Paris, the City of Lights, is a place where art, fashion, culture, and gastronomy blend together seamlessly. As you wander through its historic alleys, bustling streets, and grand boulevards, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of chic boutiques, charming cafes, and stunning architecture. Paris is truly a labyrinthine haven for everyone, with something to captivate every taste. Art enthusiasts will be overwhelmed by the city’s numerous museums and art galleries, while history buffs will uncover hidden treasures around every corner. And foodies, prepare yourselves for an unforgettable experience! Delightful boulangeries, pattiseries, and fromageries dot the city, while opulent world-class restaurants offer exquisite fine dining experiences.
Beyond the Glamour
Look beyond the glittering facade of Paris, and you’ll discover a city that has shaped Europe and played a pivotal role in world history. Paris has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the birth and death of influential figures, and the evolution of significant historical periods. Many of the iconic Parisian landmarks that draw millions of visitors each year are monuments to the people and events that have shaped the city we know today.
Paris’s Must-See Monuments
Planning a trip to Paris? Here’s a list of unforgettable monuments that should be on your must-see list:
The Eiffel Tower: An Icon of Paris
The Eiffel Tower needs no introduction. This wrought iron lattice tower, standing tall on the Champ de Mars, has become synonymous with Paris itself. Reaching an impressive height of 320 meters and weighing a staggering 7,300 tons, the elegant spire is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world.
The Eiffel Tower offers visitors three levels to explore. The first and second levels house restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne, while the top level boasts a spectacular viewing platform, the highest public observation deck in the European Union. For the adventurous, you can climb the 300+ steps to reach the first and second levels, or take the lift for a more convenient journey. Be prepared for long lines, though, and consider a Paris Pass to skip the queues.
The Panthéon: A Shrine to France’s Great Minds
Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the Parisian Panthéon is a magnificent neoclassical structure with a soaring dome and a Roman facade adorned with Corinthian columns. It overlooks the city from its perch atop the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, dominating the Montmartre skyline.
Initially commissioned as a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, the Pantheon has evolved into a secular mausoleum. Since 1970, it has served as the resting place for some of France’s most renowned thinkers and leaders, including Rousseau and Voltaire. Interment in the Pantheon is reserved for France’s “National Heroes”, a testament to the nation’s gratitude for their contributions. Look up above the entrance and you’ll see an inscription that reads: “Aux grands hommes la patrie reconnaissante” (“To great men, the grateful homeland”).
The Arc de Triomphe: A Symbol of Victory and Sacrifice
One of the most famous and photographed monuments in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as Place de l’Étoile. It is a striking monument, with intricate sculptures, commissioned in 1806 to celebrate Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz in 1805. Today, it honors all those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. You’ll find inscriptions of French generals and victories on its surfaces, and beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.
To reach the Arc de Triomphe, avoid crossing the busy roundabout. Instead, use the pedestrian tunnels on the northern side of the Champs-Élysées, which connect to the étoile. Once you emerge from the tunnel, you’ll find yourself safely beneath the arch. To climb to the viewing platform, purchase tickets in the tunnel. Be prepared for crowds, but consider joining a Paris city tour to skip the lines. The 284 steps leading to the 50-meter high platform are well worth the effort, as the spectacular view from the top is truly breathtaking. You’ll be able to marvel at the twelve avenues that radiate from the étoile, forming a star-like pattern.
Sacré-Coeur: A Symbol of Faith and Reconciliation
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, more commonly known as Sacre-Coeur, is a double monument. It serves as a national penance for France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and the Paris Commune of 171. It also stands as a Roman Catholic church and basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, symbolizing conservative moral order.
Built in 1917 and consecrated in 1919 after World War I, the Sacre-Coeur continues to divide Parisians, with some seeing it as a symbol of faith, while others view it as a reminder of past conflicts. If you’re interested in learning more about its history and significance, sign up for a guided tour, where you’ll gain deeper insights into its origins and lasting impact.
The perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been taking place uninterrupted since 1885, with the Blessed Sacrament always on display above the altar. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Sacre-Coeur, and tourists are encouraged to observe silence and dress appropriately.
The Roman-Byzantine style Sacre-Coeur is easily recognizable from its prominent location atop Butte Montmartre, offering visitors panoramic views of the city. For those who prefer not to walk up the hill, a funicular** is available with a regular metro ticket.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the dome. While the views from the basilica’s parvis are already breathtaking, the views from the dome are truly awe-inspiring.
Les Invalides: A Testament to France’s Military History
For those fascinated by France’s military history, Les Invalides is a must-see monument in Paris. Built in the 1670s by Louis XIV, it served as a shelter for 4,000 disabled war veterans. The Hôtel des Invalides, as it is also known, is a vast complex of buildings, including a hospital and retirement home for veterans, as well as monuments and museums that tell the story of France’s military history.
The Musée de l’Armée houses France’s largest collection of military artifacts, providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s military past. You can also explore the Musée d’Histoire Contemporaine, featuring 20th and 21st century sculptures, engravings, and drawings, or the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, with its unique collection of fortified cities and surrounding countryside rendered in stunning detail at a 1:600 scale.
The real highlight of Les Invalides, however, is the Dôme des Invalides, where the great emperor Napoleon Bonaparte rests, alongside some of France’s war heroes.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Timeless Symbol of Paris
The Notre-Dame de Paris, which literally means “Our Lady of Paris”, is a beloved Parisian landmark that has captivated visitors for centuries. The heart of Catholic Paris for seven centuries, it remains an important symbol of the city today. The Place du Parvis Notre Dame, the grand square in front of the cathedral, is the Point 0 from which all land distances from Paris to other parts of France are measured.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is not just a historical monument but also a testament to French Gothic architecture. One of the first buildings in the world to utilize flying buttresses, it is renowned for its sublime balance, with its 69-meter twin towers harmonizing with the horizontal banding of the decorated galleries. The cathedral also features three magnificent rose windows and a vast interior that can accommodate up to 6,000 worshippers.
Within its walls, you’ll find frightening gargoyles and chimeras, fitting for this iconic Parisian landmark. To get a closer look, climb the 400-odd steps that spiral from the North Tower to the western façade, where these intriguing creatures await you, along with breathtaking views of Paris.
