Notre-Dame stands in the heart of Paris on the le-de-la-Cit next to the Latin Quarter. More to Enjoy:From mid-July to mid-August, Paris Plages transforms the Right Bank plus other parts of the city into a sandy beach. But to get under the skin of this fabled quarter of ivy-clad cottages, windmills and artist cafes, it pays to duck down hidden alleys and squares, and explore less-visited streets on the backside of the Butte (as the Montmartre hill is known). Among Parisians, this park is a favorite place to go for picnics and basking in the sunshine on warm days. Particularly noteworthy is the bas-relief by Franois Rude on the Champs-Elyses-facing side: Departure of the Volunteers of 1792, also known as La Marseillaise, illustrating the troops led by the winged spirit of Liberty. The recently renovated Eiffel Tower Gardens surrounding the esplanade feature romantic landscaping in the Belle Epoque style. The collection covers all the movements of modern art, beginning with the Post-Impressionist "Fauves" and "Les Nabis" movements (Andr Derain, Raoul Dufy, Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, and Marc Chagall) and continuing with the famous movement of Cubism (Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Fernand Lger, and Robert Delaunay). In the iridescent glow of Sainte-Chapelle's glorious sanctuary, the performances of Baroque chamber music, sacred music, or Vivaldi string quartets have a sublime quality. To learnthe Louvreinside and out, you mightneed half alifetime. In 2021, the Louvre was the most visited cultural site in Greater Paris. We have a few alternative recommendations to consider. The Muse de Montmartre (12 Rue Cortot) occupies a historic house where Auguste Renoir, Raoul Dufy, Suzanne Valadon, and other artists once lived and worked. Leafy trees shade pedestrian pathways, which wind through the gardens and lead to ponds, a grotto, and belvederes with viewpoints of the Iron Lady. The exquisite "marble"replica of a late-Renaissance Giambologna sculpture in the central hall (actually a gargantuan, slow-burning wax candle by Swiss artist Urs Fischer), the pesky "pigeons"perched on the balustrade above, the "cushions"strewn on the occasional chair throughout are not what they seem. Another luxury establishment here is the Ritz Hotel, which was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. Four Gallic cocks and a lion relief on the base of the column symbolize the free people of France. Adored by tourists for its perfectly preserved medieval ambience, picturesque canals, and enticing chocolate shops, atmospheric Bruges (two hours 30 minutes by train) is simple to visit even though the train crosses the border into Belgium. Eiffel Tower Well come on, you know what it is. The Opra Bastille presents a calendar of events (from January through July) that includes opera and ballet performances by the Opra National de Paris and the Corps de Ballet de l'Opra de Paris. It's often hard to know where to begin and to prioritize what should you be seeing on your first days of exploring in the French capital. Five other women are buried at the Panthon. Entrance to the Panthon requires an admission fee, except for free admission on the first Sunday of every month from November through March. Visit the beautiful old churches filled with artistic treasures, including Saint Julien le Pauvre, dating back to the Middle Ages. The Conciergerie is a remnant of the Palais de la Cit, the royal residence of France's kings in the 13th and 14th centuries, until the residence moved to the Louvre. A must-see destination in the 6th arrondissement, the Jardin du Luxembourg is the best known park in Paris after the Tuileries. This is evidenced by their sprawling, elegant department stores, the best of which is the Galerie Lafayette Haussmann. Some of those that made our list of the best also specialize in small plates that fit the definition of gourmet. Natural Attractions Multi-day Tours When are you traveling? Paris Discovery Tip: Unless you love huge crowds, avoid pedestrian-only Rue de la Huchette. Another interesting fact about Le Marais is that it has a significant Jewish community. Visitors are delighted by the broad assortment of paintings, from canvases that reveal the gentle pastel-hued brush strokes of Monet to the wild, colorful scenes of Gauguin. Sometimes, a little breathing room away from the stress and noise of the city is in order. A visit to the City of Light is not complete without spending time on the sidewalk terrace or bustling interior of a famous caf. . Local Tip:Films screened on a 24m-long screen in the Louvres magnificent 16th-century courtyard during Julys four-day Cinma Paradiso Louvre open-air film fest are always a rip-roaring success. The Paris Marathon in April also starts and ends at the Arc, and the Tour de France also ends there in July. Content and original photos protected by DMCA. The building also contains three museums and two churches. This impressive medieval monument is a triumph of Gothic architecture. Those in the know dine at the Centre Pompidou's sleek contemporary-style restaurant on the museum's top floor. You can enjoy the Seine in many different ways. For an additional fee, audioguides (available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese) provide one hour of commentary to help visitors appreciate the art, architecture, and history of Sainte-Chapelle. Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Paris-Here you will find a list of the top 10 attractions in Paris. Opposite the Louvre Museum is a welcome retreat for tourists amid the bustle of Paris' 1st arrondissement. The 50m-high (164ft), Roman-style, triumphal arch commemorating Napolons 1805 victory at Austerlitz is also the best spot to get your head around Paris Axe Historique (Historical Axis) a line of historical monuments forming a perfect east-to-west axis through central Paris. Some, such as the viewing platforms on the Eiffel Tower itself and the rooftop terrace at the Arc de Triomphe, will not surprise you. Housing the world's most important collection ofimpressionist and post-impressionist painting, the Musee d'Orsay's light, airy rooms whir you through three floors of modern wonders, from Degas' ethereal dancers to Monet's water lilies, all the way to Gaugin's verdant jungles. Here are the Top 15 popular tourist attractions in Paris: 1. Address: 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris (Mtro: Cit or Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station). Tourists will also enjoy discovering the historic town of Rouen, with its marvelous cathedral, handsome half-timbered houses, and abundance of Gothic churches. If so, start with these top 10 attractions and legendary sightseeing destinations. More Monet masterpieces rub shoulders with paintings by Czanne, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh in theMuse dOrsay, displaying world-class art from 1848 to 1914 in a resplendent 1900-built train station by the Seine. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in France through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. In the 19th century, the architect Jean-Franois Chalgrin updated the layout of the Jardin du Luxembourg. Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket, where to stay on your first trip to Paris, Best Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris, Best Paris Hotels in the 16th Arrondissement, Happening Now in Paris - Find Our Latest Articles, The famous Paris winter sales, concerts, new museum exhibits, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year Parades, Mardi Gras, Fountain Shows at Versailles, French Open, Paris Marathon, Easter concerts, spring flowers, Summer sales, Pride week, music fests, air show, Gifts, holiday food, mulled wine, and Santa, Where to stay near the famous palace museum, Wonderful hotels close to top Paris attractions. Most of the building's space is dedicated to the main foyer with its fabulous Grand Escalier, marble entrance staircase, adorned by ornate gilded lamps. The chteau has a gift shop, bookstore and restaurant. Also worth noting: The area of the Marais around the Rue des Rosiers is home to a Jewish community and is known as the "Pletzl" (a Yiddish word that means "Small Square"). Things to Do in Paris Snap a pic at the Eiffel Tower, wander around the Louvre, take a day trip to Versailles, or try a sightseeing tour to uncover even more art, history, and undeniable charm. Children love the playground, which features swings, slides, a sandpit, games area, and pony rides. For many people, it's thrilling the first time you see the Eiffel Tower. Go enjoy a simple glass or two at one of these laid-back bars, where you might also tuck into a plate of fragrant, creamy French cheeses or savory charcuterie. The lush grounds are home to a rose garden, caf, and fountains. Quietly at home in an intimate, Empire-style htel particulier in the residential 16e arrondissement, this is where the worlds largest collection of canvases by Monet can be found. Here are the top things to do. But inside (get a skip the line ticket before you go to save time), revolving exhibitions of top-notch contemporary paintings, sculptures, and video and sound installations account for the museum's immense popularity. At the base of the monument, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame to honor the unidentified French soldiers killed in World Wars I and II. (The heads are now on display in the Muse de Cluny.). Althoughskip-the-line tickets won't save you from every delay (you still have to go through security, although those lines ususally move quickly), they can certainly speed up your entry. Immersive art exhibition 'Beyond Monet' is opening in Miami, bringing the French artist's paintings to life in large-scale digital presentations. A spiral staircase of 283 steps inside the column leads to a viewing platform. Art Museums. Reservations are recommended. In the center of Place de la Bastille is the 51-meter-high Colonne de Juillet, topped by a graceful gilded figure of Liberty ("Gnie de la Libert"). Walk to the center of one of the graceful, metallic green bridges to watch boats float down the canal (and come through complex lock systems). Between Les Halles and Le Marais is the Centre Pompidou, a cultural center devoted to modern art. The Center's signature skeletal design, which evokes bones and blood vessels, is either loved or reviledno in-betweens. Eiffel Tower ( Tour Eiffel) The Eiffel Tower seen from a Seine River cruise boat Soaring high above the Paris landscape, the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris - and gives you spectacular city views from three levels. Take sunset cruise along the Seine. This medieval country village (once considered outside of the city) has become annexed as the 18th arrondissement of Paris. This innovative structure is now considered a masterful architectural feat and is the most emblematic sight in Paris. More to Enjoy: Magnificent gardens filled with statues, fountains, flowers, tree alles, and walking paths. Walk along the banks and admire the beautiful bridges. The arch was originally called "La Grande Arche de la Fraternit". Blending the blockbuster experiences with these local delights is the key to experiencing the best of Paris. The Flame of Remembrance was ignited at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11th, 1923 and since that date has not ever been extinguished. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. And there is good news: The famous cathedral is now expected to partially reopen by December, 2024. When 19th-century town planner Georges Eugne Haussmann bulldozed the medieval citys cobweb of dank, narrow alleys in the 1850s to create an elegant, light-filled capital of broad tree-shaded boulevards and squares, he clearly had Parisian flnerie (strolling at leisure) in mind. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in France, 29 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris, From Paris to Giverny: 4 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Bordeaux: 3 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Versailles: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Saint-Tropez: 4 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Normandy: 4 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Lyon: 3 Best Ways to Get There, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Paris in Winter, From Paris to Marseille: 3 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Strasbourg: 3 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Nice: 3 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to the Loire Valley: 4 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Mont Saint-Michel: 4 Best Ways to Get There, From Paris to Bruges: Best Ways to Get There, 13 Best Places to Hit the Beaches in Pula, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing, http://www.musee-armee.fr/en/english-version.html, https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/opera-bastille, https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en.html, places to visit within easy reach from Paris, The naturally beautiful region of Brittany, Average minimum and maximum temperatures for Paris, France in, A great way to see many of Paris' attractions in just one day, the, For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the, History buffs will want to see the famous World War II battlefields, about a three-hour drive from Paris. Best Time to View:On the first Sunday (a.k.a. Find fun ways to explore the Latin Quarter. Continue intoJardin du Palais Royal to frolic around Daniel Burens signature black-and-white striped columns, browse its upmarket boutique-clad arcades, chill over freshly roasted coffee at hiddenCaf Kitsun, and flop on a park bench to watch Paris go by in gorgeous slow motion. Gawping at ornate tomb art while paying your respects to 70,000 rich, famous and infamous buried in the worlds most-visitedcemetery is a riveting urban walk. Although you can easily see it at a distance, you'll get the best views and experience when you're close to it. You can stroll past the neighborhood's many cafes and cabarets, and imagine the artists, musicians, and writers who made it their home 100+ years ago when rents were cheap. For several days at the end of May, the Villette Sonique festival draws huge crowds to outdoor music concerts. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. You can also find bespoke perfume, high-end jewelry, scrumptious pastries and even old-world, fine luggage. It's hard to believe that the structure was dismissed as a monstrosity when it was first unveiled. See all. The Seine River bridges, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum look stunning from the viewpoint of a riverboat. As the capital city of France, Paris has endured as an important city for more than 2,000 years. However, the ongoing repairs and restoration work is fascinating to see from the outside, plus you can also admire the high towers, flying buttresses, and other features from a safe distance. The Arc de Triomphe's sky-high viewing platform is dramatically less crowded than the Eiffel Tower, but with views to rival. Cruise up and down the river on a tour boat to see Paris's most beautiful historic buildings and bridges from a unique perspective. The Burgundy region is dotted with historic towns such as Dijon, quaint villages, ancient abbeys, and Romanesque churches.