One of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Paris is a hub of global commerce, fashion, and arts and culture. This is a city that captivates with its aesthetics—a corner of romance and beauty in details, creativity, and an inexhaustible supply of inspiration. Here you can see both famous objects of world cultural heritage and secret, non-tourist places that can surprise no less.
You may feel a little overwhelmed if you consider a trip to this wonderful city. To feel it, it is not necessary to run headlong to see all the sights. To help you to choose the best places to see, I’ve compiled a list of 10 most beautiful places to visit in Paris.
1. Notre Dame de Paris
Dating back to the 12th century, Notre Dame de Paris is a gorgeous example of French Gothic architecture. Around 13 million people from all over the world visit this one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Paris.
While the interior of the cathedral is breathtaking, be sure to have an in-depth look at the stained glass and sculpture. Stained-glass windows perform not only the function of lighting but also decorate the building itself. You can walk around the cathedral for hours, looking at the masterfully executed sculptures of the gloomy Middle Ages and remembering the novel of the same name by the great Victor Hugo.
2. The Eiffel Tower
One of the most recognized icons in the world and a symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see attraction. The symbol of Paris and one of the most photogenic buildings in the world is definitely worthy of the attention of everyone who sees the city for the first time. It is impossible to remain indifferent when seeing how the Eiffel Tower sparkles, plays, and shimmers with lights in the evening or at night. Its majesty and beauty are eternal.
If you plan to climb the tower, you should be ready for crowds and multiple queues. According to the latest estimates, there are about 7 million visitors annually. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and try to get there as early as possible. If the weather permits, organize a picnic on the Champ de Mars with a view of this one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris.
3. The Louvre
A huge labyrinth of art exhibit, the Louvre is the largest museum in Paris, and it’s definitely on my list of places to visit in Paris. The Louvre is known to tourists as the most famous museum in the world, where art connoisseurs from all over the world are drawn to. But in addition, this one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris, is a magnificent architectural monument that once served as the home of the French kings.
It boasts thousands of original works, some dating back to the middle-ages and some relatively recent. The Louvre boasts more than 30 thousand exhibits, including old paintings, frescoes, sculptures, engravings, and jewelry. Among the most famous pieces on display are the famous Venus de Milo and, of course, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The museum’s exposition consists of eight sections – ancient halls (East and Egypt), Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Islamic art, sculpture, painting, art objects, and graphic art. The most visited part of the Louvre is the Denon wing.
4. The Château de Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is one of those places that you should definitely visit while in Paris. The Palace of Versailles and its gardens are among the most popular historical places in France and throughout Europe. In 1979, this one of the best places to visit in Paris was among the first sites to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and was also recognized as one of the hundred wonders of the world.
The beautiful palace is home to the renowned Hall of Mirrors. Its gardens are full of water features, sculptures, and lavish outbuildings, among which you will find the famous Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. The complex impresses with its beauty and scale, leaving no chance for anyone to leave here indifferent. In addition, stunning interiors, halls, and royal chambers strike in their theatricality and luxury.
5. L’Arc de Triomphe
L’Arc de Triomphe was built by Napoleon the first and was finally completed in 1836. Initially, instead of the arch, it was planned to build a giant elephant, inside of which there would be a museum dedicated to Napoleon. But, in the end, this idea was not crowned with success. Therefore, it was decided to build an object in the likeness of the Roman arch of Titus.
The names of cities conquered by the commander are engraved on the walls of the building. Inside is a museum of the same name and access to the observation deck, and under the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier.
This one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris is located at the west end of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. So if you are attempting to drive in Paris, you should navigate around the Place Charles de Gaulle on which it stands. It’s not an easy task, but it’s really worth it!
6. Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
There are a lot of stunning markets in Paris. Each of them has its unique atmosphere, selling everything from gorgeous clothes to a variety of awesome fresh produce to art, antiques, and books. Here, you can find exclusive and inexpensive things with their own history.
Be sure to visit more than one market! You will find that some emphasize ‘knick knacks’ as well as home decor, some are packed with wonderful vintage apparel, and some are dedicated to gourmet dining.
The most famous flea market in Paris is the market at Porte de Clignancourt, which is called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. This one of the best places to visit in Paris is located outside the northern part of the 18th arrondissement of Paris, in the suburb of Saint-Ouen. Founded in the 19th century, it covers 7 hectares and is the world’s largest antique market, receiving between 120,000 to 180,000 visitors every weekend.
7. The Champs-Elysées
The Champs Elysees is one of the symbols of Paris and all of France. One of the most beautiful places you should definitely visit in Paris is the monumental central avenue of the capital, which is mentioned in many poems, novels, and songs and is almost two kilometers long!
The picturesque avenue is divided into two zones: shopping and entertainment and the park. The first is replete with shops, restaurants, boutiques, and fashion houses. If you like shopping, you will surely want to peruse the upscale boutiques and numerous shops that line the road.
And in a cozy city park is the famous Elysee Palace. At nightfall, the street lights up with thousands of lights, allowing you to see the city in a completely different light. You will take in its breadth and the people who walk up and down both sides of the Champs-Elysées all day long.
8. Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette is a real kingdom of shopping and just an amazingly beautiful place worth a visit in Paris. Its glass dome, made by Jacques Gruber in a neo-Byzantine style, is considered a historical monument. Lafayette is located on Boulevard Haussmann and receives thousands of visitors every day.
On the territory of the building, you can find boutiques of more than 300 famous brands, many cafes and restaurants, supermarkets, and an observation deck that offers stunning panoramas of the city.
Also, Galeries Lafayette often hosts concerts, exhibitions, vernissages, and autograph sessions of famous artists, directors, and writers. Therefore, wandering around such a place will be a real pleasure even for those who are not very fond of shopping.
9. Luxembourg Garden
The Luxembourg Gardens should definitely be added to the list of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris. The Luxembourg Gardens is a favorite vacation spot for Parisians and a must-see place for any tourist and guest of the French capital. Here you can have a great time, enjoy the architecture, and see France’s famous people and the whole world!
In the garden stands the Luxembourg Palace, one of the best architectural monuments in all of France. In front of the palace is a huge beautiful fountain, on which you can launch a sailboat model. A little to the side is the atmospheric Medici fountain of the 17th century, marble, overgrown with moss.
In addition, not far from the main entrance to the Luxembourg Gardens, there is a music pavilion, an open stage where concerts are constantly held, and amateurs and professionals perform. Furthermore, this one of the most incredible tourist destinations has many attractions, playgrounds, and sports grounds.
10. The Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier is best known as the Paris Opera and is considered one of the most important buildings in the city. This one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places worth a visit in Paris is located in the center of Paris, close to the Louvre.
The building, at first sight, impresses with its architecture and extravagant interior. Here you can see a mixture of architectural styles from ancient Greek to baroque and renaissance. Inside, there is a great variety of luxurious decor elements – large crystal chandeliers, bronze busts, painted ceilings, columns, friezes, and statues. The main decorative symbol of the Garnier Palace is the lyre found everywhere: on vaults, heating grates, and even on door handles. Also on the territory of the building is a library, a museum where exhibits from the last three centuries are stored.
There are many things to see and to do in Paris and it’s not possible to get through the whole city in only one holiday. But make sure you wander around museums and galleries, view historical places and pay more attention to food and shopping. Have you ever been to Paris? What are your favorite places in Paris? Let me know!
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