Paris travel guide
The French Capital is best known for its memorable landmarks, delicious food, and being a romantic holiday destination, but there’s more to it than that. It’s home to beautiful artwork and rich history. It’s a city not to be ignored.
Arc de Triomphe
This monument is located at one end of the Champ-Élysées, and attracts thousands of tourists each year. It was built in honor of the soldiers who fought for France, especially in the Napoleonic wars. The names of the wars and the generals leading them are engraved into the arch. If you decide to make the climb to the top, there are excellent views, so it’s worth the fee.
Eiffel Tower
The tower was built as a symbol of France’s industrial prowess, and to honour one hundred years since the French revolution. The tower has over 1,000 steps (and, fortunately, a lift!) and the views of the city from the top are fantastic. But if you don’t fancy the trip to the top, there are plenty of good places to get a good photo of the landmark from the ground.
Champs-Élysées
The boulevard is almost two kilometers long, and is the most famous place to shop in Paris. It’s also where the last stretch of the Tour de France has taken place since 1975, and close to the Arc de Triomphe. It can be a bit pricey to shop or eat there, but it’s still worth strolling down and getting a feel for it.
Les Invalides
If you’re interested in history, the Les Invalides complex is well worth a visit. It houses several museums relating to France’s military history, and also a church where many of France’s war heroes, including Napoleon, are buried.
Louvre
The Louvre is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It is home to the renowned Mona Lisa painting and other incredible artworks, so with an entrance fee of just €12, it’s well worth the visit. But if you don’t go inside, it’s still worth viewing from outside. The triangular building is an artwork in itself.
Notre Dame
As Paris’ most famous cathedral, it’s a hub for tourism, and there’s a good reason why. The architecture is spectacular; considered one of the finest Gothic buildings in France. Though it can be busy in the summer, it’s worth queueing to get inside and observe the beautiful interior.
Jardin du Luxembourg
If you’re taking some time out of sight-seeing, the Luxembourg gardens are the perfect place to wander around for a relaxing afternoon activity. The flowers in the summer are simply beautiful, and they spread over 23 acres. It’s the perfect place to take kids too – they can watch the model sailboats on the pool.
River Seine
A relaxing cruise along the river is a perfect and relaxing way to see the city. Even if you don’t take a boat, walking alongside the water is also lovely, and depending which way you walk, you’ll pass some of the best landmarks Paris offers, such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
