Paris Things To Do

Things To Do In Paris
Paris is one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit. From historical landmarks and world famous museums to breathtaking scenery and vibrant cafes Paris offers more than enough to satisfy everyone.

Eiffel Tower
Champs de Mars, 75007
Built in 1889, for the Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world for 40 years and a magnificent feat of engineering in its day. It is now the most recognisable symbol of Paris, and is loved by most Parisians who initially viewed it as a monstrosity and actually considered demolishing it. The view from the top, on a clear day, is absolutely breathtaking and it is beautifully lit by night.  There are 3 viewing platforms in the tower, the second features the exclusive Restaurant Jules Verne where pre-booking is essential and the top platform has a bar and souvenir shop.

Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008
This is probably the second most famous image of Paris after the Eiffel Tower. Inside the Arc is a museum explaining the history and construction of the Arc and beneath the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the eternal flame has been re-lit every evening since 11 November 1923. On the top there is a viewing platform which offers stunning views down the Champs Elysees, towards the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre. In the opposite direction is the Grande Arche de la Defense which is perfectly aligned with the Arc de Triomphe to the west of Paris.

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 glamour of it's hey day however the lower part provides one of the cities most beautiful walks whilst the shops and cafes line the top half. Many of the cities fashion houses, elegant hotels and expensive restaurants are situated in the streets of this famous Avenue.

Sacre Coeur
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018
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 200 metres above sea level and provides panoramic views. It’s well worth spending time strolling round the village like streets of Montmartre.

Musée du Louvre
Entrance through Pyramid, Cour Napoleon, 75001
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 is host to a vast permanent collection of international work from all over the world, probably it’s most famous possession is The Mona Lisa.  It is regarded as one of the finest Palaces in the world and it's exterior is worth seeing even if you do not have time to view the works of art on display inside.  A fairly recent addition to the Louvre was the glass pyramid that sits in the centre of the Cour Napoleon, it was part of the Grand Louvre renovations carried out under President Mitterand in 1988.

Centre Pompidou (Musee National d'Art Moderne)
Rue St Martin, 75004
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.

Musee National Picasso
Hotel Sale, 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003
The Picasso Museum at the Hotel Sale is easily the worlds greatest collection of this artists 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 4000 original Picasso drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and notebooks, the museum also hosts works from Picasso's extensive private collection including Cézanne and Rousseau.

Notre Dame Cathedral
Place du Parvis-Notre Dame, 75004
Ile de la Cite, the small island in the centre of the Sienne, is host to both the Courts Of Law and one of Paris' most important monuments, the cathedral of Notre Dame. The cathedral has witnessed some of the most important events in French history. It was the staging post for the crusades and where Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France and its territories.

Place de la Concorde
Set between the Champs Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens and with great views of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower which is just across the river 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. The prison has, during its life, housed both Voltaire and The Marquis de Sade as well as other prominent and rich prisoners. The Spirit of Liberty column, in the Place de la Bastille, was erected after the July revolution of 1830, which saw Charles X replaced by Louis-Philippe. 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
Boulevard de Menilmontant
Pere-Lachaise cemetery is the final resting place of over one million Parisians and truly an amazing experience to walk around. In among 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
Place de l'Opera, 75009
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
For some wholesome entertainment for the family, head to Disneyland® Paris located just 20 miles east of Paris at Marne-La- Vallee. This vast and incredibly popular Disneyland® Paris complex, a magical theme park of fun and fantasy for kids of all ages, will keep you entertained for hours.

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