Paris is an ancient city with a rich history, which is not easy to get to know and feel in a short period of time, and many travelers have to carefully choose what to see in 1, 2 or 3 days. It is best to allocate at least 4-5 days to visit the French capital in order to have time to cover most of the iconic places. On a short Parisian vacation, it is recommended to pay attention to the main attractions of the city and spend more time on the streets contemplating the beauty of the architecture.
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited attraction in Paris, the world famous visiting card of the country. In 1889, the World Exhibition was held, for which Gustaf Eiffel created the "Iron Lady" as a temporary monument, not even suspecting what a significant place the tower will take in the life of the country. It is noteworthy that the French themselves do not like the Eiffel Tower too much and often speak out categorically against it. Tourists arrange picnics and photo shoots in front of the tower, as well as climb to the observation deck for an amazing view. To save money and avoid the queue, it is recommended to buy your entrance ticket in advance on the official website.
Triumphal Arch
Thinking about what to see in Paris, every traveler first of all remembers about the Arc de Triomphe. And not in vain! Majestic and proud, it attracts the eye and invites you to look at the French capital from above. The views from the arch are considered more aesthetically pleasing than those from the tower, and the entry price is lower. The ticket can also be purchased online.
Louvre
The Louvre is five floors of great art that every person who visits Paris should enjoy. It is there that the original "La Gioconda" by Leonardo da Vinci is kept, as well as sculptures "Venus de Milo" by Agesander of Antioch and "Nika of Samothrace" by an unknown author.
But it should be borne in mind that visiting the museum takes a lot of time, so it is worth allocating a free day for it to wander from exhibit to exhibit from opening to closing. For those who are in the city for a short time, it is better to focus on other attractions.
Concorde Square
An unusual square, which has a rectangular shape, and in each corner there is a statue-symbol of other cities, namely Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rouen and Strasbourg. In the center there is an Egyptian obelisk with a golden top and a fountain. Concorde Square is photogenic; it is surrounded by architectural monuments of the city, buildings of incredible beauty.
Luxembourg garden
In the list "What to see in Paris?" must be present the palace and park ensemble Luxembourg Gardens, which is conventionally divided into two equal halves. The north-western part of the garden is decorated in a classic French style, and the south-eastern part is in English. There are some great viewing platforms and activities for children. The highlight of the garden is the palace itself.
Notre dame cathedral
The Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral was opened to the public back in 1163 and still delights the eyes of locals and tourists alike. Due to the fire that occurred in 2019, the entrance is temporarily prohibited, but it is still worth admiring the cathedral. It is recommended to choose the morning time on weekdays so that there are fewer tourists.
Montmartre district
Area attractions - museums, communities, flea markets, atmospheric restaurants and coffee shops. A walk through Montmartre allows you to experience the Parisian spirit on the way to the grandiose Catholic Sacre Coeur, which was opened to the public in the early twentieth century. Inside, visitors see arches, stained glass windows and mosaics in their original form. The beauty of this place is breathtaking.
Latin quarter
An ideal place for those who love small cafes, books and souvenir shops. There you can buy memorabilia for yourself and as a gift at nice prices. There is a special student atmosphere in the Latin Quarter, as it is there that the great Sorbonne University is located. Cheerful young people roam everywhere, easily making contact with travelers. In the Latin Quarter, everyone feels like they are.
Pantheon
The Parisian Pantheon is located in the Latin Quarter. It is an architectural and historical complex in the neoclassical style, in the past it was a church, and now it is a tomb for those who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the country. Such great people as Victor Hugo, Emile Sol, Jacques Rousseau, Paul Painlevé, and others rest in the Pantheon. It is recommended to go inside to enjoy the stucco, bas-reliefs and art paintings. The building is constantly being renovated.
Galeries Lafayette
The most famous shopping center in Paris, created by the Kahn brothers in 1890. Then the gallery sold only fabrics, lace, ribbons, and other sewing equipment, but now there are boutiques of world brands. The prices are really impressive!
But even if shopping is not in the plans, it is still worth going to Galeries Lafayette in order to enjoy the views of the old building from the inside, spend time in the recreation areas and have a delicious meal.
Marais quarter
When deciding what to see in Paris, you should definitely consider the option of the historic Marais quarter. Cozy and picturesque streets are conducive to long walks, and along the way there are bookstores, restaurants, cafes and boutiques with branded clothing. Although the Marais quarter offers modern entertainment, it has a sense of the history of the city and its true spirit.
Center Pompidou
The Pompidou Center is half an old library, half a museum of modern art. On each of the five floors, the visitor will find something interesting that does not fit in the head. Like the Louvre, the Pompidou Center requires a considerable amount of time to get to know thoroughly, so those travelers who are not too constrained by time frames should go there.
On the ground floor there is a cinema, where only original films are shown, as well as various circles for young children. Some travelers prefer to leave their little ones there under the supervision of staff to buy time for "adult" entertainment.
House of Invalids
In the past, the House of Invalids held military and veterans who needed a calm, safe place for rehabilitation. Now there is a museum and a necropolis that you can visit. The building itself, as well as the surrounding area, deserve special attention. Well-groomed alleys are suitable for relaxing after long walks around the city, where you can sit on a bench and have a coffee while enjoying the view of the Invalides. Inside, the tourist will learn about the country's past, see the remains of the French military, armor, weapons, documents, and much more.
Quarter La Defense
After getting to know the historic districts of the city and still wondering what to see in Paris, you can head to the La Defense Quarter, which is also known as "Parisian Manhattan". High-rise buildings, which were built recently, surprise no less than architectural monuments. It is in this quarter that the offices of the largest French and world companies are now located, as well as luxury housing.
Rue Cremieux
Cremieux is the brightest street in Paris, with houses painted in vibrant colors. Surprisingly, this place is not particularly popular with tourists, so knowledgeable travelers can enjoy the narrow streets and no queues at small establishments. Needless to say, they make great photos for social media?
Paris is a city you want to come back to again and again. It beckons with history, culture and modern life. Now you know what to see in Paris on your first visit. This will be the perfect acquaintance!
