21 Must-See Paris Attractions: Perfect for First Timers!

Are you planning your first trip to Paris? You’ve come to the right place!

Paris is my favorite travel destination! I can’t get enough of this magical city and all the iconic Paris attractions — even after nearly a dozen visits.

On each trip, we always find some incredible things to do in Paris that we hadn’t experienced before. And I will never forget the way Paris makes me feel on every trip.

Visiting famous Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, strolling the cobblestoned streets, eating French pastries, and walking along the Seine –I love it all!

I’m here to help you decide which of the top Paris sites to see on your visit to the City of Light.

Ready for some epic Paris sightseeing? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

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21 Best Paris Attractions

1. Eiffel Tower

Looming large over the Parisian cityscape is the Eiffel Tower, or La Tour Eiffel.  No one can deny that it is one of the most popular Paris tourist attractions!

The tallest structure in Paris at 324 meters, it was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair. (A fun fact about the Eiffel Tower is that it was supposed to be temporary!)

The Tower has three levels that you can visit.  The first two are accessible by stairs if you’re up to it, or you can take an elevator.  You can also take the elevator all the way to the topmost observation deck. 

The views from all the levels of the tower are incredible! Take your time and enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views of Paris.

(I’ve done all three options over the years. Choose what works best for you and your budget!)

Avoid the long lines with this Eiffel Tower skip-the-line summit tour!

Eiffel Tower Lights Display

Tip:  Every evening the Eiffel Tower lights up at dusk, until 1 AM.   On the hour, light sparkles dance up and down the Tower for five minutes.  You’ll want to be sure to watch this beautiful show at least once on your trip to Paris.

My favorite place to watch the Eiffel Tower light show is from one of the many bridges across the Seine. 

You can also get an outstanding Eiffel Tower view from the Trocadéro, located across the Seine from the Tower. (In my opinion, the view from the Trocadéro is one of the best sights Paris has to offer!)

“I ought to be jealous of the tower. She is more famous than I am.”

One of the most famous quotes about the Eiffel Tower, by its creator, Gustave Eiffel

2. Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens, (or Jardin du Luxembourg) are the extensive grounds of the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg).  Once the home of royalty, the Palace is now occupied by the French Senate.

The Luxembourg Gardens, inspired by the famous Boboli Gardens in Florence, are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris. 

You will find traditional elements such as statuary, a gorgeous fountain, and a rose garden.   But there is a lot more to explore here!

There are activities for the young (and young at heart) – areas to play boules, a puppet stage, pony rides, and a large pond for sailing miniature boats. 

In my opinion, the Luxembourg Gardens are the best gardens in Paris! You can spend a whole afternoon enjoying all the highlights of the Jardin du Luxembourg!

Even when Paris is crowded with tourists, these gardens are peaceful since they’re used more by locals.  You will see people jogging through the gardens along the paths or playing with their children.

Be sure to explore the gardens and check out all the fantastic statuary. The Medici Fountain (Fontaine Médicis) is in a hidden grotto on the northeast end of the gardens and is definitely worth a look!

3. Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is famous for both the art it contains and the artistic stylings of the building that contains it.   The museum is housed in what used to be a train station, the Beaux-Arts styled Gare D’Orsay. 

This magnificent building is located on the left bank of the Seine and features vast arched windows, intricate decor, tons of natural light, and its signature clock.

The Musée d’Orsay is home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art and is one of the top museums in France.

If you’re a fan of Degas, Monet, or Renoir, you’ll want to put this museum on your list.  (Be sure to see a few of its most famous paintings!)

It also has a large collection of classical sculptures displayed in the expanse of the main hall.

Though it is not nearly as large as the Louvre, I prefer the Musée d’Orsay. 

This is partly since its’ main collections are the types of art that I most enjoy.  But I think it is also because this museum is much more manageable to visit – you don’t feel overwhelmed by its scope.

Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Musée d’Orsay on this semi-private museum tour and admire the stunning Impressionist artwork!

4. Cathedral of Notre-Dame

Ah, this one tugs at my heart.  The medieval cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is one of my favorite must-see Paris attractions, and another one that I visit on each trip.

I even have its picture decorating my living room wall.  Its classic French Gothic architecture complete with flying buttresses and gargoyles is instantly recognizable.  It’s truly one of the best sights in Paris!

We, along with so many around the world, we were heartbroken when we heard about the fire that consumed Notre-Dame in April of 2019. 

I must say that Notre-Dame looked a bit naked without her spire. We just got back from Paris, and the spire is back! Reconstruction is still planned to be completed in December 2024.

Look at how beautifully illuminated the cathedral is at night!

“I can never decide whether Paris is more beautiful by day or by night.”

Midnight in Paris (one of the best Paris quotes!)

Even after a long day of sightseeing in Paris France, you should definitely make the effort to go back out in the evening to see the illuminated monuments. Why not take an incredible night tour of Paris?

Read about all the best Paris night tours in this post!

5. Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, while not in Paris, is an easy day trip from Paris by train. 

You can get from Paris to Versailles in about an hour via the Paris regional train system (the RER).So don’t let a short train ride deter you from seeing this famous Paris landmark!

Versailles started as a modest royal hunting lodge. Over the years it expanded into a château and then into a palace.  It’s a great way to see a French château if you don’t have time to visit the châteaux in the Loire Valley!

For a time, it was the seat of the French government when the king relocated his court there.  Today, it has the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand example of the ornate French Baroque style of architecture.  Since there is so much to see at Versailles, you’ll want to join a tour of Versailles to get the most out of your visit.

Inside the palace, stroll through rooms in lavish period décor and walk through the grand hall of mirrors.

On the grounds of Versailles, you will also find the Grand Trianon, a smaller palace with more classical lines influenced by Italian architecture, and the Petit Trianon, favored by Marie Antoinette. 

(I personally prefer the Trianon over the larger Palace of Versailles.)  

The gardens of Versailles are masterworks in themselves and are definitely worth the visit.  You will find lush greenery, classical statuary, and marvelous fountains around every corner. 

Visiting the gardens is free (except on the days when the gardens feature the musical fountain shows).

When visiting Versailles, plan to spend the whole day there.  You won’t want to be rushed and miss out on any of the palaces or gardens.

Make sure you don’t miss out on anything by taking an amazing tour of Versailles!

6. Musée Rodin

The Musée Rodin is one of my favorite Paris museums.  It is not as popular as its larger sisters, but it is certainly worth a visit if you appreciate statuary. 

It’s located in the 7^th Arrondissement of Paris, hidden just around the corner from Les Invalides and Napoleon’s tomb.

Rodin created classical statues as ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Kiss’.  The inside of the Musée Rodin follows a rough chronological order of the artist’s life and works. 

Your exploration of the museum takes you on a walk through his creative process – you’ll see Rodin’s sketches and studies for his finished works. 

But the best part of the Musée Rodin is the seven-acre sculpture garden, where his famous statues are displayed amongst plantings and a fountain.  

Here you’ll find large-scale complex statues such as ‘La Porte de L’Enfer’ (‘The Gates of Hell’) and ‘Les Bourgeois de Calais’ (‘The Burghers of Calais’).  Feel free to grab a bench in the shade and enjoy the views!

7. Pont Alexandre III and the bridges of Paris

The Seine cuts right though the heart of Paris, making its way around the Île de la Cité (home to Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle). 

You will commonly hear the terms ‘Rive Gauche’ (‘Left Bank’) and ‘Rive Droite’ (‘Right Bank’) used to describe where things are located in Paris. 

The term ‘Rive Gauche’ refers to anything south of the Seine, and the term ‘Rive Droite’ refers to anything north of the Seine (and also lays claim to the islands in the Seine). 

If, like me, you suffer from being directionally challenged, this might not help too much.  However, you can think of it in terms of which way the water is flowing – the ‘left’ and ‘right’ refer to the sides of the river if you were traveling in the direction of water flow.

There are many bridges crossing the Seine.  There are a handful of pedestrian-only bridges, called passerelles.

The most famous bridges in Paris

The oldest bridge in Paris is the Pont Neuf, which connects Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the Île de la Cité, one of the islands in the middle of the Seine.

The most spectacular bridge in Paris is the Pont Alexandre III.  Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), this bridge is an artistic Beaux-Arts marvel in itself.  

You can’t miss the impressive pillars on each of its’ corners, topped by gilded statues.  

Pont Alexandre III is like an outdoor museum – one that also boasts a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower! Be sure to pay attention as you walk across this bridge so that you don’t miss the elaborate statuary and gilding!

8. Les Invalides

As you cross the Pont Alexandre III heading south, you can’t help but notice Les Invalides (also referred to as Hôtel des Invalides).    It’s the gorgeous building with the gilded dome and spire, fronted by a huge expanse of lush green lawn making up the Esplanade des Invalides.

Les Invalides was constructed in the 17^th century and its initial purpose was for the care of disabled veterans (hence the name).

Today Les Invalides contains a series of museums, including the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée).  Here you’ll find a collection of weaponry and uniforms from various French military conflicts. 

What we liked most was the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, which boasted an extensive series of miniatures of fortified cities (about 100 models).

Les Invalides houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte in an impressive sarcophagus of red porphyry and five nesting coffins.

The Royal Chapel, called the Dome Church, was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who also designed the Palace of Versailles. The outside of the dome is decorated with gold leaf, giving Les Invalides its striking appearance.

On my last trip to Paris, I discovered that the best view of the dome is from behind. Even though this was my 8th trip, I always find something new to love about Paris!

Are you a military history buff? Get answers to all your questions on this exclusive guided tour of Les Invalides.

9. Seine River cruise

One of the top things to do in Paris France is taking a cruise on the River Seine.  These boats, commonly known as bateaux mouches (which means fly boats), zip up and down the river all day. 

There are many different companies providing cruises of the Seine, including Bateaux-Mouches, Bateaux Parisiens, and Vedettes de Paris.

I think that Seine River cruises are a fantastic way to get an introduction to the Paris sights and get a feel for the layout of the city.  You can see a surprising number of the best attractions in Paris from the river!

My river cruise followed the Seine past the Eiffel Tower past a narrow island called L’île aux Cygnes (Swan Island). 

At the southwestern tip of the island is a small-scale version of the Statue of Liberty.  (This one is only 38 feet tall, whereas the version gifted to the United States from France is 305 feet tall!)

The boat then made a u-turn around the island and headed upstream towards the Seine’s larger islands, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis.  The cruise passes by monuments such as the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, and the Hôtel de Ville, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

So many of Paris’ famous attractions are along the banks of the Seine, that this area actually has its own UNESCO World Heritage Site designation!

Choose from daytime cruises, dinner cruises, and evening cruises where you can see the fantastic Paris landmarks illuminated.  Narration is provided in multiple languages.

(Dinner cruises are definitely one of the most romantic Paris activities!)

You can also take a water bus to get between different locations on the Seine.  Batobus acts like a hop-on hop-off bus, with stops from the Eiffel Tower to the Jardin des Plantes.  This will help save some wear and tear on your feet on a long day of sightseeing in Paris.

10. Arc de Triomphe

This next batch of attractions are all in a line, so you can easily see many of Paris’ top landmarks without the risk of getting lost. 

We’re going to start off at the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most famous landmarks in Paris (and also one of the most famous landmarks in France). It sits at the northwestern end of the Champs-Élysées at the Place Charles de Gaulle and is probably one of the top monuments on your bucket list for Paris!

This is also one of the most popular tourist sites in Paris for that classic Paris Instagram photo. You’ll have to wait your turn to get the shot of yourself with the Arc de Triomphe in the background.

You may hear this location referred to as étoile (meaning star) because of all the roads that intersect here, making a spoke or star pattern radiating from the Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch built to commemorate the victories of Napoleon (that’s just one of many interesting facts about the Arc de Triomphe).  

Traffic around the Arc de Triomphe is crazy (so many lanes of traffic!).  So, please do not try to cross the road. 

There is an underground tunnel that will safely take you from the road to the Arc de Triomphe. 

At the base of the Arc de Triomphe is a commemoration to the unknown soldier, honoring those fallen in WWI and WWII.   If you’re visiting the Arc de Triomphe at 6:30pm, you can watch a ceremony in which the torch is rekindled.

The Arc de Triomphe is a focal point for the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. (Bastille Day is akin to the 4th of July in the United States — it’s one of the most important holidays in France!)

The interior of the Arc de Triomphe is a museum which covers the construction and history of this monument.   Tip:  Be sure to go up to the observation deck to get a bird’s-eye view of Paris.

Get your tickets to visit the rooftop observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe

11. Champs-Élysées

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the most famous avenue in Paris, stretching from the Arc de Triomphe/Place Charles de Gaulle, to the Place de la Concorde.  The tree-lined Champs-Élysées is 1.9km long and a spacious 70 meters wide.

The Champs-Élysées is one of Paris’ top attractions and is sometimes called ‘the world’s most beautiful avenue’. 

To be sure, the Champs-Élysées contains a vast amount of spectacular architecture.  Many of these grand buildings have been repurposed, but they still retain their signature beauty.

The building above embodies the quintessential Parisian Haussmann architectural style.  This is characterized by an imposing building (check) with wrought iron window grills and balconies (checks) and a zinc roof. 

You’ll find all kinds of entertainment and shopping opportunities on the Champs-Élysées!

There are cafés, nightclubs, theaters, and hotels lining this wide avenue.  Dining opportunities abound including Michelin-starred restaurants and Ladurée, famous for its macarons.

The Champs-Élysées is a famous shopping area with many high-end and luxury retailers.  I’m not a big shopper myself, but I did appreciate the festive décor of the legendary perfumier, Guerlain.

12. Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde is Paris’ largest public square and is one of the top sights in Paris. 

The Place de la Concorde links the gardens of the Tuileries with the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and its design was part of an architectural competition yielding 150 submissions.

Completed in 1772, the square was initially called Place Louis XV.  During the French Revolution it became Place de la Révolution and was the gruesome location of the guillotine.  

The Place de la Concorde features two impressive fountains.  The Fontaine des Mers represents the sea and fishing, and the Fontaine des Fleuves represents rivers and the harvest. 

Statues decorating the corners of the square symbolize eight of France’s cities:  Brest, Rouen, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Nantes.

One of the most notable features of the Place de la Concorde is the Luxor Obelisk.  At 23 meters in height, the Luxor Obelisk can be seen from quite a distance.   The obelisk is also a sundial—look for the Roman numerals surrounding it.

This obelisk was a gift from Egypt to Paris and is over 2000 years old.  (Looks good for its age, doesn’t it?)

It initially graced the entrance to the Luxor Temple, where its counterpart remains today. France added the gold cap to the obelisk which makes it especially eye-catching in the sun. 

13. Jardin des Tuileries

The Jardin des Tuileries sits nestled between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre and is one of the most famous places in Paris.  Besides having a great location, there are also plenty of great things to do in the Jardin des Tuileries.

The Jardin des Tuileries dates from the 17^th century and spans an area of 28 hectares.  You’ll enjoy viewing the classical statuary scattered through the park, including eighteen sculptures by Aristide Maillol, a French sculptor.

If you’re hungry, visit one of the cafés sprinkled throughout the gardens.  Enjoy a beautiful view of the flowers and tree-lined avenues of the park while you dine.

Spend some time relaxing in one of the iconic green chairs common to Paris’ gardens. 

The Jardin des Tuileries contains two large ponds, the Bassin Octagonal and the Grand Bassin Rond. 

The young and the young at heart can enjoy sailing small boats on these ponds.  These petits bateaux are available for rent and come with small sticks to use to push them to and fro.

Museums in the Jardin des Tuileries

One hidden gem in the Tuileries is the Musée de l’Orangerie. 

This small museum has an amazing collection of Monet’s water lilies paintings.  The museum actually built a special oval room so that you can have an immersive panoramic experience of these grand murals. 

(There is more art here as well, but the water lilies murals are the star!)

The Jeu de Paume is another museum located within the Tuileries.  This museum focuses on photography and video works of art and is in the northernmost corner of the gardens.

14. The Louvre

The most famous of Paris’ museums, and one of the top Paris bucket list attractions, has to be the Louvre.  

Its iconic architecture makes it one of the most famous buildings in Paris. The Louvre is not only one of the best museums in Europe, but also the most visited museum in the world!

The main entrance to the Louvre Museum is in the center courtyard, featuring the iconic glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei.  The pyramid is embraced by the imposing architecture of the museum’s three wings: Richelieu, Sully, and Denon. 

It’s a rather striking contrast between classical French architecture and the modernistic glass pyramid.  On our visit in early November, the glass pyramid was decorated for the holidays, with a display of huge tower of ornaments within the pyramid.

If you have a pass to skip the line at museums, that really pays off at the Louvre, where the lines are always long.  In addition to long lines to buy tickets, there are additional lines for security checks.

There are secondary entrances to the Louvre which typically have shorter lines, such as the entrance at the Carrousel du Louvre or the Porte des Lions.  Be sure to check times as the Porte des Lions entrance is not open every day.

Plan your visit to the Louvre

The Louvre contains nearly a half-million pieces of art—and about 35,000 works of art are on display at any given time.  So just face it, you’re NOT going to see everything when you visit the Louvre!  C’est impossible!

My advice is to do a little homework in advance and prioritize a few types of collections that resonate the most with you.  If you don’t plan ahead, you may be exhausted before you even get to the artworks that you most wanted to see!

Personally, I am a big fan of classical Greek and Roman statuary, so I wanted to see those classical works such as Nike of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the amazing classical statues in La Salle des Cariatides.  

The most famous piece of art in the Louvre is the Mona Lisa (La Joconde).  I’ve got to be honest with you—I wasn’t that impressed.  Maybe it was because of the hordes of tourists swarming the painting trying to get their selfie with this iconic masterpiece. 

“You should definitely visit the Louvre, a world-famous art museum where you can view, at close range, the backs of thousands of other tourists trying to see the Mona Lisa.”

Dave Barry

Fun fact:  In the metro stop beneath the Louvre, there are some pieces of art on display.  So, as you pass through this station on your metro ride, you can catch a brief glimpse.

Save time and skip the huge lines with this small group tour of the Louvre! See the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, and more while enjoying commentary from your English-speaking guide.

15. Sacré-Cœur

La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) is more commonly called Sacré-Cœur.  Consecrated in 1919, Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic church and basilica and sits atop the hill of Montmartre.

This stunning basilica is one of the most famous sights in Paris!

Since Montmartre is the highest point in Paris, don’t be surprised at how many stairs you have to climb to get to Sacré-Cœur!  (Hint:  It’s more than 200.)  But your work will be rewarded by phenomenal views of Paris.

Be sure to stay hydrated during your climb, especially in the summer. You’ll find vendors selling water bottles or bring your own and refill it with Paris tap water from one of the city’s fountains!

Once you reach the top, you won’t be the only one enjoying those views. Sacré-Cœur is one of the top Paris attractions. And it’s actually the second most visited church in France, coming in second to my favorite, Notre Dame. 

Take in the stunning Neo-Byzantine-Romanesque architecture of the basilica and the amazing art decorating the interior. 

Don’t miss the incredible apse mosaic, one of the largest in the world.  Another record held by Sacré-Cœur is that it houses the largest bell in France, the 19-ton Savoyarde.

You can tour Sacré-Cœur for free, but if you want to visit the dome or the crypt, you’ll have to pay an entry fee.   (And yes, there are 300 more stairs to climb if you want to see the dome.  Sorry, no elevator!)

Be sure to dress appropriately – you may not be allowed into Sacré-Cœur if you’re wearing shorts.

Explore Montmartre and the basilica of Sacré-Cœur on this exclusive guided walking tour. Hungry? Savor the flavors while enjoying the iconic sights on this Montmartre walking food tour!

16. Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier, or the Opéra Garnier, was built for the Paris Opera at the direction of Emperor Napoleon III.  This 19^th century Italian-style opera house was designed by architect Charles Garnier. 

The Opéra Garnier became even more famous as the setting of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, a 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux which was turned into a sensational musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Marvel at the grand double staircase, made of white marble with balustrades of red and green marble. 

Admire the horseshoe-shaped auditorium resplendent with velvet, gilding, and an 8-ton chandelier.  Don’t forget to look up – the ceiling was painted by famous artist Marc Chagall.

The Grand Foyer is flooded with light from the windows and mirrors, and will remind you of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

Take a self-guided tour of this iconic Paris landmark and its splendid architecture, or a join a guided tour to learn more about its history and architecture.   Splurge and treat yourself to an unforgettable opera, concert, or ballet performance.  

17. Sainte-Chapelle

The iconic Paris landmark of Sainte-Chapelle sits on the Île de la Cité, one of Paris’ large islands in the Seine. 

Save some wear and tear on your feet and visit Notre Dame in the same Paris sightseeing trip, as they’re only a couple of blocks from each other. (And don’t miss the nearby Shakespeare and Company, one of the best English bookstores in Paris!)

The holy chapel of Sainte-Chapelle dates all the way from the 13^th century.  This Gothic chapel is part of the medieval Palais de la Cité, where the illustrious Kings of France resided until the 14^th century. 

The chapel itself is an intricately decorated jewel box, and a jewel itself.

Sainte-Chapelle’s most amazing feature is its stunning stained-glass windows. The fifteen windows reach an incredible 15 meters high and depict over 1000 biblical scenes.  

The stained glass was actually removed during WWII to protect it (good thinking). 

A huge conservation and restoration project for the stained glass began in 2008 and completed in 2015.  Thus, the extraordinary rose window was restored to its full glory in time for the 800^th anniversary of the birth of St. Louis.

Be sure to tour Paris’ landmarks at night to see the incredible illuminations of these famous Paris attractions. Sainte-Chapelle is quite dramatic at night, with her 108’ spire reaching up to the sky.

Take this walking tour and enjoy skip-the line entry to Sainte-Chapelle!

18. Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is another famous Paris landmark made even more famous by pop culture – in this case, the 2001 movie of the same name starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.

The Moulin Rouge cabaret is one of the top Paris France tourist attractions. The area is pretty tame during the day, but things really heat up at night!

You’ll find many cabarets in the Pigalle (‘red light’) district of Paris, but none so famous as the Moulin Rouge.  French for ‘Red Mill’, you’ll be able to identify the Moulin Rouge by its large red windmill.          

This cabaret dates from the 19^th century and is known for its Belle Epoque décor and dancers.  Artist Toulouse-Lautrec was enthralled with the Moulin Rouge and many of his artworks feature this iconic cabaret’s dancers.

Of course, you can’t think about the Moulin Rouge without picturing a line of women in ruffled skirts kicking their legs to the can-can!

The Moulin Rouge’s current show is ‘Féerie’, a fantastic showcase of music and dance with lavish costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins.  Think of it as a French version of Las Vegas showgirls.

Fun fact:  the room inside of the windmill is now an Airbnb!

Cap off your day of sightseeing with a fabulous Moulin Rouge Cabaret show — an experience you’ll never forget!

19. Panthéon

You’ll find the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter of Paris, just a short walk from the Luxembourg Gardens. 

It’s less than a 10-minute walk, straight down Rue Soufflot (named for the Panthéon’s architect, Jacques-Germain Soufflot).

The Panthéon was originally intended to be a church to Sainte Geneviève, the patroness saint of Paris.  The plan was changed during the French Revolution, and the Panthéon became dedicated to honoring those who have made notable contributions to France.

Many famous French men and women have been given the honor of being interred in the Panthéon’s crypts.  You’ll recognize names such as Voltaire, Marie Curie, René Descartes, and Victor Hugo, to name just a few.

The Panthéon is a gorgeous 19^th century Neoclassical building with a grand colonnaded entrance reminiscent of a Roman temple.  That’s not a surprise, since it was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.  (Note:  the word ‘pantheon’ means ‘all the gods’.)

This monument is stunning from head to toe – look upwards to view the paintings in the cupola, and look down to see the intricately patterned floors.  The art in the Panthéon is a curious mix of religious art and scenes from French history. 

You’ll be surprised to find Foucault’s Pendulum located in the Panthéon.  This consists of a large weight suspended by a long steel wire from the Panthéon’s ceiling. 

The pendulum inscribes a circle with its back-and-forth movement due to the relative movement of the Earth.  Foucault’s Pendulum was one of the earliest scientific demonstrations of rotation of the Earth.

The Panthéon’s dome is actually a series of three domes nesting within each other.  To earn some excellent views of Paris, climb to the top of the dome.  Note that you can only access the dome of the Panthéon from April through September.   

While you’re in the neighborhood, check out the Cinéma du Panthéon — this historic theater is a Paris hidden gem!

Book your tickets to visit the Panthéon

20. Père Lachaise Cemetery

The Père Lachaise Cemetery is not only the largest cemetery in Paris, but this famous cemetery is the most visited necropolis in the entire world!  That’s a lot of people paying their respects to the dead.

Many visitors seek out the burial sites of celebrities such as Jim Morrison and notable figures such as Oscar Wilde, Sarah Bernhardt, Édith Piaf, and Marcel Marceau.  You’ll also find monuments dedicated to foreign soldiers who died for France in WW1 and WWII.

You’ll find gorgeous statuary and carved tombstones throughout the cemetery.  Even if you’re not looking for a specific grave, it is interesting to walk through the grounds and have a quiet, reflective moment.

And if you like the macabre — why not add on a visit to the Paris catacombs?

Take this guided tour of the Père Lachaise Cemetery to visit its most famous graves

21. Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is the main botanical garden in Paris, and one of the most popular Parisian attractions! 

These gardens date back to the 17^th century, when they were created as the Jardin royal des plantes médicinales (Royal Garden of the medicinal plants).

You could spend the better part of a day at the Jardin des Plantes.  Walk through the labyrinth, view the formal gardens, and explore the greenhouses.  

There is even a small zoo, La Ménagerie, in the middle of the garden. (Note this is not the main Paris zoo; that’s located further away in the Bois de Vincennes.)

You’ll find four museums within the Jardin des Plants. 

The most impressive is the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, a natural history museum with over 7000 specimens.  This grand museum is located in an equally impressive 19^th century multistory exhibit hall. 

In front of the museum, you’ll find an esplanade leading to the formal garden area of the Jardin des Plantes.

Fans of geology (I know, that may be a small group) will want to visit the Galerie de Géologie et de Minéralogie.  This building looks like a Roman temple with its columns and portico.

As you head further east, you’ll find the Galerie de Botanique.  This is where the French Muséum’s National Herbarium is located.  At nearly 8 million plant samples, its collection is the largest in the world!  There is also a small botany museum here.

At the other end of the garden, near the banks of the Seine, you’ll find the Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie Comparée.  This natural history museum’s collections focus on dinosaur fossils and skeletons.

We visited on a beautiful day and spent a couple hours wandering through the labyrinth and the gardens, including the lovely rose garden (the Roseraie).

Paris Attractions Map

Paris Travel Tips and Resource Guide

Where to stay in Paris

As longtime fans of Rick Steves, on our first trip to Paris we followed his recommendation and stayed at a small hotel off of Rue Cler.

We loved everything about Rue Cler! It’s definitely one of my favorite streets in Paris.

It checks all the boxes for us: all kinds of great markets, a killer French pastry shop (hello, breakfast!), plenty of cafés and restaurants, and it’s only a couple blocks from a metro station.

Oh, and did I mention you can see the Eiffel Tower from your window in some of the rooms?

We usually fly in and out of Paris even if we’re visiting other cities in France. We always stay in one of the Rue Cler hotels for our arrival, since it is comfortable and we don’t have to stress about figuring out a new area when we’re jet-lagged.

On our night before departure, we’ll try another area in Paris to see if we can find something better. We’ve stayed near the Luxembourg Gardens, in the Marais, and most recently near the Gare du Nord.

To be honest, none of these other areas has had the same charm and amenities as Rue Cler. Of course, everyone has their own preferences and priorities, but Rue Cler is the hands-down winner for us.

Getting from the airport to your hotel

There are two major airports serving Paris: CDG (Charles de Gaulle) and Orly.

All of our travels to date have been through Charles de Gaulle. Since we travel light (only carry-on), we save some money in France by taking the RER (a regional train network) from the CDG airport to the Gare du Nord station. This station is a hub for the metro, so we hop onto the metro from there and work our way to our hotel.

However, if you’re traveling with full-sized luggage, this is probably not the best option. The RER and the metro can be quite busy and it would certainly be a challenge to wrestle large bags through the station and to find space on the metro.

Save yourself time, money, and headaches! Pre-book transportation from the airport to your hotel with Welcome Pickups. You’ll get an English-speaking driver who will monitor your flight for delays. Book your airport transfer in advance here!