Paris, the City of Light, is brimming with architectural, historical and cultural treasures. For a first-time traveler, certain sites are a must. Here’s a list of 10 must-see places to discover the French capital from its most beautiful angle!

🗼 1. The Eiffel Tower, the icon of Paris

It’s impossible to visit Paris without admiring the famous Eiffel Tower! Standing 330 meters high, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view.

• Access: Three floors accessible by elevator or on foot (up to 2ᵉ).
• Opening hours: Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
• Rates: From €12.70 (stairs) to €29.40 (elevator top).

✨ Tip: Come at sunset for a magical panorama and admire the nightly illumination every hour!

🏰 2. The Louvre, the world’s largest museum

With over 35,000 works, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a must for art and history lovers.

• Access: Main entrance under the glass pyramid.
• Times: Closed Tuesdays, open 9am-6pm (nocturne until 9:45pm on Fridays).
• Admission: €17 online, free for under-18s and European residents under 26.

✨ Tip: Visit early in the morning or at night to avoid the crowds.

⛪ 3. Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, a Gothic jewel

Although partially under renovation after the fire of 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris remains a major symbol of French history and architecture.

• Access: Île de la Cité, Cité station (metro line 4).
• Reopening: Scheduled for December 2024.

✨ Tip: Stroll around the Île de la Cité and admire the cathedral from the quays of the Seine.

🎭 4. Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur basilica

Montmartre, the bohemian district par excellence, is home to the majestic Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, perched on the butte.

• Access: Funicular from Anvers station or stairs (300 steps!).
• Opening hours: 6.30 a.m. – 10.30 p.m. Free admission.

✨ Tip: Stroll around Place du Tertre and admire the artists painting in the open air.

🌳 5. The Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe

The world’s most beautiful avenue stretches 1.9 km between Place de la Concorde and theArc de Triomphe.

• Shopping and entertainment: Luxury boutiques, legendary cafés (Fouquet’s) and the Lido for an evening of cabaret.
• Access to the Arc de Triomphe: Entrance under the avenue, €13 to climb to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view.

✨ Tip: Visit at the end of the day to see the avenue illuminated.

🏛️ 6. The Musée d’Orsay, temple of Impressionism

Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is home to masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and many others.

• Access: Solférino metro station (line 12).
• Opening hours: Closed Mondays, open from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Prices: €16, free on the first Sunday of the month.

✨ Tip: Climb to the top floor for a magnificent view of the Seine through the clock.

🌉 7. A cruise on the Seine

There’s nothing like a cruise on a bateau-mouche to admire Paris from another angle!

• Departure: Pont de l’Alma or Pont Neuf.
• Prices: Between €15 and €20 for a one-hour cruise.

✨ Tip: Opt for an evening cruise with dinner for a romantic atmosphere.

🏰 8. The Palace of Versailles, royal splendor

Just 40 minutes from Paris, Versailles is a must-see, with its sumptuous château and grandiose gardens.

• Access: RER C to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche.
• Opening hours: Closed Mondays, open from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
• Prices: €19.50 for the château, €28.50 for the entire estate.

✨ Tip: Allow at least half a day to make the most of it!

🌺 9. The Marais district, between history and modernity

A former aristocratic district, the Marais today is a mix of history, trendy boutiques and fascinating museums.

• Highlights Place des Vosges, Musée Picasso, Hôtel de Sully.
• Shopping and dining: trendy boutiques and a variety of restaurants, including many gluten-free options!

✨ Tip: Stroll through the little streets and let yourself be surprised by the district’s unique atmosphere.

🎡 10. Tuileries Gardens and Place de la Concorde

This elegant park between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde is perfect for a relaxing break.

• Don’tmiss: Fountains, Rodin statues, and the Ferris wheel in winter.
• Access: Metro Tuileries (line 1).

✨ Tip: Ideal for a stroll before exploring the Champs-Élysées.

🚀 Ready for adventure?

Paris is a city rich in discovery, where every street corner reveals a piece of history or a cultural surprise. With this list, you’re sure to make the most of your first trip to the French capital!

👉 Which place are you most looking forward to visiting?