Paris Things To Do

Eiffel Tower

One of the most recognisable landmarks of any city, the iconic Eiffel Tower remains a symbol of the elegance and romance that Paris exudes, and is the most visited paid attraction in the world. The views from the top are priceless, and the twinkling lights by night create a quintessential sight. Historical artefacts can be viewed, and there are audio visual displays on each level.

Champs-Elysees

The Champs Elysees is the magnificent boulevard that stretches form the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Traditionally associated with Parisian chic, it has lost a little of the original glamour, however, the lower part provides one of the city's most beautiful walks, whilst shops and cafes line the top half. Many of the city's fashion houses, elegant hotels and expensive restaurants are situated in the streets of this famous Avenue.

Arc de Triomphe

Built in 1806 to commemorate the Napoleanic Wars, the Arc de Triomphe is the focus of French National Remembrance, and forms the backdrop to the final stage of the Tour de France each year. There's plenty to admire from the ground level, including the eternal flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, however, there is a permanent display inside, and an observation point. Its strategic position offers unrestricted views along the Champs-Elysees, with the Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens visible.

Sacre Coeur

The Sacre Coeur provides a spectacular (and free) view over the city, which easily rivals that of the Eiffel Tower and makes this magnificent domed cathedral top of the list on a visit to Paris. Built in the 1870’s, the dome is at 200m above sea level and provides panoramic views. It’s well worth spending time strolling round the village-like streets of Montmartre.

Musée du Louvre

Formerly the French court and one of the largest buildings in Paris, the Louvre was first opened after the Revolution in 1793, as a showcase of the riches and art treasures of the French royalty. It plays host to a vast permanent collection of international work from all over the world, and its most famous possession is The Mona Lisa. It is regarded as one of the finest Palaces in the world and its exterior is well worth seeing, even if you do not have time to view the works of art on display inside.

Centre Pompidou

Opened in 1977, this avant-garde building has long been the subject of controversy in Paris. Since it's renovation in 2000, it has ceased to be an eyesore and instead become one of the main art and cultural centres in the city. The Pompidou Centre encompasses the National Museum of Modern Art, the Centre for Industrial Design, the Public Information Library and the Institute for Research and Coordination of Music. Walking around the forecourt you can also find various street entertainments, sculptures and mobile artworks.

Notre Dame

One of the most imposing cathedrals in Europe, Notre Dame dates back to the 12th center, and enjoys an attractive setting by the River Seine. The cathedral boasts unique architectural features including enormous stained glass rose windows, and the great bell tower with its infamous gargoyles. Don't miss an ascent to the summit of the clock tower, and a stunning view over the Paris skyline.

Musee National Picasso

The Picasso Museum at the Hotel Sale is easily the world's greatest collection of this artist's work. The French state amassed numerous works in exchange for writing off over £25 million in inheritance taxes after Picasso's death in 1973. In addition to being home to over 4,000 original Picasso drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and notebooks, the museum also hosts works from Picasso's extensive private collection, including Cézanne and Rousseau.

Place de la Concorde

Set between the Champs Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens and with great views of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower and the Sacre Coeur, is the Place de la Concorde - the largest square in the city. The centre piece is the 3,300 year old Obelisk of Luxor, which is flanked by two great fountains.

The Bastille

The Bastille is perhaps one of the most well known attractions in Paris. In 1789, at the height of the French Revolution, over 600 Parisians stormed the then prison and fortress, and seized the central ammunition depot to gain the advantage in what would become the fall of Louis XIV. Since 1989, the Bastille has also been the site of one of Europe's premier and most modern Operas. The Opera transformed the area around the Bastille from a somewhat run down area, into what is now one of the most fashionable places to live in the city.

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of over one million Parisians and truly an amazing experience to walk around. In amongst the majestic and gothic mausoleums you will find the graves of Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Balzac, Chopin, Oscar Wilde and, most famously, Jim Morrison. The cemetery is a vast place and it is easy to get lost, but maps are readily available at each entrance.

Opera Garnier

Built in the 1870's and designed by Charles Garnier, the Opera Garnier is the largest opera theater in the world, and can have up to 500 artists on stage at the same time. It is well worth seeing for its intricate painted ceiling and famous central chandelier, which weighs in at just under 7 tons. Tickets for performances need to be booked well in advance.

Disneyland® Paris

Located just 20 miles east of the city, this magical theme park offers a fantastic alternative to the original in the USA, with its thrilling roller coaster rides and wholesome family entertainment. The park can accommodate up to 50,000 visitors each day, and boasts not only rides, parades and shows, but a host of hotels, restaurants, and even two golf courses.