50 Sights To See In Paris (part 1)

50 Sights to See in Paris (part 1)

By Anna Purpurpurpur

How is it that after visiting Paris over a dozen times, I’ve never created a guide about it?

Paris is one of the most visited and most thrilling destinations for everyone: its historical importance, its museums, art references, and monuments are known even for the school kids.

The capital of France sitting on river Seine has been an inspiration for military leaders and artists for centuries, and even if now it inspires romantic shoots in flowing dresses and macaroons, it still holds its legacy strong.

No surprise, there can’t simply be one short article about it: I could easily name dozens of landmarks and other interesting spots to visit there.

Fortunately, I’ve explored many of them in the City of Lights, so I’m planning to split my guide into several parts – here’s the first one! You might notice many burials are mentioned here – but don’t worry, there will be more cemeteries in other parts too!

Scroll down to see first 10 landmarks (and of course, I couldn’t squeeze all of the most important sites here, stay tuned for more!).

1. Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris, or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris, is the top attraction in Paris and a heritage site for all of humanity! Founded in 1163, this cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France, although some elements were added later.

The relics held by the cathedral include the Crown of Thorns, a nail from the True Cross, and a sliver of the True Cross, but it would not an stretch to say that Notre-Dame de Paris is equally admired for its architecture as for the religious value. It reopened in December 2024 after the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, having lost its original spire and a significant part of its roof. It looks spectacular after three years of renovation!

You can reserve free tickets on the official website for speedy entrance (slots open a few days in advance), or you can simply spend some time queuing outside.

2. Eiffel Tower

Every guide to Paris includes the Iron Lady, or the Eiffel Tower, within the top three landmarks of the city. I’m no exception, as it’s the most recognizable and cliché symbol of the City of Lights (though personally, I don’t think it fits the city’s vibe).

Built between 1887 and 1889 for the upcoming Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to symbolize progress and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution’s Storming of the Bastille, the tower was designed by a company owned by Gustave Eiffel, a famous engineer known for his monumental steel constructions (you can find his creations in Portugal, Hungary, and many other places worldwide).

Standing at 330 meters tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time of its construction! You can use the stairs or elevators to ascend and enjoy the panoramic views from three levels of platforms (I did it once in the past). The best view of the Eiffel Tower is probably from Trocadéro, but there are plenty of street and hotel views you’ll also enjoy.

3. Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier, or Opéra Garnier, is one of the most famous buildings in Paris, showcasing the eclectic Napoleon III style of the Second Empire. This opera house, designed by architect Charles Garnier, opened in 1875.

You can visit it as a tourist even if you don’t have tickets for an opera or ballet. During out visit, the Palais Garnier hosted a temporary exhibition on stage jewelry.

There are several areas you mustn’t miss: the auditorium with Chagall’s painting on the ceiling, the Grand Foyer with its chandeliers and ceiling paintings, the avant-garde Foyer with mosaics, the grand staircase (which is usually crowded with people taking photos), and the Cave of Pythia.

At the end of your visit, you’ll find a gift shop. By the way, many opera performances now take place in the modern Bastille building, while the Palais Garnier focuses more on ballet.

4. Les Invalides and Musée de l’Armée

The Hôtel des Invalides is the best place to learn about France’s military history. Initially built as a retirement home for military veterans, it became the final resting place of Napoleon, who was entombed in this church in 1861, making his tomb a significant point of interest for many visitors.

First, head to the Musée de l’Armée, or the Army Museum, which has beautiful armor and artillery collections that provide insights into the historical evolution of weaponry (including from WWII). They also feature traditional Asian weapons!

However, for many, the main attraction at Les Invalides is the 107-meter-high Royal Chapel, or Dôme des Invalides (the highest church in Paris).

The impressive dark red Tomb of Napoleon in the open circular crypt is a must-see (his remains were relocated here from Saint Helena, where he died). Other famous military heroes and some members of Napoleon’s family are also buried here, including Napoleon’s brothers and the mausoleums of Vauban, Foch, and Lyautey.

5. Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris are a unique landmark established in the late 18th century, containing the remains of six million people. You walk through these underground tunnels, which form a literal maze that becomes an ossuary at some point. There’s also a famous inscription: “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort” – “Stop, this is the empire of the dead.”

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there are about 250 steps in total on your way down and up, and it can be a bit chilly down there.

6. Panthéon

In the early 18th century, King Louis XV decided to erect a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève (the patron saint of Paris, who lived in the 5th-6th centuries AD). Architectural designs were created by Jacques-Germain Soufflot.

The construction of the Church of Saint Geneviève took 32 years and was completed in 1790. However, the French Revolution had already started in 1789, and it was decided to use the building as a mausoleum!

It was redesignated as a church twice but has been solely a burial place for notable individuals since 1881. In total, there are 81 burials. In the crypt, you can see the tombs of Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Emile Zola, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie.

7. Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme, located near the Jardin des Tuileries, is the very heart of Paris. Every time I visit, I pass through it at least once (and I’ve been to Paris over a dozen times, probably more). Originally established in the late 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV in commemoration of his military conquests, the square’s statues, monuments, and even its title have been constantly juggled throughout French history due to its turbulent nature.

Even the Vendôme Column, dedicated to Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz against the Russian and Austrian empires, hasn’t escaped this fate. Modeled after Rome’s triumphal column of Trajan, it was originally erected in 1810 but was torn down during the Paris Commune in 1871 (the Royal Tuileries Palace was burned down that same year) and was re-erected in 1874. Today, the square is home to many fashionable hotels, including the Ritz, as well as luxury shops.

8. Printemps

Les Grands Magasins are a special feature of Paris: these large historical department stores are renowned for their architectural style and significance. You’ve probably heard of them: Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché, and the recently reopened Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf. Printemps (which translates to “Spring”) was established in 1865 by Jules Jaluzot and is located on Boulevard Haussmann.

It was the first building in France to use electricity back in the day! It has several sections (separate for men and women). I love it for its striking Art Nouveau style and the beautiful views from its upper floors – come there for some desserts and the views! We also visited the Printemps in Doha recently – pop in there if you happen to visit Qatar!

9. Montparnasse Cemetery

Cemeteries such as Père Lachaise are unique landmarks in Paris, and Montparnasse Cemetery is no exception: it serves both as a museum and a place of commemoration, as well as an active burial ground.

Located in the Montparnasse district of Paris, the cemetery opened in 1824 and has since become a pilgrimage destination, as many poets, writers, intellectuals, architects, and politicians have found their resting place here. Notable figures buried here include Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Charles Baudelaire, Guy de Maupassant, Julio Cortázar, Charles Garnier, Frédéric Bartholdi, and the notoriously known Alfred Dreyfus.

10. La Rotonde and Other Montparnasse Cafés

La Rotonde, along with neighboring cafés such as Le Dôme and La Closerie des Lilas, were spaces where artists, intellectuals, and politicians of the early 20th century spent their days.

Among the famous figures who frequented La Rotonde and were seen at Le Dôme were Picasso, Modigliani, Zadkine, Braque, Jean Cocteau, Peggy Guggenheim, Ilya Ehrenburg, Lenin, Gauguin, Chagall, Kandinsky, Gertrude and Leo Stein, Ezra Pound, and many more.

You might also likely other blogs about France:

Hope you liked my blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx

Pictures of the floating world