Paris Attractions

When visiting one of the world’s most romantic cities, you can be sure that there are many Paris attractions that will keep you busy during your stay. As both the capital and largest city in France, Paris has influenced culture, business and politics around the world for centuries. Throughout Paris, there are a number of landmarks and attractions that you can visit that represent the rich history of the beautiful city.

1. Musee du Louvre: Built originally as a fortress in 1190, and probably one of the most popular museums in the world, the Louvre is one of the biggest attractions in Paris, and is also home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” A large glass pyramid dominates the courtyard at the entrance to the museum, and over 35,000 pieces of artwork and 380,000 artifacts from throughout history are on display inside. If you don’t mind the crowds, admission is free on the first Sunday of every month, otherwise, expect to pay about fifteen American dollars for a day pass.

2. Arc de Triomphe: Not to be confused with the smaller Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel located just west of the Louvre, this world famous monument was created to honor the people who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Buried underneath the structure is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of World War I. Because the Arc stands at the center of a busy roundabout, there are underpasses available to access the monument. A lift will carry you to a museum located near the top of the structure where you can view the history of its construction and large scale models of the Arc. From the museum, a set of stairs leads to the terrace above where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Paris.

3. Eiffel Tower: Originally erected as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. The image of the tower has become synonymous with Paris, France. At 1,063 feet, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. The tower is open year round. The cost of a ticket for one adult to access the top observation deck is $19 American dollars. There are two restaurants located in the tower on the first and second levels. The 58 Tour Eiffel is located on the first level, and Le Jules Verne can be found on the second level. Both offer stunning views of the city while serving excellent French cuisine.

4. Notre Dame de Paris: Built between 1163 and 1345, this cathedral is home to the Archbishop of Paris, as well as the supposed remnants of the Crown of Thorns, a relic believed to be worn by Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion. Throughout the cathedral’s history it has been vandalized, destroyed and rebuilt due to changes in royalty, religious reformations and the French Revolution. In 1831, novelist Victor Hugo used the site of the church for the setting in his novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, bringing worldwide notoriety to the structure. Because it is still a place of worship, the cathedral is open to the public every day of the year between 8:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.

5. The Pantheon: Located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, the Pantheon was originally intended for use as a church in 1790. Dedicated to the patron saint of Paris, St. Genevieve, by King Louis XV, the church was quickly converted into a mausoleum during the French Revolution. Many prominent figures of French history are buried at the Pantheon, including writer, historian Voltaire, novelist Victor Hugo, and the inventor of Braille writing, Louis Braille. The Pantheon is open daily to the public, with admission costing $10 American dollars.