Famous Paris Attractions

Famous Paris Attractions

Every year, millions of people visit Paris to see the famous museums, monuments and other attractions. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions, and the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the world’s most stunning pieces of architecture not to be missed. A tour of the famous Seine River in Paris is also highly recommended.

Paris hosts some very popular annual events. These events include the Fête de la Musigue on June 21, which is a free event and Nuit Blanch, all night cultural festival, held in October. In September, during the heritage weekend, there is the Journées du Patrimoine. Everyone enjoys the Bastille Day parade on 14 July, which marches down the Champs-Elysées.

Families with small children must pay a visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg. There are model boats, puppet shows, pony rides and many playgrounds.

During one month of the year, from July 21, locals even enjoy their own beach. Sand covers the roads along the Right Bank of the Seine River. These roads are closed at this time, making way for deckchairs!

Paris is all about fashion. Every Friday at 3pm there are free fashion shows at the Paris Galleries Lafayette department stores (grand magasin). Add some fashion and accessories to your collection from the rue d’Orsel in Montmartre or the small boutiques of the northern Marais. Shopping can also be enjoyed at the atelier boutiques of rue de Charonne and rue Keller. These are found close to the Bastille.

The Eiffel Tower is visited by millions of people each year and is the symbol of Paris, featured on postcards, books, tee-shirts and paintings. It can be seen from anywhere in central Paris and is an architectural wonder. Try to visit the Eiffel Tower in the early morning on weekdays, as most of the time it is very crowded.

The first floor has displays of the tower’s history and the Altitude 95 restaurant. The second floor has another restaurant, the more upscale Jules Verne and both floors have souvenir shops. An elevator will take you to the top of the tower.

The Centre Pompidou is the third most visited attraction in Paris and features modern art exhibits in all forms, including literature, theater, film and music. There are three wonderful bookstores in Centre Pompidou, as well as a design boutique for artsy souvenirs and gifts. Outside the centre, enjoy the sculptures and street art with the most loved pop-art-esque Stravinsky Fountain.

Kids really enjoy the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. It is a hands-on museum with amazing interactive exhibits that are most suitable for children of ages 2 to 12. Visit between the hours of 10am and 6pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays, and until 7pm on Sundays.

The Arc de Triomphe offers the most amazing, panoramic views of Paris. 280 steps must be climbed to reach the top, so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes! It does have an elevator for disabled visitors or those with strollers, but there are a few steps still to manage after exiting the elevator. There is a small museum and a gift shop at the Arc de Triomphe.

Your trip to Paris will not be complete without fully experiencing the famous Seine River which runs through the heart of the city. It has wonderful bridges, all unique and with their own charm. Boat tours of the Seine River or other canals are best taken during the period of May to mid-September when the weather is warmer. A very romantic experience, and a wonderful way to see the city’s stunning monuments and historical buildings, including the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is the most beautiful and famous gothic cathedral in the world and is free to view inside, although there is a cost to climb the towers or visit the museum. Free concerts are also hosted by the Cathedral.

The Paris Pass offers many benefits for sight-seeing visitors in Paris. You will be allowed free entry to over 60 famous National Museums, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Arc de Triomphe. It includes a Seine River cruise and entrance to other popular attractions, even a wine tasting experience. Exclusive special offers for shopping at Galleries Lafayette and many restaurant dining discounts. The Paris Pass also includes unlimited and fee transportation with buses and RER. It will save money, and especially time, by enabling you to skip long queues at the most visited sight-seeing destinations.

Find out more information about Paris attractions from the Tourist Centers in both terminals of Paris Orly Airport and Charles de Gaulle Airport.