Paris
The City of Light — iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and unforgettable food.
Museums & Architecture
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ most iconic structures. It was built in 1889 and is 1,063 feet tall. For almost 41 years, it held the record for the tallest man-made structure in the world. The tower is a lattice tower of wrought iron and was designed by Gustave Eiffel. It was originally intended as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. However, it proved so popular that it was never taken down.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture. Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. Over the centuries, the cathedral has hosted royal coronations and funerals. It became famous after the novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” was published in the 1800s. When you go inside, you’ll be amazed by the intricacy of the interior design. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world’s most-visited museum, and for good reason. It has over 38,000 objects spread across nearly 800,000 square feet. Most people know this museum because it is the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. While the museum is much smaller than you might think, it has exhibits featuring objects and art from as far back as you can imagine. Make sure you check out the Code of Hammurabi — it is 100% worth it. You can easily spend hours at the Louvre and not get bored.
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
The Champs-Élysées is one of my favorite streets in the world. It is always crowded with people enjoying the many restaurants and shops. There are always events happening, including the Tour de France and the Bastille Day military parade.
At the end of the street is a giant roundabout with the Arc de Triomphe in the center. The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch that commemorates the victories of the French army in the Napoleonic Wars. The arch is located at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, which is also known as the Place de l’Étoile.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a stunning former royal residence located just outside Paris. It was built for King Louis XIV, the Sun King, and served as the royal court during the 17th and 18th centuries. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.
It has over 2,300 rooms and contains more than 60,000 pieces of art. The palace itself covers over 720,000 square feet, and the total area of the property is a whopping 2,014 acres. The grounds feature beautiful gardens and parks that are in immaculate condition. This is definitely worth a visit.
