Paris, from top attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum to charming cafés lining picturesque streets, this enchanting city offers something for everyone. Countless movies and books have romanticized Paris, portraying it as a backdrop for love stories and artistic inspiration. Films like “Amélie” and timeless literature by authors such as Hemingway depict Paris as a haven of romance and culture. Whether you’re indulging in French cuisine or taking a leisurely Seine River cruise, there are many things to do in Paris. If you’re visiting for the first time or returning to France, don’t miss these places in Paris.
Eiffel Tower
Did you even go to Paris if you didn’t get a picture with the Eiffel Tower? Visiting this iconic landmark is a quintessential Parisian experience. If you want to climb the tower, you’ll find multiple ticket options. With entry to the second floor you can get nice view of the surrounding scenery, you’ll find many dining options and shops, and you get a unique view of the tower when it lights up at night. However, with access to the summit, you get unparalleled views of the city, including landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Seine River.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a luxury shopping mall and the second most visited site in Paris, right after the Eiffel Tower. Regardless of your budget, this elegant building deserves a visit. Located in the heart of Paris, its iconic Art Nouveau architecture houses high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Celine, and Chanel, all while celebrating quintessential Parisian style.
The story of Galeries Lafayette began in 1893 when two cousins, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, opened a tiny shop. Their prime location at the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin helped them find success. By 1896, they acquired the entire building. After some renovations, Galeries Lafayette transformed into the luxury bazaar we see today—a dream come true for the family.
Besides its array of luxury goods, Galeries Lafayette is famed for its stunning glass-domed roof. This architectural feature often serves as the defining image that visitors take home from Paris.
Throughout the year, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann hosts exhibitions featuring art, fashion, and food. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop terrace, which even offers a distant glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget to grab a masterfully delicious macaron from Pierre Hermé, one of the world’s best pastry chefs and an internationally recognized brand.
Museums
Paris boasts many famous museums, and even if you aren’t a museum person, these places might change your mind. For me, the Louvre sparked my love for museums. Many artists, writers, and creatives have lived in Paris, making it a hub for artistic movements like Impressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism. Throughout history the bohemian lifestyle and abundant patronage fostered the arts in this city. To truly appreciate Parisian culture, make sure to include at least one museum in your visit. Here are some popular ones:
The Louvre
Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, the Louvre is now the world’s largest art museum. Home to over 380,000 works, it showcases masterpieces from ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Highlights include the iconic Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo, and The Winged Victory of Samothrace. Visitors can explore the museum’s vast galleries, organized chronologically and thematically. To avoid long lines, book tickets in advance and consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours. Guided tours offer deeper insights into the museum’s most famous pieces.
Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay opened in 1986. It is celebrated for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The unique architecture provides a stunning backdrop for works by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir. Notable highlights include Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône and Monet’s Water Lilies. The museum captures the spirit of artistic innovation from 1848 to 1914.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Located in the Tuileries Gardens, this museum is famous for displaying Monet’s Water Lilies series. It also features works by other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists like Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse. The intimate setting allows for a serene viewing experience.
Musée Rodin
Dedicated to sculptor Auguste Rodin, this museum features his most famous works, such as The Thinker and The Kiss. It is set in a beautiful 18th-century mansion surrounded by stunning gardens showcasing many of Rodin’s sculptures.
Musée Picasso
Located in the Hôtel Salé, this museum showcases an extensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s paintings, sculptures, and sketches. It provides insight into the artist’s creative process and evolution over the decades.
Parks
Jardin des Tuileries:
Designed in the 17th century, this garden is one of the oldest and most famous parks in Paris. It stretches between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. The Jardin des Tuileries features wide, tree-lined paths perfect for leisurely strolls. Many benches and cafés invite visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. This garden is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, making it ideal for unwinding after exploring the Louvre. It is one of my favorite places in Paris. Whenever I think of the city, I remember wandering through those beautiful gardens.
Versailles
Just a short train ride from Paris, Versailles is a must-see for anyone interested in French history. Plan at least a quick day trip to visit the former residence of Marie Antoinette. Originally, it was a modest hunting lodge for Louis XIII. However, his son, Louis XIV, transformed it into the opulent Palace of Versailles. This grand estate represented the King’s vision for centralized political power in France. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can wander through lavishly decorated rooms and intricate gardens. Don’t miss the iconic Hall of Mirrors, where 357 mirrors reflect light from the windows to showcase the wealth and sophistication of the French monarchy. Additionally, the Treaty of Versailles was signed here in 1919, officially ending World War I. The choice of this location symbolized France’s transformation from a monarchy to a republic. In the expansive gardens, designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre, attend one of the musical fountain show, where water displays are synchronized to classical music.
Disneyland Paris
Opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris is the first and only Disney park in Europe. Unlike its American counterparts, this park has a distinctive architectural style. It reflects classic Disney themes along with European influences. For instance, the Sleeping Beauty Castle is inspired by French fairy tales and features intricate stained-glass windows and tapestries. Cobblestone streets and buildings emulate quaint French villages, emphasizing detailed facades and vibrant colors.
While traditional Disney snacks like churros and popcorn are available, the park also offers a wider array of European cuisine. You can find French pastries and regional dishes throughout. Familiar attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror, and Phantom Manor, have unique twists in Disneyland Paris. Each ride provides a fresh experience for fans. Additionally, the nightly fireworks show combines music, projections, and drones, creating a dazzling celebration of Disney stories and characters.
French Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Paris is known for its luxury brands. However, my personal favorites are slightly more affordable Maje and Sezane. Here are some must-visit luxury brands:
- Louis Vuitton: Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton is famous for its monogrammed bags and luggage. It is one of the most recognized luxury brands worldwide.
- Chanel: Established by Coco Chanel in 1910, Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion. She introduced comfortable, practical clothing that broke away from restrictive early 20th-century styles. Chanel popularized “casual chic,” replacing corsets with tailored suits and the iconic little black dress. The brand is renowned for its classic handbags and Chanel No. 5 perfume.
- Dior: Founded in 1946 by Christian Dior, the brand became famous for its “New Look” silhouette. This style contrasted with wartime utilitarian designs. Dior’s creations featured rich materials and elaborate detailing, emphasizing a fitted bodice and voluminous skirts. Today, Dior leads in haute couture, leather goods, and cosmetics, celebrated for innovation and elegance.
- Céline: created in 1945 by designer Céline Vipiana. Initially a made-to-measure children’s shoe business, it later evolved into a high-fashion brand known for its leather goods and ready-to-wear clothing. Today, Céline is known for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality craftsmanship.
For mid-range brands, consider these:
- L’Occitane en Provence: Established in 1976, this brand specializes in natural skincare and beauty products inspired by Provence.
- Sezane: Launched in 2013, Sezane focuses on timeless pieces, classic silhouettes, and playful prints.
- Maje: Founded in 1998, Maje blends Parisian elegance with bohemian flair through delicate fabrics and romantic details.
Seine Cruise
This idea actually came from my husband. He lived in France while in school and dreamed of doing a dinner cruise along the Seine with a future girlfriend or wife. Thankfully, I am that girl! Seine Cruises can be pricey, but they are a romantic activity best suited for couples.
Various options include lunch or dinner cruises, with prices varying depending on seating choice. My husband and I usually prefer budget-friendly options for travel. However, he decided to splurge on upgraded window seats. I am so glad he chose this option! This choice enhanced our experience immensely, providing better service and courses. We noticed that we were always served before the non-window tables nearby. Also our dinner included a bottle of wine and multiple courses. Even the live entertainment made an effort to serenade us personally.
The dinner cruise features live entertainment and a longer service than the lunch option, which makes it worth the extra price. Some reviews mention disappointing food, but we found our meal delicious. We enjoyed smoked salmon or duck foie gras for the appetizer, a fish or meat choose for the main course, followed by a cheese course and dessert. Each course was expertly paired with wines to enhance the flavors. It was a fancier meal than we typically enjoy, but it perfectly suited the atmosphere.
Famous Bookstore: Shakespeare and Company
From 1919 to 1941, Shakespeare and Company was located at 12 Rue de l’Odéon. Influential writers like Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot borrowed books, money, or even found a place to sleep there, thanks to owner Sylvia Beach. The shop closed in 1941 when Beach refused to give up the last copy of James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake to a Nazi officer. She was imprisoned for six months and never reopened her shop.
However, George Whitman, an eccentric American, opened his own bookstore just below his apartment. Following Beach’s example, Whitman’s shop, located on Paris’s left bank across from Notre Dame, also welcomed wandering or struggling authors. In exchange, they agreed to read a book a day, work a few hours, and write a one-page autobiography for the shop’s archive. In 1964, he adopted the name Shakespeare and Company. Although Whitman passed in 2011 at age 98, he entrusted the store to his daughter, Sylvia, named in honor of the original owner.
Sylvia Whitman continues her father’s legacy, offering a home for nomadic writers under the same conditions. Visitors can wait in line to check out this historic shop.
As you plan your adventure in Paris, whether you’re enjoying a croissant in a cozy café or gazing at the art in the Louvre, every moment spent in Paris is a treasure. So, pack your bags, embrace the charm of the city, and let Paris leave an unforgettable mark on your travel memories.
For more travel recommendations, check out my other posts: