It is probably cliche for some to like Paris or to want to visit the city. But it is indeed gorgeous and it’s easy to understand why it remains to be among the most visited cities in the world.
It is also one of the most beautiful cities in France, and it’s easily accessible to the rest of the world via its two major airports – Charles De Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport.
In Paris, there’s beauty everywhere that inspired artists, composers, and writers. And it’s definitely not just the Eiffel Tower, but the gilded history represented in nearly every part of the city.
Whether it’s your first or seventh time in this exquisite city, here are the best places to visit in Paris, France that you should include in your itinerary.
Things you'll find in this article
- 15 Best Places to Visit in Paris, France
- 1.Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Pari
- 2. Louvre Museum
- 3. Place du Trocadéro
- 4. River Seine
- 5. Musée Rodin
- 6. Montmartre
- 7. The Latin Quarter, Paris
- 8. Luxembourg Park, Paris
- 9. Moulin Rouge
- 10. Jardin des Tuileries
- 11. Musée de l’Orangerie (and Monet’s Water Lilies)
- 12. Père Lachaise Cemetery
- 13. Place de la Concorde
- 14. Pont Alexandre III, Paris
- 15. Eiffel Tower
15 Best Places to Visit in Paris, France
1.Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Pari
While the Notre-Dame Cathedral’s majestic spires were destroyed during the April 2019 fire, it remains to be among the most beautiful sights in Paris. The cleanup just finished months ago and it is still about to be restored.
Still, you can still admire this French Gothic beauty from afar. This cathedral was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
This historic cathedral was built in 1160 and completed in 1260, and it played a big role in the history of France.
It is where the coronation of Napoleon I was held, along with the funerals of many French presidents. It was also the main setting of the popular book of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Today, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the iconic symbols of Paris.
2. Louvre Museum
You cannot visit Paris and not see Louvre. You don’t even have to get in, the facade is an artwork in itself. This former royal palace now houses the best museums in Paris and the most visited museum in the world.
Built-in the 12th century as a fortress, Louvre now houses some of the world’s most important art and antiquities.
Be sure to visit while you’re in Paris and explore Egyptian, Oriental, and Greek antiquities.
Be sure to also check out Islamic Art, Sculptures of the Middle Ages, as well as art from the Renaissance and Modern Times.
Opening Hours:
Monday- Sunday (except Tuesday) 9:00 a.m- 6:00 p.m
Evening until 9:45 p.m on Wednesday and Fridays. Free admission on the first Saturday of each month.
Contact Information:
Address: Musée du Louvre, 75058 Paris – France
Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7)
Phone: +33(0)140205317
Email:[email protected]
Buy your ticket online here.
READ MORE: Louvre Museum: History And All The Things You Need To Know
3. Place du Trocadéro
This is one of the best places to get an epic photo of the Eiffel Tower. You didn’t have to brave the crowds or break your neck trying to get that perfect shot.
Just head onto Place du Trocadéro, where you get to enjoy not just the iconic tower.
This elevated, open space also offers stellar views of the city of lights, especially at night. And it’s also one of the best free things to do in Paris.
4. River Seine
The River Seine has been immortalized in works of art, and will always be a must-visit when in Paris.
The Seine borders half of the French capital’s arrondissements, so it’s pretty accessible anywhere.
See it while on a cruise, from a floating hotel, or the pedestrian-only walkway. It’s a different face of the city that’s just as gorgeous. It is also one of the best places for romance and it’s the reason why the city is often called the “City of Love”.
5. Musée Rodin
This light-filled estate with a picturesque garden is a lovely alternative to Paris’ more popular museums. One doesn’t even have to go inside, as the serene garden offers respite from the city hustle.
Here, you’ll be in the company of sculptures like The Thinker and The Gates of hell. Intimate and relatively uncrowded, Musée Rodin is a lovely discovery.
Opening Hours:
Monday- Sunday (except Tuesday) 9:00 a.m- 6:00 p.m
Evening until 9:45 p.m on Wednesday and Fridays. Free admission on the first Saturday of each month.
Contact Information:
Address: Musée du Louvre, 75058 Paris – France
Métro: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7)
Phone:+33(0)140205317
Email:[email protected]
6. Montmartre
Situated in the north of Paris at 130 meters high is Montmartre. It’s a fascinating area that’s known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacred Heart and as an artist hub.
A must visit in the area is the Square of Tertre, not too far from the basilica. This is where artists set up their workspaces or showcase their art.
This part of Montmartre is a reminder of how this very same place was the hub of modern art in the early 20th century.
It was where artists such as Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh worked.
7. The Latin Quarter, Paris
Located in the left bank of the Seine is the vibrant Latin Quarter.
This neighborhood is home to many higher education institutions, such as the Ecole Normale Superieure, the Ecole des Mines de Paris, and the Ecole Polytechnique.
It is a great place to just take in the atmosphere, walk around and enjoy the sights or have a drink at a cafe or bistro.
8. Luxembourg Park, Paris
Luxembourg Park was built in 1612 at the request of Marie de Medicis to complement the Luxembourg Palace.
Fondly called ‘Luco’ by the locals, this is a great place for a leisurely stroll. It is one of the prettiest parks in Paris decorated with sculptures and fountains.
It also has an aviary, an orchard, different varieties of apples, and an orchid garden.
9. Moulin Rouge
For a dose of the colorful French culture, visit the Moulin Rouge. This cabaret is known as where the French Cancan started.
It is located at the foot of Montmartre and built in 1889 by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler.
This place is now a tourist attraction with its larger than life facade, which also provides entertainment for visitors from all over.
Contact Information:
Address:82, BD de Clichy 75018, Paris Montmartre
Phone:+33(0)153098282
Email:[email protected]
10. Jardin des Tuileries
Jardin des Tuileries is a beautifully landscaped park that’s strategically located and it’s one of the best parks and gardens in Paris.
It is an ideal place to go if you want to relax a bit after exploring Paris’ most popular sights.
This garden is easily reached from both the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.
Jardin des Tuileries is also another great place for a stroll as it’s like wandering around a 17th century French formal garden.
READ MORE: 13 Interesting Facts About Tuileries Gardens
11. Musée de l’Orangerie (and Monet’s Water Lilies)
You’ll find Musée de l’Orangerie at the far end of the Tuileries Gardens, and a definite must-visit.
This is another small museum that’s probably as important as the Louvre. Get in and you’ll quickly find out why.
The Musée de l’Orangerie is the only place where you can marvel at Monet’s famous Nymphéas (Water Lily) murals.
Opening Hours:
Monday- Sunday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Late access- 5:15 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays
Admission Fee:
Adult-9 €
Free for children under 18
Free for children under 26 (EU members)
Free the 1st Sunday of the month
Contact Information:
Address: Tuileries garden Place de la Concorde 75001 PARIS
Phone:+33(0)144778007
12. Père Lachaise Cemetery
It is safe to say that everywhere in Paris is beautiful. That includes the cemeteries, such as the Père Lachaise Cemetery – one of the eeriest but interesting places in France.
It looks more like a garden or park that’s perfect for an early morning or late afternoon stroll. The atmosphere was more laid back than somber.
Spanning 108 acres, this is where you can pay your respects on the graves of Gertrude Stein and Oscar Wilde.
READ MORE: 15 Famous People Buried In Père Lachaise Cemetery
13. Place de la Concorde
The Palace de la Concorde was the venue for guillotine executions during the French Revolution. This public square is now among the most gorgeous places in Paris.
You’ll also find landmarks like the Luxor Obelisk and mermaid fountain in this public square. It is one of those perfect spots for taking photos do make sure your camera is fully charged.
14. Pont Alexandre III, Paris
The ornate Pont Alexandre III connects the Left and Right banks of Paris. This Beaux-Arts–style bridge is a magnet for photo ops, with those gilded statues and great views of the river.
It’s also a great place for a relaxing stroll especially in the late afternoon where you can also watch the city come alive with lights.
15. Eiffel Tower
And last but not the least, Eiffel Tower. Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular landmarks, not just in France, but also around the world.
It was built as an entrance for the World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle) in 1889 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution.
Several companies and artists submitted their plans and designs but it was given to Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel – which the monument was named after.
It was meant to be just a temporary structure for the exposition and was supposed to be scrapped.
But the city officials saw its value as a radiotelegraph station and they chose to save it.
Today, Eiffel Tower has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. You can also enjoy the Eiffel Tower from the comfort of many hotels near the area. You can check this list of the best hotels with an epic view of the tower.
So, that’s our list of the best places to visit in Paris, France. I hope this helps if you’re planning a trip to Paris. Do you have any other suggestions for Paris? Let us know in the comments below!
Buy your ticket online here.
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.