9th arrondissement, not far from Auber train station. Buy a ticket of ballet and opera performance, or just take a tour around the building.
5. Carousel of the Eiffel Tower
Enjoy the view of Eiffel Tower while riding a wood-carved ride-on horse at one of the most beautiful carousels in Paris. Le Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel is adorned with richly-colored panels depicting the city's life. With its romantic ambience, this vintage carousel attracts not only kids but also adults.
6. Seine River Cruise
One of the best way to enjoy the view of Paris is by taking a boat trip along the river Seine. The popular boat is called Bateaux Mouches. It is specially designed for tourists with transparent roof or open-air seats. Some boat companies even offer lunch and dinner experience.
7. Sacré-Cœur
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur, is a religious monument situated on top of the highest hill in Paris. Climb the massive stairway leading to this Roman Catholic church building with its soaring domes. The skyline of Paris looks breathtaking from up here.8. Pont Alexandre III
The ornate bridge over the river Seine connects the 7th and 8th arrondissement. Pont Alexandre III was built in the late 19th century, incorporating Beaux-Arts design with statues of cherubs, nymphs, and beautiful street lamps. This is a favorite spot for marriage proposal!
9. Champs-Élysées
The wide avenue in the 8th arrondissement is often dubbed as the most beautiful avenue in the world. It spans 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe, dotted with flagship stores of high-end brands such as LV, Gucci, Christian Dior, and Hermès. Shop till drop!
10. Grand Palais
Located in Champs-Élysées, this iconic monument with gigantic glass dome and large pillars was built for the 1900 World Fair in Paris. Grand Palais is now used as an exhibition hall, hosting events from casual concert and expo to glamorous fashion show and art exhibition.
11. Pantheon
Originally built as a church for the patron saint of Paris, this monument in the 5th arrondissement is now used as a mausoleum for important French citizens such as Marie Curie, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire. You will be impressed by its massive dome and charming neoclassicism architecture.
12. Pont des Arts
This is another iconic bridge with romantic view in Paris. Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge crossing the river Seine just south of the Louvre Museum. It was once famous as the location of love lock, where thousands of couples used to place metal locks on the railings. It's now forbidden for safety reason.
13. Luxembourg Gardens
Locally known as Jardin du Luxembourg, this is one of the most popular parks in downtown Paris. People love to bring their children and pets here. Wander through its promenades flanked by huge lawns, flowerbeds, charming statues, and an octagonal pond just in front of the French Senate.
14. Tuileries Garden
In the 16th century, Catherine de' Medici ordered the construction of this park. It is now located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. Just like Luxembourg Garden, Tuileries Garden is also designed with lawns, promenades, and statues based on the style of French formal garden.
15. Parc de la Villette
If you prefer public park with a more contemporary style, then you should come here. Parc de la Villette is filled with museums, halls, and theaters. You can find modern sculptures, futuristic structures, as well as themed gardens for children and adults.
16. Galeries Lafayette
This upscale shopping mall is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts with a history stretching back over 100 years. Find your favorite brands from Armani and Chanel to Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana. It also offers a wide array of beauty products, watches, perfumes, and restaurants with city view.
17. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Located in the 6th arrondissement, this historic neighborhood is home to intellectuals, writers, artists, and philosophers. Oscar Wilde spent his last days here in what is now L'Hotel. You can also visit Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots where Jean-Paul Sartre once hanged out with writers and thinkers.
18. Moulin Rouge
Watch the famed cabaret show not far from the red light district area of Pigalle in the 18th arrondissement. The fabulous dancers with extravagant costumes on the stage will entertain you for around 2.5 hours. There is also an option for dinner experience along the show.
19. Louis Vuitton Foundation
As you might guess, this beautiful art museum in the 16th arrondissement is sponsored by LVMH Group and its companies. The modern art exhibitions display artworks from contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons, Olafur Eliasson, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Janet Cardiff.
20. Montparnasse Tower
Paris doesn't have many skyscrapers due to its regulation to protect old buildings. Montparnasse Tower in the 15th arrondissement is an exception with its status as one of the tallest buildings in France. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Paris and Eiffel Tower from its observation deck on 56th floor.
21. Château de Vincennes
Just outside Paris, you can find a beautiful castle from the Middle Ages. Château de Vincennes is a walled compound with defensive towers, royal pavilions, lawns, and a chapel built in the 14th century. The building complex is open to public now.
22. Disneyland Paris
Situated some 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the center of Paris, this entertainment hub is fitted with multiple hotels, restaurants, shopping center, and of course the iconic castle. Discover attractions inspired by famous Disney movies such as Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Star Wars.
23. Asterix Park
Are you a fan of Asterix and Obelix? Then this amusement park is perfect for you! Only 40 minutes from the center of Paris, Asterix Park is based on the famed Asterix comic book series. The rides incorporate historic cultures from the comic book such as Gaul, ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian.
24. Père Lachaise Cemetery
This is arguably the most visited cemetery in the world. Located in the 20th arrondissement, Père Lachaise Cemetery is adorned with statues, artistic monuments, and large trees. You can find some famous names among the graves, including Isadora Duncan, Eugène Delacroix, and Jim Morrison.
25. Latin Quarter
Located between the 5th and 6th arrondissement, this area is well-known for its student life atmosphere. Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin) is home to Sorbonne University and many other colleges. Stroll around the streets, visit the bookshops and hang out in the student-filled cafés.
Obviously there's a lot more places to visit and things to do in Paris. If you know other interesting place you want to recommend in Paris, let us know in the comment section.
Have you booked your favorite hotel in Paris? Click here to book now.
Hope you enjoy your vacation!
.png)
.png)
2 Comments
check this kind of article and I found your article which is related to my interest.Disneyland Paris Deal Genuinely it is good and instructive information. Thankful to you for sharing an article like this.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job, this is great information which is shared by you. This info is meaningful and factual for us to increase our knowledge about it. about Most Famous Arab Theatre Plays So please always keep sharing this type of information.
ReplyDelete