Paris is known to be one of the top travel destinations across the globe. Known for its rich heritage and diverse culture, it stands out as one of the most premier travel destinations. For food lovers, art enthusiasts, and culture fans, this city offers an array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. However, it can get tricky visiting this place within a limited time frame. To help readers with this predicament, here are the top 10 unmissable attractions in Paris.
10 Most Attractions in Paris
There are a plethora of places that one could visit in Paris, however, these destinations are one of the top ten in the city. To know more about the same, continue reading.
1. Eiffel Tower
Popularly known as the Tour Eiffel, this is one of the prime destinations when in Paris. Synonymous with Paris, the Eiffel Tower provides an unmissable experience for tourists. With its three-storeyed levels, viewers can get a spectacular glimpse of the city. Even the most prolific landmarks of the city can be witnessed from this attraction. There is nothing like going up to the observation platforms and viewing the entire city disappear into the horizon. To add to the list, there are also restaurants and bars, a seasonal ice-skating rink, and breathtaking views on the first floor.
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2. Louvre Museum
Also known as the Musée du Louvre in Paris, this city attraction garners almost 10 million tourists around the year. This makes it the top visited museum across the globe. However, the star attractions in this spot are three paintings, the world-famous Mona Lisa painted by Leonardo da Vinci, two other ancient Greek statues, known as Venus de Milo, and The Winged Victory of Samothrace, better known as Winged Nike. Along with this, there are also other prominent attractions such as a stellar collection of Egyptian mummies, exquisite European paintings and crown jewels, and artistic tapestries among others.
3. Versailles Palace
This is one of the most breathtaking palaces in the world. With over 700 rooms, this palace stands out as the most visited palace. Known to have housed some of the iconic royals of the past centuries, namely King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, the Hall of Mirrors provides you with an unforgettable royal experience. The gardens are magnificent and one could spend an entire day strolling around the exquisitely sculpted statues and fountains.
4. Latin Quarter
Better known as the Quartier Latin, this street offers a rustic, authentic Parisian experience. This famous Left Bank was first inhabited by Romans in the first century. This was later frequented by scholars, activists, and other art connoisseurs. The place has evidence of Medieval Parisian touches even now. The most iconic experience on this lane is the brasseries along the Boulevard Saint Germain which has moments of literary geniuses such as Hemingway, Sartre, and Camus’s conversations.
5. Seine River
Flowing through the heart of the city is the Seine River, which encapsulates the iconic island, Ile de La Cite. Here, the famous museums of Paris are located with beautiful parks and exotic locations. Walks along the banks of the Seine are extremely popular. Along with this, there are bookstores along the bank sides for readers to engross themselves in. There also exists Parc Rives de Seine, which is a walkable area for people to enjoy the greenery of the city, or can go for relaxation and games at the same place.
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6. Notre Dame
This Cathedral is centuries old yet stands the test of time. Located at the Ile de la Cite, it reflects the Gothic culture of its inception and is a sight to behold. Overlooking the Seine River, this Cathedral is one of the central attractions of the city. However, after the 2019 fires, visitors are not able to visit the interiors of the Cathedral or witness the marvel inside. Although renovations are underway, viewers can still enjoy the scenery from outside. By December 2024, partial renovations are almost completed for the tourists, which means they may be able to view the attraction.
7. Montmartre and Sacré Coeur
This exotic village known as Montmartre has been around as a tourist spot for a really long time. Built in the 1860s, several cafes and cabarets have opened up along the lanes, offering an exquisite view of the village. History has it that these lanes used to be housing areas for several artists, musicians, and others, back when rent was affordable. The Moulin Rouge theatre in Pigalle is another major attraction of Sacré Coeur. The White Basilica is also one of the prime locations at the Sacré Coeur.
8. Musée d’Orsay
Earlier housing a train station, the Musée d’Orsay now carries an exceptional display of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art and culture. The galleries are jam-packed with crowds from around the world, for the view of several iconic masterpieces. The Monet is housed here, and so is the Renoir, Cézanne, and the remarkable Starry Night by Van Gogh. There also exists a rooftop terrace from which the bright neighborhoods can be witnessed.
9. Arc de Triomphe
This tourist attraction was sanctioned by Napoleon to commemorate his army troops and their victories across Europe in 1806. However, he was exiled and passed away by the time this spot came to completion after 30 years. It contains several busy streets including the very famous Champs Élysées. At the observation deck, one can witness a 360-degree view of Paris with a ticket. There also exists the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Eternal Flame which honors the French soldiers martyred in World War I and II.
10. Pompidou Centre
Also known as the Centre Pompidou, this spot contains the most unique wall designs with bright-colored tubes and mechanical extensions. The design was initiated by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers and stands till date as testimony to the breathtaking art and culture of the city. However, the star attraction is within the walls of the exhibition, with contemporary paintings, sculptures, and videos. These are all created in a revolving manner, which adds to the awe and delight of the viewers.
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