Travel

Les Essentiels: 10 Fantastique Things to Do in Paris

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Did you say “oui” to a trip to Paris? Make sure you explore the best of the city with this list of the best things to do in Paris!

Did you know that millions of tourists visit Paris every year? There’s a reason that the capital city of France is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. With so many fun things to do in Paris, you’ll never want to leave.

After you visit one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, then you too will “always have Paris,” like Humphrey Bogart’s character said in the classic film Casablanca.

Are you ready to make memories that will last a lifetime?Keep reading to learn about the 10 best things to do in Paris.

1. The Eiffel Tower

One of the best things to see in Paris is, of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Standing at almost 325 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower dates back to 1889. It was built as part of the World’s Fair celebration but has since become a permanent structure of France that everyone has seen in movies and artworks.

Of course, the real thing is better than what you’ve seen on TV, so during your trip to Paris, you must plan on visiting the Eiffel Tower.

The first two levels have wonderful shops and delicious restaurants while the highest level will give you a breathtaking view of the city.

2. The Louvre

Simply put, the Louvre is one of the best museums in the entire world. What used to be a medieval fortress now happens to be the largest art museum on the globe, so any fan of art shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see the numerous paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and more.

You could literally spend days or even weeks there in order to appreciate everything.

There are many Louvre tours that can make your visit to the museum as smooth and hassle-free as possible. It’s the best way to experience all the Louvre has to offer.

3. The Notre-Dame

The Notre-Dame is the grandest example of gothic architecture. It has ominous gargoyles, beautiful stained glass, rose windows, a high spire, and much more.

While construction on this masterpiece of a building began in 1163, it took a mind-boggling two centuries for the entire project to be completed.

As beautiful as the outside is, the inside is perhaps even more awe-inspiring. While inside, you can lay eyes on many medieval relics, such as the Crown of Thorns that is said to have come from Jesus’ crucifixion.

4. The Seine

One of the top things to do in Paris is to take a river cruise on the one and only Seine.

The river is 777 kilometers long and has played an important part in France’s economy throughout history by facilitating trade.

Riding along the second-longest river in France is a great way to get a feel for the city in general, allowing you to see many different sights, such as the Eiffel Tower and a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty.

5. Musée d’Orsay

The Louvre isn’t the only museum in Paris. The Musée d’Orsay is another museum of epic proportions that will have any fan of art swooning.

Located on the bank of the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay used to be a railway station before sitting idle for some time.

Eventually, the Musée d’Orsay was born, one of the largest art museums in the world and home to many iconic works. Inside, you can find paintings by Renoir, Manet, van Gogh, Cézanne, and many more of history’s greatest artists.

6. Palace of Versailles

If you’re wondering what to do in Paris, then you should make sure to pay a visit to the majestic Palace of Versailles. It’s one of the biggest palaces in the world and will surely satisfy any childhood dreams of living in absolute luxury as a prince or princess.

Outside the palace, you’ll see many beautifully-shaped shrubs and immaculate gardens. Inside you’ll find a huge number of extravagant rooms to explore.

Aside from the main palace, you can also visit Marie Antoinette’s Hameau de la Reine, the Grand Canal, the Neptune Basin, the Royal Opera House, and much more.

7. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a structure created to remember the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

While there were victories during these wars, many people lost their lives, so the Arc de Triomphe is France’s way of paying tribute to these people.

The Fall of Alexandria and the Battle of Austerlitz are just a couple of scenes you’ll see carved into the Arc de Triomphe.

8. Moulin Rouge 

Seeing a Mouline Rouge show in Paris is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Aside from the beautiful women in otherworldly costumes, you can also see the dancers perform amazing tricks using hoops, rollerskates, ropes, and more. There are also some wonderful singers and musicians.

The show wouldn’t be complete without champagne and a delicious dinner.

9. La Cuisine Paris (Cooking Classes)

Among other things, Paris is known for its to-die-for cuisine. Well, in Paris you can not only enjoy the food to your heart’s content, but you can also take a class to learn how to cook the food in your own home.

From pastries to main dishes, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with the valuable cooking skills you’ve learned.

10. Paris Catacombs

While Paris is known for its romance and decadence, you can visit the catacombs to learn more about what’s beneath the city.

The catacombs were built in the 18th century in response to a shortage of burial space.

With bones and skulls lining the walls, visiting the Paris catacombs is a must for any fan of the morbid.

Ready to Take Advantage of the Best Things to Do in Paris?

Now that you know about the 10 best things to do in Paris, you can plan one of the best adventures of your life. 

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