No visit to Paris is complete without visiting, at least once, some of its famous monuments. Here you will find all the information you need to visit these monuments, but also special places that only true Francophiles know about.
Secrets of Le Marais: A Journey into the Historic and Chic Heart of Paris
Join us on a virtual journey to the most fascinating district in Paris. Together we will discover hidden courtyards, French nobility, and the true stories behind the magnificent facades.
The most popular monuments in Paris
Eiffel Tower
The eternal symbol of ParisIt is strongly recommended to reserve tickets in advance.
Arc de Triomphe
The most beautiful view of the Champs Elysees. A must go up to the roof!
Disneyland Paris + Transportation
Perfect solution for families: entrance ticket + round-trip transportation from central Paris.
View from above
Eiffel Tower
- Iconic panoramic view
- Especially romantic at sunset
- Long lines for the elevator (book in advance!)
Gustave Eiffel's engineering masterpiece was intended to be temporary, but has become an undisputed symbol of France. Climbing to the top of the tower will give you one of the most beautiful views the Ville Lumière has to offer, especially when the entire city lights up in the evening.
Montparnasse Tower (currently closed for renovations)
- The best view of the Eiffel Tower
- Ultra-fast elevator
- The building itself is not pretty to look at.
Paris' most prominent (and some would say, most maligned) skyscraper, the Tour Montparnasse, offers one trump card: the best panoramic view in the city. And why is it so recommended? Because it's the only place from which you can see the skyline without seeing the tower itself!
Arc de Triomphe
- Perfect view of the Champs Elysees
- Open until late at night
- Climbing stairs (unless there is a limitation)
A historic monument located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, built on the orders of Napoleon. Climbing the spiral staircase will lead you to a spectacular roof terrace overlooking all the city's boulevards that radiate from the Place de l'Étoile in mesmerizing symmetry.
Hot air balloon (Generali)
- A unique experience of levitation
- 360 degree view
- Very weather dependent (cancelled in wind)
An original and quiet way to see Paris from a bird's eye view (literally). The hot air balloon is located in André Citroën Park and rises to a height of 150 meters, from where you can observe the city in peace, away from the tourist crowds.
History and monarchy
Palace of Versailles
- The most magnificent palace in France
- Vast gardens and fountains
- Located outside of Paris (requires train)
The ultimate creation of splendor by the Sun King, Louis XIV, will leave you speechless with its unimaginable wealth. It is recommended to dedicate a whole day to tour the magnificent halls, the famous Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) and of course the breathtaking symmetrical gardens.
Palais des Invalides
- Napoleon's impressive tomb
- A rich military museum
- A huge complex that requires a lot of time
A vast, gold-domed architectural complex that dominates the city skyline, it serves as France's military pantheon. Here you can pay your respects at the monumental tomb of Napoléon Bonaparte and tour one of the largest and most impressive collections of arms and armor in the world.
The concierge
- The cell of Marie Antoinette
- A fascinating history of the revolution
- It is recommended to use the attached tablet.
A magnificent medieval royal palace on the Île de la Cité that became a formidable prison during the French Revolution. Here, Marie Antoinette spent her last days before the guillotine, and today you can tour the Gothic halls and hear the stories of the prisoners.
the pantheon
- Graves of the nation's greats (Hugo, Voltaire)
- Foucault's Pendulum
- Located at the top of a hill (ascent)
An impressive neoclassical building in the heart of the Quartier Latin, it is the final resting place of giants of the French nation such as Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. Don't miss the Foucault pendulum that demonstrates the rotation of the Earth just under the central dome.
Basilica of Saint-Denis
- Tombs of all kings France
- Spectacular Gothic architecture
- Outside the center of Paris
The cradle of Gothic architecture and the true royal necropolis of France, where almost all of its kings are buried. A fascinating spiritual, architectural and historical experience, far from the well-worn tourist trail, with stained glass windows that will brighten your day.
Vincennes Castle
- A real medieval fortress
- Adjacent to Vincennes Forest Park
- Less luxurious than Marseille
The Château de Vincennes is the best-preserved royal fortress from the Middle Ages in Europe, complete with a moat, battlements and a massive donjon. A perfect destination for fans of knights, royal intrigue and military history, with easy access on Metro Line 1.
chapel atoning
- A quiet hidden gem
- A fascinating history of the revolution
- Very small site (short visit)
A hidden historical and architectural gem in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, built in memory of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette on the very spot where they were originally buried. It is an island of peace and reflection, which takes us back in a flash to the turbulent days of the Revolution.
Religion and Spirit
Notre Dame de Paris
- The historical and spiritual heart of Paris
- An impressive Gothic structure from the outside
- The interior of the church is closed until the end of 2024.
The beating heart of Paris and a timeless Gothic masterpiece located on the Île de la Cité. Despite the great fire, the facade still inspires wonder, and we eagerly await its reopening to bring back the ringing of the famous bells.
Sainte Chapelle
- The most beautiful stained glass windows in the world
- Especially spectacular on a sunny day
- Security check queue
A magnificent royal chapel built by Louis IX to house holy relics, it feels like walking inside a vast jewel box. The panoramic stained glass windows rise to great heights and create, especially on a sunny day, an unparalleled light show.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Amazing view over all of Paris
- Entrance to the church itself is free.
- Very crowded with tourists and pickpockets
The iconic white church that dominates the city from the top of Montmartre Hill. Beyond the impressive Byzantine architecture that juts out from every corner of the city, the plaza in front of it offers a lively panoramic viewpoint always surrounded by street artists and musicians.
Special and different
Paris Opera (Garnier)
- Unimaginable architectural wealth
- The ceiling of the hall painted by Marc Chagall
- Closed for visits during rehearsals
A temple of art and luxury, also known as the Palais Garnier, it seems to have been taken from a fairy tale. From the grand staircase, through the sparkling foyer, to the central hall with its ceiling designed by Marc Chagall, it is an aesthetic experience that will make any Francophile skip a beat.
The Catacombs of Paris
- A unique and chilling experience
- Fascinating underground history
- Not for the claustrophobic
Journey into the dark underbelly of the City of Lights at the Catacombes de Paris. This is a long underground labyrinth decorated in exquisite order with the bones of millions of Parisians evacuated from the city's cemeteries – a completely out-of-the-ordinary experience, but certainly one that is hard to forget.
Private night tour
- See the “City of Lights” in style
- Luxury car and private driver
- Significantly more expensive than public transportation
The perfect and luxurious way to truly understand why Paris has earned the worldwide nickname the City of Lights. Sit comfortably in the back seat and let a professional driver take you among all the illuminated monuments, just when the Parisian magic is at its peak and the streets are emptying.
Moulin Rouge + Cruise
- A whole evening organized
- The most famous show in town
- Very touristy
A package that combines the city's distinct tourist DNA: a classic romantic cruise on the Seine River, followed by a sparkling cabaret show at the world-famous club. An ideal solution for a carefree evening of feathers, champagne, and a wild French Cancan dance.
Museums and Monuments Card
If you plan to visit a large number of monuments and museums in Paris, it is worth considering buying the Museum cardIt will save you money and time.
Paris Monuments Map
On the map above you can see all the important monuments. You can zoom out to see them all.
Open the map in a separate window
Hello, the website is really amazing and useful!!!! Just a question please. When I order an attraction, say the Eiffel Tower, the price listed is 143 NIS per person and when I put it in the cart, it increases the price to 530 NIS. Am I doing something wrong or is that the price?
I would really appreciate it if you could help me. I'm traveling with my daughter and want everything to be arranged in advance.
Eiffel Tower
Sailing and cruises
Louvre
Thank you very much.
Nte
Which of the sites are you talking about? Maybe you chose a package option that includes multiple sites and is therefore more expensive?
Hello Francophile, I read your articles and I just enjoy them. In the past, I guided (for 25 years) groups that went abroad. I had local guides in Paris from whom I learned a lot and also loved the language, culture and everything that belongs to France. Today, I am trying to plan a 10-day trip for my nephew and his family, with the landing at De Gaulle and I thought that from there they would go to Normandy, Rouen and the invasion beaches, and continue to Bertoua, Mont Saint Michel, then to the Loire Valley and finally back to Paris, and of course the children want Eurodisney. What do you think?
Hi Sarah.
It sounds okay but a little too crowded. I would give up on the Loire Valley.
deer