Main Landmarks, Monuments and Historical Sites to Visit in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower, an iconic structure of Paris, offers spectacular views of the city. It was originally built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) to demonstrate France's industrial prowess to the world.

2. Louvre Museum The Louvre Museum is the world's largest art museum, home to the venerable Mona Lisa among countless other masterpieces.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral The Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral was one of the first buildings in the world to use a flying buttress. Although slightly damaged by a fire in April 2019, it remains an essential part of Paris's cultural heritage.

4. Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe The Champs-Élysées is a famous avenue in Paris known for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops. The Arc de Triomphe stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, honouring those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

5. Palace of Versailles This grandiose royal residence located near Paris is known for its stunning Hall of Mirrors, expansive gardens, and the Baroque architecture that marked an absolute apex in French art.

6. Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Montmartre is an artistic district known for its Bohemian past, with the Sacré-Cœur basilica standing on its highest point, providing magnificent views of Paris.

7. Centre Pompidou The Centre Pompidou, a revolutionary building in the Beaubourg area of the 4th arrondissement, is famous for its high-tech architecture and houses the Bibliothèque publique d'information (Public Information Library), the Musée National d'Art Moderne, and IRCAM.

8. Sainte-Chapelle Known for its magnificent stained glass windows, the Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style, within the medieval Palais de la Cité on the Île de la Cité.

9. Père Lachaise Cemetery The world's most visited cemetery, Père Lachaise is the final resting place of many famous individuals including Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.

10. Seine River Cruises While not a landmark itself, taking a cruise along the Seine River offers a unique perspective of many of Paris's most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum.