Best things to do in Paris
Find out more about those top places in Paris
Paris needs no introductions; it is a city that is considered one of the best places in the World to visit. Known to be the European capital of fashion and arts, there are millions of visitors trooping in yearly to see all that Paris has to offer.
One thing that encourages the tourism in the city, is the fact that it has some of the most recognizable attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée Du Louvre and Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris.
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Eiffel Tower
Known all over the world, The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous structures ever built - its significance does not just cut across Paris and France alone, but the entire Europe. Named after famous French Civil Engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower stands at a staggering 324 meters and was built as an icon for the 1889 World’s fair. It main highlight is its observation deck at 276 m, which is also the highest available to the public in the European Union.
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Musée Du Louvre
In a beautiful city like Paris, this is considered one of the most beautiful places in the city and that goes to show how amazing it is. Established in 1793, it is situated in the Louvre Palace, which began as a fortress by Philip II in the 12th century. The Museum is the world’s largest art museum and the most visited as well, receiving over 10 million visitors in 2018. It features over 38,000 objects dating from prehistoric to modern times, some of its exhibitions include collections of ancient Greek and roman sculptures and several paintings from notable artists (including the Mona Lisa by Da Vinci).
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Cathedrale Notre Dame
If you are familiar with cathedrals, you would know that there a several Notre Dames around the world but this one in Paris is considered “the main Notre Dame”. The hard to miss cathedral was built in 1345 using French Gothic style designs, with its interior and exterior displaying great artistry. Recognized as the spiritual center in France – it home to the Crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ and a nail from the true cross.
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Les Catacombes
Not a place for the faint at heart, the Les Catacombs popularly known to tourists as the Catacombs of Paris are a group of ossuarries which hold the remains of over six million people. Built in from 1810 when the city was trying to solve its problem of overflowing cemeteries, leading to the exhuming of bones and storing them in disused quarry tunnels. In recent times the Catacombs have been renovated and the bones arranged into more aesthetically pleasing patterns. It also serves as a resting place of casualties of some of France’s notable events such as the riots of Place de Greve and that of the French Resistance.
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Arc de Triomphe de l’ Étoile
The Arc de Triomphe de l’ Ètoile which when translated is “Triumphal Arch of the Star”, it is one of France’s symbolic structures built to celebrate the victories of the French Wars and as a memorial for those that died during the battles. The monumental arch presents a Neoclassical architectural style and stands at a height of 50 meters with almost 660 names inscribed inside its walls, most of which are French generals of the first French Empire. Beneath the arch is the tomb of an Unknown Soldier, which has an eternal flame.
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Jardin du Luxembourg
With several gardens spread across the city, it can be a daunting task to pick the one to visit - however, the Jardin du Luxembourg can be said to be one of the top and most visited gardens in France. Built for the Marie de’Medici the garden is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris - spanning over 23 hectares of flowerbeds, lawns, trees and more than a hundred statues. Its major attraction is the Medici Fountain built in 1960.
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Place de la Concorde
Designed by the famous Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the Place de la Concorde is one of the sites that played its part in the history of France. Built in 1772 it features two fountains named “the fontaines de la Concorde”, a 3,500-year-old obelisk at its center and several other statues. It was known as the Palace de la Revolution during the French revolution era and the site where the prominent figures in France’s history faced guillotine.
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Palace of Versailles
Considered a must visit by most tourists, the stunning Palace of Versailles is another example of the beauty of French architecture. Situated about 20 km off the center of Paris, the palace was once the official residence of the Royal family of France from originally being a hunting lodge. A tour of the Palace of Versailles would have you visiting the Royal apartments, hall of mirrors, Royal Opera House and so much more.
