29 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris | PlanetWare

A boat cruise along the Seine River is one of the best ways to soak up the alluring scenery of Paris. Seine River Cruises allow tourists to see ... × Europe NorthAmerica Caribbean Central&SouthAmerica Africa&MiddleEast Asia&Pacific FranceTravelGuide 15Top-RatedTouristAttractionsinFrance 29Top-RatedTouristAttractionsinParis 14Top-RatedTouristAttractions&ThingstoDoinNice 29Top-RatedTouristAttractionsinParis WrittenbyLisaAlexanderUpdatedMar22,2022Wemayearnacommissionfromaffiliatelinks() WhethersunshineissparklingonthecaféterracesofBoulevardSaint-Germain,ormelancholymistsoftheSeineRiverareshroudingNotre-DameCathedral,Parishasawayofromancingvisitors.TheloveaffairmaybeginwithafirstglimpseoftheEiffelTower,thencontinuewithstrollsalongthewidetree-linedavenuesandinlavishformalgardens. Visitorsareseducedbythecity'sbeauty.Eachneighborhood(quartier)revealsitsowndistinctiveappeal.TheLatinQuarterisacaptivatinglabyrinthofmedievalpedestrianstreetsandnarrowalleyways.ThefashionableChamps-Élyséesbuzzeswithenergyandpanache.OutsidethecenterofParis,Montmartrebrimswithold-worldvillagecharmandflauntsitsBohemianpast. Afterseeingthemuseumsandmonuments,touristsshouldseekoutthesmallsurprises,likefamily-runbistroswithhandwrittenmenus;cobblestonelanesfullofquaintboutiques;secludedsquaresadornedwithflowingfountains;andelegantteasalons,wheredaintyjewel-likedessertsbeckonfromglass-coveredpastrycases. Ineveryhiddencornerandatallthefamoussites,Pariscastsaspellofenchantment.Onevisitmayinspirealifelongpassion. DiscoverwhatmakestheCityofLightsoalluringandlearnaboutthefascinatingplacestoexplorewithourlistofthetoptouristattractionsinParis. Seealso:WheretoStayinParis 1.EiffelTower EiffelTower TheEiffelTower(laTourEiffel)rankshighonthelistofplacestovisitinFranceandisthemost-visitedtouristattractionintheworld.It'shardtobelievethatthestructurewasdismissedasamonstrositywhenitwasfirstunveiled.TheiconictowerwasdesignedbyAlexandre-GustaveEiffelfortheParisExhibitionof1889,whichmarkedthecentenaryoftheFrenchRevolution. Thetowerconsistsof18,000sturdyironsections(weighingover10,000tons)heldtogetherby2.5millionrivets.ThisinnovativestructureisnowconsideredamasterfularchitecturalfeatandisthemostemblematicsightinParis.Reaching324metersinheight,thetowerwastheworld'stallestbuildinguntiltheEmpireStateBuildingwaserectedinNewYorkCity. Forfirst-timevisitors,seeingtheEiffelTowerisanunforgettableexperience.Uponarrivalattheesplanade(wheretheInformationDeskislocated),thesightofthefourmassivepillarsthatsupportthis10,100-tonmonumentleavesmanyawestruck. TherecentlyrenovatedEiffelTowerGardenssurroundingtheesplanadefeatureromanticlandscapingintheBelleEpoquestyle.Leafytreesshadepedestrianpathways,whichwindthroughthegardensandleadtoponds,agrotto,andbelvedereswithviewpointsoftheIronLady. ToarriveattheEiffelTower'sfirstlevel(at57meters)requiresanelevatorrideorawalkupthe360steps.Thislevelhaspublicrestrooms,agiftshop,cafeteria,brasserierestaurant(currentlyundergoingrenovationsandscheduledtoreopenin2022),andoutdoorterracespaceforadmiringtheviews. ViewofParisfromtheEiffelTower Thesecondlevel(at125meters)oftheEiffelTowerisreachedfromthefirstlevelbyastaircaseof344morestepsoranelevatorride.Thislevelhassimilaramenitiesasthefirstlevel,excepttheviewingplatformsofferaperspectiveontomoreoftheParismonuments(suchasNotre-Dame,theLouvre,andtheBasiliqueduSacré-Coeur),andthislevelhasafine-diningrestaurant. TheMichelin-starredrestaurantonthesecondlevel,LeJulesVerne,deliversexceptionalgastronomicmealsofrefinedcontemporaryFrenchcuisineinaspectacularsetting.Therestaurant'sdiningroomsfeatureexpansivewindows,whichprovideapeakoftheEiffelTower'sstructuralbeamsandlookoutontothecityscapesofParis. Toreachthetoplevel,atthedizzyingelevationof276meters,requiresanexhilaratingelevatorridefromthesecondlevel.VisitingthetoplevelisoneofthemostthrillingthingstodoinParis,butit'snotforthefaintofheart. Touristswillwanttospendsometimetakingphotos.FromeithertheJardinsduTrocadéro(ashortwalkacrosstheSeineRiver)ortheParcduChampdeMars(thelawnsinfrontofthetower),thereisjusttherightdistanceforpicture-perfectphoto-ops. Address:TourEiffel,ChampdeMars,75007Paris(Métro:Bir-Hakeim,Trocadéro,Iéna,orPassystation) Officialsite:https://www.toureiffel.paris/en 2.MuséeduLouvre LouvreMuseumatnight|MarinaD_37/Shutterstock.com AsumptuouspalacethatwasoncethehomeofFrance'skings,theLouvreisthemostimportantofParis'topmuseums.VisitorsenterthemuseuminthecourtyardofthepalaceatthePyramidduLouvre,theglasspyramiddesignedbyIeohMingPeiin1917.TheMuséeduLouvredisplaysthousandsofartworks,manyofwhichareconsideredmasterpieces,fromantiquitiestoEuropeanpaintingsofthe15thto19thcenturies. Itisimpossibletoseeitallinonevisit,buttouristscanfocusonaparticulargallery,suchasclassicalsculpture,ItalianRenaissanceart,or17th-centuryFrenchpaintings,ortakeaself-guidedtourtocovertheLouvreMuseum'shighlights. ThemostfamouspieceistheMonaLisaorLaGioconda(orLaJocondeinFrench)paintedbyLeonardodaVinciin1503-1505.Manytouristsbreezethroughthemuseumjusttoglanceatthisonepiece,buttherearemanyothermust-seeworksofarttoadmireeveniftimeislimited. AmongthemostamazingmasterpiecesoftheLouvrearetheancientVenusdeMilosculpture;themonumentalVictoiredeSamothraceoftheHellenisticperiod;theimmenseWeddingFeastatCanapaintingbyVeronese(1563);Botticelli'sYoungLadywithVenusandtheGracesfresco;andLibertyLeadingthePeople(1831)byEugèneDelacroix,depictingtheParisianuprisingofJuly1830. TogetthemostoutofavisittotheLouvre,touristsshouldjoinaguidedtour.TheLouvreMuseumSkiptheLineTourtakesparticipantsstraighttothemuseum'smostfamousartworks,includingtheVenusdeMiloandtheMonaLisa.Onthisthree-hourtour,aguide(whoisanarthistorian)providesin-depthcommentaryaboutthemasterpieces. TheLouvreissurroundedononesidebytheJardindesTuileries,oneoftheloveliestparksinParis.ThecelebratedlandscapearchitectAndréLeNôtrecreatedtheTuileriesGardensintheformalFrenchstyleofthe17thcentury,withperfectlymanicuredtrees,statues,andpathways.Parkbenchesandcafé-restaurantswithoutdoorseatingallowvisitorstorelaxandenjoythescenery. Address:MuséeduLouvre,RuedeRivoli,75001Paris(Métro:Palais-RoyalMuséeduLouvreorPyramidesstation) Officialsite:https://www.louvre.fr/en 3.CathédraleNotre-DamedeParis CathédraleNotre-DamedeParis(PhototakenpriortotheApril2019fire) Notre-DamestandsintheheartofParisontheÎle-de-la-CiténexttotheLatinQuarter.AnislandintheSeineRiver,theÎle-de-la-CitéisthehistoricalandgeographicalcenterofParis.Onthissmallplotofland,theRomansbuilttheGallo-RomancityofLutetia,andfromthe6thcenturytothe14thcentury,theKingsofFranceresidedhere. TheCathédraleNotre-DamedePariswasfoundedin1163byKingLouisIX(SaintLouis)andBishopMauricedeSully,andtheconstructiontookmorethan150years.ThecathedralwasfirstcreatedinEarlyGothicstyle,whilelateradditions(thewestfrontandthenave)showthetransitiontoHighGothicstyle. ThisimpressivemedievalmonumentisatriumphofGothicarchitecture.Theornatelydecoratedfacadecreatesabreathtakingimpressionwithitsprofusionofsculpturesandgargoyles,whileelaborateflyingbuttressesprovidestructuralintegrityfortheenormousbuilding. VisitorsshouldtakeacloselookattheGalleryofKingsabovethedoorwayontheelaboratelydetailedwestfacade.Rowsof28intricatelycarvedfiguresrevealrepresentationsoftheFrenchkings,fromChildebertI(511-588)toPhilippeAuguste.ThesefigureslosttheirheadsduringtheRevolution.(TheheadsarenowondisplayintheMuséedeCluny.) Afteradmiringthedecorativedoorway,enterthesanctuarytotakeinthegrandeurofthisimmensevaultedspace.Thesanctuaryseemsalmostendlessandbeckonsvisitorswiththelightofflickeringcandles. Theinteriorisilluminatedbymagnificentstained-glasswindows.Themostnoteworthywindowistherosewindowinthenorthtransept.Thisstunningworkofartfeatures80OldTestamentscenescenteredaroundtheVirgin. Note:AlargefireinAprilof2019causedconsiderabledamagetothecathedral:Themedievalroofandthe19th-centuryspirecollapsed.Theextentofthedamageisstillbeingassessed.Atthistime,theinteriorisclosedtothepublic. Aprojecttostabilizeandrepairthestructureisunderway.Thecityplanstorebuildthecathedralandrestoreittoitspreviousstate.Restorationworkisongoing. Untilthereopening,theNotre-DamedePariscongregationwillcelebrateMassattheEgliseSaint-Germainl'Auxerrois(2PlaceduLouvre)inthe1starrondissement. Address:CathédraleNotre-DamedeParis,6ParvisNotre-Dame-PlaceJean-PaulII,75004Paris(Métro:CitéorSaint-MichelNotre-Damestation) 4.AvenuedesChamps-Élysées AvenuedesChamps-Élysées ThemostmonumentalboulevardinParisusedtobeadesolatefieldofmarshlanduntilthe17thcentury,whenitwaslandscapedbyAndréLeNôtre.Acenturylater,theParisiancityplannerBaronHaussmanndesignedtheboulevard'selegantbuildings. TheChamps-ÉlyséesisdividedintotwopartswiththeRond-PointdesChamps-Élyséesasitsintersection. ThelowerpartoftheChamps-Élysées,borderingthePlacedelaConcorde,includesaspaciouspark,theJardinsdesChamps-Élysées,andthePetitPalaisfineartsmuseum.Theupperpart,extendingtotheArcdeTriomphe,islinedbyluxuryshops,hotels,restaurants,cafés,cinemas,andtheaters.ThisbustlingareadrawsmanytouristsandisagatheringplaceforParisians. TheChamps-Élyséesisfamousforitsprestigiousestablishments,suchasMaisonLadurée(75AvenuedesChamps-Élysées),apâtisserieshoprenownedforits18th-centuryteasalonanddeliciouspastries(thehousespecialtyis"macarons"),andupscaledesignerboutiqueslikeTiffany&Co.(62AvenuedesChamps-Élysées),Louis-Vuitton(101AvenuedesChamps-Élysées),andCartier(154AvenuedesChamps-Élysées). Forfinedining,thetopchoicesarethelegendary"brasserieduluxe"restaurantandhotelLeFouquet's(99AvenuedesChamps-Élysées)andtheswankygastronomicrestaurantL'AtelierdeJoëlRobuchonÉtoile(30RueVernet,asmallsidestreetbehindtheAvenuedesChamps-Élysées),whichhasoneMichelinstar. AlthoughtheChamps-Élyséeshasanimageofrefinement,therearemanyaffordableplacesthatcatertotouristsandstudentsonabudget,suchastheDisneytoystore,Starbucks,Quick,BurgerKing,andMcDonald's. Address:AvenuedesChamps-Elysées,75008Paris(Métro:Champs-ÉlyséesClemenceaustationtovisittheJardindesChamps-ÉlyséesandPetitPalais,Franklind.RooseveltstationforLadurée,GeorgeVstationforthemainshoppingarea). 5.Muséed'Orsay Muséed'Orsay TheMuséed'Orsaydisplaysasplendidcollectionof19th-and20th-centuryart(createdfrom1848to1914)intheconvertedGared'Orsay.ThisBelleEpoquerailwaystationwasbuiltfortheUniversalExhibitionof1900. Someoftheworld'smostcherishedpaintingsareondisplayinthemuseum'sspaciousgalleries.TheOrsayMuseumisamongthebestplacestovisitinParistogetanoverviewofImpressionistarthistory.Visitorsaredelightedbythebroadassortmentofpaintings,fromcanvasesthatrevealthegentlepastel-huedbrushstrokesofMonettothewild,colorfulscenesofGauguin. ThecollectionrepresentstheworkofallthemastersofImpressionism.FeaturedartistsrangefromImpressionistmastersEdgarDegas,EdouardManet,ClaudeMonet,andAugusteRenoirtoPost-ImpressionistartistssuchasPierreBonnard,PaulCézanne,andVincentvanGogh;thePointillists(GeorgesSeurat,PaulSignac);andBohemianartistslikeHenrideToulouse-Lautrec. Someofthemuseum'smostfamouspiecesincludeClaudeMonet'sTheMagpie,GareSaint-Lazare,PoppyField,andLuncheonontheGrass;VincentvanGogh'sself-portraitandStarryNight;andRenoir'sDanceatMoulindelaGalette,whichdepictsafestivepartysceneinMontmartre. Themuseumalsohasabookstoreandgiftshop,acasualcafé,andafine-diningrestaurant,whichisworththesplurge.FormerlytheHôteld'Orsay(aluxuryhotelwithintheoriginalGared'Orsay)andlistedasaHistoricMonument,themuseum'srestaurantfeaturesgildedceilingsandsparklingchandeliers. Address:Muséed'Orsay,1RuedelaLégiond'Honneur,75007Paris(Métro:Muséed'Orsay,AssembléeNationale,orSolférinostation) Officialsite:https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/ 6.PalaisGarnier,OpéraNationaldeParis PalaisGarnier,OpéraNationaldeParis CommissionedbyNapoleonIIIin1860,thePalaisGarnierOperaHousewasdesignedbyCharlesGarnierinanexuberantBaroquestyle.Garnierworkedtirelesslyontheprojectforoveradecade,from1862to1875.Today,thisshow-stoppinglandmarkisasymbolofNapoleon'sImperialregime. Thefacadefeaturesclassicalcolumnsandeightsculpturesrepresentingallegoricalfigures:Poetry,Music,Idyll,Recitation,Song,Drama,andDance.Theloggiadepictsbustsofcomposers,includingRossini,Beethoven,andMozart,whilethecupolaistoppedwithastatueofApollowithallegoricalfiguresofPoetryandMusic. Uponenteringthebuilding,visitorsaredazzledbythelavish11,000-square-meterinterior.Mostofthebuilding'sspaceisdedicatedtothemainfoyerwithitsfabulousGrandEscalier,marbleentrancestaircase,adornedbyornategildedlamps. Thehorseshoe-shapedauditoriumhasanintimatefeel,althoughitcanaccommodate2,105peopleinitsplushred-velvetseats.Gildedbalconies,anenormouscrystalchandelier,andaChagallceilingpaintingaddtothetheater'smarvelousness,creatingtheperfectdramaticbackdropforculturalperformances. TheOpéraGarnierhostsaprestigiouscalendarofevents.Besidesopera,thereareballetperformances,classicalmusicconcerts,andgalaevents.AttendingaperformanceisoneofthemostexcitingthingstodoinParisatnight.It'salsoawonderfulwaytoseethebuilding'sinteriorwhileenjoyingaglamorousevening.Anotheroptionistovisit(entryticketrequired)ortakeaguidedtourduringthedaytime. TheBibliothèque-Muséedel'Opéra(Library-MuseumoftheOpera)locatedinsidethebuildingcontainsthreecenturiesofarchives,aswellasexhibitsdedicatedtotheartofopera.Themuseum'spermanentcollectionfeaturesdrawingsofcostumesandscenery,scalemodels,andpaintingsofthebuilding. TheOperaHousealsohasaboutiquethatsellsopera-relatedbooksandsouvenirs. ConnoisseursoffinediningwillbedelightedtodiscoverCoCo,achicrestaurantwithintheOperaHouse(entranceisat1PlaceJacquesRouché)thatservesrefinedcontemporarycuisinepreparedfromseasonalingredients.CoCoofferslunchanddinnerdaily,aswellasweekendbrunch(everySaturdayandSunday)featuringmusicalentertainment.Reservationsarerecommended. Address:PalaisGarnier,Placedel'Opéra,8RueScribe(atAuber)75009Paris(Métro:Opéra,Chausséed'Antin-LaFayetteorHavre-Caumartinstation) Officialsite:https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/ 7.PlacedelaConcorde PlacedelaConcorde Createdin1772bythearchitectofKingLouisXV,thisimpressiveoctagonalsquarewastheheartof18th-centuryParis.ThePlacedelaConcordewasthesceneofseveralkeyhistoricalevents,includingtheexecutionsofLouisXVIandMarie-Antoinette,amongothervictimsoftheguillotine.ThesquarewasalsopartofNapoleon'striumphalroute. Withitsmajesticdimensions,thePlacedelaConcordeisoneofthemostattractivesquaresinthecityandoffersasensationalperspectiveofthecity'slandmarks.Inonedirection,youcanadmiretheArcdeTriompheandintheother,theLouvre,whiletheEiffelTowercanbeenseeninthedistance.AtthecenterisanEgyptianobelisk,whichwaspresentedtoCharlesXbytheViceroyofEgypt.Duringsummer,thereisaFerriswheelhere. TipforTourists:ThePlacedelaConcordeisabusyintersectionwithheavytraffic,circulatingathighspeeds.Frenchdriversdon'talwayspayattentiontopedestrians,sotouristsshouldmakesuretogetoutoftheway! ToarriveatthePlacedelaConcorde,walkfromtheLouvrethroughtheJardindesTuileriesortheRuedeRivoli,orfollowtheQuaialongtheSeineRiver.AlternativelytaketheMétrotoConcordestation. 8.ArcdeTriomphe ArcdeTriomphe TheArcdeTriompheisdedicatedtothesoldierswhofoughtintheFrencharmiesoftheRevolutionandtheFirstEmpire(NapoleonicWars).Napoleoncommissionedthebuildingofthismightystructurein1806butdidnotlivetoseeitscompletionin1836. DesignedbyarchitectJean-FrançoisChalgrin,whomodeledthemonumentaftertheArchofTitusinRome,themassive50-meter-higharchfeaturesbas-reliefswithlarger-than-life-sizefigures,whichdepictthedeparture,victories,andgloriousreturnoftheFrencharmies. Particularlynoteworthyisthebas-reliefbyFrançoisRudeontheChamps-Elysées-facingside:DepartureoftheVolunteersof1792,alsoknownasLaMarseillaise,illustratingthetroopsledbythewingedspiritofLiberty.Ontheinnersurfaceofthearcharethenamesofmorethan660generalsandmorethanahundredbattles. Fromthetopofthemonument,aviewingplatformaffordspanoramicviewsofthe12avenuesthatradiatefromthePlacedel'Étoile,includingtheroutefromtheAvenuedesChamps-ElyséestothePlacedelaConcordeandtheLouvre.It'spossibletoseeallthewaytoLaDéfense,thehilltopneighborhoodofMontmartre,andtheEiffelTower. AtthefootoftheArcdeTriompheistheTomboftheUnknownSoldier,dedicatedin1921asamemorialtoananonymoussoldier(symbolofthemanyotherunknownsoldierswhovaliantlydiedfortheircountryduringWorldWarOnewithouteverreceivingrecognition). TheFlameofRemembrancewasignitedattheTomboftheUnknownSoldieronNovember11th,1923andsincethatdatehasnoteverbeenextinguished.Everyeveningat6:30pm,aritualtakesplacetorekindlethememorialflameatthetomb. Throughouttheyear,eventstohonornationalholidaysareheldattheArcdeTriomphe,includingtheNovember11th(anniversaryoftheArmisticeof1918)ceremonycommemoratingthosewhoperishedinthewar;theMay8thFêtedelaVictoire(VictoryDay)celebratingtheendofWWII,andtheliberationfromNazioccupation;aswellasfestivitiesforJuly14th(BastilleDay). ThemonumentstaffprovidesguidedtoursinFrencheverydayat10:30am;thesetoursareincludedinthepriceoftheadmissionticket.Thesitealsohasdocumentationandmulti-mediapresentationsinmultiplelanguages. TouristswillappreciatethegiftshopandbookstoreattheArcdeTriomphe.Forvisitorswithreducedmobilityandyoungchildren,thereisanelevatortoreachtheviewingplatform.Otherwise,visitorsmusttakethestairs. Address:ArcdeTriomphe,PlaceCharlesdeGaulle,75008Paris(Métro:CharlesdeGaulle-Étoile,KléberorArgentinestation) 9.SeineRiverCruises Seinerivercruiseatsunset AboatcruisealongtheSeineRiverisoneofthebestwaystosoakupthealluringsceneryofParis.SeineRiverCruisesallowtouriststoseethesightsfromadifferentperspective.TheSeineRiverbridges,EiffelTower,Notre-DameCathedral,andtheLouvreMuseumlookstunningfromtheviewpointofariverboat. Whileadaytimecruiseallowstouriststoappreciatethegloryofthemonumentsbrightenedbysunshine,themostromanticexperienceisaneveningcruise.Aftersunset,thecity'slandmarksareilluminated,whichcreatesaspecialeffect,andsomehowthecityseemsmoremagical. Foracruisethatincludesdinner,trytheBateauxParisiensSeineRiverGourmetDinner&SightseeingCruise.ThisluxuriousriverboatcruisedepartsatthePortdelaBourdonnais(neartheEiffelTower),andguestsaretreatedtoagourmetthree-coursemeal. GourmandswillbetemptedtotakeagourmetcruiseontheDucassesurSeinerestaurantboat,whichdepartsfromPortDebilly.ThisuniquerestaurantoffersthechancetosamplethefinesthautecuisineinPariswhileglidingdowntheSeineRiverpastsomeofthecity'smostmajesticmonuments.Guestsmaychoosefromlunchanddinnercruises,withvariousmenuoptionsavailable.Menusfocusoncontemporary-styleFrenchdishespreparedfromseasonalingredients. 10.MusicalConcertsatSainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-ChapelleisconsideredararejewelamongmedievalhousesofworshipandiscertainlyoneofthemostexquisitechurchesinParis.Theravishing13th-centurychapelistuckedawayontheÎle-de-la-Cité,justafewblocksaway(abouta10-minutewalk)fromtheNotre-DameCathedral. ThismasterpieceofRayonnantGothicarchitecturewasbuiltfrom1242to1248forKingLouisIX(SaintLouis)tohousethepreciousrelicshehadacquiredfromtheByzantineEmperor.ThealtardisplaysarelicoftheCrownofThorns. Thechapelisrenownedforitsbreathtakingstained-glasswindows,whichgivethesanctuaryasereneaura.(Visitinthemorningandespeciallyonsunnydaystoappreciatethewindowsattheirmostbrilliant.)Thechapelhas15stained-glasswindows(covering600squaremeters)depictingover1,000scenesfromthebible,bothOldTestamentandNewTestamentstories.ThecolorsandlightsymbolizedivinityandtheHeavenlyJerusalem. Onlyusedforchurchservicesonrareoccasions,Sainte-Chapelleisopentothepublicasamuseum(entranceticketsarerequired).Foranadditionalfee,audioguides(availableinFrench,English,German,Italian,Spanish,andJapanese)provideonehourofcommentarytohelpvisitorsappreciatetheart,architecture,andhistoryofSainte-Chapelle. Thisawe-inspiringmonumentisalsoamagicalvenueforclassicalmusicconcerts.IntheiridescentglowofSainte-Chapelle'sglorioussanctuary,theperformancesofBaroquechambermusic,sacredmusic,orVivaldistringquartetshaveasublimequality.AregularprogramofconcertsisheldatSainte-Chapelleyear-round,witheventsscheduledseveraltimesaweek. Sainte-ChapelleislocatedinthePalaisdelaCité.Tofindthechapel,entertheirongateofthePalaisdeJusticeandwalkthroughtheinnercourtyard. AnotherattractionnearbyisLaConciergerie(touristsmaypurchasecombinedentrytickets),theprisonwhereMarie-AntoinettewasdetainedduringtheFrenchRevolution. Address:Sainte-Chapelle,8BoulevardduPalais,75001Paris(Métro:Cité,Saint-MichelNotre-DameorChâteletstation) SaintChapelleMap(Historical) 11.BustlingBoulevardsandLegendaryCafés CafeinParis AvisittotheCityofLightisnotcompletewithoutspendingtimeonthesidewalkterraceorbustlinginteriorofafamouscafé.It'stheultimateParisianpeople-watchingsceneandachancetoimaginethehistoricrendezvousthatoccurredhere. TodiscoverthelegendaryPariscafés,thebestplacetostartistheBoulevardSaint-Germain-des-Présinthe6tharrondissement.Thisbroadtree-linedboulevardislinedwithdesignerfashionboutiques,prestigiouscafés,andold-fashionedbrasseries. ThemostcelebratedcafésaretheCafédeFlore(172BoulevardSaint-Germain-des-Prés),whichwasthemeetingplaceofJean-PaulSartreandSimonedeBeauvoir,andLesDeuxMagotscafé(6PlaceSaint-Germain-des-Prés),oncethehauntofpoets,authors,andartists,includingArthurRimbaud,PaulVerlaine,JamesJoyce,PabloPicasso,andErnestHemingway. AtbothCafédeFloreandLesDeuxMagots,touristsaretreatedtoaclassicParisiancaféexperience,completewithwaiterswearingbowties.Althoughthewaitershaveareputationfortheirbrusqueservice,theirformalityaddstotheauthenticambience. ThebrasseriesofBoulevardduMontparnassewerealsofrequentedbyfamousartistsandwriters.LeDômeinMontparnasseisaParisinstitution(108BoulevardduMontparnasse)thathasattractedluminariesincludingSartre,SimonedeBeauvoir,andPicasso.InitsglitteringArtDecodiningroom,therestaurantservesgourmetcuisineandisespeciallyrenownedforitsseafooddishes. AnotheratmosphericFrenchbrasseriewithamythicalpast,LaCoupole(102BoulevardduMontparnasse)has,sincethe1920s,beenvisitedbyfamousartistssuchasAndréDerain,FernandLéger,ManRay,PabloPicasso,andMarcChagall.LaCoupolealsoboastshavingservedAlbertCamusandJean-PaulSartre. LaRotondeMontparnasse(105BoulevardduMontparnasse)hasbeenagatheringplaceforpaintersandwriterssince1911andstillattractscinematographersandartiststoday. 12.JardinduLuxembourg JardinduLuxembourg Amust-seedestinationinthe6tharrondissement,theJardinduLuxembourgisthebestknownparkinParisaftertheTuileries.TheLuxembourgGardenswerecreatedinthe17thcentury,whenthePalaisduLuxembourgwasbuiltforQueenMariedeMédicisbyKingHenriIV,andtheyweredesignedinthestyleoftheBoboliGardensinFlorence.Inthe19thcentury,thearchitectJean-FrançoisChalgrinupdatedthelayoutoftheJardinduLuxembourg. Thecentralfeatureofthe25-hectareparkisthelargeoctagonalfountain-adornedpool,whichisflankedbytwoterraceslinedwithstatues,tidyflowerbeds,andperfectlymanicuredshrubbery.ThispartoftheparkistypicalofformalFrenchgardens.Facingthefountainaremanychairsspreadaboutforvisitorstouse. ThereisalsoanEnglish-stylegarden,arosegarden,apiary,Orangerie(orangery),andgreenhousesfilledwithexoticorchids,aswellasanorchardwhereheirloomvarietiesofapplesflourish. Artistictreasuresarefoundthroughoutthegardens,suchasthepicturesque17th-centuryFontainedeMédicis,afountainbasinnestledundertreesoppositetheeastfrontofthePalaisduLuxembourg,whichtodayisusedbytheFrenchstateastheseatofSenate. StepsawayfromtheFontainedeMédicisisLaTerrassedeMadame,alittlecafé-restaurantinacharmingsetting.Guestsmaydineatoutdoortablesbeneaththeleafychestnuttrees.Themenuincludescoffeeandcroissantsforbreakfastandbistromealsforlunch,suchassteak,CroqueMonsieur(sandwiches),quiche,grilledfish,charcuterie,andsalads.AlsoonthemenuaretraditionalFrenchdessertslikeprofiterolesandcrèmebrûlée. Theparkisalocals'favoritespotforrelaxingandpicnicking.StudentsoftheLatinQuartercanbeseenhereenjoyingbaguettesandwichesforlunchorjustloungingonasunnyday.Recreationalopportunitiesincludebasketball,tennis,andchess. Childrenlovetheplayground,whichfeaturesswings,slides,asandpit,gamesarea,andponyrides.ThemostpopularactivityfortheyoungestvisitorsattheJardinduLuxembourgissteeringminiaturesailboatsaroundintheoctagonalpool(theboatscanbehiredatakioskbythepond). ForFrench-speakingkids,watchingapuppetshowattheThéâtredesMarionnettesisnottobemissed.TheThéâtredesMarionnettesisamodernvenue,inthesouthwestareaoftheparknearthetenniscourts,thataccommodatesanaudienceofupto275childrenandadults(whichmakesitthelargestpuppettheaterinFrance). Address:JardinduLuxembourg,RuedeVaugirardandRuedeMédicis,75006Paris(Métro:LuxembourgorOdéonstation) 13.Sacré-CoeurandQuartierMontmartre Sacré-CoeurandQuartierMontmartre SittingatthehighestpointinParislikeanornamentaldecoration,theBasiliqueduSacré-Coeurhasaspecialaura.ItsalabasterfacadeblendsRomanesqueandByzantinestyles,andfromfaraway,itlookslikeaweddingcake(whichisitsnickname). InsidetheBasilica,thestrikingmosaicofChristwithaflamingheartgivesthesanctuaryanemotionalandspiritualintensity,fittingforachurchthatwascreatedasasymbolofhopeaftertheFranco-PrussianWar.Thesanctuaryisilluminatedwithmanycandles,whichprovideacontrasttothedark,somberspace. VisitorscanspendtimeontheterraceadmiringtheviewsofParisorclimbthetowerforanevenhigherperspective.TheEsplanadethatleadsup(byastaircaseofover200steps)totheSacré-Coeurchurchisapopularareaforpeopletohangoutandisoftenanimatedbystreetmusicians. WhilevisitingtheSacré-Coeur,besuretoexploretheenchantingneighborhoodofMontmartre.Thismedievalcountryvillage(onceconsideredoutsideofthecity)hasbecomeannexedasthe18tharrondissementofParis. Montmartreexudesold-fashionedcharmalongwithanavant-gardeedge.Windingcobblestonestreetsandpedestrianstaircasesleadtosmalllocallyownedboutiquesandrestaurants,artgalleriesthatevokethequarter'sbohemianpast,andquietsquaresfilledwithoutdoorcafés. DuringtheBelleEpoque,thevillageofMontmartrebegantoattractartistssuchasHenrideToulouse-LautrecandEdgarDegas.TheBohemiancreativespiritofMontmartreisstillfoundhere,especiallyaroundthePlaceduTertreandtheCarréRolandDorgelès. Theneighborhoodhasseveralexcellentartmuseums,wherevisitorscanadmirethecreationsofbohemianartistswhoresidedinMontmartreduringthelate19thandearly20thcentury.Duringthisera,Montmartrewasfamousforitscabaretsandartists'studios. TheMuséedeMontmartre(12RueCortot)occupiesahistorichousewhereAugusteRenoir,RaoulDufy,SuzanneValadon,andotherartistsoncelivedandworked.Withinthemuseum'sdelightfulgardens,visitorscanenjoyrefreshmentsattheCaféRenoir,whichfeaturesoutdoorseatinginthelovelyspacewhereRenoirpaintedseveralmasterpieces. ThosewhoappreciatesurrealisticartwillbeenthralledbytheDalíParismuseum(11RuePoulbot).Thisinnovativemuseumdisplaysmorethan300workscreatedbySalvadorDalí.Theexhibitsarepresentedinawaythatrevealsthesymbolsandmotifsusedinhisartworks. Address:BasiliqueduSacré-Coeur,35RueduChevalier-de-la-Barre,75018Paris(Métro:Abbesses) 14.Panthéon Panthéon BuiltasachurchtorivalSaintPeter'sBasilicainRomeandSaintPaul'sCathedralinLondon,thePanthéonisthenationalmausoleumofFrance'sgreatestcitizens.In1756,KingLouisXVcommissionedthearchitectJacques-GermainSoufflot(1713-80)tobuildanewchurchonthesiteoftheruinedabbeyofSainte-Geneviève,andthechurchwascompletedin1790. ThearchitectureofthePanthéonmarksaclearbreakfromtheplayfulRococooftheLouisXVstyleandinsteadpresentsasimplerandmoresomberNeoclassicalstyle.TheinscriptiononthePanthéon'sfacadereads"AuxGrandsHommesLaPatrieReconnaissante"("TotheGreatMenRecognizedbyTheirCountry"). Manyfamousmen(75intotal)areburiedhere,includingphilosophersVoltaire,Jean-JacquesRousseau,andRenéDescartes;andthewritersVictorHugo,AlexandreDumas,ÉmileZola,andAndréMalraux.AlthoughthemonumentwasoriginallydedicatedexclusivelytoFrance'smalecitizens,thishaschangedrecently. Since1995,severalofFrance'smostesteemedfemalecitizenshavebeenburiedinthePanthéonincludingthephysicistMarieCurie,atwo-timewinneroftheNobelPrize.FiveotherwomenareburiedatthePanthéon.InNovember2021,JosephineBaker(thefamousBlackAmerican-expatriatedancerandsinger)becamethesixthwomantoreceivethehonorofbeinginductedintothePanthéon. EntrancetothePanthéonrequiresanadmissionfee,exceptforfreeadmissiononthefirstSundayofeverymonthfromNovemberthroughMarch.Guidedgrouptoursareavailableyear-round. FromAprilthroughOctober(foranadditionalentrancefee),visitorsmayascendtothePanthéon'sdome,whereacolonnadedbalconyprovidesasensationalviewpointofthecity'slandmarks.PanoramasextendfromtheNotre-DameCathedralandtheLouvreintheforegroundtotheEiffelTowerinthedistance. Address:Panthéon,PlaceduPanthéon,75005Paris(Métro:Luxembourgstation) 15.PlacedesVosges PlacedesVosges InthecharmingMaraisdistrict,thePlacedesVosgesisParis'oldestpublicsquare,spaciouslylaidoutinharmoniouslyuniformstyle.ThiselegantsquareprovidedamodelforothersquaressuchasPlaceVendômeandPlacedelaConcorde. ThePlacedesVosgeswasconstructedbetween1605and1612andwasoriginallycalledPlaceRoyalebecauseitwascreatedbyKingHenriIV.Thebuildingsoriginallyhousedaristocraticresidences.TypicalofRenaissancearchitecture,thesquarehasapleasingsymmetricalformwithuniformred-brickhousesthatfeaturestonequoinsandpitchedslateroofs. ThePlaceRoyaleofferedasplendidsettingforfestiveoccasionsinthe17thcentury,suchastournaments,statereceptions,andcourtweddings.Itwasalsoafavoritespotforduels,inspiteofCardinalRichelieu'sbanondueling.ThecelebratedcourtesanofLouisXIII'sreignlivedatnumber11,andthefutureMadamedeSévignéwasbornin1626atnumber1onthesquare. VictorHugorentedanapartmentatnumber6onthePlaceRoyalebetween1832and1848.Todaythisapartmentisamuseum,theMaisondeVictorHugo(6PlacedesVosges)whichisdevotedtoeducatingvisitorsaboutthelifeandworkofVictorHugo. ThePlacedesVosgesisattheheartofLeMarais,amedievalquarterwithnarrowcobblestonestreets,grandRenaissancepalaces,andbeautifulhôtelsparticuliers(mansions)ofthe16thand17thcenturies.Severalofthesestatelyoldbuildingshavebeenconvertedintomuseums. ThemostimportantmuseumofthequarteristheMuséeCarnavalet-HistoiredeParis.ThisrecentlyrenovatedmuseumillustratesthehistoryofParisfromantiquitythroughtheFrenchRevolutionandtheBelleEpoqueuntilthepresentday. IntheHôtelSalé(a17th-centuryaristocraticmansion),theMuséeNationalPicasso-Paris(5RuedeThorigny)wowsmodernartloverswithitsincrediblyextensivecollection(over5,000pieces)ofPicasso'sartwork,includingsomeofhismosticonicmasterpieces. Morethanjustanopen-airmuseumfilledwithhistoricmonuments,LeMaraishasbecomeatrendyquarterfulloffashionboutiques,cutecafés,anduniqueshops.Theareabrimswithyouthfulenergyandisafunplacetovisitforastrollorstopforacoffeebreak. AnotherinterestingfactaboutLeMaraisisthatithasasignificantJewishcommunity.TolearnmoreaboutJewishcultureinEurope,touristscanvisittheMuséed'Artetd'HistoireduJudaïsme(71RueduTemple),whichpresentsthe2,000-yearhistoryofFrance'sJewishcommunities,alongwitheducationalprogramsaboutJewishcultureandexhibitionsofartworkbyJewishartistssuchasChagallandModigliani. Nearby,theJardinAnneFrankoffersthetranquilityofasecludedgarden.Thisquiet,leafygreenspacefeaturesbenches,shadytrees,andanorchard.OneofthechestnuttreesinthegardenwasgraftedfromatreethatAnneFrankcouldseefromthewindowoftheannexwhereshelivedinAmsterdam. ForthoseinsearchofarefinedParisianexperience,theMariageFrères(30RueduBourg-Tibourg)istheplacetogo.ThisteasalonservesitsaromaticteawithsavoryandsweetdelicaciesinaFrenchcolonial-stylediningroom;itsadjoiningshopsellsawideselectionofscentedteasindistinctivetins. ManytouristswaitinlinetotrytheauthenticfalafelatL'AsduFallafel(34RuedesRosiers),consideredoneofthebestMiddleEasternrestaurantsinParis.LocatedintheheartofParis'Jewishquarter,L'AsduFallafelisclosedonShabbat(FridayeveningandSaturdayduringthedaytime). Alsoworthnoting:TheareaoftheMaraisaroundtheRuedesRosiersishometoaJewishcommunityandisknownasthe"Pletzl"(aYiddishwordthatmeans"SmallSquare").Thisareahasseveralkosherrestaurantsandkosherbakeries.JewishresidentsoftheMaraiscelebratetheSabbathonSaturdayratherthanSunday,whichmeansthatmanyshopsownerskeeptheirboutiquesopenonSundays. Address:PlacedesVosges,75004Paris(Métro:Saint-PaulorBastillestation) 16.MuséeRodin GardenattheRodinMuseum(MuseeRodin) Ahiddengemintheposh7tharrondissement,theMuséeRodininvitesvisitorstostepintoapeacefulhavenofrefinement,whereFrance'srenownedsculptorlivedandworkedformanyyears.Thepropertyincludesthe18th-centuryRococomansion,theHôtelBiron,andaseven-acreSculptureGardenthatbloomswithflowersthroughouttheyear. In1908,AugusteRodinbegantorentseveralroomsonthegroundflooroftheHôtelBirontouseasanatelier.Otherartists,includingJeanCocteau,HenriMatisse,andIsadoraDuncan,alsorentedroomswithinthebuilding.RodinlatertookovertheentireHôtelBiron,whichbecamehisplaceofresidencefortherestofhislife.In1916,RodindonatedhisartworksandcollectionofantiquitiestotheFrenchstate,andthemuseumwasestablishedsoonthereafter. TheMuséeRodindisplaysaremarkableassortmentofRodin'ssculptures,aswellastheworksofCamilleClaudel.VisitorscanadmireRodinmasterpiecespresentedintheHôtelBiron,suchasDanaïd,anexpressivemarblesculpturedepictingamythologicalcharacter(createdin1890);TheAgeofBronze(createdin1877);TheCathedral,astonesculptureoftwointertwinedhands(createdin1908);andTheKiss,oneofRodin'smostsensualworks(createdaround1882). SeveralmonumentalRodinsculpturespresideovervariouscornersoftheSculptureGarden.TheThinker,Rodin'smosticonicworkofart,sitsonapedestaloverlookingtheperfectlymanicuredformalgarden.TheexpressiveMonumenttoBalzacstandsinashadyspotbeneathleafytrees,whileabronzestatueofAdamisshelteredbehinddenseshrubbery. Visitorswillenjoywanderingthegardentoappreciateboththesculpturesandthelandscaping.ThetranquilsettingmakestheMuséeRodinuniqueinParis. Addingtotheromanceoftheplacearetheparkbenchesplacedthroughoutthegardenandthecafé-restaurant,L'Augustine,whereguestsmayrelaxonanoutdoorterrace.Thecafé-restaurantalsohasacozyindoorspace.ThemenufeaturesclassicFrenchmealoptions,aswellasdessertssuppliedbytheMaisonLenôtre,apillarofParisiangastronomyrenownedforitsmodernartisanalpâtisserie. Officialsite:https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en 17.PlaceVendôme PlaceVendôme Thisgraceful17th-centurysquarewasdesignedbyJulesHardouin-Mansart,oneoftheleadingarchitectsoftheGrandSiècle(duringthereignofLouisXIV).Originally,thesquarewascalledPlaceLouisleGrandandwasintendedtohouseroyalestablishments.However,financialdifficultiesforcedthekingtosellthebuildingstonoblesandwealthycitizens.Thenewownersbuiltgorgeousmansionswithcourtyardsandgardens. ThecharmofthePlaceVendômeisthatithasretainedtheconsistencyoftheoveralldesign,whichcombinesregalostentationwithcivicsimplicity.Followingcarefulrestorationintheearly'90s,ithasbeenrestoredinallitssplendor. ThesquareisknownforitsupscalejewelryboutiquesincludingBoucheron,Chaumet,VanCleef&Arpels,andCartier.AnotherluxuryestablishmenthereistheRitzHotel,whichwasfrequentedbyErnestHemingway,ScottFitzgerald,andGertrudeStein. CocoChanelmadetheRitzParisherhomefor34years;shedecoratedhersuiteinhersignaturestylewithvelvet-upholsteredsofas,lacqueredfurniture,andgildedmirrors.TheRitzParisstillhasasuitenamedafterCocoChanelthatexemplifieshervisionofParisianchic. AtthecenterofthePlaceVendômestandsalandmarkofhistoricimportance,theColonnedelaGrandeArmée(replacingastatueofLouisXIVthatwasremovedin1792).Builtbetween1806and1810,the42-meter-highcolumnisdedicatedtoNapoleonandhisGrandeArmée(army)whofoughtheroicallyandvictoriouslyintheBattleofAusterlitz(inDecember1805). Thecolumn'sfacadeiscraftedfrombronzeplaquesembossedwith108spiralingbas-relieffriezes(similartotheTrajan'sColumninRome),whichtellthestoryofthegloriouseventsthattookplaceduringNapoleon'scampaignof1805. Address:PlaceVendôme,75001Paris(Métro:TuileriesorOpérastation) 18.CentrePompidou CentrePompidou BetweenLesHallesandLeMaraisistheCentrePompidou,aculturalcenterdevotedtomodernart.Incontrasttothehistoricbuildingsofthequarter,theCentrePompidoufeaturesshockingmodernarchitecture,sometimesdescribedasan"insideout"designbecausethearchitecturaldetailsofstaircasesandelevatorsappearontheexterior. ThemainattractionoftheCentrePompidouistheMuséeNationald'ArtModerne(NationalMuseumofModernArt),whichdisplaysiconicworksofartchosenfromanextensivecollectionofover100,000pieces.Thecollectionfocusesoncontemporaryartcreatedfrom1905tothepresent. Thecollectioncoversallthemovementsofmodernart,beginningwiththePost-Impressionist"Fauves"and"LesNabis"movements(AndréDerain,RaoulDufy,HenriMatisse,PierreBonnard,andMarcChagall)andcontinuingwiththefamousmovementofCubism(PabloPicasso,GeorgesBraque,FernandLéger,andRobertDelaunay). Eachroomhighlightsaspecifictimeperiod,artisticinfluence,orartisticmovementsuchasExpressionism,Constructivism(PaulKleeandPietMondrian),Surrealism(SalvadorDalí,MaxErnst,RenéMagritte,andAndréMasson),AbstractExpressionism(MarkRothko,NicolasdeStaël,HansHartung,andSergePoliakoff),InformalArt(JeanDubuffet),NewRealism,andPopArt(AndyWarhol,ClaesOldenburg). Severalmasterpiecesofthecollectionarenottobemissed:Avecl'ArcNoirbyWassilyKandinsky,ManègedeCochonsbyRobertDelaunay,PortraitdelaJournalisteSylviavonHardenbyOttoDix,TheFramebyFridaKahlo,LesMariésdelaTourEiffelbyMarcChagall,LaBlouseRoumainebyHenriMatisse,NewYorkCitybyPietMondrian,andLesLoisirs-HommageàLouisDavidbyFernandLéger. Thecenterhasthreebookstores,acasualcafé,andaboutiquethatsellsgiftitemsinspiredbycontemporaryart. ThoseintheknowdineattheCentrePompidou'ssleekcontemporary-stylerestaurantonthemuseum'stopfloor.RestaurantGeorgesfeaturesfloor-to-ceilingwindowswithspectacularpanoramicviewsofthePariscityscape.TablesontheterracelookoutdirectlyontotheNotre-DameCathedral,theEiffelTower,andMontmartre. Address:CentrePompidou,PlaceGeorges-Pompidou,75004Paris(Métro:Rambuteau,HôteldeVille,ChâteletorRambuteaustation) Officialsite:https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en 19.HôtelNationaldesInvalides HôtelNationaldesInvalides LouisXIVfoundedtheHôtelRoyaldesInvalidesinthelate17thcenturyasahomefordisabledsoldiers.BeforethetimeofLouisXIV,disabledsoldiersreceivedmedicalcare,ifatall,inhospitalsormonasteries,butwereusuallyreducedtobegging.WiththeHôteldesInvalides,LouisXIVcreatedthefirsthomefordisabledveterans. Thebuildingwasconstructedbetween1671and1676underthedirectionofthearchitectLibéralBruantandcenteredontheEgliseSaint-Louis-des-Invalides,whichwaslaterredesignedbythearchitectJulesHardouin-Mansartin1706.ThechurchbecameknownastheEgliseduDômedesInvalidesandisanoutstandingexampleofFrenchclassical-styleecclesiasticalarchitecture. Today,theHôtelNationaldesInvalidesstillhasahospital(InstitutionNationaledesInvalides)thatprovidesmedicalcarefordisabledveterans.Thebuildingalsocontainsthreemuseumsandtwochurches. Foundedin1794,theMuséedel'Armée(ArmyMuseum)presentsalargecollectionofmilitaryequipmentanduniforms,weapons,prints,andcuriositiesfrommanycountries.ThemuseumcoversthemilitaryhistoryofFrancefromthe13thcentury(theCrusades)tothe17thcentury.TherearealsomementosandrelicsofNapoleonandwell-knowngenerals,aswellasplansoftheFrenchcampaigns. TheMuséedel'OrdredelaLibérationhonorsthesoldierswhofoughtfortheliberationofFranceduringtheSecondWorldWar,from1940to1945.ThismuseumalsoeducatesvisitorsaboutthedeportationofJewsfromFrance,theResistance,andlifeinFranceduringthewar. Militarystrategyofthe17thcenturycomestolifeattheMuséedesPlans-Reliefs(MuseumofReliefMaps).Themuseumdisplays28detailedreliefmapsofFrance'sfortifiedtowns(citadels)thatdatefrom1668to1875.LouisXIV'sMinisterofWar(andlaterministers)usedthemapsformilitaryplanningpurposes. Agold-domedNeoclassicalchurch,theEgliseduDômedesInvalideswasbuiltin1677asaroyalchapelforLouisXIVbutismostfamousforbeingthesiteofNapoleon'sTomb,installedherein1861bytheordersofKingLouis-Philippe.Theimperialtombstandsbeneathamagnificentcupola,whichwaspaintedbyCharlesdelaFosse. Designedasaplaceforveteranstoworship,theEgliseSaint-LouisdesInvalides(constructedaround1676)isachapelwithintheEgliseduDômedesInvalides.Thischapelwasbuiltinkeepingwithetiquetteofthe17thcenturyandhasaseparateentrancefromEgliseduDôme.TheEgliseSaint-LouisdesInvalidesisstillusedasachurchforveteransoftheFrencharmy. Address:HôtelNationaldesInvalides,EsplanadedesInvalides,129RuedeGrenelle,75007Paris Officialsite:http://www.musee-armee.fr/en/english-version.html 20.DomaineNationalduPalais-Royal ThePalais-Royal OppositetheLouvreMuseumisawelcomeretreatfortouristsamidthebustleofParis'1starrondissement.Visitingthissecludedspotfeelslikeasecretgetaway,eventhoughit'srightinthecenterofthecity. ThePalais-RoyalwascreatedasaresidenceforCardinalRichelieuin1633,duringthereignofLouisXIII.Richelieulaterbequeathedthepalacetotheroyalfamily,anditbecamethechildhoodhomeofLouisXIV. ExemplifyingclassicalFrencharchitecture,theDomaineNationalduPalais-Royalismadeupof60pavilionssurroundingacourtyardandalovelygarden,theJardinduPalais-Royal.Visitorsaresurprisedbythecontemporarysculptureinstallationinthecourtyardanddelightedbythelushtree-shadedgrounds.Thispeacefulenclosedspacehasthefeelingofbeingitsownlittlevillagewithinthecity. Thebuildingsareconnectedbyacolonnadedpathwayandarcadedgalleries(verandas)filledwithhigh-endboutiques.Therearealsoacoupleoffancycafés(withpleasantoutdoorterraces)andtwofine-diningrestaurants:thehaute-cuisinePalaisRoyalRestaurant(oneMichelinstar);andLeGrandVéfour,whichhasasumptuousdiningroom(datingto1784)thatfeaturesdelicate"artdécoratif"designmotifs. ThePalais-Royalareahastwotheaters:theThéâtreduPalais-Royal(38RuedeMontpensier),whichdatesbackto1783andcontinuestopresenttheaterperformancesinFrench;andLaComédie-Française(1PlaceColette),atheaterknownasthe"LaMaisondeMolière"becauseithasstagedsomanyofthefamousplaywright'sworks.TheComédie-Françaisewasinauguratedin1790andisstillinuseduringitstheaterseason. Afavoriteplaceforlocalstotakealeisurelystroll,theDomaineNationalduPalais-Royalisopentothepubliceveryday,freeofcharge.TheCentredesMonumentsNationauxoffersguidedgrouptours. Address:DomaineNationalduPalais-Royal,8RueMontpensier,75001Paris(Métro:PalaisRoyal-MuséeduLouvreorPyramidesstation) 21.PlacedelaBastille ColonnedeJuillet,PlacedelaBastille Now,onlythenameofthissquareisareminderthatthenotoriousstateprisonknownastheBastille,themuch-hatedsymbolofabsolutistpower,oncestoodhere.AfterthestormingoftheBastilleonJuly14,1789,theprisonwascompletelydemolished. InthecenterofPlacedelaBastilleisthe51-meter-highColonnedeJuillet,toppedbyagracefulgildedfigureofLiberty("GéniedelaLiberté").ThemonumentcommemoratestheJulyRevolutionof1830,whichoverthrewKingCharlesXandbroughtLouis-Philipped'Orléanstopower. FourGalliccocksandalionreliefonthebaseofthecolumnsymbolizethefreepeopleofFrance.Aspiralstaircaseof283stepsinsidethecolumnleadstoaviewingplatform. OnthesiteoftheBastilleprisonisthenewOperaHouse,theOpéraBastille,thatwasinauguratedbyPresidentMitterrandonJuly13,1989.Thisimmensemoderntheaterhasseatingfor2,745people.Boththeviewofthestagefromtheauditoriumandtheacousticsaresuperb. TheOpéraBastillepresentsacalendarofevents(fromJanuarythroughJuly)thatincludesoperaandballetperformancesbytheOpéraNationaldeParisandtheCorpsdeBalletdel'OpéradeParis. TouristsmayenjoyattendingoneoftheperformancesandthenexploringtheBastillearea.Thistrendyneighborhoodisbrimmingwithquirkyboutiques,hipclothingshops,stylishrestaurants,andhappeningcafés. Address:PlacedelaBastille,75012Paris(Métro:Bastille) Officialsite:https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/opera-bastille 22.PlaceduChâteletandTourSaint-Jacques PontauChangeleadingtothePlaceduChâtelet ThePlaceduChâteletstandsattheverycenterofParisinthe1starrondissement,overlookingtheSeineRiver.ThePontauChange(bridge)providesaccessfromtheÎledelaCitétothePlaceduChâtelet.It'sjustashortwalkfromSainte-ChapelleandLaConciergerieontheÎle-de-la-CitétothePlaceduChâtelet,soitwouldmakesensetovisitthesetouristattractionsatthesametime. GracingthisexpansivesquarearetwocelebratedParisiantheaters.DesignedinopulentNapoléonIIIstyle,the19th-centuryThéâtreduChâtelet(2RueEdouardColonne)presentsawidevarietyofmusicconcerts,aswellasdanceandtheaterperformances.AlistedHistoricalMonumentwhereSarahBernhardtoncedirectedshows,theThéâtredelaVille(2PlaceduChâtelet)stagesadiverseprogramofdance,music,andtheaterperformances. TheareaaroundPlaceduChâteletisalsoworthexploring.ContinuetowardstheRuedeRivoli,pasttheBoulevarddeSébastopol,andwanderthroughthesmallparktofindtheTourSaint-Jacques.Builtintheearly16thcentury,theFlamboyantGothictowerisallthatremainsoftheEgliseSaint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie(thepatronsaintofbutchers),thetown'soldparishchurch. TheSaint-JacquesTowerisalsofamousastheplacewhereBlaisePascalconductedoneofhisbarometricexperiments,whichshowedtheeffectofaltitudeontheheightofacolumnofmercury. 23.LaConciergerie LaConciergerie Nevermindtheinvitingname,thisimposingmedievalfortresswasaninfamousplaceofdetentionandacourthouse(from1793to1795)duringtheFrenchRevolution.Here,prisonersincludingMarie-AntoinetteandRobespierrewerekeptindankcellswhileawaitingtheirfate. TheConciergerieisaremnantofthePalaisdelaCité,theroyalresidenceofFrance'skingsinthe13thand14thcenturies,untiltheresidencemovedtotheLouvre.DuringtheRestoration(returnoftheBourbonmonarchstothethrone),theConciergeriewasnolongerusedasaprisonandMarie-Antoinette'scellwasconvertedintoacommemorativechapel. TheSalledesGardesdisplaysrelicsofthebloodyReignofTerror,includingaguillotineblade,prisonregulations,andacopyofMarie-Antoinette'slastletter. TheSalledesGensd'ArmesisavaultedGothichallofawesomeproportions.Inthisforbiddingroom,thecondemnedprisonerswerehandedovertotheexecutioner. Foranexceptionalviewofthebuilding'sNeo-Gothicfacade,standontheoppositesideoftheSeineRiverontheQuaidelaMégisserie.Fromthisdistance,withitsthreeroundtowersandtheTourdel'Horloge(ClockTower),thefortressresemblesafairy-talecastleratherthanapenitentiary. TheConciergerieisaUNESCOWorldHeritageSiteandisopentothepublicasamuseum.It'spossibletopurchaseacombinedentryticketfortheConciergerieandSainte-Chapelle. Address:2BoulevardduPalais,75001Paris(Métro:CitéorSaint-MichelNotre-Damestation) 24.FondationLouisVuitton FondationLouisVuitton TheformerhuntinggroundsofFrance'skings,theBoisdeBoulogneparkisnowhometoasurprisingnewlandmark.Openedin2014,theFondationLouisVuittonwascommissionedbyBernardArnault,chairmanoftheLouisVuittonMoëtHennessycorporation.TheprivatemuseumwilleventuallybecomethepropertyoftheFrenchstate. DesignedbyFrankGehry,anacclaimedAmericanarchitectbasedinLosAngeles,thestrikingbuildingisamasterpieceofultra-modernarchitecture.Thesleekexteriorresemblesanicebergoranenormousshipwithflowingsailsmadeoutofglass(3,600glasspanelsintotalcreatethedramaticeffect).ThestructurecontainsmoresteelthantheamountintheEiffelTower. Withinthemuseum's3,500squaremetersofexhibitionspaceare11differentgalleries.Illuminatedbynaturallight,theexhibitionspaceisairyandbright,idealforshowingoffthecontemporaryartcollections. Inkeepingwiththemuseum'smoderntheme,thepermanentcollectionfocusesentirelyon20th-centuryand21st-centuryartorganizedinfourdifferentcategories:Expressionism,ContemplativeArt,PopArt,andMusic&Sound. TheFondationLouisVuittonoffersayear-roundcalendarofeventsandtemporaryexhibits.Culturaleventsandmusicperformancesarepresentedina1,000-seatauditorium.Touristsmayalsoenjoyasnackormealatthemuseum'srestaurant,LeFrank,whichservesamenucreatedbyaMichelin-starredchef. Nottobemissedarethethreeoutdoorterracesontheroof,whichaffordsweepingviewsoftheBoisdeBoulogne,LaDéfensedistrict,andtheEiffelTowerinthedistance. Afteradmiringthescenery,touristscanexplorethewalkingpathsandgardensoftheBoisdeBoulogne.This850-hectareparkhascyclingandhorsebackridingtrails,picnicareas,alakeforboating,racecourses,restaurants,andanoutdoortheater. TheBoisdeBoulogneconcealsanotherattraction:theParcdeBagatelle.Thisgorgeousparkfeaturesaluxuriantrosegardenplantedwiththousandsofrosebushes;a19th-centuryOrangery,whichhoststheChopinFestivaleveryyearinJune;andsprawlingbucolicgroundsthatarelandscapedinromanticEnglishstyle. AhighlightoftheParcdeBagatelleistheNeoclassicalChâteaudeBagatelle,createdin1775fortheComted'Artois.Thechâteauisopentothepublicduringtemporaryexhibitions,andonSundaysandpublicholidaysforguidedtoursat3pm.Thechâteauhasagiftshop,bookstoreandrestaurant. Address:8AvenueduMahatmaGandhi,BoisdeBoulogne,75116Paris(Métro:PontdeNeuillyorAvenueFoch) Officialsite:https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en.html 25.ParcdeLaVillette LaGéodeIMAXtheater Covering55hectares,theParcdeLaVilletteisthelargestlandscapedgreenspaceinParis.Theparkisbrimmingwithattractions,includingchildren'splaygroundsandtheCitédesSciencesetdel'Industrie(MuseumofScienceandTechnology). Theparkisalsohometo400-seatLaGéodeIMAXtheater;theZénithParis-LaVilletteconcerthall;thePhilharmoniedeParisperformancevenue;andLeTrabendo,whichstagesrock,rap,andhiphopmusicconcerts. Duringsummertime,Parisians(andafewtourists)enjoyattendingculturaleventsattheParcdeLaVillette.ForseveraldaysattheendofMay,theVilletteSoniquefestivaldrawshugecrowdstooutdoormusicconcerts.OtherfestivalsincludeJazzàLaVilletteinSeptemberandanoutdoorfilmfestival(CinémaenPleinAir),whichtakesplaceintheparkfrommid-Julytomid-August. Theparkfeaturesavarietyofthemedgardenswithwalkingpaths,footbridges,andbrightredarchitectural"follies"designedbyBernardTschumi.TheareaaroundtheCanaldel'Ourcqisembellishedwithpondsandfountains. Address:211AvenueJeanJaurès,75019Paris(Métro:PortedelaVillette) 26.ParisPlages SeineRiverbank Onwarm,sunnydaysduringthesummermonths(earlyJulythroughmid-August),touristsandlocalsflocktothebanksalongtheSeineRiverforaminiholidayexperience.ThecityofParisbringspublicamenitiestoseveralareas,whicharedesignedespeciallyforrelaxationandrecreation. WithintheParcRivesdeSeine,the"vacationspots"arefoundfromthePontAlexandreIIItothePontdeSolferinoontheLeftBankandfromthePontNeuftothePontdeSullyontheRightBank.Withintheseareas,thelawnsofthequaysaretransformedintolittleresorts,completewithloungechairs,sunumbrellas,andpalmtrees. Beachtowelsandchildren'stoysarealsoavailable.Recreationalopportunitiesincludetablefootballandminigolfgamesforkids.Thereisalsoaselectionofbooksthatvisitorsmayborrow. Another"beachresort"alongtheSeineistheBassindeLaVillette(locatedattheQuaidelaLoireandtheQuaidelaSeine).Thiswell-developedcanalareafeaturesquaysidetoilets,changingrooms,showers,snackbars,andice-creamstands. TheBassindeLaVillettecanalhasthreeswimmingpoolswithlifeguardsattheQuaidelaSeine(openfrommid-JulythroughAugust).Sportsactivitiesatthecanalincludecanoeing,pétanque,andziplining. 27.CimetièreduPèreLachaise PèreLachaiseCemetery AwayfromthemoretouristyareasofcentralParis,thePèreLachaiseCemeteryinthe20tharrondissementisthecity'smostfamousandmostvisitedcemetery.This44-hectarespaceisthefinalrestingplaceofmanyfamousmenandwomen,includingHonorédeBalzac,FrédéricChopin,EdithPiaf,OscarWilde,andJimMorrison. Someofthetombsandgravesofthemostadmiredpersonalitiesattractacultfollowing,withflowersandtributesleftbyvisitorsonadailybasis. Address:CimetièreduPèreLachaise,21BoulevarddeMénilmontant,75020Paris(Métro:PèreLachaiseorPhilippeAugustestation) 28.ParcdesButtes-Chaumont ParcdesButtes-Chaumont Apeacefullittleoasisofnaturethatistreasuredbylocals,theParcdesButtes-ChaumontiscompletelyunlikeothergardensofParis.The25-hectarehilltopparkhasthefeelingofanuntamedpastorallandscape,incontrasttoParis'formalFrenchgardens,withtheirorderlyrowsofflowerbedsandpollardedtrees. Caves,waterfalls,andanartificiallakeaddtotheRomanticaesthetic.Largeshadytreesandspaciousgrassyareasinvitevisitorstopulloutablanketandrelax.Someareasoftheparkofferpanoramiccityviews. AmongParisians,thisparkisafavoriteplacetogoforpicnicsandbaskinginthesunshineonwarmdays. TheconvivialRosaBonheurcaféservesMediterraneancuisineonanoutdoorterrace.RosaBonheurisalsoknownforitsmusicalentertainmentandeveningdances. Forthoseseekingagourmetlunchorbrunch,LePavillonduLacdelightsguestswithitsidyllicsetting.ThistraditionalFrenchrestaurantoccupiesa19th-centurypavilionwithlargewindowsandagardenpatiooverlookingthelake.LePavillonduLacisopenforlunchWednesdaythroughFridayandforbrunchontheweekends. Address:ParcdesButtes-Chaumont,1RueBotzaris,75019Paris 29.GrandeArchedelaDéfense GrandeArcheofLaDéfense InthewestofParisattheendofAvenueCharles-de-Gaulleisacomplexofhigh-risebuildingsdevelopedsincethemid1960s.ThisbusinessdistrictjustoutsidethecitylimitsofParisisnamedLaDéfense,whichrecallsthebitterresistancebyFrenchforcesinthisareaduringtheFranco-PrussianWarof1870-1871. DesignedbyJohanOttovonSpreckelsen,theGrandeArchemakesastrikingimpression.Thishuge110-meter-highrectangulartriumphalarchisfacedwithglassandgranite. Themonumentwasinauguratedin1989onthebicentenaryoftheFrenchRevolution,andthecontemporarystructuresymbolizesFrance'snationalvalueoffraternity.Thearchwasoriginallycalled"LaGrandeArchedelaFraternité". Address:LaGrandeArche,1ParvisdelaDéfense,92040Paris(Métro:LaDéfense) WheretoStayinParisforSightseeing DecidingwheretostayinParisdependsonyourtasteinhotelsandtravelpreferences. Anabundanceofquaintsmallhotelsarescatteredthroughoutthe5th,6th,and7tharrondissements,whichisalsoknownastheRiveGauche(LeftBank).Touristsappreciatethisareaforitscentrallocation,excellentrestaurants,andlivelysidewalkcafés. TheMaraisquarter(4tharrondissement)ontheRightBankrivalstheLeftBankforold-worldcharmandtrendyambience.Thisneighborhoodisfilledwithmagnificenthistoricpalacesandmansions,whileenticingboutiques,cozyrestaurants,cafés,andteasalonslinethequarter'scobblestonestreets. ManyluxuryhotelsarefoundontheboulevardsneartheLouvreandtheChamps-Élysées,inanareaofthe8tharrondissementknownasthe"Triangled'Or"(GoldenTriangle)becauseofitsdesignerfashionboutiquesandupscalegourmetrestaurants. MontmartreisfartherfrommosttouristattractionsbuthasaspecialatmospherethankstoitsBohemianheritage,excellentartmuseums,andatmosphericpedestrianalleyways.Someofthehotelsinthishilltopneighborhoodoffersweepingcityviews. HerearesomehighlyratedhotelsintheseareasofParis: LuxuryHotels: Inthefashionable8tharrondissementneartheJardinsdesChamps-Élyséesisthefive-starLeBristolParis.ThislegendaryhotelepitomizesParisianelegancewithsumptuousguestroomsfeaturingLouisXVorLouisXVIfurnishingsandtailor-madebedlinens.Guestsenjoythecourtyardgarden,spa,rooftopswimmingpool,teatimeatCaféAntonia,andfinediningatthehotel'sMichelinthree-starredgastronomicrestaurantorMichelin-starredbrasserie.LaRéserveParis-HotelandSpaisanotherultra-luxuriousaccommodationinthe8tharrondissementneartheChamps-Élysées.Thefive-starhoteloccupiesapalatial19th-centurymansiondecoratedinaclassicalstyle,yethastheintimateambienceofaprivatehome.Guestsappreciatethetop-notchamenities:spa,fitnesscenter,indoorswimmingpool,andtwogourmetrestaurantsincludingadiningroomwithtwoMichelinstars.ExquisiteArtDecointeriorscreateaninvitingfeelattheFourSeasonsHotelGeorgeVinthe8tharrondissement.Thisopulentfive-starhoteloccupiesalandmarkbuildingthatdatesto1928andhasbeenbeautifullymaintained.Guestsarepamperedbythehotel'samenities:anupscalespa,swimmingpool,andthreefine-diningoptionsincludingavegetarianrestaurant.Thehotel'sgastronomicrestaurant,LeCinq,boaststhreeMichelinstars.TheHôtelPlazaAthénéegracesthetree-linedAvenueMontaigne,aprestigiousboulevardlinedwithhautecoutureboutiques.HousedinastatelyHaussmann-stylebuildingneartheThéâtredesChamps-Elysées,thisfive-starhotelfeaturesplushguestroomswithArtDecofurnishings.AmenitiesincludeasparunbytheDiorInstitut,andthreediningoptions,includingagardencourtyardrestaurantandasalonthatservesafternoontea.Mid-RangeHotels: IntheLatinQuarterstepsawayfromthePanthéon,theimpeccablymaintainedHôtelRésidenceHenriIVexudesold-fashionedParisiancharmwithitstraditionalinteriordecorandbalconiesoverlookingthestreet.Thespaciousguestroomshaveflat-screentelevisionsandupdatedbathrooms;apartmentshavekitchenettes.Thisthree-starhotelhasahammamandoffersspatreatments.Thebreakfast(availableforanadditionalcharge)includesartisanalandorganicproducts.TheRelaisChristinedelightsguestswithitsquietsettingandcozyambience,whichmakesitfeellikeafamilyhome.Thisfive-starhotelintheSaint-Germain-des-Présneighborhoodissurroundedbycafés,bistros,andrestaurantsandiswithineasywalkingdistanceoftheNotre-Dame,theLouvre,andtheMuséed'Orsay.Theexquisitelyadornedguestroomsfeaturegarden,courtyard,orstreetviewsandNespressocoffeemachines.Amenitiesincludeanupscalespa,fitnesscenter,breakfastforanadditionalcharge,androomservice.IdeallysituatednearthelegendaryBoulevardSaint-GermaincafésandashortwalktotheJardinduLuxembourg,theboutiquethree-starHôtelLeftBankSaintGermaindesPrésoccupiesan18th-centurybuildingonanancientstreetwhereMolièrehadaresidence.Thehotel'ssuitehasalivingroomwithwindowsthatlookoutontoNotre-DameCathedral.Acontinentalbreakfastwithcroissants,caféaulait,andfresh-squeezedorangejuiceisavailable.ThecharmingRelaisMédicisistuckedawayonaquietstreetneartheLuxembourgGardens.Thisfour-starhotelisawelcomeretreatfromthebusystreetsoftheSaint-Germainneighborhood.GuestroomsaredecoratedintraditionalFrenchcountrystyleandhavebeenupdatedwithmodernamenities.Breakfast(availableforanadditionalcharge)isservedinalovelysalonorinyourroom,andfeaturesyogurt,cheese,fresh-squeezedfruitjuice,coffee,tea,andcroissantsfromaneighborhoodbakery.BudgetHotels: TheLegendHotelbyEleganciaisconvenientlylocatedintheMontparnassedistrictofthe6tharrondissement(RiveGauche)andabouta10-minutewalktotheLuxembourgGardens.Thiscozythree-starboutiquehotelhaschiccontemporary-stylerooms.Thehoteloffersa24-hourfrontdesk,buffetorcontinentalbreakfast(foranadditionalcharge),andconciergeservices.IntheLatinQuarter(RiveGauche)nearthePanthéon,thefamily-runHôtelDianahasstylishmodernroomswithrenovatedbathroomsandcourtyardorcityviews.Consideringthecentrallocationand24-hourfrontreceptiondesk,thishotelprovidesagreatvaluefortheprice.Acontinental-stylebreakfastbuffetisavailableforasmallcharge.MontmartreisconsideredParis'mostenchantingneighborhood,althoughitisaMétroridetothemaintouristattractions.AfewstepsawayfromtheMétrostationintheheartofthequarter'snarrow,windingstreetsisHôtelLeRelaisMontmartre.Thisaffordablefour-starhotelhasquaintguestroomswithvintage-inspireddecor.Thehotelhasagenerousbreakfastbuffet(availableatareasonableprice)thatincludescroissants,yogurt,charcuterie,cheese,andfruit.TipsandTours:HowtoMaketheMostofYourVisittoParis GuidedSightseeing: AgreatwaytoseemanyofParis'attractionsinjustoneday,theParisSightseeingTourcoversthecity'shighlightsbycruisingdowntheSeineRiver.Thefull-dayhop-onhop-offboattourincludesastopattheEiffelTower,lunchontheterraceofayacht,andaguidedtouroftheLouvreMuseum.FlexibleSightseeing: Forthosewhoprefertoexploreattheirownpace,theHop-onHop-offParisBusTourisagoodchoice.Thecustomizablesightseeingitineraryfeaturesonboardcommentaryaboutthelandmarksandallowtouriststohopoffatvariousattractions,suchastheArcdeTriomphe,PlacedelaConcorde,theChamps-Élysées,andPlaceVendôme.A"skip-the-line"admissiontickettotheLouvreMuseumisincluded.VisittheNormandyBattlefields: HistorybuffswillwanttoseethefamousWorldWarIIbattlefields,aboutathree-hourdrivefromParis.AnexcellentdaytripistheNormandyD-DayBeachesTour.Accompaniedbyaknowledgeableguide,touristswillseetheOmahaandJunoBeaches,andtheAmericanCemetery.ThetourincludesavisittotheMémorialdeCaen(museum)withanoptionforathree-courselunch.Must-SeeSightsOutsideofParis: AnotherpopularoutingfromParisistheVersaillesandGivernyDayTrip.Thisfull-dayexcursionexploresthevibrantgardensofGiverny,whichMonetdepictedinmanypaintings,andtheChâteaudeVersailles,LouisXIV'sextravagantpalace.Thetourincludesathree-courselunchattheMoulindeFourgesriversiderestaurant,whichishousedinan18th-centurymillinspiredbyMarie-Antoinette'shamletatVersailles.MoreRelatedArticlesonPlanetWare.com EasyParisDayTrips:TherearemanywonderfulplacestovisitwithineasyreachfromParis.JustoutsidetheParismetropolitanareaisatranquilrurallandscapethatisrichinculturaltreasures:lovelylittlevillages,historiccastles,splendidchurches,andinterestingmedievaltowns.Amust-seedestinationistheChâteaudeVersailles,the17th-centurypalaceofLouisXIV(the"SunKing"). Forthosewhoprefercitiestocountryside,severalworthwhiledestinationsarejustaone-totwo-hourtrainrideaway:theelegantandculturedcityofLille(onehourbyTGVtrain)withitsdistinctFlemishcharacter,thedelightfultownofAmiens(aboutonehourand30minutesbytrain),andLyon(twohoursbyTGVtrain)knownasthegastronomicheartofFrance. Adoredbytouristsforitsperfectlypreservedmedievalambience,picturesquecanals,andenticingchocolateshops,atmosphericBruges(twohours30minutesbytrain)issimpletovisiteventhoughthetraincrossestheborderintoBelgium. HistoricSitesinNormandy:ThescenicNormandyregionwowsvisitorswithitsnaturalbeautyandfascinatinghistory.AlongitsdramaticcoastlinearetheLandingBeachesofWorldWarTwo,andnearbyaremilitarycemeteriesandmemorialmuseums.OneofthetopattractionsofFranceandNormandy'smostvisitedsiteisMontSaint-Michel,aUNESCO-listedmedievalpilgrimagesitewithasublime12th-centuryabbeychurch.TouristswillalsoenjoydiscoveringthehistorictownofRouen,withitsmarvelouscathedral,handsomehalf-timberedhouses,andabundanceofGothicchurches. GorgeousCastlesandPastoralLandscapes:Thefairy-taleLoireValleylandscapeishometothemostmagnificentRenaissancechâteauxinFrance.Withalushnaturalenvironmentofwoodlandsandrivers,thisenchantingregionisdesignatedaUNESCOWorldHeritageSite.ThenaturallybeautifulregionofBrittanyboastsawild,ruggedcoastline,withmanyidyllicfishingvillagesandanunspoiledcountrysidewithmedievalcastles.TheBurgundyregionisdottedwithhistorictownssuchasDijon,quaintvillages,ancientabbeys,andRomanesquechurches. 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ParisMap-Attractions(Historical) ParisArrondissementsMap(Historical) MoreonFrance FranceTravelGuide 15Top-RatedTouristAttractionsinFrance MOREDESTINATIONS FromParistoMontSaint-Michel:4BestWaystoGetThere FromParistoNice:3BestWaystoGetThere FromParistoLyon:3BestWaystoGetThere FromParistoBordeaux:3BestWaystoGetThere 11Top-RatedThingstoDoinParisinWinter FromParistoVersailles:5BestWaystoGetThere FromParistoBruges:BestWaystoGetThere FromParistotheLoireValley:4BestWaystoGetThere WheretoStayinParis:BestAreas&Hotels BestTimetoVisitParis 3-DayParisItineraryforTravelers FromParistoNormandy:4BestWaystoGetThere FromParistoGiverny:4BestWaystoGetThere 17Top-RatedAttractions&ThingstoDoinLyon 11TopTouristAttractionsinRouen&EasyDayTrips 14Top-RatedAttractions&ThingstoDoinAmiens RecentArticles 15BestThingstoDoinPalmDesert,CA 11BestParksinPortland,OR BEINSPIRED 22BestPlacestoVisitintheUnitedStates 20BestLuxuryAll-InclusiveResortsintheWorld 20BestTropicalVacations 22MostBeautifulIslandsintheWorld BEINSPIRED! 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