Sightseeing in Paris
The city of Paris is a treasure trove for sightseeing. It isn’t called the City of Lights for nothing, and its numerous historical landmarks, monuments, and venues make Paris one of the top tourist destinations of all time.
Arc de Triomphe (Photo by Linz Ellinas)
The Eiffel Tower
This is the most recognizable landmark in all of Paris. The Eiffel Tower (5 avenue Anatole France Champ de Mars 75007 Paris, +33 8 92 70 12 39, website) was built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel for the World’s Fair. It is also the tallest structure in Paris. The numerous stories that surround the building of this tower—how it was once the world’s tallest structure, how it marveled the great Thomas Edison, how it should have been dismantled in 1909—simply add to its mystique and thrill. The Eiffel Tower has etched its way into the psyche of every tourist in the world. It is no wonder, then, that millions of people visit it every year.
Eiffel Tower (Photo by Michal Osmenda)
Arc de Triomphe
To commemorate his victories in battle, the French emperor Napoleon I ordered the building of a structure that would be impressive and ensure that his army’s greatness would not go unnoticed. More than 30 years later, the Arc de Triomphe (Place du Général de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, +33 1 55 37 73 77) was unveiled, long after the emperor had gone. It is a majestic engineering marvel which has been in existence for more than a century. The arc houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, France’s tribute to those who died in both world wars. Indeed, this arc is a fitting military tribute to the heroes of France.
A historical street
Cathédrale du Notre-Dame (Photo by Olivier Bruchez)
The Champs-Elysees (website) is one of the most famous streets in the world. Its presence on the Parisian landscape has made it the city’s most prominent avenue. This street has been in existence since the 18th century, and its development from a collection of fields to the avenue of multicultural convergence that it is today is a wonder. Lining this two-kilometer stretch are French restaurants and cafes. It is marked on both ends by the Arc de Triomphe and the Obelisk of Luxor, two great monuments themselves. This avenue is truly an icon and no tourist visits Paris without walking its sidewalks.
Religion in Paris
If there are architectural icons from French history, there are certainly religious icons as well. The Cathédrale du Notre-Dame (6 Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame, 4th, +33 1 4234 5610, website) is not just a religious structure but a historical one. Construction began during the latter part of the 12th century, and the building still stands today as one of the great gothic buildings in Europe. Its longevity is highlighted by the fact that, aside from being a historical tourist site, it is still a functioning church, with services held regularly. One of the most rewarding and challenging experiences in this cathedral is walking up the South Tower’s 387 steps. Indeed, few other structures in the world rival the majestic and breathtaking style of this spiritual edifice.
Another building to visit is the La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (Parvis du Sacré-Coeur, 18th, +33 1 53 41 89 00, website). Its dome offers a spectacular view of the city of Paris and is the second-highest point in Paris. Built in the late 19th century, it differs from many basilicas built during the same period of time. Like the Cathédrale du Notre-Dame, this church building is presently used to hold mass. It has also witnessed French history for more than a century.
La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (Photo by Thanh Nam Nguyen)
Islam is especially strong in France, and the Grand Mousqée de Paris (2, bis place du puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris, +33 1 45 35 97 33) invites the tourist to celebrate its architectural design and beauty. Although the prayer room is prohibited for non-Moslems, its sunken garden remains a great attraction for sightseeing, and its romantic courtyard takes you back centuries.
Tourist options
Budget is a prime consideration on any tourist’s mind. The Paris Pass assists with this issue. This package allows entry to most of the major museums and attractions. Purchasing this pass gives you all the benefits of a Museum Pass, an Attractions Pass, and a Paris Visite pass. It also includes a guidebook packed with all the information that a tourist needs to know. You can purchase the Paris Pass here.
Paris is a cultural extravaganza with a lot of exciting places to visit. Indeed, you can visit many of the places you only read about in history books and encyclopedia volumes. This is a perk that makes a visit to the City of Lights extremely gratifying.
Destinations
Eiffel Tower
- Address: 5 avenue Anatole France Champ de Mars 75007 Paris,
- Tel: +33 8 92 70 12 39
- Opening hours: January 1st to June 12th and August 29th to December 31st—9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; June 13th to August 28th—9:30 a.m. to midnight
- Cost (dependent on location of destination on tower): Adults—4.50€ to 13.10€; Youth 12 to 24 years old—3.50€ to 11.50€; Children 4 to 11 years old and handicapped persons–3€ to 9€
Arc de Triomphe
- Address: Place du Général de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
- Tel: +33 1 55 37 73 77
- Opening hours: April to September—10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; October to March—10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Closed January 1st, May 1st, December 25th, and the mornings of May 8th, July 14th, and November 11th
- Cost: Standard–9€; Youth 18 to 25 years old—5.50€; Children under 18—free
Cathédrale du Notre-Dame
- Address: 6 Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame, 4th
- Tel: +33 1 4234 5610
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
- Address: Parvis du Sacré-Coeur, 18th
- Tel: +33 1 53 41 89 00
- Opening hours: Basilica—6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Crypt and dome—9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Grand Mousqée de Paris
- Address: 2, bis place du puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris
- Tel: +33 1 45 35 97 33
- Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 2:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. for women; Tuesday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for men
- Tours: Saturday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2p.m. to 6 p.m. during winter; Saturday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. during summer
- Closed on Muslim holidays
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