Ten Things You Must See in Paris

Paris. The city of lights. The city of love. A place where history, fashion and culture unite and a destination that is undoubtedly high up on ~~a number of~~ everybody’s travel bucket list!

With so many things to do, delicacies to sample and sights to see, it can be tricky fitting everything into a short stay in the city. But fear not, in this post I have compiled a list of ten things you must see in Paris during your visit.

1. The Eiffel Tower

No surprises here! As a global cultural icon of France and perhaps Paris’ most famous sight, a trip to the Eiffel Tower should not be missed! Whether you admire the tower from the banks of the Seine, take on the challenge of climbing its’ many steps, or take the easy option and ascend in the handy lifts, is up to you!

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and is named after Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built it as the entrance arch to Paris’ 1889 World Fair. There were plans to tear the tower down after the end of the fair as critics believed it unsightly and thought that it would bring the city no economic benefits. How wrong they were! Nowadays the Eiffel Tower is infact the most visited (paid) monument in the world attracting millions of people each year.

At 324 metres, the tower was the World’s tallest man-made structure for more than forty years until it was surpassed by New York’s Chrysler Building in 1930. Despite not holding this world record anymore, the iconic iron lattice tower is still the tallest building in Paris and provides its visitors with breathtaking views out across the city in all directions.

View from Eiffel Tower — Image courtesy of Emily Rowe

Sunset from Eiffel Tower — Image courtesy of Genie Patrathiranond of Gallivanting Bean – Instagram

Tip: The queues for the Eiffel Tower are notoriously long and waiting to enter can be a time-consuming activity. Whilst the queues do depend on the season, day of the week and the time, my best tip is to arrive early!

2. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica

At the summit of the butte Montmartre, the city’s highest point, is the spectacular Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

The Basilica, often known simply as the Sacré-Cœur, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As well as its religious links, the Sacré-Cœur also acts as a political and cultural monument, in remembrance of the french defeat in the 1871 Franco-Prussian War and also the socialist Paris Commune of 1871 in which Montmarte, Paris’ most rebellious neighbourhood, was crowned with an embodiment of conservative moral order, publicly dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Thanks to its geographical position on the butte Montmartre, it is another fantastic spot for views across the city. Look out for the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon as well as the rather imposing Tour Montparnasse.

It is also a favourite place for street performers to show off their skills and new tricks.

Tip: For those with a spring in their step, I would recommend approaching the Sacré-Cœur through the leafy Square Louise Michel and climbing the 222 steps up to the sugar-domed Basilica. Not only are the views at the top worth the climb, but the gardens themselves are worth exploring, boast exotic vegetation, luxuriant fountains and quiet hideaways where one can take in the view. There is also an interlinking network of gently sloping paths that run alongside the gardens or alternatively, you can hop aboard the funicular and be at the summit in no time at all!

3. Montmartre

When you are quite done enjoying the views, caught your breath following the climb and have explored the Basilica’s interior, make sure you explore the rest of what Montmartre has to offer!

Montmartre is probably most well known as the artists’ quarter, which is not surprising given that every street offers a variety of art shops, galleries and museums dedicated to famous artists who once called this area of Paris their home. The attraction of artists, intellectuals and writers to this area began a long time ago, when Montmartre was a serene village, packed out with vines and old windmills.

The picturesque ‘village’ along with its views down on to the metropolis below, drew in a great number of artists, including Toulouse Lautrec, once of France’s most flamboyant artists. It was not long before this tranquil village became engulfed by the expanding city. Due to the areas secluded location and the inexpensive living quarters, the area welcomed a new wave of inhabitants who transformed it into a predominantly working class community, known for its revolutionary politics and underground culture. This zone also attracted many of the city’s liberal students, writers, musicians and artists who hoped that they would be able to reach their dreams.

Nowadays, the district has still kept much of its character with a mixed community of artists and intellectuals, but has also suffered from constant invasions by hordes of tourists, particularly in the Place du Tertre. Despite the crowds, Montmartre is arguably the most romantic part of Paris, providing a place to explore narrow alleyways, climb quiet stairways or to sit in charming little cafes to watch the world go by.

4. Moulin Rouge

One of the World’s most famous cabarets, the Moulin Rouge is recognisable by the famous red windmill on its roof.

The cabaret was co-founded in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller and is known as the spiritual birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance.

The Moulin Rouge was also the setting for the 2001 musical film suitably named ‘Moulin Rouge!’ which tells the story of a young English writer who falls in love with the star of Moulin Rouge.

As my childhood years were filled with ballet and dance lessons, I was promised a trip to the Moulin Rouge for my 18th birthday by my parents. I think they had banked on the fact that my 5 year old self would forget this promise by the time my 18th birthday had come around, but they were not so lucky. So back in March 2010 we spent the evening of my 18th birthday watching the spectacular show.

Whilst it is certainly worth a visit, the tickets can be very expensive – so not for those on a budget!

5. The Louvre

The Louvre is not only a central landmark of Paris and a historical monument but also one of the most famous and largest art museums in the world. While most visitors flock to the museums corridors to glimpse at Leonardo da Vinci’s world famous Mona Lisa, the museum holds nearly 70,000 objects exhibited over a colossal area of 60,600 square metres.

Needless to say, you will not be able to see everything in one visit!

The museum of the Louvre is housed in the Louvre Palace, which was originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century. Remnants of the fortress can still be seen in the basement of the museum.

Tip: Admission to Paris’ museums are free on the first Sunday of each month as well as on 14th July. Oh, and don’t forget to stop for a snap of the Louvre’s glass pyramid!

6. Jardin des Tuileries

Linking the Louvre to the Champs Élysées are the chocolate-box gardens of the Tuileries, popular with Parisians and tourists alike. These gardens provide a peaceful place to sit and watch the world go by, be that on the luscious green grass or on one of the green chairs scattered around the park’s water basins. A stroll through the gardens is a great way of absorbing the Parisian atmosphere.

Ferris Wheel in Tuilleries — Image courtesy of Alison Tatham of The College Tourist

7. Champs Élysées

With cinemas, cafes and restaurants, luxury as well as high street shops, and the Lido (a Las Vegas style cabaret) this world-famous avenue really does offer something for each and every person. Running between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle, the tree-lined avenue is 1.9 kilometres long.

During the winter season, the Champs-Élysées also hosts Paris’ largest Christmas market. The avenue is lined with clusters of wood chalets offering custom holiday treats, including specialties from various regions of France as well as a number of rides to amuse those feeling youthful.

8. Arc de Triomphe

Another of the city’s famous landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe stands proud as a memorial remembering and honouring those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

It is located at the end of the Champs Élysées at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, which is also the largest traffic roundabout in the world.

Much like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc du Triomphe also has a viewing platform providing great views of the Eiffel Tower and impressive views straight down the Champs Élysées to Place de la Concorde as well as to the Grande Arche of La Defense on the opposite side. But beware, to reach the top you must first climb the 280 steps!

Back down on solid ground take some time contemplating the hundreds of names inscribed onto both inner and outer surfaces of the Arch, before paying your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in remembrance of all those unidentifiable heroes who lost their lives during WW1.

Tip: The Arc du Triomphe is part of the Centre des monuments nationaux who all offer free admission to 18-25 year olds on presentation of a valid student ID and photo ID (passport, driving licence etc).

9. Notre Dame

Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most famous catholic churches in all of Paris and is also known for its connection to Victor Hugo’s famous novel ‘The Hunchbank of Notre Dame’.

The classic gothic style of pointed spires and flying buttress are common to many ecclesiastical monuments built in this architectural style but the Notre Dame is set apart from these with its smaller details such as the statues, carvings and sculptures which together retell the church’s history.

The church’s two towers reach 69 metres and offer another viewing platform for a different perspective over the city. Whilst I haven’t yet made it up the towers to enjoy the view it has definitely been added to my to-do list for my next visit to the French capital.

Tip: Visiting Notre Dame is free although long queues are very common. The best time to visit the cathedral is said to be in the early morning between Tuesday and Friday.

10. Opera

The National Opera House of Paris, also known as Palais Garnier, was built between the years of 1861-1875. The beautiful building is located on the Boulevard des Capucines and is probably one of the most famous opera houses in the world.

Many know the Opera as the setting of Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera published in 1910 and also more recently, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical.

As Audrey Hepburn once said, “Paris is always a good idea” and you know what, I couldn’t agree more.

Beautiful buildings, chic fashion, romantic streets and tree-lined boulevards await. Whether you are travelling solo, visiting with family, with friends or with your beloved, there is something for everyone and each visit brings new encounters and wonderful memories.

My Travel Tips and Recommendations

Flights

My usual go-to for booking flights is Skyscanner, the flight search engine. What I love about Skycanner is that you have various options depending on your situation. If you know where you want to go it’s easy – all you need is to search for your destination and dates, and you are provided with all flight options to choose from. If you haven’t decided on your next trip yet, you can use the Everywhere tool for inspiration and to find the cheapest places to fly to.

Accommodation

Whenever I plan my travels Booking.com is my best friend. The website is super easy to use and provides a whole range of accommodation from fancy resorts to budget hotels. Jack and I also regularly use Airbnb – in particular, for staycations in the UK.

Things I can’t travel without

As a travel blogger and keen photographer I never travel without my trusty technology. Always packed are my

Canon EOS M3
GoPro Hero5 Black
I’m also saving for a DJI Mavic Pro

Travel Insurance

It is so important to be prepared for all possibilities when travelling and you simply shouldn’t travel without insurance. When looking for cover I would personally recommend World Nomads or the Post Office – both are affordable and certainly won’t break the bank.

Ten Things You Must See in Paris