Paris is a city that hardly needs an introduction: it has fascinating history, awe-inspiring collections of art, and timeless appeal. However many times you visit it, the French capital never disappoints with its roster of iconic landmarks that never fail to raise the spirits. Whether it’s the stunning architecture or the peaceful gardens, Paris has a way of blending the past and present, giving rise to a city of unmatched splendour.
So, after much debate, we’ve narrowed it down to 15 of the best-known monuments you absolutely can’t miss. Are you ready for your trip to the City of Light? Let’s begin.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, perhaps the world’s most famous landmark, stands as a testament to innovation and design in the heart of Paris. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair by Gustave Eiffel, the span of iron lattice flies 330 meters high, with views of the city so stunning they will leave you mesmerised.
It’s not just a landmark—it’s a cultural symbol of France’s engineering ingenuity. Visitors can ride to its various levels via elevators or ascend by stairs, dine in its elegant restaurants, or watch its glittering lights at night. Whether you view it from the Champ de Mars or the Trocadéro Gardens, this timeless icon of Paris is sure to be memorable.
Louvre Museum
Whether or not you visit the Mona Lisa, The Louvre Museum must not be missed if you love art, as it has over 35,000 masterpieces from across multiple millenia. From ancient relics such as the Code of Hammurabi to iconic pieces such as the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Louvre collection covers multiple cultures and eras.
Its glass pyramid entrance, a modern architectural marvel, stands in stark contrast to the grandeur of the historic palace. With galleries spanning from Pharaonic Egypt to 19th-century Europe, visitors find themselves surrounded by history and inspiration.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture and symbolic of Parisian heritage. Constructed from 1163 to 1345, its twin towers, flying buttresses, gargoyles and elaborate sculptures draw in visitors. The interior, featuring rose windows and vaulted ceilings, showcases centuries of artistry.
And while damage from the 2019 fire shuttered its doors, much of the ongoing restoration keeps the legacy intact. A peaceful refuge in the heart of Paris, visitors can climb its towers to enjoy a bird’s-eye view and an up-close look at its famous bells. It’s a sight that’s as inspiring as it is unforgettable.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Sitting atop Montmartre hill, the Sacre-Coeur Basilica is aglow with peace and faith. Its gleaming white domes, built in the Byzantine-Romanesque style, are among the most distinctive features of the Paris skyline. Inside, the basilica’s sweeping mosaics and a sense of calm offer a moment to reflect. On the terrace outside, there are sweeping views of the city.
And Montmartre, an epicentre of creativity, is full of vibrant streets, artists, and vibrant cafés. The Sacré-Cœur offers a unique combination if you’re looking for spiritual solace or artistic inspiration.
Arc de Triomphe
Built at a time of rampant patriotism, the Arc de Triomphe is a continued symbol of French history and pride. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, it commemorates those who died for France in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Intricate carvings on its surface illustrate scenes of victory and sacrifice, and the Eternal Flame acts as a permanent vigil for the unknown soldier.
Climbing atop its rooftop delivers one of the best panoramic views of Paris. The city spreads out below like a massive lotus flower, with its arteries lighting the city’s core, including the famed Champs-Élysées. By day or night, the Arc’s monumental grandeur powerfully evokes France’s storied past.
Musée d’Orsay
Situated in a converted Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is a masterpiece in its architecture as well as its art. Focusing on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, it includes well-known works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Degas. Framed by the original station clock, the museum’s grand central hall provides a stunning backdrop to its exhibits.
Visitors can wander through halls full of sculpture, photography and decorative arts that reflect 19th- and early 20th-century ingenuity. A trip to the Musée d’Orsay is a feast for the eyes and an art history lesson all rolled into one.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the epitome of regal splendour. Once home to King Louis XIV’s court, this UNESCO World Heritage site exemplifies French Baroque architecture at its best. The Hall of Mirrors, with its jewelled chandeliers and gold-leaf decor, acts as its awe-inspiring centrepiece.
The extensive André Le Nôtre-designed gardens are filled with fountains, sculptures and trimmed paths. Visitors can also tour Marie Antoinette’s private estate to experience a taste of life as a French aristocrat. Located just outside of Paris, Versailles is a can’t-miss for its historical importance, architectural grandeur and a glimpse into France’s monarchical history.
Saint-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a marvel of Gothic architecture, famed for its entrancing stained glass windows. Constructed in the 13th century to store holy relics, its upper chapel is like entering a prism of colour and light. Fifteen of the towering panels provide detail on over 1,100 biblical scenes.
Soaring ceilings and delicate architecture make for an intimate yet awe-inducing space for the chapel. Sited on Île de la Cité, the island in the middle of the Seine, Sainte-Chapelle is a peaceful oasis in the midst of Paris’ frenetic energy. Whether your interests lean toward art, history, or spirituality, this treasure is a uniquely Parisian experience you won’t forget.
Luxembourg Gardens
Marie de’ Medici commissioned the Luxembourg Gardens in the 17th century, and its manicured lawns, fountains and flower beds provide a harmonious union of nature and design. The pond at the centre is just right for lazy afternoons, where you can see kids sailing tiny boats and local people whittling away the time.
Art lovers can admire statues and the Medici Fountain while picnickers sprawl on the verdant lawns. The gardens also offer a wide array of cultural events, further adding to its lively charm. A stop here offers you a welcome break and an insight into everyday Parisian life.
Champs-Élysées
An iconic avenue stretching from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées is a Parisian emblem for chic. It is lined with high-end boutiques, historic theatres and quaint cafes. A stroll around here merges shopping, dining and cultural exploration.
The atmosphere changes during the festive season when the thoroughfare begins to dazzle with twinkling lights and eclectic structures. Whether you’re window-shopping for high fashion, ambling down its pavements looking for delicious French pastries or attending events like the Bastille Day parade, the Champs-Élysées represents the drive and polish of Paris.
Panthéon
The Panthéon, in the Latin Quarter, is an architectural and historical landmark dedicated to celebrating France’s most esteemed figures. Built as a church, its neoclassical facade and domed design were influenced by the Pantheon in Rome.
Inside, frescoed scenes of French history wrap the walls, and in the crypt lie the remains of French icons such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie. Visitors can climb to the dome for sweeping views of Paris. An important Parisian landmark that combines art, history and grandiosity, the Panthéon provides a meditative tour of the people who helped forge France’s legacy.
Moulin Rouge
A symbol of Paris’s nightlife and entertainment, the Moulin Rouge offers you a glimpse into the city’s bohemian vibe. This legendary Montmartre cabaret that first introduced the world to the can-can dance opened in 1889. Its bright red windmill lit up at night, invites visitors to an evening of glittering performances, lavish costumes and live music.
The venue’s history is wrapped up in art, having inspired works by Toulouse-Lautrec and others. A show here will give you a taste of the over-the-top Belle Époque of Paris, so if you want some glamour and excitement, then this is the place to be.
Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III is more than just a bridge — it’s a work of Belle Époque art. Constructed for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, it is a symbol of the Franco-Russian friendship. Its show-stopping works of art include golden statuary of nymphs, cherubs and winged horses, and ornamented lamp posts that light up the Seine.
Linking the Champs-Élysées quarter with Les Invalides, the bridge offers exquisite views of the Eiffel Tower and the riverbanks. Whether it’s admired during a walk or as part of a river cruise, Pont Alexandre III is undoubtedly one of Paris’ most photogenic landmarks.
Place des Vosges
The Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest planned square, is in the Marais district and a quiet refuge from the city’s mayhem. The harmonious architecture of red-brick façades and slate roofs dates to the early 17th century.
The buildings around the square host galleries, cafes and boutiques, and the garden in the centre is perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic. Once home to Victor Hugo, whose house is now a museum, the Place des Vosges provides a taste of Paris’ imperial past.
Les Invalides
Les Invalides is a grand complex that pays homage to France’s strong military history. Originally commissioned by Louis XIV in the 17th century to serve as a hospital for war veterans, it is now home to military museums and monuments. Its church, the Église du Dôme, stands out with a gilded dome, and underneath is the extravagant tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Musée de l’Armée displays centuries of weaponry, armour, and wartime artefacts. Whether you’re drawn in by its stunning architecture or the historical connotations, Les Invalides remains an intriguing—and sombre—tribute to France’s military past.
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