Are you planning a trip to Paris, the most romantic city in the world? Have no clue on what to do? If you answered yes, this is the post for you!
You should know that all make for a perfect day out in Paris – starting from the world-famous Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum and the lesser-known attractions like Rue Crémieux.
So, let us go over the must-see attractions and the hidden gems in Paris.
Eiffel Tower
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Of course, we can’t leave out the Eiffel Tower on a perfect day out in Paris! The Eiffel Tower, which stands majestically on the Champ de Mars is one of the tallest structures in the world. It stands approximately at a height of 330 meters (1,083 feet), which is equal to an 81-story building! Don’t forget to visit the Eiffel Tower at night. It will stop your heart as it lights up with thousands of lights.
Louvre Museum
Image by ian kelsall from Pixabay
The Louvre Museum is one of the most popular museums in the world, with 380,000 objects and 35,000 artworks (a large collection, I know). Among these are Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” the ancient Greek statue “Venus de Milo,” “The Winged Victory of Samothrace,” and “The Wedding at Cana.” The Louvre’s most remarkable feature is its glass pyramid (I am sure you have seen it on the internet!) on the entrance.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
As you enter the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris only two words can express how you feel: splendor and awe. This is because it is one of the greatest displays of French Gothic architectural style in the world. The most notable feature of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is its stained-glass windows, particularly the Rose Window on the west façade, which shows scenes from the bible in striking colors.
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is a piece of art itself, housed in the elegant Gare d’Orsay railway station, created by architect Victor Laloux. The Musée d’Orsay is well-known for its collection of artworks ranging from 1848 to 1914. The collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces by world-renowned painters such as Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Édouard Manet, and Van Gogh is especially remarkable. So, don’t forget to visit it on your day out in Paris!
Luxembourg Gardens
Another one of the most popular things to do in Paris is visiting the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens! Luxembourg Gardens is a part of the Luxembourg Palace of Paris. It was constructed under the instructions of Queen Marie de’ Medici in 1612. Today, it’s an ideal spot to take a break while exploring other Paris attractions. There are also many metal benches surrounded by statues and sculptures, as well as children’s play areas, puppet theater, and tennis courts in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Sacré-Coeur
Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer from Pixabay
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, also known as “Sacré-Coeur,” is located on Montmartre Hill, at the highest point in Paris. Going there means you’ll get to experience beautiful views of Paris, especially in the evenings! The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a marvel in its own right, with Romanesque Byzantine architecture and beautiful white domes and pillars. The central dome is especially notable; it stands 83 meters (272 feet) tall and has a viewing platform at the top.
Arc de Triomphe
Image by Hervé Lagrange from Pixabay
One of the most well-known Paris France attractions is the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe is positioned at the western end of Paris’ busiest avenue, the Champs-Élysées. Reportedly, there is a tomb of an unknown soldier from WWI under the Arc de Triomphe. Therefore, the primary purpose of this structure is to remember all the unidentified soldiers who lost their lives in battle. You can also climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for stunning views of Paris.
Palace of Versailles
One of the best examples of French Baroque art you will see in Paris is at the Palace of Versailles. The gardens and well-kept lawns with neatly designed flower beds are well worth a look. The “Hall of Mirrors” is particularly interesting – a long hallway with 17 mirrored arches opposing 17 windows, producing a hypnotic ambiance when the sunlight hits the chamber! It is recommended to book tickets online because standing in a queue for long periods will not be a pleasant experience.
59 Rivoli
59 Rivoli is just a few steps away from top attractions in Paris like the Louvre Museum! For those who are unfamiliar with 59 Rivoli (which is understandable given that it is a hidden gem in Paris), it is a 20th-century artist squat. It has become entirely legal throughout the years, and it is now a place where artists including painters, sculptors, etc., are committed in their creative endeavors. The art you see here is unlike any other in Paris because it primarily expresses the freedom of creativity. It’s free for the general public, so stop by 59 Rivoli if you have time.
Rue Crémieux
You’ve probably seen the Parisian Rue Crémieux, with its pastel-colored houses on either side of a narrow alley. The houses come in various colors like green, blue, pink, orange, yellow, etc., to create a cheerful atmosphere. That is why Rue Crémieux is one of Paris’ most photographed streets! Anyway, because this is a pedestrian-only area, you can freely move about and take those perfect shots without worrying about crowds. However, because it is still a residential area, you must be respectful of the people’s daily activities when taking photographs.
The Sinking House in Montmartre
The Sinking House of Montmartre is another hidden gem located in Butte Montmartre – the highest natural point in the city. It is often overlooked because all attention goes to the nearby Sacré-Coeur. By the way, the Sinking House of Montmartre is not really sinking! It is 100% an illusion caused by the geography of Butte Montmartre. So, the trick to taking an Instagram-worthy photo is to tilt your camera to the left. This causes the grass to come to the perfect (straightened) level, giving the impression that the home is sinking.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
