Discovering Paris

Paris, renowned for its romantic ambiance, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, captivates visitors with its timeless charm. From grand palaces to picturesque neighborhoods, the city offers an array of unforgettable experiences. Whether you're marveling at world-famous monuments or wandering through quaint quarters, Paris promises a journey filled with beauty and discovery.

Paris is also a city brimming with tourists no matter what time of year it is and has traffic issues that go with it. It is advisable to plan your visit well in advance and make reservations for all landmarks that you wish to visit.

Eiffel Tower

Iconic and instantly recognizable, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. Rising 1,083 feet, visitors can ascend to the viewing platforms for breathtaking panoramas of the city’s rooftops and landmarks. Whether viewed sparkling at night or bathed in daylight, it’s a magical centerpiece of the Paris skyline. Climbing to the top (with elevators) will take at least two hours. You can book your visit online or buy the ticket on the spot.

Pantheon

Located in the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and a mausoleum for France’s most illustrious figures. Its impressive dome and sculptures commemorate thinkers, writers, and leaders, making it a place of reflection on France’s intellectual heritage.

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

Nestled in the Latin Quarter, right next to the Pantheon, this church is renowned for its exceptional rood screen and remarkable architecture. It’s also the resting place of St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, offering a peaceful space rich in history. This is, in my opinion, the most beautiful church in Paris. It is not as crowded as some of the more famous churches and its architecture is breathtaking.

Jardin du Luxembourg

A tranquil retreat in the heart of Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg offers beautifully manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and tree-lined promenades. It’s the perfect spot for relaxation, picnics, or a leisurely stroll amid statues and blooming flowers. This sounds like I'm describing any other city park, but Jardin du Luxembourg is quite unique in its atmosphere and quiet beauty.

Louvre Museum

The world's largest art museum, the Louvre, houses an unparalleled collection of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Its majestic palaces and glass pyramid entrance make it a cultural treasure chest that appeals to art lovers of all ages. You will find as many people in front of the museum taking selfies as there are in the museum itself. When visiting the Louvre, be sure to book your time slot in advance and be patient because the crowds can be a challenge to navigate. The museum staff is very friendly and always happy to help.

The Louvre is a huge building, and I am not sure if it is possible to see all the exhibits in one day. Planning the exhibits you wish to see will serve you well. AAdditionally, the museum is not very suitable for wheelchair users. There are some elevators that help, but the whole building is full of staircases.

Musée d'Orsay

Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay showcases masterworks from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. It also boasts a great sculpture exhibit including works from Rodin. Its stunning architecture and diverse collection make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

The building itself is very beautiful and worth the visit. I found this museum more to my liking than  Louvre, there are fewer people, exhibits are great, and the ambiance is perfect.

Sainte-Chapelle

This Gothic jewel is famed for its stunning stained glass windows depicting biblical stories. Located on the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle’s luminous interiors create a mystical atmosphere that transports visitors to another time. It is unique in its beauty.

The chapel was commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of Passion relics, including Christ's claimed Crown of Thorns—one of the most important relics in medieval Christendom.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Though it suffered damage from fire, Notre Dame remains a symbol of French heritage. Although there is still work being done on the cathedral, the fire damage is no longer visible, and its beauty is fully restored. Its intricate sculptures, flying buttresses, and glorious rose windows demonstrate medieval architecture at its finest. Climbing the towers offers spectacular views of Paris.

Sacre-Cœur Basilica

Perched atop Montmartre hill, Sacré-Cœur offers sweeping views of Paris. Its white domes and intricate mosaics create a spiritual ambiance, making it a popular site for both worship and sightseeing.

The Palace of Versailles

Just outside Paris, the Palace of Versailles epitomizes opulence and royal history. Its stunning gardens, ornate halls, and the Hall of Mirrors reveal the grandeur of France’s ancien régime. A visit here offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of kings and queens, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts. When planning a visit, take note that the palace ticket does not include a visit to the gardens or to the smaller palace of Trianon. Petit Trianon was built by King Louis XIV and was later given to Queen Marie-Antoinette.

The Palace of Versailles is connected to the city with metro lines. Visiting Versailles will take most of your day.

Pont Alexandre III

Considered the most beautiful bridge in Paris, Pont Alexandre III is an ornate, gilded structure spanning the Seine. Its stunning details and statues connect the Champs-Élysées with the Invalides, epitomizing Parisian elegance. It offers some of the best photography views in the city.

Montmartre and Moulin Rouge

Once the hub of artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, Montmartre retains its bohemian spirit. The lively district features charming streets, art studios, and the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret, known for its spectacular performances and vibrant nightlife.

Latin Quarter

Known for its lively atmosphere and historic streets, the Latin Quarter is a hub of student life and bohemian culture. Filled with cafés, bookstores, and historic sites, it exudes an authentic Parisian charm and invites visitors to explore its vibrant sidewalk cafés and narrow lanes. It is one of the more charming districts in Paris. If you wish to see a cabaret show during your visit but were unable to land a show at Moulin Rouge, Latin Quarter offers shows that are perhaps less famous but just as good.

Catacombs of Paris

Beneath the streets of Paris lies the mysterious and macabre Catacombs, an underground ossuary that houses the remains of over six million people. Originally limestone quarries, they were transformed into a burial site in the late 18th century to address overflowing cemeteries. Visitors can explore narrow tunnels lined with neatly stacked bones and skulls, gaining a haunting glimpse into Paris's history and the city's approach to death and remembrance. The Catacombs have left me with a somewhat underwhelming experience (my expectation was of something more grand) and with no wish to ever visit anything like it ever again.

Seine cruise

The cruise along the Seine is a very popular tourist activity. Most of the cruises start not far from the Eiffel Tower and take about one hour. Take all the selfies with the Eiffel Tower in the background; there's not much else to see on the cruise.

An alternative to an overpriced boat ride is planning a picnic on the banks of the river. You will find this to be a very popular choice in the evening when the riverbanks are a popular spot for friends and couples who want to enjoy a relaxed evening with a background of beautiful city vistas.

Paris is a city that casually blends its rich history with contemporary life. From innovative architecture to trendy neighborhoods, Paris continues to evolve while preserving its timeless charm.

Getting around Paris is convenient and efficient thanks to its extensive public transportation system. The Metro, with its vast network of underground trains, provides quick access to almost every corner of the city. It is easy to navigate, and I found it to be the better option than the busy streets above. Buses, trams, and RER trains further enhance connectivity, making it easier to explore historical sites, shopping districts, and scenic neighborhoods with ease.