The BEST Sightseeing, Activities, Shopping and more
Use this guide to plan every great adventure you're looking to have in exciting Paris...OUR RECOMMENDATIONS:
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Mosquee de Paris
Patterned after the mosques of Marrakech, the exquisite Mosquée de Paris was built in 1922 to honor France's North African allies in World War I. The mosque, decorated with mosaics and wrought iron from Morocco, remains a site of worship, though visitors are welcome to tour the building, courtyard a … Read More
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Panthéon
Located in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon is a neoclassical church and final resting place for several celebrated French citizens, including Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870), author of The Three Musketeers. Patterned after the Pantheon in Rome, the church features a small dome — much like that of L … Read More
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Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is Paris' most celebrated symbol, attracting more than 200 million visitors since its construction in 1889. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower was the world's tallest structure until 1930, when New York's Chrysler Building surpassed it. Rising more than 1,000 feet, the Eiffel Tow … Read More
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DAYTRIP: Chartres Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres — also known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres — is an icon of Gothic architecture. Situated in the town of Chartres, the church has a long and illustrious history. Since the Middle Ages, religious pilgrims have flocked to the site, where a tuni … Read More
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Louvre
France's famous Louvre, once a royal palace, is one of the world's largest and most-visited museums, attracting more than 8 million visitors a year. The museum's galleries hold some of art's greatest masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People" an … Read More
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Cathedrale de Notre-Dame
One of the first great Gothic cathedrals, the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame is another iconic Parisian landmark. Architecturally, the church is perhaps best known for its "flying buttresses," external supports added during construction in 1330 to shore up the towering structure. Notre Dame — "Our La … Read More
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Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile
Situated at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile honors the soldiers of France, especially those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars, and has housed the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier since 1920. Designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806, the monument was patterned after the … Read More
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Disneyland Park, Paris
Opened in 1992, Disneyland Park is part of the 140-acre complex that comprises Disneyland Resort Paris, located in Marne-la-Vallée, France. Modeled on the original California Disneyland, the French facility is the fourth and largest Disney theme park. There are 48 attractions within five themed regi … Read More
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Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
Paris' world-famous Cimetière du Père-Lachaise — situated on a 118-acre hillside — is the city's largest and most-visited cemetery. In addition to its celebrated residents — Frederic Chopin, Maria Callas, Oscar Wilde, Isadora Duncan, Modigliani and Sarah Bernhardt, among them — P … Read More
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La Sorbonne
The illustrious Sorbonne, founded in 1253 as a seminary, evolved into the University of Paris, known for its demanding curriculum. Under Cardinal Richelieu's regime, the school was rebuilt in 1627 and the Sorbonne Church was begun in 1635. The university, rebuilt again in 1883, continued to expand i … Read More
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Opera Garnier
Paris' original opera house, Opéra de Paris — or Opéra Garnier — has been staging performances since its inauguration in 1875. The much-admired Neo-Baroque structure, which seats 2,200, is still considered an architectural treasure.
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Parc Monceau
One of Paris' prettiest parks, Parc Monceau is known for its informal gardens, meandering paths and spring-like pools. The Duke of Parc Monceau (later the Duke of Orleans) purchased the property in 1769, developing it in the informal style of English gardens. The grounds are scattered with arches, r … Read More
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Parc Zoologique de Paris
Considered the city's best zoo, Parc Zoologique de Paris houses its animals in spacious natural habitats. The zoo's lion has its own "veldt," exotic goats and sheep climb the ledges of a cement "mountain," while penguins frolic in a pool of their own. Located in the Bois de Vincennes in the Eastern … Read More
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Jardin du Luxembourg
Possibly Paris' most popular park, the Jardin du Luxembourg was designed in traditional French style in 1612. The park is a favorite with children, who can rent small boats to sail in the "Grand Bassin," an octagonal pond, or enjoy the puppet theater. Sprawling lawns feature a number of statues and … Read More
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Palais Royal
Despite its name, Palais Royal enjoyed only a short reign as a royal palace. Originally a theater at Palais Cardinal, the residence of the powerful Cardinal Richelieu, the lavish structure was the site of Moliere's productions from 1660 to his death in 1673, when it became an academy of music used f … Read More
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"Luxury Food" at Fauchon
Another favorite with foodies, Fauchon is a luxury food shop on the place de la Madeleine. This "mega-delicatessen" offers a pâtissier, a traiteur (for cheeses, pâtés, caviar and the like), and an épicerie (for jams, pastas, crackers, etc.). If hunger overwhelms during your visit, dine at Brasserie … Read More
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Musée de l'Armée
Founded in 1905, the Musée de l'Armée is dedicated to all things military, boasting a collection of 500,000 weapons, uniforms, armor and the like as well as the Tomb of Napoleon. The museum occupies the former Les Invalides in Paris, a hospital and disabled veterans home dating back to Louis XIV.
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St. Germain des Pres
Once a tiny market town, St-Germain-des-Prés became a fashionable residential district after Henry IV's first wife, Marguerite de Valois, built an imposing mansion along the Seine. During the 17th century, city leaders chose the neighborhood for their lavish homes, many now governmental offices.
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Avenue Des Champs-Elysee
The Champs Elysees is indisputably Paris' most famous and fashionable shopping district, also revered as "La plus belle avenue du monde" ("The most beautiful avenue in the world"). Though it dates to the 17th century, the city's broadest street didn't become popular with Paris' elite until after the … Read More
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Marche Monge
Marche Monge, or "Monge Market," is famed for its charming setting and high-quality goods. Stalls surrounding a pretty fountain offer fresh fish from coastal towns, organic fruits and vegetables, and farm-raised beef, veal and lamb. There are also assorted craftsmen and flea market wares.
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Pigalle
Once Paris' "red-light district," Pigalle has been reborn as one of the city's most chic neighborhoods, home to notables like actor Johnny Depp and designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. The area is known for its historic burlesque theaters, the Moulin Rouge and trendy nightspots like Divan du Monde, and enco … Read More
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Place de la Concorde
Situated on the banks of the Seine, the sprawling Place de la Concorde divides the Tuilerie Gardens from the start of the Champs Elysées. The octagon-shaped square was constructed in 1763 to contain a grand statue of Louis XV on horseback. Its history took an infamous turn during the French Revoluti … Read More
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Au Duc des Lombards
Au Duc des Lombards is one of Paris' most popular jazz clubs, known for its renowned performers — jazz artists Paolo Fresu, Philippe Catherine and Steve Swallow, among them — and cozy atmosphere. Concerts are presented in three sets, ending with a jam session often featuring audience membe … Read More
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Cite des Sciences at de I'Industrie
La Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie — situated in the cultural seat of Parc de la Villette — is as respected for its masterful modern architecture as its scientific holdings. This immense science museum — a favorite with children — is filled with fascinating, interactive exhib … Read More
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Musee Picasso
Situated in a 17th-Century hotel, Musee Picasso is dedicated to the life and works of famous French artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Art enthusiasts can admire several thousand Picasso works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and manuscripts. Also on display are several pieces by Matisse an … Read More
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Les Halles
Les Halles, originally the city's central market, went through years of change and transformation before its rebirth in 1979 as The Forum des Halles, a multistory shopping and business complex. Constructed partially underground, the contemporary structure has a central, open-air courtyard featuring … Read More
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Lafayette Gourmet Foodhall
Part of the prestigious Galeries Lafayette, the Lafayette Gourmet foodhall is a favorite with Parisians and visitors alike. Gourmands can stroll the store, taking in the tantalizing array of bakery items, colossal cheese counter, and selection of fresh fish and meats. There is a mouthwatering collec … Read More
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DAYTRIP: Palace of Versailles
Lying 10 miles (16 km) west of Paris, the luxurious Palace of Versailles has evolved into one of the world's grandest museums. Built by Louis XIII in 1624 as a hunting lodge, the property was later expanded into a grand chateau. The lavish Palace of Versailles became Louis XIV's home and seat of gov … Read More
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Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chapelle is perhaps best known for its stunning stained glass windows, which encircle the two-tiered chapel's upper level. The picturesque gothic chapel was built by Louis IX in the 13th century to secure two presumed religious relics: the Crown of Thorns and part of the True Cross. In additi … Read More
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Centre Pompidou
Inspired by its namesake — French President Georges Pompidou — Centre Pompidou is a popular cultural center devoted to the modern art movement and artists like Matisse, Kadinsky, Miró and Picasso. The ingeniously designed building features much of its working elements — pipes, ducts, … Read More
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Musee d'Orsay
Housed in a former train station, the Musée d'Orsay is famous for its collection by Impressionist masters Monet and Renoir, as well as its fine examples of paintings, sculpture and photography. Located on the Seine's left bank, the museum's historic structure — Paris' first electric-powered tra … Read More
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Opera De La Bastille
L'Opéra de la Bastille is the home of the Opéra National de Paris. Under the urging of several composers, French President François Mitterrand sponsored a design contest to create a "modern and popular" site for musical performances. The new "people's" opera house was intended to replace the more "a … Read More
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TODAY'S TRAVEL SPECIALS
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Versailles by Bike Day Tour - Take a tour of Versailles with a difference - by bicycle! It's the only way to see Versailles' expansive gardens plus you'll get to see highlights of Versailles that most visitors miss, including Marie Antoinette's country-style Hameau, the Petit Trianon and the Grand Trianon. You'll also enjoy a picnic by the Grand Canal then take a tour of the palace of Versailles. |
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Paris Chocolate & Pastry Food Tour - Combine your love of chocolate and cakes with your passion for Paris! The Paris Chocolate and Pastry Food Tour combines French gourmet specialties with an afternoon walking tour so you won't need to feel too guilty. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 8 people on this small group tour, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide. |
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Loire Valley Castles Day Trip: Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau - Take a day tour from Paris to visit the three most famous chateaux of the Loire Valley: beautiful Chenonceau Castle, privately owned Chateau de Cheverny and, perhaps most magnificent of them all, the Chateau de Chambord. You'll witness the glamour and grandeur of French royalty and aristocracy, and gain insights into "castle life" in these Renaissance riverside castles. |
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Eiffel Tower Dinner, Moulin Rouge Show & Seine River Cruise - Enjoy a night out in Paris and combine dinner at the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise with an exotic show at the Moulin Rouge. You'll enjoy dinner at the Eiffel Tower's 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant followed by a one-hour river cruise on the Seine. Complete your night at the home of the Cancan, the famous Moulin Rouge in bohemian Montmartre. |
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Skip the Line! Louvre Museum Guided Tour - Don't waste time waiting in queues - take a Louvre Museum prioritized guided tour. Make a booking and jump the queue to make the most of your limited time inside the world's largest museum. After your guided tour, you can stay on if you want to and continue exploring the Louvre Museum at your leisure. |
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Paris City Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Discover Paris at your leisure with a two-day ticket on the Paris City Hop-on Hop-off Tour. Create your own itinerary as you see the most popular sights of Paris, keeping to your own personal timetable and not others! |
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The metropolitan area surrounding Paris, with a population of 12 million, is one of the most heavily populated areas in Europe.
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