Top 10 Attractions not to Miss When you Travel to Paris

Paris is a huge city with lots to do and see. When planning your trip, you might be overwhelmed with what you should do while there. I have made this task easier for you by compiling a list of ten things NOT to miss the next time you travel to Paris, France.

1. The Louvre : Paris, France

The Louvre used to be a medieval castle, a lot smaller than it is today. The castle was begun in 1190 by Philip August.

Read my blog about the ten things you should not miss at the Louvre here.

Find your tickets to the Louvre here.

2. Orsay Museum

The Musee d’Orsay is the French art museum in Paris, on the left bank of the Seine. It used to be a train station and was converted into a museum in 1897.

Find a guided tour and skip the line here.

3. Eiffel Tower : Paris, France

This is an iconic monument in Paris designed by Gustave Eiffel. Completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to celebrate the 100 years after the French Revolution. At 324 meters tall, this iron tower was initially met with criticism, but it has since become one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

Offering unparalleled views of the Parisian skyline, it attracts millions of visitors annually. Whether admired from its base or its observation decks, the Eiffel Tower remains a must-see landmark of Paris.

Find your ticket to the Eiffel Tower here.

4. Notre Dame

Notre-Dame de Paris is an iconic symbol of Paris. It is a Gothic masterpiece located on the Île de la Cité. Despite the devastating fire in April 2019, its grandeur remains. Unfortunately, it is still closed to the public, but it’s beauty can be admired from the outside.

Instead, you should visit the archaeological crypt. Find your tickets here.

5. Sacre Coeur : Paris, France

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched atop Montmartre Hill in Paris, is a striking white-domed church that offers breathtaking views of the city. Completed in 1914, the basilica was built as a symbol of penance and hope following the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune. Its architecture features a prominent dome and an interior adorned with one of the world’s largest mosaics.

Montmartre is the mountain of the martyr. Saint Denis was the martyr, he had his head cut off on top of Montmartre. He then walked with his head in his hands to the place where the church of Saint Denis is located. Or so the story goes.

Take a walking tour of Montmartre and Sacre Coeur here.

6. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe, standing majestically at the end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to honor the victories of the French army, this monumental arch epitomizes the grandeur and glory of France’s military history.

Designed by Jean Chalgrin, its intricate reliefs and sculptures depict key battles and historical events. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame that commemorates those who died in World War I and subsequent conflicts. There is a ceremony every night celebrating the unknown soldier.

Visitors can climb to the top of the arch for stunning panoramic views of Paris, making it not only a significant historical monument but also a popular vantage point in the city.

And don’t try to run across the circle, there is an underground passage. Find your tickets to climb the Arc here.

7. The Pantheon : Paris, France

The Panthéon, located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, is a magnificent mausoleum that honors France’s distinguished citizens.

Originally conceived as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve (the patron saint of Paris), its role changed during the French Revolution. It is now a burial site for important French figures. Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the Panthéon’s grand facade and dome dominate the Parisian skyline.

Inside, the crypt houses the remains of notable figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Josephine Baker, making it a place of national reverence and reflection on France’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

Find your tickets to the Pantheon here.

8. Saint Chapelle

Saint King Louis 9th created Sainte Chapelle in 1248 to house Christian relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns. Stained Glass created in the 13th Century and shows various biblical stories along with medieval stories from 1200s.

Find a combo ticket to Saint Chapelle and the Conciergerie here.

9. Invalides

The Hôtel des Invalides, commonly known as Les Invalides, is a grand complex in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670, it was originally constructed to house and care for wounded and retired soldiers. Today, it houses several museums and monuments related to the military, including the Musée de l’Armée, which boasts extensive collections of armors, artillery, and artifacts from various periods of French and global military history.

The most striking feature of Les Invalides is its magnificent gold-domed church, the Dôme des Invalides, which serves as the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte, along with other notable French military leaders.

The complex also includes a veterans’ hospital, continuing its original mission. Les Invalides not only honors the legacy of French soldiers but also stands as an architectural marvel, blending Baroque elegance with historical significance, making it a must-visit for those seeking to understand the depth of France’s martial past.

Find your entry ticket here.

10. Georges-Pompidou Center

Built in 1977 by architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini. This is a modern art museum, so even if you’re not a fan of modern art, the outside is still worth seeing.

Find your entry ticket here.

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