Top 30 Attractions in Paris

Paris has always been covered with a romantic halo. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the capital of lovers, the center of art and palace European architecture. Excursion programs in Paris are always rich, so every day you will discover the French capital anew.

A river walk along the Seine, admiring the solemn vaults of Notre Dame de Paris, a picnic on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower, tasting the best French wines and cheeses - this is a short list of what you need to do during a trip to Paris.

All year round, festivals and events are held in the French capital, interesting theatrical premieres start, and the best exhibitions in Europe are arranged. Paris is also the center of gastronomic tourism. Haute French cuisine is considered the most refined in the world.

What to see and where to go in Paris?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Eiffel Tower

The most famous and recognizable symbol of Paris (and all of France), a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. Every year the attraction is visited by several million people. The tower is a metal structure 324 meters high with elevators, an observation deck, restaurants and a lighthouse at the top. It was built by Gustave Eiffel and originally served as the entrance to the territory of the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900.

Louvre Museum

An architectural ensemble that served as the residence of the French kings from the 16th to the 17th centuries. before moving the court to Versailles. The palace turned into a museum already in the 18th century. The first collections were collected from the personal funds of Francis I and Louis XIV. Now the collection of the Louvre has more than 400 thousand exhibits, about 35 thousand are constantly exhibited. The famous painting "Mona Lisa" created by da Vinci is kept in the museum.

Triumphal Arch

Architectural monument on Charles de Gaulle square. The construction of the monument began in 1806 by order of Napoleon Bonaparte after the victory of the French in the Battle of Austerlitz. The work was completed after the death of the emperor in 1936. The arch was built by the architect Jean Chalgrin. On four sides, the monument is decorated with sculptural groups dedicated to the military victories and achievements of the French Revolution.

Cathedral of Notre Dame

An outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the most visited cathedral in Paris. It began to be erected in the XII century on the site of the ancient pagan temple of Jupiter. By the middle of the XIV century, the work was completed. During the French Revolution, Notre Dame fell into decay, but in 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte chose it as the place of his coronation, which partially returned the temple to its former importance. The last restoration took place in the 1920s.

Basilica of the Sacré Coeur

The temple is located on the Montmartre hill, it towers over Paris with snow-white domes. Construction began in the second half of the 19th century, when France was going through hard times. The temple was erected on the site of the demolished Benedictine monastery, where Ignatius Loyola himself, the future Grand Master of the Jesuit Order, gave vows. The basilica was built over 30 years with donations from the Parisians and public funds.

Champs Elysees

The famous Parisian street, along with Fifth Avenue in New York and Oxford Street in London, is considered the most expensive street in the world. It stretches for almost 2 km. from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Important events for the social life of France are held here, during the holidays the street is elegantly decorated with garlands. On the Champs-Elysées there are shops of famous brands, restaurants, hotels.

Palace of Versailles

Palace and park ensemble in the Parisian suburbs, the famous residence of the French monarchs. Versailles appeared thanks to the efforts of Louis XIV in the 17th century. Gradually, from a modest hunting castle, under the supervision of the architects Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Louis Leveau, a luxurious palace grew up, which became a symbol of the era of the “King of the Sun”. Many European monarchs took Versailles as a model for building their own residences.

Luxembourg Gardens and Palace

The architectural complex was erected for the wife of Henry IV, Maria Medici in the 17th century. Now the French Senate sits in the palace, and the garden has become a popular place for walking among Parisians. Concerts and photo exhibitions are often held here. The attraction is located in the Latin quarter of the city. Somewhere in this area lived the famous characters of A. Dumas from the immortal work "The Three Musketeers".

Montmartre

Hill and famous district of the French capital. A colorful place where representatives of Parisian bohemia lived, including Andre Salmon, Picasso, Modigliani, Georges Braque. Montmartre was the birthplace of the modern art style Cubism. A considerable number of attractions are concentrated here: boulevards, temples, museums. People of art still gather on the main square of the district.

Island of the City

It is located in the very center of the capital, in the middle of the Seine River. Several bridges connect the island to the rest of the city on all sides. Cite is the heart of Paris, here is Notre Dame de Paris, the Conciergerie castle and the Sainte Chapelle. Celtic settlements on the island appeared in 300 BC. In 508 AD the fortress on Sita became the residence for the rulers of the Merovingian clan - the first dynasty of French rulers.

Place de la Bastille

The area of ​​the end of the XVIII century, built on the site of the defensive fortress of the Bastille. For almost 400 years, the fort served as a prison for political prisoners and became a symbol of the hated monarchy for the people. After the famous storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, it was decided to dismantle the structure. A wide area was paved in its place. In 1840, the July Column was erected here in honor of the July Revolution.

latin quarter

An old district in the center of Paris, located around the Sorbonne University. Previously, mainly students settled here, since in addition to the Sorbonne, there are several other educational institutions in the quarter. Over time, the area has developed into a tourist attraction. It's always noisy and fun here. In numerous bars, a relaxed holiday atmosphere reigns.

Sorbonne

The real pride of France, one of the best and oldest European universities. The educational institution was founded at the beginning of the XIII century and since then has faithfully observed the old traditions and maintains the highest quality of education. From the beginning of the 17th century, the Sorbonne became the center of European philosophy and theology. Today, the Sorbonne brand unites 13 independent universities.

Center Georges Pompidou

A popular museum of contemporary art, built in 1977 by French President J. Pompidou. It is a symbol of modernization and renewal of France. The original design of the building was proposed by the authors R. Rogers and R. Piano. The construction is unusual in that all engineering communications are taken out, and inside the maximum space is used for various expositions.

Musee d'Orsay

A museum that exhibits collections of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. The building was built for the opening of the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900 and was used as a railway station until 1939. The architecture of the museum is a combination of elements of the industrial style with classicism of the 19th century. After the closing of the station, the house was planned to be demolished and a hotel built in its place, but then it was decided to organize a museum.

Opera Garnier

Another name for the theater stage is the Grand Opera. Its construction began under Emperor Napoleon III in the middle of the 19th century according to the project of the architect Charles Garnier. Several dozen sculptors worked on decorating the facade, so there is no single style in the design. The interiors of the opera are made without bulky columns and props (as in other theatres), so there is a lot of space and light inside.

Cabaret Moulin Rouge

The famous French variety show, art cafe and a hallmark of Parisian nightlife. The cabaret has existed since the end of the 19th century and has been very popular for over 100 years. At first, this place was considered a "evil institution" with frivolous morals. The cabaret hall is always full, tickets for performances are sold out in advance. The show features dozens of artists and hundreds of costumes made by renowned designers.

Les Invalides

Architectural complex near the Eiffel Tower. The house was erected under Louis XIV and was used as a shelter for veterans who were injured and maimed during the wars. There were no such establishments in Europe, so the monarch showed himself from the best side, showing concern for his subjects. The Les Invalides received its first guests in 1674. The ensemble consists of the Church of St. Louis, slender rows of barracks, a park and a hospital.

Conciergerie

Former royal castle on the Ile de la Cité, one of the oldest in Paris. It was built on the site of a VI century fortress, where the king of the Franks Clovis lived. Until the end of the 14th century, French monarchs lived in the castle, but after the court moved to the Louvre, the Conciergerie was turned into a prison, which over the centuries has acquired gloomy stories. From here, thousands of prisoners went to the guillotine (including Queen Marie Antoinette).

Pantheon

Building in the style of French classicism in the Latin Quarter. Initially served as a church, but later turned into a burial place for famous and important personalities in French history. The Pantheon began to be erected in 1764, the first stone was laid by King Louis XV. Under the vaults of the building lie the ashes of the great thinkers Rousseau and Voltaire, writers Emile Zola and Victor Hugo, physicist Marie Sklodowska-Curie.

Montparnasse tower

The only skyscraper in the city over 200 meters in height. The tower houses company offices, shops, banks and restaurants. More than 5,000 employees are in the building every day. You can get to the observation decks if you use high-speed elevators that lift passengers to the level of the 56th floor in a few tens of seconds. The tower was erected in the period 1969-1972.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

A world-famous necropolis, where many famous personalities are buried. The attraction attracts more than 2 million tourists a year. The cemetery has been operating since 1804, over two centuries its territory has grown to several tens of hectares, today it is a whole city with alleys, chapels and monumental crypts. Many actors, statesmen, writers, artists and poets have found their last refuge here.

Catacombs of Paris

A network of artificial caves and tunnels, laid at a depth of 15-20 meters. Their total length is more than one hundred kilometers. Dungeons have existed since the 13th century. Previously, there were limestone mines, then wine cellars, and from the 18th century underground cemeteries. Tourists can follow the 2.5-kilometer excursion route in the catacombs, the rest of the underground complex is closed.

Pont Alexandre III

An elegant bridge decorated with figures of angels, nymphs and openwork lanterns in the Beaux Arts architectural style. Thrown across the river Seine. After crossing the bridge, you can get from the Champs Elysees to the territory of Les Invalides. The design was named after the Russian Emperor Alexander III to emphasize the closeness of France and Russia at a certain time period. The bridge was declared a valuable architectural monument in 1975.

Boulevard of the Capucines

Parisian street, which gained fame during the development of cinema. It was here in 1985 that the Lumiere brothers showed their first film. After that, small cinemas began to open one by one on the boulevard, as the new art quickly gained popularity with the public. Olympia and Paramount Opera, opened at the beginning of the 20th century, are still operating. The composer Jacques Offenbach lived on the Boulevard des Capucines.

Bois de Boulogne

A large green massif of Paris, a park area, which is called the "Western lungs of Europe". In past centuries, royal hunting grounds were located here. On the territory of the forest, luxurious holidays, receptions, and visiting picnics of the French court were arranged. Under Louis XVI, the Bois de Boulogne was opened to the public. Now this area has become a popular city park.

Tuileries garden

A public park covering the area from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde. Sculptures were installed in the garden - copies of exhibits from the royal Versailles, chestnut alleys were planted, flower beds were laid out. The beginning of the park was laid by Catherine de Medici. By her order, the tiling workshops were demolished (they were called "tuileries", hence the name of the garden) and the place was cleared for the future park.

Seine river

The river, which is considered the soul and center of life in Paris. It is one of the largest in France. The Seine originates in Burgundy and flows into the English Channel. On the territory of Paris, the river artery bends many times, dividing the French capital into a historical, cultural and business part. Numerous pleasure boats ply the Seine, transporting tourists from region to region.

Gallery Lafayette

A shopping center, a temple of the fashion industry and a place of pilgrimage for fashionistas from all over the world. Here are the collections of all the famous French designers. Initially, at the end of the 19th century, it was a small shop selling ribbons and lace, but after a few years it grew into a large shopping center. Galeries Lafayette was one of the first to use modern marketing: bright signs, discounts and large windows.

Disneyland

The amusement park in the Parisian suburb of Marne-la-Vallee has been operating since 1992. The park is owned by the Walt Disney Company. This is a magical world for children, where all the famous characters of Disney cartoons live, scenery from favorite fairy tales is recreated, and countless attractions operate that delight adults as well. The park contains residential and business districts, hotels and golf courses.