Top 10 Tourist Sites in Paris
Paris often known as “the city of lights” is the capital of France located in the north-central part of the country. In the heart of Europe nestled along the beautiful banks of the Seine River, Paris is the most visited and most popular tourist site in the world. Paris attracts over 30 million tourists annually drawn by its iconic and unique landmarks.
Like New York, Paris is home to some of the world’s most stunning monuments. Paris is famous for its rich culture and beautiful history, and it is a fully adventurous place for tourists. It is also known as the “city of love” which originates the wealthy lovers who usually came to this city to exchange vows.
The most popular place in Paris is “The Eiffel Tower” which offers breathtaking views of the city. The Eiffel Tower has more than 7 million visitors annually. Today, we will discuss the most gorgeous and popular spots to visit in Paris. So, get ready for an adventurous tour of the top destinations of Paris.
1. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic and attractive monument in Paris with 7 million visitors per year, making it the most visited site globally. It is named after its designer “Gustave Eiffel” who built it in 1889. The Eiffel Tower, standing tall at a height of 324 meters (1,063 feet), held the record of being the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than four decades.
The Eiffel Tower is made mostly from open-lattice wrought iron which is light and airy but the strongest structure that presages revolution in architecture as well as civil engineering. It serves as a symbol of modernity for the French people and also innovation in engineering expertise.
The Eiffel Tower is divided into three floors, each offering a unique experience. The first two floors consist of restaurants, shops, and exhibition spaces while the third floor, which is an important part of the tower, offers amazing views of the city. From this floor, visitors can access the views of famous landmarks like Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Seine River, creating unforgettable memories for tourists in the city of light.
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is the masterpiece of French architecture situated on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris. Construction of Notre Dame Cathedral started in the 12th century with its completion in the 13th century.
Throughout its history, Notre Dame has stood as a symbol of faith, artistry, and French heritage. The interior design of this majestic monument is decorated with priceless works of art like paintings, stained glass windows, etc. The cathedral’s most famous and amazing feature is undoubtedly its organ, one of the largest and most renowned in the world, with over 8,000 pipes.
The Cathedral’s exterior design is decorated with stone carvings exemplifying the main contributions of Gothic art to Christian architecture. Its twin towers attract tourists rising majestically to the Parisian skyline. It has played an important role in French history, royal weddings, and religious ceremonies.
3. Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is the most popular and most visited museum located in the heart of Paris along the Seine River. The construction of this structure dates back to the late 1100s when it was initially erected as a defensive fortress. Then it was transformed into the royal palace in the 16th century before transforming into the museum in 1793. It is a cultural treasure for the French spanning thousands of years of human history and civilization.
Louvre’s most famous attraction is Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. This incredible painting attracts millions of visitors each year who come to see this majestic and mysterious painting. Other popular attractions are Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Code of Hammurabi, and much more.
The Louver Museum’s vast collection includes amazing paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from ancient civilizations.
In addition, this museum also hosts exhibitions, cultural events, and educational events aimed at increasing the number of tourists. With its captivating and rich history, It continues to inspire tourists all over the world.
4. Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is situated in Paris, France, at the western end of the city’s most famous avenue Champs-Élysées. France’s military history and national pride are represented as a symbol of this Arc. Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 commissioned this arc after the victory at the Battle of Austerlitz (1805). This arc was designed by Jean-François and is standing at a height of 50 meters (164 feet). The name of the French General and the battles are printed on its inner and outer surface honoring the soldiers who fought for their country.
Tourists can climb to the top of the monument to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city including the popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Beneath this Arc, there is a tomb of a French soldier “known but to god”. He represents all those who perished and were never identified in both world wars.
This Arc continues to be a symbol of strength and national identity for the people of France. It is the most famous and must-see landmark of Paris representing the rich history of France.
5. Sacré-Coeur Basilica
Sacré-Coeur Basilica is an amazing architectural monument in Paris. It is situated atop the butte Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement at 130 meters above sea level in Paris. It was constructed between 1875 and 1914. This Basilica was dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus Christ as a gesture of penance following the France and Prussian War. Due to this, It is known as “The Sacred Heart of Paris”. It was designed by Paul Abadie and is a stunning architecture of Byzantine style. It is the most visited church in France driving 11 million plus visitors annually.
The visitors can enjoy the peaceful and beautiful environment inside. Its interior is designed with mosaic walls and stained glass windows that brighten the interior of the Basilica. Its exterior looks like a white church with a beautiful dome that keeps shining in the sunlight. Its walls are decorated with stone carvings.
It stands tall against the sky giving an amazing view that looks impressive. It continues to attract its visitors which increases every year.
6. Musée d'Orsay
Musée d’Orsay is an amazing masterpiece of art that is housed in an old train station called the Gare d’Orsay, which was built in the late 19th century. It is a majestic museum which is considered to be a masterpiece. It contains beautiful paintings, and sculptures that are made by popular and experienced artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
There are also some old things like furniture, decorative arts, and photos from the past. On the top floor, there is a big clock where you can see the breathtaking views of Paris. In addition, this masterpiece hosts great exhibitions, educational events, and cultural events to aware people and help them dive deeper into the art.
Musée d’Orsay attracts a huge number of people from all over the world who come to see its beautiful collection of art, history, and culture.
7. The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, located in the Île-de-France region near Paris, is one of the most magnificent royal residences in the world. It looks amazing with its unique architecture, beautiful interior, and extensive garden. This palace was transformed by King Louis in the 17th century. It is a royal architecture including 700 rooms, the King’s and Queen’s apartments, the royal chapel, and the opera house.
These rooms are furnished decently with attractive designs reflecting the power and wealth of the French monarchy of the King and his successors. The famous Hall of Mirrors is a famous part of the palace which is 73 meters long featuring 17 large mirrors with opposing windows which creates a dazzling effect after reflecting light.
Outside the palace, there is an extensive garden spreading over 800 hectares which contains the most famous Grand Canal. It is an artificial lake where visitors can enjoy boating and picnic adventures. It continues to attract travelers and surprise them with its royal architecture and magnificent garden.
8. Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou is a cultural institution which is located in the heart of Paris. It was a project commissioned by the president “Georges Pompidou” in 1977. Designed by two experienced architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, it was envisioned as a cultural center, a public library, and a vast public plaza.
This museum is a collection of a diverse range of artworks including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and multimedia installations.
In addition, the Pompidou Centre hosts educational and cultural events and exhibitions that aware tourists about its cultural interface. It is home to IRCAM which is a leading institute in music and acoustic research.
Overall, Pompidou stands as the center of creativity and artistic expression which leaves an impressive impression on tourists.
9. Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is an amazing masterpiece of Gothic architecture nestled in the region Île de la Cité in Paris. It was built by King Louis in the 13th century and was intended as a sacred place for the Christians in the Middle Ages. It includes the crown of thrones which is believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ. One of the most amazing parts of this chapel is that it has stained glass windows on top which cover a significant portion of the chapel’s upper level. These stained glass windows have unique designs and are decorated with vibrant colors.
It was said that the upper level of this chapel was reserved for the King and his closest advisors while the lower roof was for the remaining staff and residents of the surrounding area. This chapel was damaged by neglect during the French Revolution.
Today, it is open for tourists who come here and enjoy its beautiful royal look and stained glass windows.
10. Seine River Cruise
Seine River Cruise is a popular river located in the heart of Paris which provides an iconic view of the city’s most famous landmarks. It is a way to experience the charm, love, and iconic landmarks of the city. It provides panoramic views of the monuments like Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, and the Louvre Museum.
While traveling in the boat you can capture the charming views of the city in a captivating way. You can enjoy the city’s history, rich culture, and must-see places lining the border of the river. Whether in the daytime or nighttime, this cruise river is filled with enchanting views of the city.
It can offer a leisurely visit to the city’s sights and can prove an unforgettable journey for the tourists.
Conclusion
Paris is a city that offers captivating sights of the world’s most popular landmarks. From the Eiffel Tower to the Seine River Cruise each place has its own story to tell and invites the visitor to dive into the Parisian culture. Every moment in Paris is filled with wonder and enchantment. The city’s rich history, cultural events, and timeless beauty are sure to captivate the hearts and minds of travelers from all around the world. Don’t miss the chance to experience the top 10 tourist sites of Paris and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):
Which is the most famous landmark of Paris?
"The Eiffel Tower" is the most famous landmark of Paris. It is also the most visited monument on the planet. It attracts over 7 million tourists per year.
Why Paris is known as "The City of Love"?
Paris is commonly nicknamed “The city of Love” due to its romantic ambiance, picturesque settings, and historical association with romantic literature and art
What was "Paris" originally called as?
Paris was originally a Roman City called “Lutetia.” It became a prosperous city with a forum, baths, temples, theatres, and an amphitheater.