Paris has Often Been Called “The City of Light” - Travel Guide
Paris has often been called “The city of light”, because of its educational institutions and its growth during the Age of Enlightenment. Parisian romantics enjoy calling it “the city of love”. It is often touted as the most beautiful city in the world. With its mixture of ancient and modern offerings, it is a popular tourist destination.
The name Paris came from the Parisi, a Gaulish tribe who inhabited the original Roman city of Luticia which was located on the left bank of the Seine River in what is now the Latin Quarter. It is believed the name may be Celtic in origin. It was later shortened to “Paris” by Julian the Apostate. Some remains of the original Roman city can still be seen on the grounds of the Museum of the Middle Ages.
Paris is divided into 20 districts called Arrondissements. The majority of popular sites are in the first eight of these including the Eiffel tower, the Champs- Elysees, the Louvre, the Pantheon and Notre Dame.
Greater Paris offers the attractions of Versailles and Disneyland Paris.
There are many world class museums and art galleries as well as beautiful gardens and parks to enjoy in the city. A day could be spent cruising on the Seine River or walking the length of the Champs-Elysees taking in the sites.
Many attractions are within walking distance of each other. There is good public transportation including the Metro underground train and buses that make it easy to reach any location.
Top 20 Tourist Attractions:
1.Eiffel Tower
The City of Paris’ most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower offers visitors a 42 mile view. The tower was first opened at the Paris World’s Fair in 1889. At that time, it was the tallest structure in the world.
The lattice work iron structure is considered both an engineering feat and a work of art. It is named for Gustave Eiffel, the engineer whose firm designed and built it. On the first floor, there is a display of the tower’s 120 years of history. These include drawings, films and documents with some featuring the design and building of the tower.
The second floor is considered one of the best places for taking photos of the panoramic vistas. From here you can take an elevator to the top where the Champagne Bar is located. Foregoing the elevator and taking the 704 steps to the top is a feat many choose as part of their experience.
Many movies have been filmed on the tower including a James Bond film where he did a base jump off the top when being chased by an assassin. It is most likely that any film ever made in Paris will at some point have at least a view of the tower.
The tower is bathed in golden light at night making a walk around it magical and a draw for romantic couples.
The tower offers a variety of restaurants with menus ranging from a picnic to fine French cuisine. Wheelchair access is only available to the first and second landing via elevator.
Where: Champ de Mars 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
Opening Hours: From June 15th to Sept 1st: 9 am to 12.45 am (lift), 9 am to 12.45 am
(stairs). Rest of the year: 9.30 am to 11.45 pm (lift), 9.30 am to 6.30 pm (stairs)
2.Champs-Elysees
The Champs-Elysees is the most famous street in the world. Lined on the West end with sidewalk cafes, theatres, cinemas and famous luxury stores, it is often the scene of holiday celebrations. Since 1975 it has been the ending place for the Tour de France bicycle race.
The beautiful avenue runs in a straight line 1.25 miles from the 21 acre Place de la Concorde where the Obelisk of Luxor is located to the Arc de Triomphe where a dozen boulevards converge. It has wide sidewalks with benches and street lights. Pedestrians can walk leisurely, enjoying the historic buildings, gardens and scenery.
The Place de la Concorde is the location where Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI and thousands were executed during the French Revolution.
The glass topped buildings that can be seen from the street are the Grande Palais and the Petite Palais which were built for the World Fair in 1900. Today they are museums.
Originally the area was open fields and market gardens. The name came from the “Elysian fields” in Greek mythology. Its transformation began when Maria de Medici decided to extend the Tuileries Gardens with an avenue of trees in 1616. The gardens are just beyond the Place de la Concorde and end at the Louvre. It was not until the latter years of the 18th century that the area became a fashionable Parisian spot.
Where: Begins at Place de la Concorde and ends at Place Charles de Gaulle, Arrondissement 8th.
3.Hotel des Invalides
The Hotel des Invalides was founded in 1671 by Louis XIV to provide accommodations for war veterans who were injured or impoverished. The front of the building is 163 ft. long and faces the Seine River. There are 15 court yards and two churches in the complex.
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Other well-known pieces are “The Wedding at Cana”, “Psyche Revived by Cupid´s Kiss”, and the “Dying Slave” by Michelangelo.
The vast collection includes Western Art from the Medieval Ages to 1848. Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, Roman and Islamic antiquities are represented. There is over 652,000 square feet of floor space with art displayed in three wings. While it would be impossible to take in the entire museum in one day, there are tours of the more famous pieces for those unable to make multiple trips.
Built in 1190 as a fortress, it was transformed into a modern dwelling for Francois First, then became the sumptuous palace of Louis the IV, the Sun King. After the royal family moved to Versailles, the Louvre became home to antique sculptures and the Academy of Sculptors and painters. It was dedicated to science and the arts in 1792 and has housed the museum since 1793. The Glass pyramid which serves as an entry was opened in 1989.
Where: Musee du Louvre, 75001 Paris
Opening Hours: Open daily (except Tuesday) from 9 am to 6 pm. Night opening until 9.45 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. Closed on the following holidays: January 1, May 1, December 25
5.Ile de la Cité
The Ile de la Cité is the historic center of Paris. It is located on one of two natural islands on the Seine River. The ancient Celtic tribe known as the Parisi settled here in 3 BC. (It was then that Paris gained its name.) In Medieval times it became a city and the Cathedral of Notre Dame begun its construction in the 10th century.
It is linked to the banks of the Seine by eight bridges including the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, which was built between 1578 and 1604. The Pont Neuf is decorated with 250 grotesque masks. For over 200 years this was the main street of Paris. Vendors pedal their wares in half moon bays along what was once the first sidewalk in Paris.
The Palace of Justice and the Police Prefecture are located in the Ile de la Cité. The palace was erected on the location of the original Roman Palace of the governor. The Sainte-Chapel built between 1243 and 1248 in Gothic Rayonnant style, is in its courtyard. It was built to house the Crown of Thorns thought to be worn by Jesus at his crucifixion. Other relics such as nails and pieces of the True cross were added to the collection later. What remains is now at Notre Dame.
6.Notre Dame Cathedral
This cathedral is located on the Ile de la Cite. The name, “Notre Dame” means Our Lady of Paris. Construction was begun in the 10th century. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world.
The buttresses on the sides were added when stress fractures began appearing in the original building.
Much of its religious imagery was damaged or destroyed during the French Revolution. Restoration was begun during the 20th century.
It has undergone major cleaning and reconditioning to restore it to the beauty of its medieval beginnings. Most of its interior is still true to the original design.
Stained glass windows were added in 1965 by master glassworker Jacques Le Chevallier. The splashes of color are thought to replicate the bright atmosphere of the 13th century.
The cathedral has a rich treasury of paintings, furniture and pieces of neo-gothic design.
The novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by Victor Hugo was published in 1831. It was a huge success at that time. It was made into a movie in 1939 giving the cathedral international renown.
Where: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8.00 am to 6.45 pm (7.15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays)
7.Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a monument in the shape of an arch in the center of the Place Charles De Gaulle. It stands at the western end of the Champs-Elysees where 12 streets connect to the circular plaza. Each street is named after a French military leader. It was originally commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victories, but was not finished in his lifetime. It has the same design as the Arch of Titus in Rome, though it is higher.
The arch is adorned with sculptural reliefs, most of which commemorate Napoleon’s battles. The most famous of these is the Marseillaise, (the Departure of the Volunteers in 1792). There are 30 shields across the top with the names of Napoleon’s successful battles.
Below the monument, there is a grave of an unknown soldier honoring those who died in WWI.
The view from the platform on top of the arch is down the Champs-Elysees and you can see La Defense and the Sacre-Coeur in the distance. There are no elevators, so the only option is the stairs with 234 steps.
Where: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
8.Montmartre
Montmartre is located on a high hill in the north of Paris. Home to the famous Moulin Rouge and Le Chat Noir, it is the premier artist’s enclave.
Saint Denis, the bishop of Paris was executed on top of the hill in 250 AD giving Montmartre its name, which translated means: mountain of the martyr.
The white domed Sacré-Coeur Basilica stands at the top and can be seen from many places in Paris. It was built by the National Assembly in response to influential people who saw the defeat of the French at the hands of the Prussian army in 1870 as a moral condemnation of the sins of Paris.
The historically designated village was first established when many residents of Paris were forced out of their homes to make way for Napoleon lll’s redevelopment of the city. They created their own town away from the rules and regulations of city life.
Many famous artists lived and worked in the area in the 1800’s including: Pissarro, Jongkind, Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir and others. Later, Pablo Picasso made his home here for a time. The Museum of Montmartre was once home to Maurice Utrillo and the mansion behind it was once occupied by Renoir.
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is visited by thousands each year and the Montmartre Cemetery is an attraction for those who wish to view the graves of great artists.
Not far from the basilica, you can find the Place du Tertre, where artists still congregate to show their works of art. You can visit with them while they paint and can even have your own portrait painted.
Where: 18th arrondissement 75018, Paris
9.Tuileries Garden
The Jardin des Tuileries, (Tuileries Garden) is located between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Museum. It is the most visited of all gardens in Paris. “Tuileries” is the French word for tiles. The name came from the original area which was a clay quarry where tiles were made.
The first garden was created for the Tuileries Palace of the queen, Catherine de Medici, which was built on the location in 1559. Originally, the gardens were created in an Italian style which reminded her of her homeland. The gardens were later redesigned in a French formal style by the landscaper; André Le Nôtre who also designed the gardens at Versailles.
The Palace of Tuileries was razed in 1871 to allow a clear view from the Louvre up the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. The gardens have several fountains, and two large basins. There are numerous sculptures throughout the park by artist such as Giacometti, Rodin and Maillol.
There are two museums adjacent to the garden: The Musée de l’Orangerie which features Monet’s huge water lily paintings and the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume. These two buildings are all that remains of the original palace.
A footbridge from the garden crosses the Seine River to the Musée d’Orsay.
Where: Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris
Opening Hours: Winter: 7.30am-7.30pm; Summer: 7.00am-9.00pm
10.Luxembourg Gardens
Created in 1612, the Luxembourg Gardens cover 60 acres around the palace built by Marie de Medici, regent of France. After the assassination of her husband Henry lV, she could not continue living in the Louvre with his memory, so she had the Luxembourg Palace built.
This beautiful park has an unusual layout that includes both formal French and English style gardens. Between the two styles of gardens there is a geometric forest and a pond.
There are old fruit orchards, and over 106 sculptures, including a bronze replica of the Statue of Liberty. The large Medici Fountain is a favorite location for people watching. Free photography exhibitions are often mounted on the garden railings.
Located in the heart of the left bank, the garden attracts Parisian families as well as tourists. There are many activities for children including: a puppet theatre, pony rides and a playground with a vintage carousel. Children can rent toy sail boats to float in the large fountain.
There are numerous food kiosks, and open air cafes. Free concerts are performed in a gazebo near the concessions, so it is possible to have a glass of wine and enjoy the music.
The ornate Pavilion Davioud hosts an annual honey festival corresponding to the beekeeping area.
The gardens have been featured in many novels including Victor Hugo´s “Les Miserables”.
The Palace is now the Musee du Luxemborg exhibiting the work of famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphaël, Titian, Arcimboldo, Veronese, Gauguin, Matisse, Vlaminck and Modigliani.
Where: Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard ,6th arrondissement of Paris, 75006 Paris
Opening Hours: Winter: 7.30am-9.30pm; Summer: 8.15am-4.30pm
11.Versailles Palace (Greater Paris)
The Palace of Versailles is a stunning royal chalet in the Ile de France region. It housed the kings and queens of France from 1632 until the French revolution.
Once the center of government, today it is a national monument.
The world famous hall of mirrors, one of the most often visited areas of Versailles is part of the palace tour. It is over 239 feet long. This is where those seeking the favor of the monarchy waited and visited with one another.
It has seventeen mirror clad arches reflecting the gardens through the seventeen corresponding arcaded windows. The high arched ceilings are painted with scenes of military exploits and hung with crystal chandeliers. It is lined with gilded sculptures holding large crystal candelabra.
The Palace tour also includes the sumptuous apartments of the King and Queen, the king’s bedchamber and more.
Separate groups of buildings include the Grand Trianon, which is considered an exquisite palace once used by Napoleon and the Petite Trianon, a rural retreat created by Marie Antoinette for her own private world.
The vast gardens include reflective pools, a grand canal, miles of themed walking paths, sculptures and fountains. You can also find groves with an outdoor ballroom, colonnade, king’s grove and more.
The fountains of the gardens and groves are set so the water gushes coincide with the rhythm of the music. Make sure you stay for the fountain show at night.
Where: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles
Opening Hours: Mondays: closed. Winter: 9am-5.30pm; Summer: 9am-6.30pm
12.The Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The pre-Gothic church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, stands in the center of the Saint Germain des Pres area, (named after the church) on the left bank of the Seine River. It was named after Saint Germain who became the bishop of Paris in 512 AD. The location was originally outside Paris, in the fields, this is why the French word “pres” was included in the name.
It was one of the most important churches in France in the early Middle Ages and was the burial place of the Merovingian kings of Neustria.
 
Since the 19th Century, “The Latin Quarter” has been a gathering place for artists, writers, publishers and theatrical endeavors. The National School of the Arts is located here.
It is a lively area with shops and cafes, known for its Bohemian culture. The narrow, winding streets are often filled with people. During hazing weeks it can be filled with pranking students.
Museums in this area include:
- 1. The National Museum of the Middle Ages. The medieval art collection, (which is housed in a Gothic mansion), includes three famous tapestries depicting “The Lady and the Unicorn”. Remains of a Roman Amphitheatre and one of the three baths of the original Roman city Lutèce are on the museum grounds.
- The Great Hall of Evolution is a natural history museum with taxidermied animals from the size of insects to a large Rhino that was once a pet of Louis XV.
- The Institut du Monde Arabe, (The Arab World Institute) has a collection of Islamic art, artifacts and crafts. The café at the top offers wonderful views of Paris.
Where: 5th and parts of the 6th arrondissement
14.Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou houses the National Museum of Modern Art. In addition to this, the building has a performance center, repertory cinema and library. The multi-disciplinary concept was considered revolutionary when it opened in 1977.
The first floor has changing exhibits as well as some on the third and fourth floor. Level five is devoted to pre 1960 works and level four features the work after 1960.
 
Earlier painters include Ingres, Courbet, Corot and Millet who’s well known work “The Gleaners” is on display.
A collection of larger than life as well as smaller sculptures are displayed. Included are some of Rodin’s lesser known works as well as the “Gates of Hell”.
The museum is itself a work of art and a beautiful setting for the artwork displayed. It was converted from a railroad station; the Gare d’Orsay built at the end of the 1800’s and finished in time for the Universal Exposition in 1900.
There is a restaurant and café inside the museum. The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Where: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
Opening Hours: Open daily except Mondays. 9.30am – 6pm. Late night on Thursdays until 9.45pm
16.Musee Rodin
Musee Rodin was created to hold the works of the sculptor Auguste Rodin in response to his bequest of works to the state. He gave the collection with the requirement that it would be housed in his home and in the Hotel Biron in Paris where he did much of his work. As a result, the two places were turned into museums, both of which are part of Musee Rodin.
The Hotel Biron, located in the heart of Paris ans nestled into an almost secluded space, it is a break from the bustle of the city.
On display are his most famous sculptures; “The Thinker”, “The Kiss” and “The Gates of Hell”. There are in addition: 6600 sculptures, 7000 art objects as well as drawings, photographs, and paintings that were created or owned by Rodin in the museum collection.
His personal collection included the works of many great artists such as Van Gogh, and Renoir. These are also on display. One entire room holds the works of his student and amour: Camille Claudel.
The grounds around the museum building feature many of his sculptures in a beautiful garden setting with benches for resting. There is also a small lake with a café.
Where: 79 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Opening Hours: Open daily except Mondays. 10am – 5.45pm
17.Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is at the end of the Champs Elysees and on its other side are the Tuileries Gardens leading to the Louvre. The square which is in the shape of an octagon covers over 21 acres.
It is one of the major public squares in Paris. The prominent 3300 year old Egyptian obelisk from the Temple of Rameses ll stands at its center. The obelisk is covered in carved hieroglyphics praising the Egyptian ruler.
On each corner, you can find statues representing prominent French cities. There is a bronze fountain (Fontaine de Mers) and another on that has sculptures with a maritime theme. A large statue called “Liberty” or “Freedom” was erected during the French revolution replacing one of Louis the XV.
The Place de la concorde´s darker period in history was as a place of execution during the revolution. The guillotine was erected here and many were put to death including Louis XVl, Marie Antoinette and Robespierre. During the summer of 1794 more than 1400 people were executed in this place.
There are two impressive stone buildings with Columns across their fronts on the North side. One is the Hotel de Crillon, a luxury hotel much in demand and the other one was established as headquarters for the Navy.
Where: Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris
18.Pantheón
The Pantheon is known for its distinguishing neoclassical architecture. Located on the left bank, it looks out over all of Paris. It was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. overall design is of a Greek cross.
The interior is as beautiful as the exterior is impressive. Frescoes decorate the ceiling areas and walls behind stone columns. An impressive dome emits light over a copy of the Foucault Pendulum where in 1853 the physicist Leon Foucault demonstrated the rotation of the earth.
Originally, it was created as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve. It was completed just before the French revolution and was then used as a mausoleum for those who had done great deeds or sacrificed their lives for France. The large arched windows which were intended to lighten the structure were covered for its use as a mausoleum.
Over the years it has changed back and forth in use, often as a church, but it has continued to be a place of burial for martyrs and French citizens who have achieved great things for France.
Where: Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris
Opening Hours: Open daily. 10am – 6pm
19.Disneyland Paris (Greater Paris)
The Disneyland Paris Resort covers 4800 acres including shopping, dining, hotels, a golf course and the recreation area. The hotels have American themes depicting different parts of the country. The establishment of the park created a new town named Val d’Europe. The train station is just outside the main gate.
At the wonderful Disneyland of Paris recreation area, you can dine with your favorite magical characters or have a sumptuous tea with your heroes. There are lots of photo opportunities with the larger than life Disney characters throughout the park.
There are four themed worlds at the park; Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Discovery Land. The shows and parades take place at Walt Disney Studios Park.
Attractions at Disneyland can be chosen based on age or the level of excitement desired. There are rides for small fry and for the thrill seeker. Families might take Peter Pan’s flight over London or cruise through “It’s a Small Small World”. They can also explore Phantom manor or the Pirates of the Caribbean. The more courageous might want to take the runaway train at Thunder Mountain or blast off to the edge of the universe at Space Mountain. Guides are available at the gate to help you make your choices.
Disneyland caters to families so there are special accommodations for children from infant and up in age. With over 50 restaurants to serve every budget or taste, there is something for everyone when it comes to dining.
There are many services and facilities throughout the park and resort designed specifically for disabled visitors.
Where: 77777 Marne La Vallée
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am-11pm
20.Pere-Lachaise Cemetery
Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is the resting place of many famous persons including writers, artists and musicians. It was established by Napoleon and took its name from Père François de la Chaise who was the confessor to Louis XlV.
Surrounded by a massive wall and 5000 trees, it is full of monuments, dirt paths and interesting historical spots. The 100 plus acre complex has over one million residents with 70,000 burial sites and three World War l memorials.
The cemetery was not in much use until 1804, when the remains of Molière and Jean de la Fontaine were transferred there. Later the remains of Abelard and Heloise were transferred there and entombed in a crypt created from fragments of the abbey of Nogent-sur-Seine. Today lovers leave notes at their monument. After the interment of these famous people, the cemetery grew in popularity.
Some of the more famous people buried are Ingres, Suerat, Delacroix, Proust, Modigliani, Sarah Bernhardt, Yves Montand, Baron Haussman, Rossini, Chopin, Edith Pilaf, Gertrude Stein, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.
The graves and monuments are crammed together in many different ways. It can be difficult to find the desired areas without first checking a guide.
Where: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 12.30 pm; 2pm-5pm
These are The Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Paris!
Written by Myself & Images taken from:
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