The city of love, Paris, is a wonderful place to go on vacation. A gorgeous, ideal location to visit, it stands out as one of the world’s most glamorous metropolises which run along the Seine River in Northern France. Its cityscape glistens with prominent structures including antique palaces, art museums, historical monuments, churches, vast landscaped parks, fashionable shopping districts, and the opera house in Paris.
With so many destinations and limited time to see them, it can be difficult to choose just a few to visit in Paris. So, when in Paris, here are 10 famous things to do and places to visit without fail are:
Montmartre
This is a small, charming hillside neighbourhood that gives the most excellent view of the city of Paris. Montmartre was known to be a popular place among legendary artists like Van Gogh and Picasso, who found inspiration from the picturesque streets and ambiance of Montmartre. Atop Montmartre’s hill, one gets to see the famous Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Also, don’t miss out on the nearby Church of Saint Pierre and Montmartre Museum.
Notre Dame
Yes, this is the same Notre Dame from Victor Hugo’s Hunchback of Notre Dame. This is the world’s most famous mediaeval cathedral designed on the theme of gothic architecture. The cathedral is filled with awe-inspiring gothic architecture and similar elements. Notre Dame has been around since the 13th century. During the French Revolution, it saw extensive damage, but Napoleon saved the place and used it to crown himself the king of France. This legendary cathedral should be on your itinerary.
The Palais Garnier
Not only is it the most famous opera house in Paris, but it may also be the most famous opera house in the world. The Palais Garnier was made when the previous theatre at the Paris opera burned down. The project of the new opera was a subject of an architectural competition in 1861 which was won by the architect Charles Garnier. It took 14 years to complete this majestic piece. Today, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, and is the centre for art and culture in Paris.
Catacombs of Paris
Go underground Paris to explore the wonderful yet spooky Catacombs. They are a cluster of tunnels underneath the busy streets of Paris. Walking on the street, you wouldn’t even know these exist underneath. Also known as the ossuary, these catacombs were former stone mines that were later converted to accommodate 6 million dead as Paris was getting full with cemeteries. Though a little eerie, you can take a guided tour as well if you are worried about getting lost and are afraid of such lonely places. The catacombs are quite unique, so try to check them out on your Paris trip.
Eiffel Tower
Easily the most recognisable tourist attraction, the Eiffel Tower is also the world’s most visited attraction. Including the tip on top, the tower stands tall up to 1063 ft (324 metres) making it the tallest structure in Paris. The tower was originally constructed as a welcoming monument to 1889’s World Fair and was going to be demolished post the fair, but it still stands strong to this day. In total, the Eiffel Tower has three floors. You can take a lift or ascend 674 steps to reach the 2nd floor, which is the main viewing place. The Eiffel Tower is a must for any first-time visitors.
Louvre
The Louvre museum is the world’s biggest and highest rated art museum. It showcases artwork by the most famous artists of the world, including The Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. The tour of the museum starts at the huge glass pyramid. The Louvre also happens to be the most famous museum in the world and many other branches are opening around the world.
Tuileries Garden
The Louvre Museum’s neighbour, Tuileries Garden was a popular meeting place for the locals in the 19th Century & 20th century. Though the park was made a garden for the Tuileries Palace in 1546, the French Revolution ensured it was open to the public in 1667. Today, it is one of the most popular places where the locals of Paris come to hangout, relax, and even meet people. The garden has a wide range of sculptures that date to the Louis XIV era. The originals of many of the current classical works can be found in the Louvre. This is still quite a beautiful place to visit.
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Established in 1804, the Pere Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris and is supposed to be the most visited cemetery in the world. This is the resting place for many famous figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wild, and many others. The cemetery is vast and over 100 acres are filled with gothic graves. Many tourists also come here to pay their respects to the graves of famous people.
The Palace Versailles
The Palace of Versailles was the King of France’s royal address residence of the late king of France till 1789 when the French Revolution began. Château de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located a little nearby. Take a tour of this amazing place and gain great perspective into the lives of the French royalty before the revolution. This place has many stories to tell, so if you are a history buff, you must check this place out.
From the world’s most popular opera house in Paris to the unique underground catacombs, Paris is an extraordinary place to visit. So, make sure you do all the mentioned things to do and see the wonders that Paris has to offer.
