1. The Louvre, the largest museum in the world
Formerly the palace of the kings of France, the Louvre Museum spreads its 360,000 m² of floor space along the Seine. Discover priceless collections of paintings, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, and the Crown Jewels. The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace are among the 35,000 or so masterpieces on display!
2. The Eiffel Tower, the Iron Lady of Paris
It’s impossible to visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, it is now an integral part of the City of Light. Take a moment to wander up to the first floor with its spectacular glass floor. You can even stop for lunch. From its summit, the great Iron Lady offers incredible views of Paris’s most beautiful monuments.
3. The Musée d’Orsay, an exceptional Impressionist collection
Formerly a train station, the Musée d’Orsay now houses the largest Impressionist collection in the world. Stroll among the most beautiful paintings by Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Cezanne, and Renoir. The museum also features a magnificent collection of sculptures and decorative arts.
4. The Arc de Triomphe, to the glory of Napoleon I
From Place de la Concorde, walk up the famous Champs-Élysées, which leads straight to the Arc de Triomphe. Built under the leadership of Napoleon I, the symbol of the First Empire, the monument evokes the grandeur of France and its victorious armies. Enjoy the panoramic view of Paris and the avenue below.
5. The Conciergerie, in the turmoil of the French Revolution
The only remaining vestige, along with the Sainte-Chapelle of the Palais de la Cité, of which the Guard Room and the immense Hall of the Men-at-Arms still remain, the Conciergerie became a revolutionary court and prison during the French Revolution. It was within its walls that Queen Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned before being led to the scaffold.
6. Notre-Dame Cathedral, the heart of historic Paris
Immortalized by Victor Hugo in his novel of the same name, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments. Although damaged by fire in 2019, this jewel of Gothic art still stands majestically on the Île de la Cité since the 12th century. While we await its reopening, we marvel at its monumental architecture, sculptures, stained-glass windows, and fortunately preserved rose windows.
7. The Sainte-Chapelle, a jewel of Gothic art
Neighboring Notre-Dame, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie of Paris are an integral part of French history. Built in 1248 by Saint Louis to serve as a setting for holy relics, the Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of the Rayonnant Gothic style and a true architectural feat for the time. The magnificently preserved stained-glass windows reach a height of 15 meters.
8. The Sacré-Coeur Basilica, one of the most beautiful views of Paris
The Byzantine architecture of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica rises into the sky above the Montmartre district. Built from 1875 onwards at the top of the hill, the most visited religious building after Notre-Dame Cathedral seems to watch over Paris, which it dominates from a height of more than 130 meters, offering one of the most beautiful views of Paris. Stroll along the bustling Place du Tertre, next to the imposing monument, with its many cafés and restaurants, its street painters…
9. The Centre Pompidou, the largest museum of contemporary and modern art in Europe
Built in the Les Halles district, one of the oldest in Paris, the Centre Pompidou stands out with its resolutely futuristic architecture. The building houses Europe’s largest museum of contemporary and modern art, spanning six floors, and features works by masters from Kandinsky to Picasso, Dali, and Matisse. The outdoor escalators serve all areas, offering magnificent views of the rooftops of Paris.
10. The Palais Garnier, the most prestigious opera house in France
Not far from the department stores on Boulevard Haussmann, the Palais Garnier offers a break between music and architecture. Let yourself be charmed by the beauty and richness of the decor, by the Grand Staircase. The tour will take you to discover the different spaces, up to the great hall and its ceiling painted by Marc Chagall. Extend the magic by booking a ballet or a storytelling tour to discover the backstage of the Paris National Opera.
