Sacre-Couer Basilica is situated on the highest point in Paris, France.
With over 170 museums, 476 parks and gardens, dozens of historic monuments and some of the best shopping and fine dining in the world, you may be overwhelmed on spend your limited time in Paris. To plan your trip to Paris, prioritize attractions according to your interests, plot locations on a map and plan to visit close-by sites on the same day, and don't try to do too much on your trip. Slow-down and enjoy the Parisian charms of strolling along the Seine river, leisurely drinking a glass of wine in a cafe and wandering medieval streets in search of the perfect souvenir.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral to see one of the finest examples of French gothic architecture. Designed in 1163, constructed over two centuries, and completed in 1345, the Notre Dame Cathedral overlooks the Seine River and the heart of medieval Paris. Don't forget to climb the bell tower for an incredible view of Paris and to see the bells made famous in Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
Notre Dame Cathedral
Parvis Notre Dame
Paris, France 75004
011-33-01-42-34-56-10
notredamedeparis.fr
Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Situated at the highest point in Paris in the Montmartre neighborhood, the Sacre-Coeur Basilica has panoramic views of the Parisian skyline. Note the Basilica's unusual Roman-Byzantine architectural style, which is not commonly seen in Europe. Make sure to explore the nearby artists' workshops on the streets adjacent to the Basilica.
Sacre-Coeur Basilica
35, rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre
Paris, France 75018
011-33-01-53-41-89-00
sacre-coeur-montmartre.com
Louvre Museum
Smile back at the enigmatic Mona Lisa, gasp at the extravagant French crown jewels, shudder at the sight of preserved Egyptian mummies and admire the details of ancient Greek sculptures like the Venus de Milo at the Louvre Museum. The Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world, so plan at least half a day to explore the treasures of the Louvre.
The Louvre
Mo Palais-Royal / musée du Louvre
Paris, France 75001
011-33-01-40-20-50-50
louvre.fr
Eiffel Tower
No visit to Paris is complete without ascending the Eiffel Tower and marveling at the massive size of this monument that is an international symbol for Paris, France. Plan to visit the tower at night to see the sparkling, synchronized light show that occurs at the top of the hour, and to look out over the Paris skyline at night. When you experience the panoramic view over Paris at night from the top of the Eiffel Tower, you'll realize why Paris is known as "The City of Lights."
Eiffel Tower
5 Parc du Champ de Mars
Paris, France 75007
011-33-01-44-11-23-23
tour-eiffel.fr
Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is devoted to modern art, and is one of the most popular museums in Paris, hosting over six million visitors per year. The modern art exhibits consist of paintings, sculptures, multi-media displays and performance art. Even if you are not a fan of modern or abstract art pieces, the sheer scale and variety of the exhibits guarantee you will find something of interest. Don't miss riding the exposed escalators to the top of the building for a view of the Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline.
Centre Pompidou
Place Georges Pompidou
Paris, France 75004
011-33-01-44-78-12-33
centrepompidou.fr
Musee d'Orsay
Located in a renovated 19th century train station, the Musee d'Orsay contains some of the most famous Impressionist paintings in the world. Visit the Musee d'Orsay to see Monet's waterlilies, Vincent Van Gogh's self-portraits and Renoir's colorful depictions of French country life.
Musee d'Orsay
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
Paris, France 75007
011-33-01-40-49-48-14
musee-orsay.fr
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe towers over one end of the Champs-Elysees, and was built by Napoleon in 1838 to celebrate his victories on the battlefield. Today, for Americans, the Arc de Triomphe is most remembered for the pictures of Allied Forces marching under the Arc after liberating Paris in World War II.
Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles-de-Gaulle
Paris, France 75008
011-33-01-55-37-73-77
arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr
Luxembourg Gardens
At more than 60 acres, the Luxembourg Gardens are one of the largest parks in Paris and one of the most popular parks for Parisians to picnic and soak up the sun. Wander through the manicured gardens, search for the replica of the Statue of Liberty and watch children sailboats on the lake in front of the Luxembourg Palace.
Luxembourg Gardens
15 rue de Vaugirard
Paris, France 75006
011-33-01-44-54-19-49
Sainte-Chapelle
Located on an island in the Seine, Ile de la Cite, Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th century French Gothic Cathedral famous for its stained glass windows. Plan to attend a sunset chamber orchestra concert to hear the outstanding acoustics, as well as view the multi-colored play of lights through the large stained glass windows.
Sainte-Chapelle
4 bd. du Palais
Paris, France 75004
011-33-01-53-40-60-80
sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr
Musee de l'Orangerie
If you like the French Impressionists and especially the works of Claude Monet, plan to visit the Musee de l'Orangerie. The small museum, located near the Louvre in the Tuileries Gardens, contains a huge canvas of Monet's water lilies in a circular room with natural light. Monet created these scenes specifically for this venue for the Parisians to have a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris city life. Walk 360 degrees around the large, seamless canvases to see why Monet is a master of the Impressionist technique of playing with color and light to create work of lasting beauty.
Musee de l'Orangerie
Jardin desTuileries
Paris, France 75001
011-33-01-44-77-80-07
musee-orangerie.fr
