Are you planning to visit Paris soon and you want to make sure that you don’t miss any of the most popular attractions? It is only natural, given that the capital of France is home to some of the world-renowned landmarks that everyone has on their bucket lists. If you are not sure where to start your visit to the city of love, then choose some of the suggestions below and immerse yourself in the cultural scene of Paris don’t forget to organize your vacation, in order to make the most out of it!
Popular places to visit in Paris
You may be on your first trip to Paris or maybe you are already familiar with the place. Where should you go first, so that you can say you truly experienced the culture of the city?
Eiffel Tower
No matter what some say, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the hallmarks of modern architecture and it is difficult to find something more impressive than this remarkable attraction. The secret to making sure you really grasp the beauty of it is to also take a walk in the nearby area at night, when the tower is lit by thousands of lights, creating the most magical sight. Your social media will get an upgrade if you post the pictures you will take of this iconic symbol of France.
Located on Avenue Anatole France, the tower can also be admired from Trocadero Gardens, where you will find one of the most interesting angles to capture its splendor. Pro-tip for great photos: try to include the fountains in the shot and you will get yourself a prize-worthy pic! For those who want a cool change of perspective, there’s the possibility to enjoy a guided visit and also admire the views over the city. Last, but not least, you can go to the restaurant and have a fancy meal!
The Louvre Museum
One might think that The Louvre needs no introduction, but there is always some piece of trivia about the famous museum that is worth mentioning. Did you know that the former royal palace is situated on the 5-kilometer-long architectural axis of Paris, along with the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Arch of La Defense, and the obelisk of the Place de la Concorde? Now that you have this piece of info, you can plan a walk along this route to visit all these landmarks and learn more about the history of Paris.
Since the museum is visited by more than 15,000 people every year, you can imagine that it becomes crowded at times. Therefore, to enjoy your visit, try to go outside the most popular hours. Instead, take a late evening tour or go early in the morning, before everyone else has had the chance to drink their coffee. And a piece of advice from the experts? Don’t go straight to the Mona Lisa, but rather try to wander along the halls and discover other masterpieces as interesting as the one painted by Da Vinci. Mona Lisa won’t go anywhere anytime soon!
Tuileries Gardens
Another symbol of Paris, Tuileries Gardens are situated in the vicinity of the Louvre Museum and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. You have probably seen tens of pictures with the iconic green chairs spread all over the place, where Parisians go for sunbathing or to have lunch and have a chat with a friend.
Therefore if you want to experience the local lifestyle for a few hours, make sure you don’t miss the chance to take a stroll through this charming garden. Take a sandwich, a macaron and a book with you and no one will know you are a tourist. However, you will immediately understand that the place has the atmosphere of an open-air museum, with numerous statues and vases from the 1800s, including some of Auguste Rodin’s creations.
Luxembourg Garden
Similar to Tuileries Gardens, Luxembourg garden offers the chance to enjoy fresh air right in the middle of a busy capital, but it has personality. Not only you can have a picnic or walk on its beautiful alleys, but you can also visit an apple orchard or the apiary, where you can learn interesting facts about bee-keeping. Moreover, if you are an explorer, you will eventually find your way to the greenhouses (where you can admire stunning orchids) and to the rose garden.
Don’t miss the Orangerie and Pavillon Davioud to have a full experience in this magnificent garden of historical importance. If you feel the need to take a break from all the touristic activities, here you can play tennis or even chess. And with a little bit of good luck, you will visit the garden at the right time to see a photo exhibition or listen to a nice concert. All in all, Luxembourg Garden is a limitless source of enjoyment.
Georges Pompidou Center
If you are more of an artsy type, then this is the ideal place for you. Opened in 1977 by the French president with the same name, the center hosts hundreds of modern and contemporary visual art pieces. Among them are masterpieces created by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Henri Matisse. It is also famous for its industrial-looking exterior and the variety of services and activities, making it almost impossible to get bored, even if you visit it multiple times.
If you land there, you can also visit Constantin Brancusi’s studio, an exact reconstruction of the place where the Romanian artist used to create his unique sculptures.
The Sacré-Coeur
One of the main reasons to visit the famous basilica is that, after Eiffel Tower, it’s the second highest point in the city, so you will be rewarded with some of the most enchanting panoramas of Paris. Of course, its romano-byzantine architectural style should also motivate you to make the trip to the North of the capital.
When you get there you will also have the chance to see one of the biggest bells in the world, the Savoyarde, weighing 19 tons. And you will be impressed by the remarkable whiteness of the building, which is due to the calcite released by the stone of which it’s made. Last, but not least, the street artists in the area will put on some outstanding performances. So don’t hesitate to give it a shot!
Moulin Rouge
Even if it’s your first time in Paris or France, it’s impossible not to have heard of Moulin Rouge before, be it from a movie with the same name, from a song, or from anecdotes. Hence, it is an attraction not to be missed. Probably the most known cabaret in the world, Moulin Rouge offers its visitors a dazzling experience with the help of its entertainment artisans!
Fine cuisine, exceptional ballet shows, fabulous costumes – all of these will steal you from reality and transport you to a magical realm that seems to exist only in fairytales. Let yourself be captivated by dancers that move like no others and show off their meticulous handmade adornments and you will leave the place completely transformed.
2. Lesser known attractions in Paris
While you are on your way to cross off the list of the crowd-pleasers in Paris, you might want to also experience some of the lesser-known places. This way, you will be able to have a break from the exhausting streets of a big city and also discover some gems that other people tend to overlook.
Henri Cartier Bresson Foundation
Those in love with photography will not miss the opportunity to visit a rather small, but important spot: the Henri Cartier Bresson Foundation. Being one of the most prestigious institutions in Paris, it does not host permanent exhibitions of photographs made by the artist or his wife, but temporarily welcomes the creations of other photographers.
Therefore, every time you are in Paris, you will be able to admire a different showcase of some of the most important contemporary artists’ works.
Petite Ceinture
La Petite Ceinture (The Little Belt in English) is a railway line that dates back to the 19th century and it was used for the transportation of people on steam trains. Along this almost forgotten line, you can find playgrounds or communal gardens. The views are striking and you should be prepared to meet wildlife while walking or cycling there.
Conquered by wildflowers, the rails go through dark tunnels and some of the stations have been restored and transformed into restaurants and bars, so you might want to take that approach when it comes to the old railway. Many cities in the world offer this combination of lively atmosphere and enchanting abandoned areas.
Coulée verte René-Dumont
This unique place in Paris also goes by another name – Promenade Plantée – and represents a blend of areas of wild flora and modern landscapes. The green passage also comprises a shopping part, which is the Allée Vivaldi, expanding to Porte Dorée and the Bois de Vincennes. If you consider visiting, you will be pleased to know that it has been referenced in the famous movie before Sunset, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.
It looks like the French know better than anyone else to revitalize old places because Coulée Verte is a must-see for those who want to experience the “real” Paris. Moreover, due to its length, you get to experience various parts of the city.
3. How to plan your trip to Paris?
With these ten places in mind to consider visiting, it’s time to plan the details of your trip. A list of the tourist spots you wish to visit is a good starting point because at least you have a general idea about how you want to spend your time and what are your priorities.
At the same time, it is advisable to leave room for spontaneity and for discovering interesting places or activities on the spot. While planning ahead will help you make the most out of your time, it can also become a little tiring after a few days. For that reason, find out all you need to know about Paris, the city of lights, but at the same time be prepared to be surprised at every corner and take delightful detours.
On Framey.io, everyone can reinvent the way they travel, so be among those who elevate their vacation, by learning what are the best things to do in Paris for memorable holidays. The best sources of inspiration are just a few clicks away.
Don’t forget to add a few spots where you can enjoy a drink and a delicious meal. Read about the 20 best rooftop bars in Paris or create a list where you can try the notorious French cuisine. You will not regret alternating these with famous places to visit in the capital of France. At the end of the day, after all the walking and sightseeing, you deserve a nice treat.
As much experience as one might have when it comes to traveling, Paris always has a few more secrets to be discovered and you can never get bored in one of the most celebrated, romantic, and fun cities in the world.
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