Paris attractions listed by popularity
Probably the best known landmark in Europe, the Eiffel Tower - once the tallest tower in the world - is the symbol of Paris and one of the city's must-see attractions.
The Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals ever built. Construction started in 1163 and lasted for almost two centuries. Unfortunately, the cathedral was ravaged by a fire in 2019.
The Arc de Triomphe commemorates the victories of the French Army during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon in 1806 but only completed in 1836, long after the emperor's downfall.
The Sacré-Cœur is a basilica in Roman-Byzantine style located on top of the Montmartre hill. Construction started in 1875, but the building wasn't completed until 1914.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the most prestigious and most famous street in Paris and possible in the whole world. It stretches all the way from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
The Hôtel des Invalides is an immense 17th century complex originally built to accommodate war veterans. It is now home to several museums, including a large military museum.
Now known as the Palais Garnier, this opulent building in Second Empire baroque style was constructed between 1862 and 1875 as one of the grandest opera houses ever built.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is probably the most popular park in Paris. It was created in the 17th century as a private park for Marie de Medici - wife of King Henry IV - and opened to the public in the 19th century.
What started as a modest hunting lodge was expanded into the world's most famous palace, a model for all future European palaces. The palace is located just 20 km. southwest of Paris.
The Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, connects the Tuileries with the Champs-Élysées. At its center is a 3200 years old obelisk, transported in the 19th century from Egypt.
The Orsay Museum is housed in a grand railway station built in 1900 along the Seine River. Home to many sculptures and impressionist paintings, it has become one of Paris's most popular museums.
The Place des Vosges is the oldest square in Paris. All buildings bordering the square have the same red-brick facade. One of the houses surrounding the magnificent square is home to the Victor Hugo Museum.
Centre Pompidou is a cultural center in the heart of historic Paris. The complex was built in 1977 by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It includes a museum of modern art and a large library.
Despite the many tourists here, Montmartre - once Paris's artist's enclave - has managed to keep a charming and village-like atmosphere. The most famous attraction in this area is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
La Défense is the prime high-rise office district of Paris. Many of Paris's tallest buildings can be found here, as well a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe: the Grande Arche de la Défense.
This museum is dedicated to France's most famous sculptor Auguste Rodin, known for famous works such as The Thinker and The Kiss. The museum is housed in a mansion where Rodin once lived and worked.
Ever since it opened in 1889 as a 'temple of music and dance', Moulin Rouge has set the standard as the world's most famous cabaret. Today, its show attracts visitors from across the world.
This chapel was built in 1248 by King Louis IX at the Île de la Cité to store important religious relics. The magnificent chapel in Gothic style is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
The Jardin des Tuileries is a popular park in French formal style situated between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. The garden features numerous sculptures as well as a couple of museums.
Built as King Louis XIV's private chapel, this magnificent building now houses the tombs of several prominent French historic figures, most notably that of Emperor Napoleon I.
The Petit Palais (small palace) was built as a temporary structure for the World Fair of 1900. The magnificent Beaux-Arts building housed a large exposition of French Art. Today it is home to the Museum of Fine Arts.
This botanical garden was founded in 1626 as a medical garden and opened to the public in 1650. The garden is also home to a small zoo and the city's Natural History Museum.
The Montparnasse Tower, built in 1973, was one of the first tall skyscrapers in Paris. After completion, the tower was seen as an intrusion of the skyline. The public outcry halted construction of skyscrapers in the historic center.
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a very unusual park situated in the 19th arrondissement. The park is located on a rocky hill and features a 30-meter (100 ft.) waterfall, steep hills and a 'suicide bridge'.
The Pont Alexandre III is the most ornamented and most popular bridge in Paris. The beautiful bridge, designed by Résal and Alby at the end of the 19th century, consist of a single 107-meter-long span.
One of two central islands in the Seine River, this is considered the heart of Paris. First settled in the 3rd century B.C., the island now has some magnificent sights such as the Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.
The Grand Palais was built near the Champs-Élysées as an exposition hall for the World Fair of 1900. The structure features Art Nouveau ironwork and an enormous glass-domed roof.
The Hôtel de Ville - City Hall - is a beautiful 19th-century building in Renaissance style, modeled after the original 16th-century building. It is located at the Place de Grève, near the Seine river.
This square was the location of the Bastille stronghold, which was stormed on July 14, 1789, triggering the start of the French Revolution. The stronghold was demolished, and a modern opera house now dominates the square.
The Palais Royal is a palace built by Cardinal Richelieu in 1629. King Louis XIV - later known as the Sun King - spent his youth in this palace before moving to the Louvre. The central courtyard and garden can be visited free of charge.
The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous and most-visited cemeteries. A long list of famous people are buried here, from Rossini and Sarah Bernhardt to Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison.
The National Museum of the Middle Ages, also known as the Cluny Museum, has a magnificent collection of medieval art. It is housed in a medieval mansion with Gallo-Roman ruins.
The first Gothic church in the world was also the place where French kings were crowned and buried. As a result, the Basilique de Saint-Denis is now a royal necropolis with more than seventy statues and tombs.
The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle is a natural history museum with a vast collection covering a variety of fields including zoology, paleontology, mineralogy and botany.
This fountain in Renaissance style was built in the mid 16th century. Originally placed near the 'Cemetery of the Innocents', it is now located at the center of a small square, not far from the Centre Pompidou.
The Place Vendôme is Paris's most prestigious square. The tall bronze column at its center honors Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. The column is topped by a statue of the emperor.
For several centuries, this castle was one of the main residences of the French Royals. They abandoned the site, however, after the completion of the Versailles Palace outside Paris.
The world's first elevated park was created in the early 1990s on an abandoned elevated railway viaduct. It has been imitated by several cities, most notably New York.
The Forum des Halles is a large underground shopping center covered by a huge awning known as 'La canopée'. It sits on land that for centuries was home to the main marketplace of Paris.
Once part of a royal palace, this medieval building was used as a prison for more than 500 years. During the revolution, important prisoners were often held here before they were led to the guillotine.
Parc Monceau, created in the 18th century by the Duke of Orleans, is one of Paris's most attractive parks. It features beautiful flowerbeds, many statues, a series of Corinthian columns and even a pyramid.
One of the largest churches in Paris, this mainly Gothic church was built over a span of more than 100 years, from 1532 until 1637. The church has beautiful stained-glass windows and boasts France's largest pipe organ.
The Place du Châtelet is a square named after the Châtelet fortress built here in the 12th century to defend the Île de la Cité, Paris's historic center. The square is bordered by two theatre buildings.
The Église de Saint-Sulpice is the second-largest church in Paris. It was built over a span of more than 100 years. Intriguingly, the two front towers have a slightly different design.
The National Army Museum in Paris covers the history of warfare from prehistoric times up to the Second World War. It is one of the world's most expansive army museums, with a particularly large collection of military uniforms.
Named for the Roman god of war, Champ de Mars is a long stretch of grass bordered by laid-out gardens. The park is the site of Paris's most famous icon, the Eiffel Tower.
The Arc du Carrousel is the smallest of three arches on the triumphal way between the Louvre Museum and La Défense. The top of the arch originally featured four gilded horses taken from St. Mark's Square in Venice.
This innovative modern park was created at the site of the former Citroën automobile plant near the Seine River. The park is arranged into several gardens, all with very contrasting designs.
The Louvre Pyramid was built in the 1980s as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. The modern glass design forms a nice contrast with the historic architecture of the Louvre Palace.
Located in the popular Marais district, this museum covers the history of Paris, from its early beginnings over the French Revolution up to the modern times. The museum features many recreated historic rooms.
By the mid 19th century, numerous covered passages - precursors of today's shopping malls - were created in Paris. About 20 of these survived, many of which have been beautifully restored.
Saint-Étienne-du-Mont was built in the 15th to 17th century at the former abbey of Sainte Geneviève. The church is best known for its shrine of Sainte Geneviève, patron saint of Paris. Another highlight is the magnificent choir screen.
This modernist complex was built for the World Fair of 1937. It houses several museums, an aquarium and a theater. From the esplanade, you have a great view of the Eiffel Tower.
The Stravinsky Fountain is a modern fountain in Paris, created in 1983 as a homage to the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. The fountain is popular thanks to its quirky kinetic sculptures.
This late-Gothic tower is all that remains of the 16th century St-Jacques church. The church was demolished during the French Revolution, but its tower was fortunately spared.
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is a museum of technical innovations with a collection ranging from clocks to cars. The museum is housed in a former Benedictine priory.
The Montparnasse Cemetery is one of the most interesting cemeteries in Paris, with plenty of intriguing memorial sculptures. Many of Paris's famous artists and literary figures have their last resting place here.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is an excellent museum of decorative arts. It is housed in a wing of the Louvre Palace, where it displays a collection of objects from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the oldest church in Paris, and its roots go back to 512 AD, when it was founded as a basilica. The church is at the center of a popular quarter of the same name.
The Canal St-Martin is part of a series of canals dug in the early 19th century to provide Paris with fresh drinking water. Today, people enjoy a stroll along the canal's picturesque locks and iron bridges.
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is a large science museum with exhibits that invite visitors to interact rather than simply observe. The museum has a whole floor dedicated to activities for children.
The Galeries Lafayette at boulevard Haussmann is the most famous of several impressive department stores in Paris. The store has a magnificent glass dome, built in the early 20th century.
The Park de Bagatelle is a beautiful garden on the western edge of Paris. Originally laid out in the 18th century in the English landscape style, the park is now best known for its delightful rose garden.
The Musée du Quai Branly is a museum that highlights the indigenous cultures of Oceania, Asia, Africa and America. It is housed in a remarkable building designed by Jean Nouvel.
The Cimetière des Chiens is an interesting pet cemetery in Paris. Since 1899, thousands of animals have been buried here, including Rin Tin Tin, a canine Hollywood star of the 1920s.
The Medici Fountain is a romantic fountain that was built in the early 17th century for Maria de' Medici, widow of King Henry IV. The fountain is located in the popular Luxembourg garden.
The Jardins de l'Observatoire is a long and narrow park decorated with a series of columns and statues. The centerpiece of the park is the monumental Fountain of the Four Parts of the World.
The Grande Arche de la Défense was built at the end of the 20th century as a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe. It is the centerpiece of La Défense, the main business district of Paris.
The Fontaine Saint-Michel, one of the most impressive fountains in Paris, was created in 1860 by the French architect Gabriel Davioud. It is named for the central statue of archangel St. Michael.
The Place des Victoires, a harmonious royal square, was created in 1686 by the French court architect Mansart. A large statue of King Louis XIV at its center commemorated the victories of France over other nations.
The church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis was built in the 17th century by the Jesuits as the St. Louis Church. It was dedicated in 1641 by cardinal Richelieu and contained relics of King Louis XIII and King Louis XIV.
This large park in the north of Paris is home to the city's Science Museum as well as several concert halls. The park - bisected by a canal - has a very open layout with large grassy areas and several themed gardens.
This amphitheater - built in the 1st century A.D. - is one of the traces of Paris's Roman heritage that can be found throughout the city. Paris was known at the time as Lutetia, hence the name of the arena.
The Palais Bourbon was built in 1728 as the palace of the Duchess of Bourbon, daughter of King Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan. Today, it houses the French Parliament's Lower House.
The Montmartre Cemetery is the most intimate of Paris's famous cemeteries. It is best known for the many artists and literary figures buried here, including Émile Zola and Edgar Degas.
Housed in the east wing of the Chaillot Palace, the museum shows the history of French architecture from the 12th century to today with displays of casts, models and wall paintings.
The Gare du Nord, built in 1866 after a monumental design by Hittorff is Paris's busiest train station. High speed trains depart here for international destinations such as London and Amsterdam.
This modern library was built in 1996 and consists of four 24-story buildings shaped as open books. The four towers enclose a central garden of about one hectare or 2.5 acres.
The Hospital of Salpêtrière was built in the seventeenth century on the order of King Louis XIV. Homeless people and other outcasts were interned here. The hospital later became known for its humane treatment of mental patients.
The Hôpital St-Louis is a hospital complex that was built in the early seventeenth century to isolate those who had the bubonic plague. The architecture style resembles that of the famous Place des Vosges.
The Jardin Atlantique is a modern garden built on top of the Montparnasse railway station. The garden, which can be reached from inside the station, is completely enclosed by high-rise buildings.
The Parc Floral de Paris is a flower garden situated just east of Paris's center, right near the Vincennes Castle. The garden boasts some 3000 varieties of plants, including hundreds of different tulips and dahlias.
The Musée de la Marine traces the nation's maritime history from the wooden sculpted vessels of the 18th century to the aircraft carrier and submarines of the modern era.
The Palais de Tokyo was built in 1936-1937 as the pavilion of modern art for the world exposition of 1937. Today, the complex is still home to modern and contemporary art.
The Parc de Bercy is a modern park that opened in 1995 at the site of former wine warehouses. The park is divided in three sections, each with a very different character, from plain grass fields to romantic landscaped gardens.
Parc Montsouris is a large romantic park laid out in English style. At 15 hectares (37 acres) it is the second-largest park in Paris proper. The park is bisected by a rail track with bridges connecting either side.
This tent-shaped building, known as the Winter Circus, opened in 1852 as the Cirque Napoléon. The building is still used to host circus productions during winter time as well as some other events.
Paris attractions listed alphabetically
The Arc de Triomphe commemorates the victories of the French Army during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon in 1806 but only completed in 1836, long after the emperor's downfall.
The Arc du Carrousel is the smallest of three arches on the triumphal way between the Louvre Museum and La Défense. The top of the arch originally featured four gilded horses taken from St. Mark's Square in Venice.
This amphitheater - built in the 1st century A.D. - is one of the traces of Paris's Roman heritage that can be found throughout the city. Paris was known at the time as Lutetia, hence the name of the arena.
The first Gothic church in the world was also the place where French kings were crowned and buried. As a result, the Basilique de Saint-Denis is now a royal necropolis with more than seventy statues and tombs.
The Canal St-Martin is part of a series of canals dug in the early 19th century to provide Paris with fresh drinking water. Today, people enjoy a stroll along the canal's picturesque locks and iron bridges.
Centre Pompidou is a cultural center in the heart of historic Paris. The complex was built in 1977 by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It includes a museum of modern art and a large library.
Named for the Roman god of war, Champ de Mars is a long stretch of grass bordered by laid-out gardens. The park is the site of Paris's most famous icon, the Eiffel Tower.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the most prestigious and most famous street in Paris and possible in the whole world. It stretches all the way from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
For several centuries, this castle was one of the main residences of the French Royals. They abandoned the site, however, after the completion of the Versailles Palace outside Paris.
The Montmartre Cemetery is the most intimate of Paris's famous cemeteries. It is best known for the many artists and literary figures buried here, including Émile Zola and Edgar Degas.
The Cimetière des Chiens is an interesting pet cemetery in Paris. Since 1899, thousands of animals have been buried here, including Rin Tin Tin, a canine Hollywood star of the 1920s.
The Montparnasse Cemetery is one of the most interesting cemeteries in Paris, with plenty of intriguing memorial sculptures. Many of Paris's famous artists and literary figures have their last resting place here.
This tent-shaped building, known as the Winter Circus, opened in 1852 as the Cirque Napoléon. The building is still used to host circus productions during winter time as well as some other events.
Housed in the east wing of the Chaillot Palace, the museum shows the history of French architecture from the 12th century to today with displays of casts, models and wall paintings.
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is a large science museum with exhibits that invite visitors to interact rather than simply observe. The museum has a whole floor dedicated to activities for children.
Once part of a royal palace, this medieval building was used as a prison for more than 500 years. During the revolution, important prisoners were often held here before they were led to the guillotine.
Built as King Louis XIV's private chapel, this magnificent building now houses the tombs of several prominent French historic figures, most notably that of Emperor Napoleon I.
Probably the best known landmark in Europe, the Eiffel Tower - once the tallest tower in the world - is the symbol of Paris and one of the city's must-see attractions.
The Fontaine Saint-Michel, one of the most impressive fountains in Paris, was created in 1860 by the French architect Gabriel Davioud. It is named for the central statue of archangel St. Michael.
This fountain in Renaissance style was built in the mid 16th century. Originally placed near the 'Cemetery of the Innocents', it is now located at the center of a small square, not far from the Centre Pompidou.
The Forum des Halles is a large underground shopping center covered by a huge awning known as 'La canopée'. It sits on land that for centuries was home to the main marketplace of Paris.
The Galeries Lafayette at boulevard Haussmann is the most famous of several impressive department stores in Paris. The store has a magnificent glass dome, built in the early 20th century.
The Gare du Nord, built in 1866 after a monumental design by Hittorff is Paris's busiest train station. High speed trains depart here for international destinations such as London and Amsterdam.
The Grand Palais was built near the Champs-Élysées as an exposition hall for the World Fair of 1900. The structure features Art Nouveau ironwork and an enormous glass-domed roof.
The Grande Arche de la Défense was built at the end of the 20th century as a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe. It is the centerpiece of La Défense, the main business district of Paris.
The Hôpital St-Louis is a hospital complex that was built in the early seventeenth century to isolate those who had the bubonic plague. The architecture style resembles that of the famous Place des Vosges.
The Hospital of Salpêtrière was built in the seventeenth century on the order of King Louis XIV. Homeless people and other outcasts were interned here. The hospital later became known for its humane treatment of mental patients.
The Hôtel de Ville - City Hall - is a beautiful 19th-century building in Renaissance style, modeled after the original 16th-century building. It is located at the Place de Grève, near the Seine river.
The Hôtel des Invalides is an immense 17th century complex originally built to accommodate war veterans. It is now home to several museums, including a large military museum.
The Jardin Atlantique is a modern garden built on top of the Montparnasse railway station. The garden, which can be reached from inside the station, is completely enclosed by high-rise buildings.
This botanical garden was founded in 1626 as a medical garden and opened to the public in 1650. The garden is also home to a small zoo and the city's Natural History Museum.
The Jardin des Tuileries is a popular park in French formal style situated between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. The garden features numerous sculptures as well as a couple of museums.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is probably the most popular park in Paris. It was created in the 17th century as a private park for Marie de Medici - wife of King Henry IV - and opened to the public in the 19th century.
The Jardins de l'Observatoire is a long and narrow park decorated with a series of columns and statues. The centerpiece of the park is the monumental Fountain of the Four Parts of the World.
La Défense is the prime high-rise office district of Paris. Many of Paris's tallest buildings can be found here, as well a modern version of the Arc de Triomphe: the Grande Arche de la Défense.
The Louvre Pyramid was built in the 1980s as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. The modern glass design forms a nice contrast with the historic architecture of the Louvre Palace.
The Medici Fountain is a romantic fountain that was built in the early 17th century for Maria de' Medici, widow of King Henry IV. The fountain is located in the popular Luxembourg garden.
Despite the many tourists here, Montmartre - once Paris's artist's enclave - has managed to keep a charming and village-like atmosphere. The most famous attraction in this area is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Ever since it opened in 1889 as a 'temple of music and dance', Moulin Rouge has set the standard as the world's most famous cabaret. Today, its show attracts visitors from across the world.
Located in the popular Marais district, this museum covers the history of Paris, from its early beginnings over the French Revolution up to the modern times. The museum features many recreated historic rooms.
The Orsay Museum is housed in a grand railway station built in 1900 along the Seine River. Home to many sculptures and impressionist paintings, it has become one of Paris's most popular museums.
The National Museum of the Middle Ages, also known as the Cluny Museum, has a magnificent collection of medieval art. It is housed in a medieval mansion with Gallo-Roman ruins.
The National Army Museum in Paris covers the history of warfare from prehistoric times up to the Second World War. It is one of the world's most expansive army museums, with a particularly large collection of military uniforms.
The Musée de la Marine traces the nation's maritime history from the wooden sculpted vessels of the 18th century to the aircraft carrier and submarines of the modern era.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is an excellent museum of decorative arts. It is housed in a wing of the Louvre Palace, where it displays a collection of objects from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is a museum of technical innovations with a collection ranging from clocks to cars. The museum is housed in a former Benedictine priory.
The Musée du Quai Branly is a museum that highlights the indigenous cultures of Oceania, Asia, Africa and America. It is housed in a remarkable building designed by Jean Nouvel.
The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle is a natural history museum with a vast collection covering a variety of fields including zoology, paleontology, mineralogy and botany.
This modern library was built in 1996 and consists of four 24-story buildings shaped as open books. The four towers enclose a central garden of about one hectare or 2.5 acres.
The Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals ever built. Construction started in 1163 and lasted for almost two centuries. Unfortunately, the cathedral was ravaged by a fire in 2019.
Now known as the Palais Garnier, this opulent building in Second Empire baroque style was constructed between 1862 and 1875 as one of the grandest opera houses ever built.
The Palais Bourbon was built in 1728 as the palace of the Duchess of Bourbon, daughter of King Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan. Today, it houses the French Parliament's Lower House.
The Palais Royal is a palace built by Cardinal Richelieu in 1629. King Louis XIV - later known as the Sun King - spent his youth in this palace before moving to the Louvre. The central courtyard and garden can be visited free of charge.
This modernist complex was built for the World Fair of 1937. It houses several museums, an aquarium and a theater. From the esplanade, you have a great view of the Eiffel Tower.
The Palais de Tokyo was built in 1936-1937 as the pavilion of modern art for the world exposition of 1937. Today, the complex is still home to modern and contemporary art.
This innovative modern park was created at the site of the former Citroën automobile plant near the Seine River. The park is arranged into several gardens, all with very contrasting designs.
The Parc Floral de Paris is a flower garden situated just east of Paris's center, right near the Vincennes Castle. The garden boasts some 3000 varieties of plants, including hundreds of different tulips and dahlias.
Parc Monceau, created in the 18th century by the Duke of Orleans, is one of Paris's most attractive parks. It features beautiful flowerbeds, many statues, a series of Corinthian columns and even a pyramid.
Parc Montsouris is a large romantic park laid out in English style. At 15 hectares (37 acres) it is the second-largest park in Paris proper. The park is bisected by a rail track with bridges connecting either side.
The Park de Bagatelle is a beautiful garden on the western edge of Paris. Originally laid out in the 18th century in the English landscape style, the park is now best known for its delightful rose garden.
The Parc de Bercy is a modern park that opened in 1995 at the site of former wine warehouses. The park is divided in three sections, each with a very different character, from plain grass fields to romantic landscaped gardens.
This large park in the north of Paris is home to the city's Science Museum as well as several concert halls. The park - bisected by a canal - has a very open layout with large grassy areas and several themed gardens.
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a very unusual park situated in the 19th arrondissement. The park is located on a rocky hill and features a 30-meter (100 ft.) waterfall, steep hills and a 'suicide bridge'.
By the mid 19th century, numerous covered passages - precursors of today's shopping malls - were created in Paris. About 20 of these survived, many of which have been beautifully restored.
The Petit Palais (small palace) was built as a temporary structure for the World Fair of 1900. The magnificent Beaux-Arts building housed a large exposition of French Art. Today it is home to the Museum of Fine Arts.
The Place Vendôme is Paris's most prestigious square. The tall bronze column at its center honors Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. The column is topped by a statue of the emperor.
This square was the location of the Bastille stronghold, which was stormed on July 14, 1789, triggering the start of the French Revolution. The stronghold was demolished, and a modern opera house now dominates the square.
The Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, connects the Tuileries with the Champs-Élysées. At its center is a 3200 years old obelisk, transported in the 19th century from Egypt.
The Place des Victoires, a harmonious royal square, was created in 1686 by the French court architect Mansart. A large statue of King Louis XIV at its center commemorated the victories of France over other nations.
The Place des Vosges is the oldest square in Paris. All buildings bordering the square have the same red-brick facade. One of the houses surrounding the magnificent square is home to the Victor Hugo Museum.
The Place du Châtelet is a square named after the Châtelet fortress built here in the 12th century to defend the Île de la Cité, Paris's historic center. The square is bordered by two theatre buildings.
The Pont Alexandre III is the most ornamented and most popular bridge in Paris. The beautiful bridge, designed by Résal and Alby at the end of the 19th century, consist of a single 107-meter-long span.
The world's first elevated park was created in the early 1990s on an abandoned elevated railway viaduct. It has been imitated by several cities, most notably New York.
The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is one of the world's most famous and most-visited cemeteries. A long list of famous people are buried here, from Rossini and Sarah Bernhardt to Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison.
This museum is dedicated to France's most famous sculptor Auguste Rodin, known for famous works such as The Thinker and The Kiss. The museum is housed in a mansion where Rodin once lived and worked.
The Sacré-Cœur is a basilica in Roman-Byzantine style located on top of the Montmartre hill. Construction started in 1875, but the building wasn't completed until 1914.
One of the largest churches in Paris, this mainly Gothic church was built over a span of more than 100 years, from 1532 until 1637. The church has beautiful stained-glass windows and boasts France's largest pipe organ.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the oldest church in Paris, and its roots go back to 512 AD, when it was founded as a basilica. The church is at the center of a popular quarter of the same name.
The church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis was built in the 17th century by the Jesuits as the St. Louis Church. It was dedicated in 1641 by cardinal Richelieu and contained relics of King Louis XIII and King Louis XIV.
The Église de Saint-Sulpice is the second-largest church in Paris. It was built over a span of more than 100 years. Intriguingly, the two front towers have a slightly different design.
Saint-Étienne-du-Mont was built in the 15th to 17th century at the former abbey of Sainte Geneviève. The church is best known for its shrine of Sainte Geneviève, patron saint of Paris. Another highlight is the magnificent choir screen.
This chapel was built in 1248 by King Louis IX at the Île de la Cité to store important religious relics. The magnificent chapel in Gothic style is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
The Stravinsky Fountain is a modern fountain in Paris, created in 1983 as a homage to the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. The fountain is popular thanks to its quirky kinetic sculptures.
The Montparnasse Tower, built in 1973, was one of the first tall skyscrapers in Paris. After completion, the tower was seen as an intrusion of the skyline. The public outcry halted construction of skyscrapers in the historic center.
This late-Gothic tower is all that remains of the 16th century St-Jacques church. The church was demolished during the French Revolution, but its tower was fortunately spared.
What started as a modest hunting lodge was expanded into the world's most famous palace, a model for all future European palaces. The palace is located just 20 km. southwest of Paris.
One of two central islands in the Seine River, this is considered the heart of Paris. First settled in the 3rd century B.C., the island now has some magnificent sights such as the Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.