ParisVu: Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Paris
Paris, the City of Light, captivates the world. From the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to Notre-Dame and Montmartre, every street corner hides treasures waiting to be discovered. ParisVu guided tours help you uncover the city’s richness and secrets… but if you don’t have the time or chance to enjoy them fully, this article is for you.
Here are the 10 must-see attractions in Paris, handpicked by ParisVu to ensure you don’t miss the essentials of the capital. From iconic monuments to places full of charm, follow our tips to experience Paris like a true traveler, even on your own!
Discover our guided tours or continue reading to explore these must-sees at your own pace.
1. Eiffel Tower – The Eternal Symbol of Paris
No visit to Paris is complete without admiring the majestic Eiffel Tower. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exposition, it rises 330 meters high and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
At its inauguration, the tower was painted a reddish-brown, symbolizing modernity and national pride. Over time, it has changed colors several times (ochre, yellow, then brown) before adopting its current shade, known as “Eiffel Tower Brown,” specially designed to blend with the Parisian sky.
More than just a monument, the Eiffel Tower has become a republican symbol, representing scientific progress and the bold political spirit of the Third Republic.
Don’t miss: a climb to the top at sunset, when the city lights up spectacularly.
ParisVu Tip: Book your tickets online to skip the long queues.
2. Louvre Museum – Paris’s Artistic Treasure
Once a royal palace and now the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre houses over 35,000 works of art, spanning ancient civilizations to modern times. Highlights include the Mona Lisa, Napoleon’s Coronation, Liberty Leading the People, the Venus de Milo, and the Raft of the Medusa.
Each gallery is a journey through time and cultures, making the Louvre a true visual encyclopedia of humanity. Its architecture blends the classical history of the palace with the modern glass Pyramid designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei.
ParisVu Anecdote: Did you know that during World War II, the Mona Lisa was hidden in several French châteaux to protect it from the Nazis? It traveled over 600 km before returning to the Louvre.
Don’t miss: walking under the Pyramid at dusk, when the lights highlight the majesty of the museum.
ParisVu Tip: To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or during Friday night openings for a more intimate experience.
3. Notre-Dame de Paris – Gothic Masterpiece
A true jewel of Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame Cathedral has dominated the Île de la Cité for over eight centuries. Construction began in 1163 and involved generations of craftsmen, stonemasons, and master glassmakers.
Despite the tragic fire of 2019, Notre-Dame remains one of Paris’s most iconic monuments. Its majestic façade, legendary gargoyles, and luminous stained glass continue to captivate millions of visitors every year.
ParisVu Anecdote: After Victor Hugo published his novel Notre-Dame de Paris in 1831, the cathedral—which was then threatened with demolition—saw a huge resurgence of interest. The book’s success literally helped save the cathedral!
Don’t miss: the view from the forecourt, offering a stunning panorama of the façade and its intricate sculptures.
ParisVu Tip: To skip the lines, book your free tickets up to two hours in advance here: https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/visiter/reserver-gratuitement/
4. Sainte-Chapelle – A Radiant Gem of the Middle Ages
Nestled within the Palais de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is a masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic art. Built in the 13th century by order of King Louis IX (Saint Louis), it was constructed to house the relics of the Passion of Christ, including the famous Crown of Thorns.
This sacred monument amazes visitors with its spectacular stained glass: fifteen enormous windows depict over 1,000 biblical scenes, casting a unique, colorful light that is unrivaled in the world.
ParisVu Anecdote: During grand medieval ceremonies, sunlight streaming through the stained glass symbolized divine presence. People said the chapel “was made of glass as much as of stone.” Look for the coats of arms of France and Castile on the walls, and notice the harmonious color scheme representing the royal marriage that united the two countries.
Don’t miss: the magical moment in the afternoon when sunlight fills the nave, transforming the interior into a dazzling kaleidoscope of color.
ParisVu Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the lines and book your tickets in advance.
5. Musée d’Orsay – The Temple of the Impressionists
Housed in a former railway station along the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay is one of Paris’s most fascinating cultural sites. Opened in 1986, it boasts the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces: Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, and many other masters of light and color.
The museum’s architecture preserves the spirit of the original Gare d’Orsay, built for the 1900 Universal Exposition. Its majestic glass ceilings flood the galleries with natural light, creating a poetic setting for the artworks on display.
ParisVu Anecdote: Before becoming a museum, the station even served as a film set and a temporary hotel. It narrowly escaped demolition in the 1970s, saved thanks to the efforts of artists and historians who transformed it into the museum we know today.
Don’t miss: the large clock on the top floor, a remnant of the old station, offering stunning views over Paris and the Seine.
ParisVu Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and soft light on the Impressionist paintings.
6. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur – The Bohemian Soul of Paris
Perched on its hill, Montmartre has retained all its old-world charm: cobbled streets, artist studios, discreet vineyards, and lively cafés. Overlooking it all, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur has watched over Paris since 1914. Its white dome, visible from afar, has become one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.
Once a haven for artists, Montmartre witnessed masterpieces born in the studios of Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, and Van Gogh. Today, Place du Tertre continues this creative spirit, with painters and caricaturists displaying their art in the open air.
ParisVu Anecdote: The Sacré-Cœur was built with “self-cleaning stone” — a rare material that naturally whitens when exposed to rain. That’s why the basilica remains so bright even after more than a century!
Don’t miss: the climb to the Sacré-Cœur dome for an incredible panoramic view of Paris — an unforgettable experience, especially at sunset.
ParisVu Tip: Explore Montmartre early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds and capture the magic of the neighborhood in peace.
7. Les Invalides – The Military Heart of Paris
A masterpiece of Louis XIV’s reign, the Les Invalides complex was originally built to house wounded soldiers and war veterans. Today, it hosts the prestigious Army Museum and the iconic Dôme des Invalides, where Napoleon I rests.
Its massive golden dome, visible across Paris, symbolizes both the grandeur of the monarchy and the nation’s memory. Inside, visitors can explore over a thousand years of military history through uniforms, weapons, and historical artifacts.
ParisVu Anecdote: Napoleon’s coffin rests within six successive coffins, each made from a different material — oak, lead, mahogany, and even ebony — symbolizing the power and immortality the emperor desired.
Don’t miss: the spectacular view of the golden dome from the Pont Alexandre III — one of Paris’s most photogenic spots.
ParisVu Tip: Your Army Museum ticket also grants access to the Dôme. For a full visit, allow around two hours and arrive at opening time to enjoy the site in peace.
8. Père-Lachaise Cemetery – A Garden of Memory and Legends
Truly an open-air museum, Père-Lachaise Cemetery is the largest and most famous cemetery in Paris. Inaugurated in 1804, it spans over 40 hectares of greenery, blending funerary art, history, and poetry.
This peaceful site hosts the tombs of many notable figures: Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Balzac, Chopin, and Marcel Proust. Each grave attracts visitors from around the world, seeking inspiration or a moment of reflection.
ParisVu Anecdote: In the 19th century, Père-Lachaise struggled to attract burials. To make it « trendy, » the City of Paris transferred the remains of Héloïse and Abélard, the legendary medieval couple — an early marketing genius that boosted its popularity!
Don’t miss: Oscar Wilde’s tomb, now protected by glass, once covered with kisses from admirers wearing lipstick.
ParisVu Tip: Download an interactive map of the cemetery before your visit to easily locate famous graves — or join a ParisVu guided tour to uncover its hidden stories.
9. Panthéon – Temple of the French Republic
Standing proudly on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, the Panthéon embodies the spirit of the French Republic. Originally built as a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, it was transformed during the Revolution into a monument honoring the great men and women of the nation.
Under its majestic dome lie the remains of iconic figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie Curie, and Simone Veil. The Panthéon serves as both a sanctuary of collective memory and a strong symbol of republican unity.
ParisVu Anecdote: In 1851, physicist Léon Foucault installed his famous pendulum here to demonstrate the Earth’s rotation — a revolutionary experiment for its time, still visible today in the heart of the Panthéon!
Don’t miss: the exceptional view from the colonnade, offering a 360° panorama over Paris.
ParisVu Tip: Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and to admire the neoclassical architecture before strolling through the nearby Latin Quarter.
10. Arc de Triomphe – Symbol of Glory & History
Located at the heart of Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to celebrate his military victories, it honors the French armies and their heroes.
Monumental sculptures, bas-reliefs, and engraved names on the walls tell the story of French military history and the courage of soldiers. At its base lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with its flame lit daily to commemorate those who fell during World War I.
ParisVu Anecdote: Napoleon initially wanted the Arc to be three times larger to symbolically overpower France’s enemies! Fortunately, architects reduced its scale, resulting in the perfectly proportioned and impressive monument we see today.
Don’t miss: the climb to the panoramic terrace to admire the 12 radiating avenues and the Champs-Élysées — a spectacular view over all of Paris.
ParisVu Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
Bonus: Opéra Garnier – Architectural Jewel & Phantom Legend
The Opéra Garnier, built between 1861 and 1875 by architect Charles Garnier, is a masterpiece of the Second Empire style. Its sumptuous entrance hall, grand marble staircase, and dome adorned with paintings make it a symbol of 19th-century Parisian opulence.
A true palace of music and dance, the Opéra Garnier hosts operas, ballets, and concerts. Its gilded decorations, sculptures, and frescoes create a unique atmosphere that fascinates visitors.
ParisVu Anecdote: The Opéra Garnier inspired Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera. According to legend, a “phantom” still haunts the building’s underground passages — some visitors claim to hear mysterious footsteps during evening tours!
Don’t miss: the grand staircase and the auditorium with its Marc Chagall-painted ceiling — perfect for photography enthusiasts.
ParisVu Tip: Book tickets for a guided tour or a performance, and enjoy the quiet backstage in the morning to admire the architectural details.