Paris Travel Guide: Experience France's Capital

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is a painting that needs no introduction, drawing large crowds of visitors to the Louvre all year round. What you might not expect is how small the painting is, and with large crowds it can be difficult to see. Plan your visit carefully to coincide with the Louvre’s closing time so that you can get more up close and personal with the enigmatic Mona Lisa.

Designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei in 1984, this divisive Modernist steel and glass structure sits in the main courtyard of the Louvre atop the underground lobby and visitor entrance. The Louvre pyramid truly comes alive at night, illuminating the Cour Napoléon.

This iconic sculpture depicting Greek classical female beauty is famous for many reasons, but its most recognizable attribute is its missing arms. At over 2,000 years old, the Venus de Milo is one of the greatest pieces of art and enduring representations of classic beauty in existence.

Founded by King Louis IX and Bishop Maurice de Sully in 1163, the Notre-Dame Cathedral took almost 200 years to complete. However, with innumerable stone masons, carpenters, and architects, the Notre-Dame was built to perfection, including a huge nave, famous towers, revolutionary flying buttresses, and exquisitely detailed Gothic façade.

Arguably the most iconic feature of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris are the fearsome gargoyles on the Galerie des Chimères. The figures stand between the twin cathedral towers, embodying a cacophony of characters from adorable, winged animals to frightening devilish creatures.

Get the best views of the cathedral from the Pont Saint-Louis on the Île Saint-Louis, especially of the cathedral’s east end and flying buttresses. Another fantastic vantage point, this time from the front of the cathedral, is from the Petit Pont, crossing from the Quai Saint-Michel to the Rue de la Cité.

Gaze in wonder and admiration at the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’ most iconic monuments. Taking inspiration from the Arch of Titus in Rome, the Arc de Triomphe stands 50m above the Champs-Élysées, having been commissioned by Napoleon in 1806.

The Moulin Rouge often gets more attention, but Le Lido’s Paris Merveilles is a wonderful cabaret on the Champs-Élysées, where dancers known as the Bluebell Girls have performed the iconic can-can for 75 years, along with sword-swallowers, acrobats, and lots more spectacle.

Paris is synonymous with the newest fashions, and the best place to get the latest trends is along the Champs-Élysées. To save a little money, head on your shopping spree in January or July to take advantage of the sales. From famous designer stores to independent luxury boutiques, you will be spoiled for choice.

First and foremost, climbing the tower is an essential aspect of any itinerary. Whilst some people prefer to see it from the outside, you simply must ascend the tower to the very top, taking a moment to explore the sites and attractions throughout the tower along the way.

There are many places for you to grab a bite to eat, a coffee, or even a cocktail in the Eiffel Tower. From snack bars to buffets, to a bistro, and even a Michelin star restaurant, the Eiffel Tower has a surprising number of places to experience Parisian culinary excellence.

Whilst at the summit of the world’s most romantic tourist destination, have a cold glass of French Champagne (or something non-alcoholic) and make a toast to your Parisian adventure. There is nothing better than sipping Champagne whilst standing 906 feet in the air taking in unparalleled views of the city.

With an authentically rustic ambiance, the Musée de Montmartre is a fantastic way to rediscover the history, culture, and hidden secrets of the district, including the works of Willette, Utrillo, and Toulouse-Lautrec.

For fans of Salvador Dalí, the Espace Dalí provides a unique perspective that enlightens a previously unseen dimension to his artwork. This exhibition is quirky, funny, beautiful, and fascinating. We particularly recommend the photo booth where you can slot your face into the infamous ‘Thumb’.

For great views of Paris and the surrounding countryside, head to the top of Montmartre in Paris’ 18th Arrondissement. Here you’ll find Sacré-Cœur or the Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre (Sacred Heart of Montmartre). With its dome 600ft above the River Seine it is the highest point in Paris and the views from Sacré Coeur are well worth the effort to walk up.

Head inside and take in the one of the largest mosaics in the world called The Triumph of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The mosaic is made from 25,000 ceramic pieces and depicts Christ as the main central figure with open arms. At his feet kneeling you can see Saint Joan of Arc offering him a crown.

Roam the Versailles Palace and gargantuan Gardens. Its immense size can give you days’ worth of exploration with these attractions alone. If you are at a push for time, stick to exploring the Orangery and admiring the rest of the Gardens from the windows of the Palace itself.

The grounds of the Palace of Versailles also include estate previously owned and occupied by Marie Antoinette. The highlight of the estate is undoubtedly the Hameau de la Reine, or Queen’s Hamlet – 12 medieval-themed timbered and thatched roofed cottages purpose built as a private retreat for Marie Antoinette and her friends.

The Royal Opera House in Versailles was the first ovular opera house in the whole of France, a game-changing design for its time. Made from wooden panels carved and painted to look like stone, the acoustics in this building are unbelievable.

Admire the Palais du Luxembourg, meeting place of the Senate, from as many angles as you possibly can, drinking in this stunning example of French architecture. The Luxembourg Gardens are the palace’s original formal grounds, sitting to the south side of the palace.

The 17th century Medici Fountain was commissioned by its namesake Marie de’ Medici. Though only part of the original fountain still stands today, great effort was taken to preserve this impressive fountain, moved to its present location during the reorganization of Paris. Visit as early in the morning as you can to avoid the inevitable large crowds.