Top Things to Do in the Paris | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Paris

Giverny

The beautiful town of Giverny is located nearly 70 km to the Northwest of Paris. Art lovers visit this town to appreciate the gardens illustrated in the paintings of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The home & foundation of Claude Monet is a must-see, but it is noteworthy that the panoramic village and its neighboring areas are also worth exploring. The Estate of Monet opens its doors welcoming the spring, daily from April to November. Other than the Claude Monet Foundation, the Museum of Impressionism also attracts visitors to discover more of Giverny. It is a small museum, exclusively dedicated to the Impressionists, and includes one of the famous Nymphéas paintings by Monet. Moreover, one of the notable day trips for visitors in Paris is the Monet’s Gardens in Giverny. This garden is immensely beautiful from April to October with colorful varieties of flowers blooming. Read More

Snuggled in the heart of Paris, the small Île Saint-Louis island is among Paris's most peaceful and beautiful neighbourhoods. It lies adjacent to Île de la Cité, within the Fourth Arrondissement of the city. Notre Dame is the most recognizable attraction here. The island is linked to the rest of the city by four bridges to both the banks of the Seine River and the Ile de la Cité via the Pont Saint-Louis. Ile Saint-Louis embraces several Parisian cafes, traditional eateries, and cozy boutiques, and is popular for its unique ice cream. Ile Saint-Louis is modish & very upscale.This quaint island sprawls on eleven hectares (27 acres) and still retains its 17th-century outlook. Notably, the island on the Seine river Île Saint-Louis and its sister island Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame de Paris is situated, are two natural islands in the Seine river in the city. Read More

Les Halles, Paris

Les Halles in central Paris is now the site of Westfield Forum des Halles, a sweeping shopping center with trendy stores, an indoor swimming pool and 30-cinema multiplex, several restaurants, bars, and the largest underground station in the world. The shopping mall observes around 150,000 visitors a day. It is directly linked to the colossal RER and métro transit hub of Châtelet–Les Halles. Also, the surrounding streets - Rue Montorgueil, Rue Tiquetonne, and Rue Quincampoix offer an enjoyable walk along this area. Les Halles was a fresh food market in Paris. It operated last on January 12, 1973, after which it was demolished. It was then replaced by an underground shopping center. Unfortunately, the largely unsuccessful 1960s modern infrastructure along with the unappealing 1980s contemporary garden atop the center was demolished again in 2010. This time it was replaced by the Forum des Halles, a contemporary shopping mall constructed hugely underground by Westfield. Read More

Madeleine Church, Paris

The Church of St Marie Madeleine is a Catholic parish church located on Place de la Madeleine in the 8th arrondissement of the city. The church has an extraordinary neoclassical façade, which is identical to a classic Greek temple. The first church constructed on this site was initiated in 1764. After the death of its architect in 1777, his successor decided to demolish it & design a completely different temple. When the French Revolution broke out, the construction was halted while they decided what to do with the structure. The second attempt at construction was also demolished and Napoleon I appointed a new architect to construct it following the design of an ancient temple in honor of the French Navy. After the fall of Napoleón, it was made into a church in 1842 to pay homage to St. Mary Magdalene. Notably, La Madeleine, The church has 52 65-ft tall Corinthian columns which lend it a dignified aspect Read More

Maison de Victor Hugo is a free museum dedicated to the life & works of the great writer Victor Hugo, a 19th-century French figure. It is a house museum snuggled in the southwest corner of the Place des Vosges. Victor Hugo drafted some of his notable works at the Maison de Victor Hugo, including a considerable part of Les Misérables. It is the place where Victor Hugo lived for 16 years, from 1832 to 1848. By walking across the writer’s home, you will gain insights into his creative work as a novelist, essayist, poet, playwright, and artist, along with his efforts as a statesman and human rights activist. The first floor of the museum hosts temporary exhibitions with drawings, literary work illustrations, & documents. On the second floor, you will enter the writer's home (the permanent exhibition), where you will discover three main stages of his life - before, during, and after his exile to Guernsey. It is a presentation of his furniture, his personal objects, different souvenirs, and fascinating interior design. Besides, the museum organizes conference visits in the author's apartment and children's workshops. Read More

Montparnasse is a neighborhood in the south of Paris, on the left bank of the river Seine. Flaunting cultural sights, street foods, and greenspaces, Montparnasse embraces some notable landmarks, including the Skyscraper Tour Montparnasse. It is positioned at the crossroads of the Rue de Rennes & the Boulevard du Montparnasse and sprawls over the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements of Paris city. Tour Montparnasse or Montparnasse Tower is one of the best observation decks in Paris that stands 689 ft tall. Remarkably, from its terrace, you can see a 360° city panorama and the most renowned monuments of Paris. Besides, history enthusiasts can visit the Paris Catacombs, a 20 m deep scary maze of underground tunnels. Those seeking some cultural spot can visit the Fondation Cartier Museum flaunting its stunning glass structure. Also, it is not difficult to feel the part of charming cafes & classic french brasserie in Montparnasse. Being a spirited & authentic neighborhood, Montparnasse was once swarmed with some of the splendid creative talents, including the artists and writers in the 20th century, and has still preserved many reminders of its bohemian past. Read More

The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see French landmark today. It is situated in the city of Versailles, just 40 minutes away from Paris. It is now a museum that is a masterpiece of French art and design. Constructed by Louis XIV to exhibit the supremacy of the monarchy, this Grand Palace was once the nucleus of French Monarchic power. Notably, this spot is much more than only the Palace. Other main areas to visit include - The Palace gardens and other castles, Le Grand Trianon, & The Queen’s Estate. The Apartment of the King and Queen, the Coronation Room, and the impressive Hall of Mirrors will make you amazed by their majesty. An excellently-preserved example of the French monarchy's luxury, the glimmering hallways will take you back to the 17th century. Besides, the exquisite gardens are praised for their geometric design. Access to the Gardens is free for all (except on days of fountains and musicals), and access to the Palace & the estate of Trianon is free for visitors below 18 yrs ( <26 yrs for EU residents). However, eligible visitors must book a time slot for free admission via the online platform. Read More

Set in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, The Palais de Chaillot lies between the Place du Trocadéro and the Trocadero Gardens. The Palais de Chaillot sits atop Chaillot hill and faces the Eiffel Tower on the banks of the river Seine. The gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero gardens from this spot is the most renowned Paris view. Notably, the Palais de Chaillot encompasses four cultural institutions, including the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine (Architecture Museum), the Musée national de la Marine (Maritime Museum), the Musée de l'Homme (Anthropology Museum) and Chaillot - Théâtre national de la Danse. Also, the walk from here to Eiffel Tower across the Trocadéro gardens and the Iéna Seine bridge is a mesmerizing experience. It was constructed for the 1937 International Exhibition of Arts and Techniques Applied to Modern Life. Remarkably, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Palais de Chaillot in 1948. This event is commemorated by a stone, and the esplanade separating its pavilions is now known as the esplanade des droits de l'homme (i.e., esplanade of human rights). Read More

The Petit Palais is a lavishly decorated building with diverse fine arts collections. It has a splendid courtyard and garden and looks similar to the Grand Palais, which is set just across the street. It is situated between Champs-Elysées and Les Invalides. Remarkably, besides being a museum with magnificent collections dating from ancient times to the 20th century, the Petit Palais is also a striking venue that hosts exhibitions on impressive works of art. Various exhibitions are organized here chronologically, which feature sculptures, paintings, and decorative elements from the Medieval Age, the Renaissance period, and the 18th & 19th centuries. It was constructed in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle (Universal Exhibition). The well-decorated hallways and the grand porch of the Palace are indeed an awe-inspiring sight! Read More