Sightseeing Paris
Paris seems to be designed for sightseeing, with so much amazing monuments and historical buildings, stunning lanes and boulevards, impressive museums and art galleries and great public parks. We can guarantee you that sightseeing in Paris will be an unforgettable adventure. But where to start? There is so much to see! We selected the real ´must sees´.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous buildings in the world. The tower was built between 1887 and 1889 for the World Exhibition in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel. This impressive building measures 317 meters. You can climb the tower by taking the stairs, but it is also possible to take the elevator. In the tower you will find some nice restaurants with the best views over town. Do you still need to buy some nice souvenirs? You will find some nice souvenir shops in the Eiffel Tower as well.
Notre Dame
The Notre Dame was built between 1163 and 1345 and can be seen as a perfect example of French gothic architecture. Bishop Maurice de Sully gave the order to build the church. You will find the Notre Dame on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the River Seine. In the Notre Dame lies the crown of thorns that was worn by Jesus. But you will also find a piece from one of the nails with which Jesus was crucified and a piece from the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The Notre Dame is also famous because of his magnificent organ. And of course everybody knows the Notre Dame gained world fame with Vitor Hugo´s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is a beautiful avenue in the northwest of Paris and leads from the Place de la Concorde with the Obelisk of Luxor to the Place Charles de Gaulle with the famous Arc de Triomphe. The Champs-Élysées is well known all over the world especially because every year it serves as the last stage of the Tour de France. At the Champs-Élysées you find the finest specialty shops, exclusive fashion shops, cinemas and charming cafés.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to honor the people who fought for France and was built by the French architect Jean Chalgrin. This impressive monument stands in the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle and is 50 meter tall.
Montmartre
Montmartre is the name of a hill and district in the north of Paris were artists like to gather. It is an inspiring and charming place where you can wander through the streets watching the painters making their portraits or city views. Have a drink or a meal in one of the enchanting bars or restaurants and don´t forget to enjoy the stunning view over the city. The highest point of the Montmartre is 130 meters high. One of the biggest tourist attractions of Montmartre is the Basilica Sacre Coeur.
Sacre Coeur
High on the summit of Montmartre raises this white masterpiece of architecture designed by the architect Abadie. They started building this basilica in 1875, but it was not completed until 1914. The Sacre Coeur is built in a remarkable roman-byzantine style and an absolute ´must see` for during your citybreak Paris.
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
A cemetery is maybe not the first thing to think of to visit during your citybreak Paris, but the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is very special. Not only it is the largest cemetery of Paris, it is also the place where a lot of famous people were buried like Molière, La Fontaine, Chopin, Auguste Comte, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrisson. The cemetery was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804.
Bois de Boulogne
Even though you are on a citybreak, you can fully enjoy nature in Paris by visiting Bois de Boulogne a little east of the city centre. Bois de Boulogne stretches over 846 acres with 35 kilometers of pedestrian walkways and 8 kilometers of cycle ways. You see here all kinds of trees such as oak trees, cherry trees, beeches, cedar trees and chestnut trees. Also enjoy the famous rose garden and the zoo of Bois de Boulogne. During the day it is very nice to wander through this beautiful park. Here you can recover from all the fantastic impressions you gained during your adventurous citybreak in Paris. However in the evening and the night it is an unsafe area.
Place de la Bastille
The Place de la Bastille is an important historical site in Paris. This is the place were once stood the fortress-prison Bastille Saint-Antoine, best known because of the Storming of the Bastille on the 14 of July 1789. Nowadays you can only see the original outline of the Bastille marked on the pavement. In the centre of the Place de la Bastille stands the July Column. Also have a look at the impressive Opéra Bastille which is located here.
Boulevard Haussmann
One of the boulevards in Paris you shouldn’t miss during your citybreak Paris, is the Boulevard Haussmann. This wonderful boulevard is called after the architect Baron Haussmann, who played a prominent role in the restructuring of the city in the 19th century. The Boulevard Haussmann is 2,5 kilometers long and 30 meters wide. Here you will find some famous warehouses such as Au Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. The boulevard was built in 1857.
Sightseeing tours Paris
You can choose to discover Paris all by yourself, but you can also benefit from well organized sightseeing tours. Experienced city tour guides will show you all the highlights of Paris and provide you with all detailed information about the tourist attractions in Paris. There are all different kinds of sightseeing tours, like walking tours, river cruises and bus tours. At the tourist offices in the city centre they can give you all the information you need about the sightseeing tours in Paris. Also ask for the special Paris tourist pass. With a Paris Pass you will get great discounts on public transport and museums.