Paris Attractions

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the world’s most recognizable monument, and it serves as Paris’ defining symbol. It was designed by Gustave-Alexandre Eiffel and built for the Universal Exhibition of 1889; at the time it was the tallest structure in the world at 986 feet (a TV antenna was added later to increase its stature to the current 1,056 feet). The tower is so popular it receives some 5.5 million guests each year.

 

You can visit the tower from the ground, of course. But if you are intrepid enough, you can choose to take an elevator to a choice of three levels. The first landing has a cinema, a museum, and a restaurant and bar. The second landing gives you a wonderful look at the city, and you can stop to dine at the Le Jules Verne restaurant. The third level takes you to the very top for a fantastic panoramic view of the city, though clouds can obscure the sites on less-than-perfect weather days. If you don’t want to wait for an elevator (the lines can get long), you can climb the first two floors by stairs.

 

Perhaps the distinction of second-most famous monument in Paris goes to the Arc de Triomphe, standing at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. It stands 163 feet high and 147 wide and is the largest triumphal arch in the world. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, though it was completed in 1836 under a different ruler. It is decorated with famous sculptures and engraved with the names of hundreds of generals who commanded troops in Napoleon’s armies. You can get to an observation deck at the top either by stairs or by elevator.

 

Paris is filled with museums containing some of the worlds most famous and treasured artworks, but they are all dwarfed by the colossal behemoth that is the Musee du Louvre. You could spend your entire vacation touring its riches, so you will have to determine how much of your precious time to devote to a tour. You can take an English-speaking guided tour lasting about 90 minutes to help you hit the highlights. This is probably the best way to go for first-timers, unless you enjoy taking the sites at your own pace.

 

If you go out on your own, there are three sites in particular that most visitors make an effort to see. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is situated in her own private room, encased behind protective glass. You might be shocked at how small the painting is: only about 33 x 21 inches. The subject’s enigmatic smile has delighted and confounded art aficionados for centuries.

 

The two other pieces most tourists try to catch are the famous classical Greek sculptures, the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace).

 

Other significant museums in Paris include the Musee d’Orsay (a marvelous collection of Impressionistic works), the Musee Picasso (a collection of Pablo Picasso’s works), and the Centre Pompidou (modern art).

 

The most significant church is Paris is the Notre Dame de Paris, one of the first Gothic cathedrals ever constructed. It was also one of the first buildings to use the architectural technique of flying buttresses, now considered one of the hallmarks of the Gothic style. You can visit the interior of the cathedral for free, or pay a fee to ascend the towers. The nearby Sainte-Chapelle is one of the world’s greatest examples of the Flamboyant Gothic style of architecture.

 

For military history, you might want to head to Napoleon’s Tomb (Hotel des Invalides). The Musee de l’Armee displays Viking swords, Renaissance serpentines and a host of other armory pieces. The emperor’s tomb lies in the Napoleon Chapel. 

 

In the years between the 1880s and the onset of World War I, Montmartre thrived as a world famous bohemian art colony. It is home to Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, which is situated on the highest point in Paris. It looks far older than it is; it was actually completed in 1919. The view of Paris is truly its claim to fame. Montmartre is also home to the bawdy Moulin Rouge, which was forever immortalized by post-Impressionistic painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

 

Louis XIV’s monument to wealth, excess, and power, Chateau de Versailles is one of France’s most popular tourist attractions. It is located about 10 miles from the center of Paris. Construction began in 1661 and involved over 45,000 workers, many of whom died during the building process. There are six Grands Appartements to tour, but the castle’s most famous room is the Hall of Mirrors. The stunning Gardens of Versailles are spread out over 250 acres.