Paris has a rich 2,000 year history that has left an exquisite architectural legacy for visitors. Art enthusiasts can visit the Louvre Museum to view exquisite art treasures while Sainte-Chapelle features breathtaking stained glass windows; Rue de Rivoli boasts fashionable boutiques where guests can shop for designer clothing; among many other sights.
There is also an energetic cafe culture and an impressive array of French restaurants to experience, with neighborhood bistros and brasseries providing local dining experiences. To eat like a local, take note of these bistros and brasseries when planning your visit.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris stands as an immense triumphal arch that commemorates Napoleon’s military campaigns. Measuring 164 feet high by 148 feet wide, its structure features decorative sculptures by Francois Rude, Jean-Pierre Cortot and Antoine Etex – and stands in Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of Champs Elysees.
Napoleon originally ordered this structure constructed after his victory at Austerlitz, in 1805, to commemorate it being inaugurated 29 July, 1836. Today it stands in one of Europe’s busiest traffic roundabouts with twelve avenues radiating off it.
Since its construction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Arc de Triomphe has come to symbolize France as well as serve as a national icon. Additionally, its symbolic value and memorial status honor those who have lost their lives while fighting on France’s behalf in conflicts fought by her allies such as World War One – such as those housed under its Tomb of Unknown Soldier – have made this monument iconic. Armistice Day 1920 saw its dedication as it now lies under this structure.
On a clear day, the view from atop of the Arch de Triomphe is truly magnificent. On any given day you can see everything from the Louvre Museum and Champs-Elysees all the way across Paris to La Defense’s Grand Arch and back again. There is even access for those with reduced mobility to enjoy its monument, museum, and memorable views! There is even an elevator and ramps available at its top for people with reduced mobility to gain entry into its monument and museum while taking advantage of unforgettable vantage points at its summit for viewing memorable views!
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is one of Paris’s largest squares and it offers plenty of attractions for visitors from around the world. Its fountains, sculptures and ancient Egyptian obelisk draw visitors from near and far alike; making this spot an essential stop along your walk from Opera or Invalides or shopping along Rue Saint-Honore.
The Square was first constructed to honor King Louis XV in 1772; however, during the French Revolution it quickly became a focal point. Under the Reign of Terror it served as home for a guillotine which in its first two years saw 1,119 individuals executed here – among them Louis XVI himself as well as Marie Antoinette and Maximilien Robespierre himself!
There are also a few statues and fountains in the square, including a giant equestrian statue of Louis XV as well as two marble fountains designed by Jean-Antoinette Lemaire; one on the southern side reflects maritime traditions such as Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea fish, shells and coral, while on the northern side river commerce-oriented pieces are focused around fruit harvest, wine making and grain cultivation.
Hittorff designed and installed 18 magnificent streetlamps called rostral columns which stand on elegant pedestals, symbolically marking naval victories with bows of ships decorated with bows of victory. Furthermore, there is also a Metro station which connects La Defense and Chateau de Vincennes on line 1 as well as lines 8 and 12. This station serves the square well – one of its busiest interchange stations in Paris!
Place de la Bastille
Place de la Bastille is the site of an iconic prison that was stormed on July 14, 1789 and launched the French Revolution. Today, this lively cultural center serves as a focal point for Paris’ vibrant cafe and bar scene and can provide everything from craft cocktails, velvety espresso or pints of beer – there’s something here for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood!
The Colonne de Juillet (the July Column), featuring its golden bronze Genie of Freedom statue, stands as the central focus of this square. Commemorating those lost during the Trois Glorieuses Revolution of 1840 and inaugurated by architects Alavoine and Duc, Napoleon originally desired for this monument to include an 18-meter high elephant at its base; Victor Hugo immortalized this concept later on in Les Miserables.
The former Bastille has been transformed into an open square that serves as a venue for political protests and gatherings. Today, the square features bars and cafes, serving as the backdrop for concerts and markets on Thursdays and Sundays; visitors will also be treated to an abundance of fresh produce, meats and cheeses as well as typical flea market products at this popular spot.
Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris’s iconic public gardens and an iconic landmark of Paris itself. First constructed as a private garden for royal families during the 16th century, after French Revolution it became open for public use and now serves as an invaluable amenity for Parisians to gather for national holidays or simply relax under its sun-kissed branches.
This park features large ponds and fountains, as well as an outdoor sculpture garden featuring works by Rodin, Giacometti, and Maillol. On its eastern end lies Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel – an elegant marble arch constructed to commemorate his military victories – that stands tall as an eye-catcher.
At the western edge of the garden is the Musee de l’Orangerie, an 18th-century structure which displays eight of Monet’s Water Lilies paintings in two oval viewing rooms illuminated by natural light.
Tuileries Gardens are open and free to access on a daily basis, allowing visitors to stroll the manicured green paths, admire flowers and plants, sit in one of the traditional French chairs or purchase snacks from one of many food vendors. In warmer months visitors can rent boats and sail along canals or ponds; Tuileries is also an ideal location to watch street performers, capture memories from Paris or take photographs to document it all!
Rue Rivoli
The Rue de Rivoli (pronounced Ry d vlo) is an iconic Paris thoroughfare known for its luxury fashion stores and historic associations with Napoleon Bonaparte’s victory at the Battle of Rivoli on January 14 and 15, 1797, over Austrian forces.
This street connects the Tuileries Garden on one side to the Louvre Museum on the other, making it a favorite shopping destination for both tourists and locals alike. With narrow streets lined with colonnaded storefronts and colonnaded storefronts that add European flair, Galeries Lafayette department store also has their rotunda located here – it makes this street truly legendary!
Rue de Rivoli offers an abundance of restaurants and bars, providing visitors with ample opportunities to sample food and beverage. June offers warm temperatures ideal for exploring this part of Paris by car or bike – though other times may also prove enjoyable!
Visitors to Rue de Rivoli can also walk from nearby metro stations such as Hotel de Ville and Chatelet, making their trip even easier using Moovit for real-time bus and train times. Available on both iPhone and Android, plan your route using real-time schedules and costs to arrive at Rue de Rivoli – planning is fun with Moovit!
Ile de la Cite
Ile de la Cite is one of Paris’s most historically significant neighborhoods. Dating back to a Celtic tribe known as Parisii from 3rd Century BCE, when Romans arrived they created Lutetia as their political center during medieval times and it is home to some iconic landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.
The western end of the island divides the Seine into two channels and is crossed by Pont Neuf (New Bridge), or its “New Bridge,” where an equestrian statue honoring French King Henri IV stands guard over it.
An Ile de la Cite visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the medieval-themed Cluny Museum (using a Paris Pass gets you free entry), where ancient and medieval relics come to life through models, drawings, and multimedia displays.
Visit the archeological crypt at the center of the island for exhibits showcasing its urban and architectural evolution, or tour Conciergerie–once royal palace, now a museum filled with souvenirs from Revolution, where many executed during La Terreur were imprisoned before they were beheaded; or stop by Sainte-Chapelle UNESCO World Heritage-listed church famed for its stunning stained glass windows and beautiful Sainte-Chapelle Church–UNESCO’s World Heritage listing that’s best known for its stained glass windows alone!