10 Best Places to see in Paris
/There are so many reasons why The City of Love is on everyone’s bucket list and is always the most visited city in the world, year after year. The combination of the romantic streets, traditional architecture, famous museums, delicious cuisine and of course the language, draws tourists in all year long. Paris oozes culture, charm and history from every street corner. Whether it’s the al fresco dining, seeing the Mona Lisa at The Louvre or having a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, you will fall in love with it all. I know I did!
Back in 2014, I spent a long weekend in Paris with my girlfriends. We took a bus from London, over the English Channel by ferry from Dover and arrived in Paris 10 hours later. All for £12!
I still remember driving through the night and waking up around 4am, seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. All the lights twinkling in the distance as we approached the city. It was magic!
I’ve listed some of the highlights of our trip and absolute must-sees! Enjoy!
1. Eiffel Tower.
Of course, I have to start with THE most famous building in Paris. The ‘Tour Eiffel’ is a symbol of love and is the most-visited paid monument in the world. More than 300 million people have visited the tower since its opening in 1889. You can either walk, yes walk up the tower via the stairs or take the lift. Ticket prices range from 2€ to 30€ depending on how high up you go. The view from the top is incredible and totally worth the climb. The Eiffel Tower is open every day from 9.30am - 11pm and from 9am - midnight in the summer.
2. Pont Des Arts. (Love Lock Bridge)
The love theme continues with the Love Lock Bridge. Tourists and Parisians started added locks to the bridge back in 2008 and since then millions of locks have been added. The idea is to write or engrave your names on the lock, attach it to the bridge then throw the key into the River Seine. I have always thought that this is a special gesture, however many see it as vandalism. This moment was special for us girls and it’s a memory I will keep forever.
3. The Louvre Museum.
Moving onto the most famous art gallery in the world, The Louvre. It is best known for being home to some of the best art pieces ever created including, The Mona Lisa, The Venus de Milo and The Liberty Leading the People. The gallery is open Wednesday - Monday 9am - 6pm. Purchasing tickets at the entrance are 15€ per person or it’s 17€ online, to avoid the long waiting queues.
4. Cathédrale Notre-Dame.
Another super-famous landmark in the city. The Notre Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral. Unfortunately in April 2019, the cathedral suffered a devastating fire and the doors have been closed ever since. However, there are plans to re-open in 2024. Before the fire, the building acted as a centralised figure in France, in comparison to Westminster Abbey in England. There were many royal coronations, weddings and noteworthy events that took place. There was also 422 steps up to the towers which from there gave 360 degree views of Paris.
5. Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Another iconic building in Paris is the Sacré-Cœur, a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Located at the summit of the butte Montmartre which is the highest point in the city. Bring some comfy shoes as it’s quite a climb up to the dome, but once you reach, oof the views of Paris are everything and more. Side note: just be careful of certain men trying to sell gifts to you on the way up. They can grab your arm, slide on a bracelet then demand payment. This happened to us girls and we were glad that we were all together. The Basilica is open every day from 6am - 10:30pm with free entry.
6. Arc de Triomphe.
Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées is the Arc de Triomphe, a monument to symbolise the victories of France. Also to honour those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War. The Arc is actually situated on a roundabout, with 12 avenues branching off of the centre. I’ll pass on the driving thanks!
7. Moulin Rouge.
The Moulin Rouge is a Cabaret venue that showcases dancers, actors and singers. You know but the Moulin Rouge way… The venue is best known as the birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance and for being a film and musical with the same title. Also who could forget the ‘Lady Marmalade’ video featuring Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil’ Kim and Mya, which is the pinnacle of what the Moulin Rouge is all about.
8. River Seine.
The River Seine runs through the heart of Paris, past The Louvre, Notre-Dame and Eiffel Tower. There’s always something special about walking along a European river, the Seine is no exception. During our girls trip, we gathered for our friends 21st birthday party, which was on a static boat on the river. The evening was incredible and a night we will always remember.
9. Champ de Mars.
Champ de Mars is a large public green space, located right in front of the Eiffel Tower. It’s the perfect place to have a weekend picnic with your loved ones and enjoy the incredible views. Given the history of death in this area during the French Revolution, Champ de Mars is now the place to celebrate love. Most wedding proposals in the world happen here, and I totally understand why!
10. Tuileries Garden.
The Tuileries Garden is a public garden located between The Louvre and Place de la Concorde. After opening in 1667, the park became a place Parisians celebrated, met and strolled after the French Revolution. The area is absolutely beautiful and the perfect place to relax any time of the week.
