8 Things to See in Paris

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Now there are many things to see and do in Paris. These are a few things I would highly suggest taking some time to visit/see;

1. Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is a famous cabaret in Paris, France that was opened in 1889. It is located in the Montmartre district of Paris, which was then a bohemian neighbourhood known for its artistic and cultural activity.

The Moulin Rouge became famous for its can-can dance performances, which featured women wearing frilly skirts and performing high kicks and splits. The cabaret also hosted a variety of other performances, including singers, musicians, and acrobats.

Over the years, the Moulin Rouge has been the subject of many films, books, and songs, and has become a symbol of Parisian nightlife and entertainment. Today, it continues to offer nightly cabaret shows, which typically include dinner and drinks.

Visitors to the Moulin Rouge can expect a high-energy atmosphere, with colourful costumes, dazzling sets, and lively music. The cabaret's interior is decorated in a Belle Époque style, with red velvet curtains, ornate chandeliers, and a large dance floor.

Note that while the Moulin Rouge is a popular tourist attraction, it can also be quite expensive, and advance booking is recommended. If you want to find out more, or you want to book tickets, you can visit their website

2. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark located in Paris, France. It was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, which was held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer and entrepreneur.

The Eiffel Tower stands at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest structures in Paris. It is made of wrought iron and consists of four massive legs that taper towards the top, where they converge to form a single point. The tower has three levels that are open to the public. Visitors can take an elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top level, which offers stunning views of Paris.

Since its construction, the Eiffel Tower has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a symbol of Paris and France. It attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.

Highly recommend if you want to travel up the tower, get there early. The lines to travel up via the elevators get long quickly and - speaking from personal experience - all those stairs are brutal!

You can pre-book tickets on their website

3. Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world, located in (of course) Paris, France. It is housed in a former royal palace and is home to an extensive collection of art and artefacts spanning thousands of years of human history. Here are some key facts about the Louvre:

The Louvre was originally a fortress built in the 12th century but was later converted into a royal palace in the 14th century. It became a museum in 1793. The Louvre is divided into eight departments, each with its own collection of art and artefacts. These departments include Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, and European Paintings, among others.

The Louvre's collection includes over 38,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and archaeological finds. Among the most famous works on display are Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Code of Hammurabi. The museum also has a large collection of Egyptian antiquities, including the Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decipher hieroglyphics.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Louvre hosts many temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by both established and emerging artists. The museum also offers a range of educational programs and guided tours to help visitors better understand and appreciate the art on display.

The Louvre is a massive museum, and visitors can spend days exploring its galleries and exhibits. It is recommended to plan ahead, purchase tickets in advance, and choose which collections or works of art to focus on during a visit.

For more details about the installations and to book tickets, visit the Louvre website

4. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a historic monument located in the city of Paris, France. It stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. The monument was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to commemorate the victories of the French army, and it was completed in 1836, long after his death.

The Arc de Triomphe is a massive structure, measuring 50 meters tall, 45 meters wide, and 22 meters deep. It is made of stone and decorated with a number of sculptures and reliefs that depict scenes from French history and military campaigns. The most famous of these is the sculptural group at the base of the monument, known as "The Departure of the Volunteers of 1792" or "La Marseillaise." It depicts a group of soldiers and civilians marching off to defend France during the French Revolution.

The Arc de Triomphe has played an important role in French history, serving as the site of many military parades and other national events. It is also the final resting place of the Unknown Soldier, a French soldier who died in World War I and whose remains were interred beneath the monument in 1921.

Visitors to the Arc de Triomphe can climb to the top of the monument to enjoy panoramic views of Paris. The climb involves climbing 284 steps, but the views from the top are said to be well worth the effort.

Interesting piece of trivia - any vehicle that travels the multiple lanes around the Arc invalidates ANY car insurance they have, due to the high number of accidents from vehicles that go through it and try to move between the lanes to the many exits. Tickets to head up the Arc are available here

5. Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur

The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic church located in the Montmartre district of Paris, France. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, known for its distinctive white dome and hilltop location, which offers sweeping views of the city below.

The construction of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur began in 1875 and was completed in 1914. It was designed by architect Paul Abadie in a mix of architectural styles, including Byzantine and Romanesque. The basilica is made of travertine stone, which gives it a striking white appearance that contrasts with the surrounding buildings.

One of the most notable features of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is its large mosaic in the apse, which depicts Christ in Majesty. The basilica also has a large bell tower that houses one of the heaviest bells in the world, known as "Savoyarde."

Inside the basilica, visitors can see a range of decorative art, including stained glass windows and mosaics. The crypt houses an exhibition on the basilica's history, as well as a chapel dedicated to Saint Michael.

The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics, and it also attracts many tourists who come to admire its architecture and enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the dome or take a funicular to reach the basilica.

Official website

6. Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

Notre Dame de Paris is a historic Catholic cathedral located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, France. It is one of the most famous examples of Gothic architecture in the world and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of French Gothic art.

The cathedral was built over a period of nearly 200 years, starting in 1163 and continuing until 1345. It was designed by a team of architects and craftsmen, and its construction involved innovative techniques that allowed for the creation of its soaring arches and intricate stonework.

Notre-Dame de Paris is known for its iconic facade, which features three large portals adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from the Bible. The cathedral's interior is equally impressive, with its high vaulted ceilings, rose windows, and ornate chapels. One of the most famous features of the interior is the choir screen, which was added in the 18th century and is decorated with over 100 figures.

Notre-Dame de Paris suffered a devastating fire in April 2019, which destroyed the cathedral's roof and spire. Since then, extensive restoration work has been underway to repair the damage and preserve the cathedral's historic architecture and art. However, it is due to reopen its doors to the public in December of 2024.

Despite the damage, Notre Dame de Paris has remained one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris during its closure and an important symbol of French history and culture. Visitors can tour the cathedral's interior, climb the towers for stunning views of the city, and attend mass or other religious services.

If you want to see how the rebuild is going, head to the official website

7. Panthéon

The Panthéon is a neoclassical building located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, France. Originally built as a church, it was later repurposed as a secular mausoleum to honour the great figures of French history.

Construction on the Panthéon began in 1758 under the direction of architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot. The building was completed in 1790, during the French Revolution, and was dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. The Panthéon is known for its distinctive dome, which rises 83 meters (272 feet) above the ground.

In 1791, the National Assembly decided to convert the Panthéon into a mausoleum for the remains of great men of France. Among those buried in the Panthéon are Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Marie Curie. In 1964, the Panthéon became the resting place of Simone Veil, the first woman to be interred there in recognition of her contributions to French history and society.

The Panthéon also houses a number of important artworks, including a large fresco by Jean-Baptiste Regnault and a statue of Saint Genevieve by the sculptor Paul Dubois. Visitors can also explore the crypt, which contains the tombs of the famous figures interred in the Panthéon.

Today, the Panthéon continues to be an important symbol of French history and culture. Visitors can tour the building and learn about the great men and women of France who are honoured there, as well as enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of the dome.

Tickets can be booked here

8. Paris Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs are a network of underground tunnels and ossuaries located beneath the streets of Paris, France. They were originally created in the late 18th century as a solution to the city's overcrowded cemeteries, which had become a public health hazard.

Beginning in 1786, the remains of millions of Parisians were exhumed from their graves and transported to the Catacombs, where they were arranged in stacks and patterns along the walls of the tunnels. The bones are organized in a macabre yet artistic manner, with skulls and other bones used to create patterns and designs.

Today, the Catacombs are open to the public and are a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore the eerie underground tunnels and see the rows of skulls and bones up close. The tour takes visitors through a series of dark and narrow tunnels, past a series of signs, and ultimately to the heart of the ossuary.

While the Paris Catacombs are a unique and fascinating attraction, it's important to note that visitors must be prepared for the underground environment, which can be damp and chilly, with low ceilings and narrow passageways. Visitors are also expected to treat the site with respect, as it is the final resting place of millions of people.

More details and tickets can be found here

There are many many other places to see in and around Paris, but these are a great place to start your adventure in the great city of Paris.

All photos were taken by the writer.

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