This list covers the Top tourist attractions in paris. It’s got lots of great ideas for you to scroll through and choose the ones that appeal to you, but I always love to leave room for moments of serendipity. My advice would be not to pack your Paris trip with too many things each day so you can also sit and be.
I spent last Christmas in Paris and absolutely loved walking around the famous sites and seeing the sights. But in this post, while I cover the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve etc, I also uncover some hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track places you might not know about.
Paris has its own way of romancing its tourists. The romantic boulevards, iconic museums and monuments, and the art nouveau cafes are few of the reasons why people fall in love with Paris every time — be it on their first visit, or the hundredth. The instantly recognizable Parisian views will seduce you whenever you have a look at them, making France tour packages an irresistible choice for travelers seeking timeless charm and romance.
There are innumerable stunning places to see in Paris that will blow your minds with their grandiose, beauty and the unique historical stories. Some of them offer a spiritual unwinding through their pure vibes — making them ideal highlights for any Paris trip. These experiences are especially memorable when explored through Paris couple packages, perfect for those seeking romance wrapped in history and charm.
Others feature the weird and wacky side of the city. Apart from the man-made attractions, there are also natural spaces in the city like the large gardens and lakes that will allure you. So, go visit these places and have a life-long love affair with the city of lights — a must-add to any Europe trip. It’s also a perfect stop for couples exploring Europe couple packages, offering the right mix of charm, culture, and romance.
Here are Top Tourist Attractions in Paris
01. Eiffel Tower
Of course! The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in the French capital. It’s a symbol of Parisian romance and engineering marvel, built in 1887 by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair in Paris. And a bit like that painting you did in school, it’s been there ever since.
As you ponder about it’s history dating back to 1889, you will surely get surprised at its cause of origin. Constructed to serve as a mere entrance to the World Fair back in 1889, today it stands as one of the most integral cultural icons of France. As you engage in an exploration of the three different levels of the tower, you will get mesmerised to find cafeterias, restaurants, souvenir shops, and scenic vantage points tucked in at each floor.
The panoramic view of the Paris cityscape spread against the azure skyline is a pleasing sight to behold from the tower’s summit. As night descends, another spectacular sight of the Eiffel Tower illuminated with myriad bulbs will leave you in sheer awe. Thus, one can well understand that the tower is undeniably a tour de force of structural elegance and will turn out to be a worthwhile memory to cling onto for a lifetime.
How To Reach Eiffel Tower
The Paris Airport lies at a distance of around 31.5 km from Eiffel Tower and can be easily accessed via road. You can easily avail of the bus services that are frequently available after an hour’s time. The bus trip will take you around an hour to reach your destination.
One can also opt for the budget-friendly method and travel from the Charles de Gaulle to Eiffel Tower by the RER train. The journey takes around 1 hour 40 minutes and the train is easily available every 10 minutes. For a more comfortable journey, one can also book taxi services that can cost between 60 to 80 euros.
Best Time To Visit Eiffel Tower
The best days to visit the Eiffel Tower are during weekdays as it gets really crowded on weekends. Even during weekdays, it’s best to plan your visit either on Wednesday or Friday.
Afternoon and evening is the best time during the day to enjoy a visit to the Tower. It is best to ascend the Tower in the evening as you can enjoy the sunset views as well as watch the lighting of the Tower after sunset.
The best months to visit the Eiffel Tower are from March to October. The beginning of summer is ideal as the weather is pleasant and humidity levels are not too high.
Autumn months which are September and October have mild temperatures and slightly cold weather which makes it the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower.
02. Louvre Museum
The historical museum is a piece of art in itself which symbolises different cultural innovations introduced in its architecture overtime since its construction in 1190. Enhanced by exploring Europe trip, Extended over an area of 652,300 square feet, the museum was built in 1682.
When Louis XIV shifted his royal residence from the palace to Versailles, it was left deserted and later on converted into a heaven for the art curators. In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned its transformation into a proper museum that would offer regular exhibitions of its member’s works here.
This baroque styled building holds as many as 35,000 works of various artists, antiques, historically important archeological items and much more. The most renowned of all the works presented at the museum are the painting of Mona Lisa made by Leonardo da Vinci, Samothrace’s Winged Victory, Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, Venus de Milo etc.
The collection at the Louvre presents European art from all the different time periods as well as the personal collections of the kings of jewellery and other valuable items. The Egyptian antiques collected by Napoleon Bonaparte in the late 19th century are of particular notice. The museum is located in the centre of the city of Paris and is covered by a range of attractions like Place Colette, Place de la Concorde and Eiffel Tower, in close vicinity.
How To Reach Louvre Museum
By Metro: This is the cheapest way to reach Louvre from Arc de Triomphe. Board trains on Line 1 on a 2 euros ticket and reach Louvre in just 20 minutes.
By Bus: There are direct bus services from the CDG airport, Arc de Triomphe and other places across Paris. Services depart hourly and operate daily. It takes around 15 minutes to reach Louvre from these places and a ticket costs around 5 euros.
By Car/Bike: The fastest means to reach the Louvre Museum from anywhere in Paris is via car or taxi. It costs around 20 euros if you are anywhere near the museum and takes around 10 minutes to reach. You can rent a bike for a day or week’s trip by paying a flat fee and roam around Paris.
Best Time To Visit Louvre Museum
The best time to visit the Louvre is Wednesday and Friday night when the museum remains open till 9.45 pm and most large tourist groups and school children are nowhere to be seen.
You can spend the entire evening roaming across the museum comfortably and repeat the same thing for another day or two to cover as much as you can.
All first Sundays from October to March the museum offers free visits to all. This time the weather remains cold and pleasant as well. From February end, Paris gets a lot of sunshine with a cool and refreshing breeze that increases your travel energy.
03. Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame is one of the very first cathedrals with Gothic architecture to have flying buttresses. It is also adorned with beautiful sculptures and gargoyles that not only add to the beauty of the Cathedral but also provide additional support to it.
The Notre Dame towers are over 223 ft high providing magnificent view of the Seine and the Ìle de la Cité, but to reach the top you must climb over 400 stairs. The South tower is home to the gigantic and infamous 13 ton bell. From the Tower you can also admire the ornate spire of Notre Dame.
Founded in the year 1163, the construction of this magnificent structure lasted for around 200 odd years with tonnes of architects’, stonecutters’, and carpenters’ contribution. The magnificently stained stunning windows here filter every ounce of the ethereal light that strikes the cathedral. In the evening, the illumination created by the votive candles amplifies the spiritual sense of the ambience here.
The cathedral has twin towers which are opened for visitors. To enter the tower, you need to make your way through the left side of the front doorways and then climb the 387 steps present there. The moment you make it to the top, you will be treated with a splendid view like never before.
How To Reach Notre Dame Cathedral
By Metro: If you are using the metro then get on line 4 service to Île de la cité. Once out of the station the Notre Dame Cathedral is pretty easy to spot.
By Train: Notre Dame Cathedral is also accessible by taking a RER B or C service to Gare De Saint – Michel Notre Dame to the banks of the Seine.
By Bus: If traveling by bus you can board bus number 63, 70, 95 and 96 and alight at a bus stop near Notre Dame Cathedral.
Best Time To Visit Notre Dame Cathedral Paris
The best time to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral is in the morning when it is less crowded and the calm ambience of the place enchants you. Mornings are also great in terms of exploring the elegance of the Cathedral’s architecture, sculptures, stained glass windows and all the other artworks.
04. Arc De Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe which means “Triumphal Arch of the Star”, is counted as the most popular monument in Paris, France that needs no introduction. It was erected in 1806, way before the Eiffel Tower by the designer Jean Chalgrinis.
The decorated Arc de Triomphe is the world’s largest exulting arch-shaped monument that was designed by the architect Jean François Thérèse Chalgrin in memory of all those courageous French soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty for France during French Revolution and Napoleonic wars.
This patriotic symbol is engraved with the names of 558 French generals of the first french empire and war victories. The epochal arch also comprises the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was named after an unknown soldier who was buried underneath it and a flame of remembrance is lit since 1920 as a tribute to all those gallant soldiers.
The simple let alluring architecture and design of the arch is influenced by the typical romantic neoclassical style of the 18th century. Each pillar of the massive arch is graced with huge sculptures that signify Triumph of Napoleon, 1810 by Cortot, The Departure of the Volunteers, 1792 by Francois Rude, Resistance, 1814 by Etex and Peace, 1815 again by Etex.
How To Reach Arc De Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is situated at the distance of approx 33km from the Paris CDG Airport, which can be reached via the following ways:
Metro: The closest metro station to Arc de Triomphe is Charles de Gaulle Etoile, which can be reached via Metro Line 1, 2 and 6. It can also be reached by RER A red line.
- Time Taken: 55 minutes approx.
- Cost: 11-12 euro.
Bus: Arc de Triomphe can be reached by bus route numbers 73, 144, 178 and 360.
- Time Taken: 40 minutes.
- Cost: 6-18 euro.
Private Car: The iconic Arc de Triomphe can be reached by car/taxi, however, it is not the best option as the arch is situated at the busiest roundabout of Paris. But if proper rules and regulations of driving around the arch are followed one can easily reach the arch while driving at the comfort of your car.
- Time Taken: 30 minutes.
- Cost: 3-6 euro.
Arc De Triomphe Other Essential Information
Access: Taking the underpass is the best option to access the Arc de Triomphe, Paris. You can access the top of the arch by climbing 284 steps or take an elevator to reach the mid-level followed by climbing 64 steps to reach the top.
Opening Hours:
- April to September: 10 am to 11 pm.
- October to March: 10am to 10:30pm.
However, it remains closed on 1st January, 1st May, 8th May morning, 14th July morning, 11th November morning and 25th December.
Tickets:
- No ticket charges for anyone under 17 years.
- Students (18 to 25 years): 5 euro.
- Adults: 8 euro.
- Groups: 6.20 euro.
05. Palace Of Versailles
Palace Of Versailles is one of the Top tourist attractions in paris. Take a day trip out of Paris to the Palace of Versailles. You can get a train for about €4 each way from Paris
The palace of Versailles happens to be a lavish complex and a former residence of the royal kingdom outside the city of Paris. The palace of Versailles is located at a distance of 10 Km from the city centre of Paris. The structure has deep connections with the political history of Paris as it represents an age in the history of French’s rise as a power and fashion centre in the world.
Originally a small hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1623, it was expanded by his son, Louis XIV (the “Sun King”), who moved the French court there in 1682. It served as the seat of power for kings Louis XIV, XV, and XVI until the French Revolution in 1789.
The main palace includes the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and the Opéra Royal. The 800-hectare estate comprises the gardens (designed by André Le Nôtre), the Grand Trianon, and the Petit Trianon.
How To Reach Palace Of Versailles
1. By Metro: The Palace of Versailles can be reached by the metro trains connecting every single part of the city. You can take the RER C train which will directly take you to the Le Château de Versailles.
2. By Bus: You can also reach the Palace of Versailles by the local bus service. It takes about 35 mins to reach the palace from the Paris city centre.
3. By Bike/Car: If you are familiar with the routes of Paris, then it would be better to drive down to the palace in your private or rental vehicle. You will have the liberty to stopover in between them to make the most out of the city tours as well.
Visiting Information
The palace is open daily except Mondays, typically from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (last entry 4:45 pm), with gardens opening earlier. Online booking for a specific time slot is required for entry.
06. Montmartre
Perched on a hill overlooking Paris, the Montmartre neighborhood (18th arondissement) exudes a charming and bohemian spirit.
Its winding streets and bustling squares are the playground of artists, performers, and dreamers, inviting you to lose yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.
From the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica to the bustling Place du Tertre, Montmartre offers a glimpse into Paris’ artistic soul and a chance to experience the city’s creative energy firsthand.
Explore its quirky shops, savor a café au lait at a sidewalk bistro, or simply soak in the views with some fascinating people-watching.
Montmartre is an ideal melting pot of art, music and culture. As a tourist, the best thing here is to take a stroll down the roads, visit the museums, art galleries and other such hubs of art and culture here. You should take a wonderful view of the city from the top of Sacre Coeur, the most prominent landmark of the city and a masterpiece of grandeur and grace.
Montmartre is a little green haven that has been mesmerizing its visitors with its beautiful gardens and vineyards. With its gorgeous locales, vibrating nightlife, rich history of art and great archaeological background, Montmartre is a must-visit place for all tourists, especially backpackers.
How To Reach Montmartre
Metro: There are three major metro stations of Abbesses, on line 12 and Blanche and Avengers, both on line 2, that are connected to Montmartre. Any of these stations can be reached from the Paris airport Charles de Gaulle. You can transfer to the RER trains and metro from the airport itself and it will take you around an hour to reach Montmartre and cost around 10 euro.
Bus: Air France buses are available from the CDG airport. It will take around one-and-a-half hours to reach Montmartre from the airport by bus and you will have to spend around the same fare as the metro.
Car/bike: This is the fastest means to reach Montmartre from the airport. You can hire cabs directly from CDG which will charge around 70 to 80 euros and take 30 minutes to ferry you to the hill district. You can also hire bikes and cars to be driven by yourself from various agencies available at the airport facility. This will be slightly cheaper.
Best Time To Visit Montmartre
Montmartre is a village on a hilltop, so there is no skirting around. The best time of the day is to visit this popular destination in the middle of the afternoon on weekends. If you settle in the place by evening, aim to venture out in the charming cobblestone alleys and stone walls draped with colourful flowers in Montmartre first thing in the morning.
07. Latin Quarter
Latin Quarter Paris is a free-spirited, progressive, and artistic area in Paris that has been focused on student life since the Middle Ages. Enhanced by a trip to Europe, The place keeps the educational endeavors and artistic spirit of a student intact with innumerable educational institutions, research centers, cafes, and bistros. Although it has been a popular tourist attraction these days, it has continued to retain its traditional charm and intellectual vibes.
Extending over the 5th and 6th Arrondissements, you will find the renowned Sorbonne district and Sainte Genevieve mountain at the center of this location. You will also discover grand mosques, majestic gardens, ancient churches, amphitheaters, and narrow cobblestoned Parisian streets in this area. Some of the other highlights that surround the Latin Quarter Paris are schools, colleges, universities, research centers, and much more.
Distinct from the other places in Paris that portray a modern look, Latin Quarter Paris still carries the medieval era ambiance that garners the interest of the tourists. On your visit to Latin Quarter Paris, you can hear soft music being played across the streets, along with fairy night lights that uplift the mood at the numerous cafes and bistros.
Best Time To Visit Latin Quarter
The best time to visit Latin Quarter Paris is between June and August. During this time, the place remains lively with tourists from all around the globe. The long summer days in these months makes it the perfect time to explore the place. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the place at peace, you must visit the attraction on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
How To Reach Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is located about 40.6 km from Paris airport. It is easily accessible by metro, car, bus or bikes. There is a direct metro train that operates between the two places, while for bus journeys, you will have to transfer in the way. You can also take shuttles or drive car rental from the airport to the Latin Quarter. All of the options take approximately 40 minutes to 1.5 hours.
08. Disneyland
Located at Marne-la-Vallee, Disneyland Paris is a world-famous theme park and an enchanted kingdom both for the adults and kids. It is the spot to meet your favourite heroes and heroines from the fairy-tale stories of Disney. In fact, it is a world that inspires imagination, wonder, and enchantment all together to entertain every single individual stepping inside this wonderland.
Right from Buzz Lightyear’s Laser Blast to Big Thunder Mountain to Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, there are good counts of thrilling attractions for the younger generation within. For older people, you have Indiana Jones daring loops and Temple of Peril and other related attractions. Besides, a boat ride is also one of its kind adventures to enjoy here.
Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios are two key attractions within Disneyland Paris itself. Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Adventure Isle, Autopia, Big Thunder Mountain, Discovery Arcade, and Disneyland Railroad are some rides to explore within Disneyland Park.
On the other hand, the Walt Disney Studios is entirely dedicated to its business-centric approach, featuring Hollywood movie themed rides and attractions. There are four different studio lots within – Toon Studio, Front Lot, Backlot, and Production Courtyard. Every single one of them features a good count of rides, street sets, restaurants, and ample shops.
How To Reach Disneyland
There are shuttle buses, train services, rental cars, and private chauffeurs to get you transferred between the Paris Airport and Disneyland Paris.
Magical Shuttle Airport Transfers –
You may avail shuttle transport facilities through the official website of the Disneyland Paris itself. You just need to make a 2-day pre-booking to avail this facility. Also, If you do avail online booking for this service, you are requested to get your e-voucher printed and display it at the time of boarding the shuttle.
RER A Express Train Line –
RER A regional train service between Paris Airport to Disneyland Paris is just a 30 to 35 minute long and hassle-free trip. To get details about the RER A services, you may browse through the official website of the RATP.
Hertz Rental Car Ride –
With Hertz Rental Car Ride, you can travel between the Paris Airport and Disneyland Paris at your own pace. For online pre-booking, you may browse through the official website of Hertz Rental Car Rides.
Best Time To Visit Disneyland
Loaded with numerous attractions, parades, and shows, Disneyland Paris is a hidden gem of Paris to explore throughout 365 days of the year.
Off-season –
However, Mid of January to Mid of March and later from Mid of April to Mid of May is off-season here. Thus, the number of accommodations available will be more in comparison with that of arriving guests. However, there are very few shows and events that are scheduled during this period. Also, it is right for you to reserve any day between Tuesdays to Thursdays of these months for planning a visit at the Disneyland Paris.
Peak-Season –
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the extended hours, a higher number of shows and parades, visit Disneyland Paris between the months of May to March and on weekends. But we can’t really assure you about the weekend crowd.
09. Champs Elysees
Indulge in the allure of Champs-Élysées, a legendary avenue in Paris, France. With our Best Europe tour packages you’ll stroll along the iconic tree-lined boulevard, adorned with luxury boutiques, theaters, and charming cafes. Immerse yourself in the historical and cultural significance of this prominent landmark, which has witnessed grand parades and celebrated moments in French history.
Champs-Élysées stands as a symbol of Parisian elegance and vitality, drawing fashion enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and travelers from across the globe. Whether you’re shopping for haute couture, savoring delectable French cuisine, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, this avenue promises an unforgettable experience, where sophistication and joie de vivre converge to create an enchanting ambiance that defines the essence of Paris.
Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is one of the Top tourist attractions in paris. This arch is inspired by ancient Roman architecture and is erected right at the centre of Place de l’Etoile. The view from the top of the arch offers an extraordinary moment of breath-stopping Avenue des Champs Elysées.
Best Time To Visit Champs Elysees
The best season to visit Champs Elysées is during the early summer and fall. During this time, the weather is mild, and tourist crowds are smaller. The months of April to June and October to early November are deemed fit to visit Paris and have an enjoyable trip.
The Champs Elysées is an avenue, so if you truly want to avoid huge crowds and enjoy the scenic beauty of the city, mornings, during sunrise are perfect timing. If you do not mind the crowd and the cars, sunset makes a picturesque view of the avenue. During the daytime Champs Elysées receives a lot of people, keeping the place busy and lively.
How To Reach Champs Elysees
Here are the transit lines with routes that are close to Champs Elysée:
1. By Train: Transit line J and L. It takes around 76 minutes via train to reach Champs Elysées from Les Marronniers, Sevres and 45 minutes from Tour Pacific, Puteaux.
2. By Metro: Transit Line 1 and 9 runs near Champs Elysées . It takes around 34 minutes from Les Marronniers, Sevres, 82 minutes from Sceaux and 22 minutes from Tour Pacific, Puteaux.
3. By Bus: Transit Lines 32, 52, 73 and 93 runs near Champs Elysées. It takes around 107 minutes from Les Marronniers, Sevres, 47 minutes from Tour Pacific, Puteaux and 94 minutes from Sceaux.
4. By Car: From Eiffel Tower via Voie Georges Pompidou it takes around 6 minutes to reach Champs Elysées, via Quai Branly it takes around 9 minutes. From the Louvre Museum, it takes 10 minutes
5. By foot: If you have time and you want to enjoy the view of Paris, it takes around 30 minutes from Eiffel Tower to reach Champs Elysées. Also if you are at the Louvre Museum, Champs Elysées is only at a distance of 3 km and takes around half an hours.
10. Place des Vosges
Place des Vosges is a perfectly symmetrical public square in Paris, constructed way back between the years 1605 and 1612. Located in the Marais district of Paris, between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, this public square is famous for being perfectly symmetrical- a neat 140 m by 140 m.
The square was the oldest public square designed in Paris and was originally called the Place Royale. It was commissioned between the years 1605 and 1612 by King Henri IV. It was built on the site of an erstwhile royal palace called the Hotel des Tournelles.
When Henri II died here, the palace was raised to the ground. It was purposely made of classical French architecture as a blueprint for future similar projects all over Europe. It was inaugurated in 1612 for announcing the engagement of Louis XII and Anne of Austria.
But this square was unique concerning all the house fronts. They were symmetrical in shape and design, were made of red bricks, and had vaulted arches along the way! Though the two pavilions in the north and south were created for the monarchs, no monarch actually lived here except Anne of Austria.
The terrace of the square was earlier used for equestrian purposes and had a statue of Louis XIII in the center. When the monarch was thrown out in 1792, this bust was taken down and a fountain built in the place.
How To Reach Place Des Vosges
By Train: Take the train from Charles de Gaulle airport terminal 2 to the Saint Michel Notre Dame station. From here, hop on to Bus No 96 to reach the Saint Germain bus station near Place des Vosges. This is the preferred way to reach from the airport to the destination and takes 58 minutes.
By Bus: Take the bus from Paris Aeroport Roissy CDG T2 A/C/D to Paris Gare de Lyon. The whole journey takes about an hour, and this is the cheapest way to travel from the airport to Place des Vosges.
By Taxi: This is the fastest and most expensive route, taking only 29 minutes to reach. If you rent a car and drive yourself or call an Uber, the prices will shoot up even more. The distance between the two is merely 31 km.
Best Time To Visit Place Des Vosges
The Paris tourist season may be divided into three parts.
- The best season to visit is undoubtedly between March and May and then again from October to November. During this period of time, the weather is still pleasant, and you can take a stroll around this historical square. You do not even have to wait in long queues at all the monuments and tourist attractions close by.
- Between December and February, the weather is too cold and there may be rain. However, this is when the tickets are at their cheapest!
- June to September is the peak season when the prices are skyrocketing, and there are crowds and queues everywhere. The weather is, however, quite pleasant, and you could take a walk around the park in the evening breeze!
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