PARIS: Exploring France's Capital

A global center for art, history, fashion and culture, Paris is a city with many extravagant sites that are must-visits. Whether it’s The Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame, the Louvre or Moulin Rouge, there is plenty to see and do in this wonderful city.

VISIT THE SITES

When visiting Paris, there's lots of sites that you should definitely see. Did you really go to Paris if you didn't see the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower?

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

A staggering arch in the centre of the street, the Arc de Triomphe is the perfect Parisian photo spot. Great for the Instagram, but look out for cars! It is one of the most famous monuments in Paris and if you fancy climbing the stairs, the view at the top is spectacular.

EIFFEL TOWER

The most iconic piece of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands at over 300 metres high, possessing picturesque views of the wonderful city. It’s definitely worth going up the Eiffel Tower in the day and seeing the amazing views. You can easily spot the tower from around the city, but head over to the Trocadero for a great photo spot.

The Eiffel Tower is equally as mesmerising in the evening. You can’t leave Paris until you’ve seen the wonderful light show which takes place every night on the hour lasting for five minutes. It is utterly jaw-dropping.

JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG

Known in English as the Luxembourg Gardens, if your feet are aching after exploring Paris, Jardin du Luxembourg is the perfect place. The gardens are full of beautiful plants and flowers, with greenhouses possessing orchids and rose gardens, a large pond and over one hundred statues spread throughout the park. The perfect chill-out spot (if it’s sunny that is!).

MOULIN ROUGE

Moulin Rouge is recognised as one of the most famous, prestigious cabarets in the world. It’s a great way to experience French culture and Parisian nightlife. You’ll spot the red lights and the world-famous windmill from a mile away.

If you don’t fancy watching the show, take a walk down the cobblestone streets and you’ll see lots of other tourists wandering, looking awkwardly into the sex shop windows.

SEINE RIVER SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Jump on the Bateaux Parisiens sightseeing cruise down the River Seine. From one bridge to another, you’ll see Paris’ finest monuments, without the walking! The river cruises are especially good in the Spring/Summer months when the weather is slightly warmer. A great way to let yourself relax whilst you soak in the city’s breath-taking sights.

SEE THE CULTURE

Paris is the perfect place to wander in and out of museums. If you are under 26 and living in the EU (if you’re from the UK then you better visit quickly!), take your passport and you can visit the majority of museums for free.

THE GRAND PALAIS AND THE PETIT PALAIS

The Grand Palais is a large historic site, just off of the Champs-Élysées. It is a large museum complex with exhibitions and historical items.

The Petit Palais, just across the road, is Paris’ museum of Fine Arts and wow the art really is fine! There are a great variety of paintings and artefacts to see.

Both buildings are incredibly beautiful and are well worth visitng.

LES INVALIDES

While military history may not be your cup of tea, the Musée de l’Armée has a really interesting history of the war, with huge collections of military items. It is one of the biggest military museums in the world and there are many floors to explore.

Make sure you also check out the Dôme des Invalides where you can also see Napoleon’s (huge) Tomb.

LOUVRE

The Louvre is recognised as one of the best museums in the world, it is home to the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci and with over one million pieces of art, you’ll definitely need a good few hours to even touch the surface inside. A central landmark of the city, it is definitely worth seeing, even if art isn’t necessarily your thing.

EXPLORE THE CATHEDRALS/CHURCHES

Lots of people would rather not visit cathedrals or churches when they're on holiday, but Notre-Dame and the Sacre Coeur are absolutely breath-taking, are you should definitely go and look at them (even if you don't fancy going inside).

CATHÉDRALE NOTRE-DAME

Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most iconic churches in the world, it is a medieval Catholic cathedral with beautiful stained glass and lovely architecture.

Its construction began back in the 12thcentury – Notre-Dame is seen as the symbolic heart of the city that you really must see.

SACRE COEUR

A magnificent-looking church with mesmerising views of the wonderful city. The Sacre Coeur is located on top of a hill (quite a large one infact). If you don’t fancy walking up, there is a lift that can take you to the top in seconds. Even if Churches aren’t your thing, it’s definitely worth visiting, as the view itself really is spectacular.

SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!

Paris is known for its endless streets of boutique shops and if you’ve had enough of the museums and monuments, you’ll be glad to know that there’s plenty of shopping to be done!

THE AVENUE DES CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is arguably the most popular shopping location in Paris. A huge street, full of shops, where you can visit Louis Vuitton’s flagship store, explore four floors of Abercrombie & Fitch or jaw-drop over the 75,000 EUR engagement rings in Tiffany – it’s an experience in itself. Meanwhile, if Louis Vuitton or Tiffany aren’t within your price range, global chains including Zara and Nike are also located here.

AVENUE MONTAIGNE

Avenue Montaigne is just off of the Avenue Des Champs-Élysées and is lined with legendary and luxury designers such as Chanel and Dior. The perfect place to experience the prestige and elegance of Parisian shopping (or window shopping).

A MUST VISIT

Whatever you enjoy doing, there will be something for you in Paris. It is overflowing with beautiful, world-famous buildings and monuments that won’t cost you a penny. There’s lots to see and loads to do, so get your comfy trainers at the ready and have a great time!