Paris has always been surrounded by a romantic aura. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the capital of lovers, the center of art and European palace architecture. Excursion programs in Paris are always rich, so every day you will discover the capital of France anew.
A river cruise along the Seine, admiring the solemn arches of Notre Dame de Paris, a picnic on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower, tasting the best French wines and cheeses - this is a short list of what you need to do during a trip to Paris.
All year round, the French capital hosts festivals and events, interesting theater premieres, and the best exhibitions in Europe. Paris is also a center for gastronomic tourism. Haute French cuisine is considered the most sophisticated in the world.
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What to see and where to go in Paris?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The most famous and recognizable symbol of Paris (and all of France), a place of pilgrimage for tourists from all over the world. The attraction is visited by several million people every year. The tower is a 324 meter high metal structure with elevators, an observation deck, restaurants and a lighthouse at the top. It was built by Gustav Eiffel and originally served as the entrance to the grounds of the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition.
An architectural ensemble that served as the residence of French kings from the 16th to the 17th centuries. before the court moved to Versailles. The palace turned into a museum already in the 18th century. The first collections were collected from the personal funds of Francis I and Louis XIV. Now the Louvre collection includes more than 400 thousand exhibits, about 35 thousand are constantly exhibited. The museum houses the famous painting “Mona Lisa” created by da Vinci.
Architectural monument on Charles de Gaulle Square. Construction of the monument began in 1806 by order of Napoleon Bonaparte after the French victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. The work was completed after the death of the emperor in 1936. The arch was built by the architect Jean Chalgrin. On four sides the monument is decorated with sculptural groups dedicated to military victories and achievements of the French Revolution.
An outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the most visited cathedral in Paris. It began to be built in the 12th century on the site of the ancient pagan temple of Jupiter. By the middle of the 14th century, the work was completed. During the French Revolution, Notre Dame fell into disrepair, but in 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte chose it as the site of his coronation, thereby partially returning the temple to its former significance. The last restoration took place in the 1920s.
The temple is located on the Montmartre hill, it rises above Paris with snow-white domes. Construction began in the second half of the 19th century, when France was going through difficult times. The temple was erected on the site of a demolished Benedictine monastery, where Ignatius of Loyola himself, the future Grand Master of the Jesuit Order, took his vows. The basilica was built over 30 years using donations from Parisians and government funds.
The famous Parisian street, along with Fifth Avenue in New York and Oxford Street in London, is considered the most expensive street in the world. It stretches for almost 2 km. from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Important events for the social life of France take place here; during the holidays, the street is elegantly decorated with garlands. Famous brand stores, restaurants, and hotels are concentrated on the Champs Elysees.
A palace and park ensemble in a Parisian suburb, the famous residence of French monarchs. Versailles appeared thanks to the efforts of Louis XIV in the 17th century. Gradually, from a modest hunting castle, under the supervision of architects Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Louis Levo, a luxurious palace grew, which became a symbol of the era of the “Sun King”. Many European monarchs took Versailles as a model for building their own residences.
The architectural complex was erected for the wife of Henry IV, Marie de Medici, in the 17th century. Now the French Senate meets in the palace, and the garden has become a popular place for walks among Parisians. Concerts and photo exhibitions are often held here. The attraction is located in the Latin Quarter of the city. Somewhere in this area lived the famous characters of A. Dumas from the immortal work “The Three Musketeers”.
Hill and famous area of the French capital. A colorful place where representatives of Parisian bohemians lived, among whom were Andre Salmon, Picasso, Modigliani, Georges Braque. The modern art style of cubism was born in Montmartre. A considerable number of attractions are concentrated here: boulevards, temples, museums. People of art still gather in the main square of the district.
Located in the very center of the capital, in the middle of the Seine River. Several bridges connect the island with the rest of the city on all sides. The Cité is the very heart of Paris and is home to Notre Dame de Paris, the Conciergerie Castle and the Sainte-Chapelle chapel. Celtic settlements on the island appeared in 300 BC. In 508 AD. The fortress on the Cite became the residence of rulers from the Merovingian clan - the first dynasty of French rulers.
A square from the late 18th century, built on the site of the defensive fortress of the Bastille. For almost 400 years, the fort served as a prison for political prisoners and became a symbol of the hated monarchy for the people. After the famous storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, it was decided to dismantle the structure. In its place a wide square was paved. In 1840, the July Column was erected here in honor of the July Revolution.
An ancient district in the center of Paris, located around the Sorbonne University. Previously, mostly students settled here, since in addition to the Sorbonne, there are several other educational institutions in the quarter. Over time, the area has developed into a tourist attraction. It's always noisy and fun here. The numerous bars offer a relaxed, party atmosphere.
The real pride of France, one of the best and oldest European universities. The educational institution was founded at the beginning of the 13th century and since then has religiously observed old traditions and maintained the highest quality of education. From the beginning of the 17th century, the Sorbonne became the center of European philosophy and theology. Today, the Sorbonne brand unites 13 independent universities.
A popular museum of modern art, built in 1977 by French President J. Pompidou. It is a symbol of modernization and renewal of France. The original design of the building was proposed by the authors R. Rogers and R. Piano. The structure is unusual in that all engineering communications are moved outside, and inside, maximum space is used for various exhibitions.
A museum where collections of impressionists and post-impressionists are exhibited. The building was built for the opening of the Paris World Exhibition in 1900 and was used as a railway station until 1939. The architecture of the museum is a combination of elements of industrial style with classicism of the 19th century. After the station closed, it was planned to demolish the house and build a hotel in its place, but then it was decided to organize a museum.
Another name for the theater stage is Grand Opera. Its construction began under Emperor Napoleon III in the mid-19th century according to the design of the architect Charles Garnier. Several dozen sculptors worked on decorating the facade, so there is no single style in the design. The interiors of the opera are designed without bulky columns and supports (as in other theaters), so there is a lot of space and light inside.
The famous French variety show, art cafe and the hallmark of Parisian nightlife. Cabaret has existed since the end of the 19th century and has been very popular for more than 100 years. At first, this place was considered a “dirty establishment” with frivolous morals. The cabaret hall is always full, tickets for performances are sold out in advance. The show features dozens of performers and hundreds of costumes made by famous designers.
Architectural complex near the Eiffel Tower. The house was built under Louis XIV and was used as a shelter for veterans who were wounded and maimed during the wars. There were no similar establishments in Europe, so the monarch showed his best side, showing concern for his subjects. The Invalides received its first guests in 1674. The ensemble consists of the Church of St. Louis, orderly rows of barracks, a park and a hospital.
Former royal castle on the Ile de la Cité, one of the oldest in Paris. It was built on the site of a 6th-century fortress where the Frankish king Clovis lived. Until the end of the 14th century, French monarchs lived in the castle, but after the court moved to the Louvre, the Conciergerie was turned into a prison, which over the centuries was overgrown with dark stories. From here, thousands of prisoners (including Queen Marie Antoinette) went to the guillotine.
A building in the style of French classicism in the Latin Quarter. Initially it served as a church, but later became a burial place for famous and important personalities in French history. Construction of the Pantheon began in 1764, the first stone was laid by King Louis XV. Under the arches of the building lie the ashes of the great thinkers Rousseau and Voltaire, writers Emile Zola and Victor Hugo, and physicist Marie Sklodowska-Curie.
The only skyscraper in the city over 200 meters in height. The tower houses company offices, shops, banks and restaurants. More than 5,000 employees are in the building every day. You can get to the observation decks by using high-speed elevators that take passengers to the 56th floor in a few tens of seconds. The tower was erected in the period 1969-1972.
A world-famous necropolis where many famous personalities are buried. The attraction attracts more than 2 million tourists a year. The cemetery has been operating since 1804, over two centuries its territory has grown to several tens of hectares, today it is a whole city with alleys, chapels and monumental crypts. Many actors, statesmen, writers, artists and poets found their final refuge here.
A network of artificial caves and tunnels laid at a depth of 15-20 meters. Their total length is more than one hundred kilometers. Dungeons have existed since the 13th century. Previously, there were limestone mines, then wine cellars, and since the 18th century - underground cemeteries. Tourists can follow a 2.5-kilometer excursion route in the catacombs; the rest of the underground complex is closed.
An elegant bridge decorated with figures of angels, nymphs and openwork lanterns in the Beaux Arts architectural style. Throws across the Seine River. By crossing the bridge, you can get from the Champs Elysees to the territory of the Invalides. The structure was named after the Russian Emperor Alexander III to highlight the closeness of France and Russia during a certain period of time. The bridge was declared a valuable architectural monument in 1975.
Paris street, which became famous during the development of cinema. It was here in 1985 that the Lumiere brothers showed their first film. Afterwards, small cinemas began to open on the boulevard one by one, as the new art quickly gained popularity among the public. The Olympia and Paramount Opera, opened at the beginning of the 20th century, are still operating. The composer Jacques Offenbach lived on the Boulevard des Capucines.
The large green area of Paris, a park area that is called the “western lungs of Europe”. In past centuries, royal hunting grounds were located here. Luxurious holidays, receptions, and picnics of the French court were held on the territory of the forest. Under Louis XVI, the Bois de Boulogne was opened to the public. Now this area has become a popular city park.
A public park extending from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde. Sculptures are installed in the garden - copies of exhibits from the royal Versailles, chestnut alleys are planted, and flower beds are laid out. The park was started by Catherine de Medici. On her orders, the tiled workshops were demolished (they were called “Tuileries”, hence the name of the garden) and the place was cleared for the future park.
The river, which is considered the soul and center of life in Paris. It is one of the largest in France. The Seine originates in Burgundy and flows into the English Channel. On the territory of Paris, the river artery bends many times, dividing the French capital into a historical, cultural and business part. Numerous pleasure boats ply along the Seine, carrying tourists from area to area.
A shopping center, a temple of the fashion industry and a place of pilgrimage for fashionistas from all over the world. The collections of all the famous French designers are presented here. Initially, at the end of the 19th century, it was a small shop selling ribbons and lace, but after a few years it grew into a large shopping center. Galeries Lafayette was one of the first to use modern marketing: bright signs, discounts and large windows.
An amusement park in the Parisian suburb of Marne-la-Vallée, operating since 1992. The park is owned by the American company Walt Disney. This is a magical world for children, where all the famous characters from Disney cartoons live, the scenery from their favorite fairy tales is recreated, and there are countless attractions that delight adults too. The park contains residential and business areas, hotels and golf courses.
It is probably difficult to find a person who would not dream of visiting Paris. Since childhood, everyone has heard more than once about this wonderful city. About its narrow medieval streets and wide modern avenues, about the Champs Elysees and Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Reading the works of V. Hugo, O. Balzac, E. Zola, A. Dumas and many other outstanding French writers, everyone mentally imagined themselves in the place of the heroes of the works and wandered the streets in search of adventure. When the opportunity arises to visit this amazing city in reality, everyone strives to see with their own eyes exactly those places that are known from famous literary works. Today we will answer the question - what to see in this beautiful city? So, an overview of the best attractions in Paris and the route.
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One of the symbols of the city, reflecting significant historical events, is the Arc de Triomphe, built at the request of Napoleon in order to triumphantly walk through it leading his troops after successive victories. By laying the first stone in the foundation of the arch, Napoleon symbolically celebrated his birthday, but he was not able to triumphantly walk through the finished structure, since it took 30 years to build the tallest arch in the world. In December 1840, Napoleon was destined to find himself under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe, when the coffin with his body was solemnly carried through it, delivering the great conqueror from St. Helena to his eternal resting place in Paris.
Since the completion of construction, Parisians have been celebrating the most significant events in the life of the city and country at this 50-meter monument. At the Arc de Triomphe in 1885, the townspeople said goodbye forever to the great writer V. Hugo. At the end of the Second World War, at this legendary arch, inspired by the approaching victory, the Parisians gave General de Gaulle a warm, solemn meeting. Interestingly, twice a year on May 10 and August 1, at sunset, you can see how the solar disk occupies a central place in the opening of the Arc de Triomphe.
It is not just a landmark, but also the personification of Paris itself and its complex history. That’s why Papertnaya Square is always full of multilingual audiences. Now in one place of the square, now in another you can hear the simple melodies of street musicians and see the circus tricks of the ubiquitous jugglers entertaining the crowd. It’s hard to believe, but the center of Parisian life, Notre Dame, was completely abandoned two hundred years ago. The French Revolution swept away everything in its path that belonged to the legacy of the past era. Castles and palaces, monasteries and cathedrals were destroyed. The beautiful statues by the great masters that adorned the façade of Notre Dame Cathedral were also thrown to the ground.
All church utensils, including the famous bells of the cathedral, were sent for melting down, part of the cathedral's decoration disappeared without a trace, and the altar was desecrated. The dilapidated and looted cathedral gradually fell into decay, until thanks to the famous novel by V. Hugo in 1831, interest in the rich historical heritage of the country and the Gothic movement in architecture was revived. Already in those years, a royal decree was issued to restore the cathedral. The restoration of the cathedral was undertaken by the young French architect Eugene Violet-de-Duc, who managed to completely restore its original appearance. Since then, the city authorities have constantly monitored the preservation of the cathedral in its original form.
Eiffel Tower
Another symbol of France. Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, although a city with a long history just over 120 years ago did without this symbolic structure. In 1889, in honor of the centenary of the French Revolution and the triumph of scientific progress, which was rapidly gaining momentum, Gustave Eiffel presented a unique technical design to the Parisians, which was practically assembled from individual parts in two years. The erected tower, 300 meters high, became the tallest structure in the world at that time. Undoubtedly, in addition to height, it had other unique characteristics.
The tower withstood the pressure of the wind and hardly swayed. Its original design allows it to withstand temperature changes. The creator of the Eiffel Tower had to hold the line for a long time and defend his brainchild, proving its usefulness in order to protect it from dismantling. Famous artists, including Maupassant and Dumas the Son, spoke out against the now familiar symbol of France, noting the discrepancy between the industrial appearance of the tower and the classical architecture of old Paris. However, the elegant design quickly won the hearts of most townspeople.
Montmartre
Montmartre is a romantic quarter that fully conveys the unique atmosphere of this city. Here, amid the bustle of the city, the windmill “Moulin de la Galette” has been preserved. Her image can be seen on the canvases of famous artists: Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. Only here in Montmartre there is an unusual monument to the writer Marcel Aime, who in one of his works talks about a persistent lover who got stuck in a wall after a date with a married lady. It is believed that by shaking the left hand of the bronze statue of Emma, you can confidently count on the fulfillment of your innermost desires.
In this bohemian quarter there is still a cafe “The Agile Rabbit”, whose regulars were future celebrities, poor artists and poets: Paul Verlaine, Pissaro, Guillaume, Modigliani. The famous musical variety show "Moulin Rouge" is located on the White Square of Montmartre. It was here that the legendary La Goulue invented the famous “can-can”. Nearby is the Montmartre cemetery, where, among many celebrities, the creator of the “can-can” rests. Here you can see the graves of E. Zola, Stendhal, Alexandre Dumas son, Berlioz and many other famous figures of literature and art.
Opera Garnier
It is a real center of theatrical culture in France. The doors of the opera were first opened to visitors back in 1669 on the initiative of local celebrities R. Camber and P. Perrin. They were the authors of the first staged play.
Home for the Invalids
For lovers of military history, we recommend taking a look at the seventh arrondissement, where the famous Les Invalides is located. This is a complex of military-themed buildings that are associated with the military history of France. You can visit museums of the Army, plans and reliefs, and modern history. Here are also the burial places of the country's famous military leaders and generals, including the famous Napoleon. Initially, this place was only a hospital for those injured during battles and elderly soldiers. The initiator of the opening of this institution was Louis XIV. Gradually, the complex expanded with new buildings and became a shelter for hundreds of officers and privates who distinguished themselves in battle.
Of course, many tourists come here just for one tomb - Emperor Napoleon, who was originally buried on the island of St. Helena, where he served his exile. The attraction is located at Boulevard des Invalides (Varenne metro station). Open daily except Mondays from 10 to 17 (until 18 hours in summer). Entrance costs 9 euros, free for children under 18 years old.
Champs Elysees
Another famous attraction that every guest should visit is the Champs Elysees. This is one of the main and most famous streets of the capital, where many parades are traditionally held. Processions run from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Initially, this place was empty and, on the initiative of Marie de Medici, in 1616 it began to be ennobled. The author of the idea of creating the Grand Cour walking area is considered to be the architect Le Nôtre. And modern buildings, which are intertwined with historical and cultural objects, began to appear much later.
The fame of the Champs Elysees was brought by famous residents, who began to settle in the houses located here one by one. Today, tourists are attracted by numerous boutiques of famous world brands, souvenir shops and picturesque cafes. Address: Av. des Champs-Іlysеs. You can get there by metro, getting off at Concorde station. Or take the train, which runs on lines 1, 8, 12. Admission is free.
Latin Quarter
Do you want to plunge into the world of student life? Then head to the Latin Quarter, which is located in the fifth and sixth arrondissements of the city. The center of the quarter is the world-famous Sorbonne University. The quarter owes its name not to students from Latin America, but to the Latin language, which for many centuries was the main language for teaching and scientific work. In addition, tourists will be able to visit the famous Pantheon Hill, which is famous for its centuries-old history and where many historically significant events for Parisians took place.
Within the quarter there is also an impressive collection of the Natural History Museum. Entrance to the quarter is free, you can visit it at any convenient time. If you want to learn interesting facts from history, we recommend hiring an experienced guide. The attraction is located in the fifth district of the capital. The easiest way to get there is by metro, getting off at Cluny-la-Sorbonne station (line 10).
Louvre
Even if you have never had the opportunity to visit the famous Louvre, it is unlikely that you have not heard anything about this world famous attraction! It is not at all necessary to be an expert in various styles of art or to be able to distinguish between paintings by Picasso and Van Gogh! Every tourist who is at least a little interested in the history of France and the world, who is not indifferent to sculptures, frescoes, ancient Egyptian sarcophagi or monuments of Ancient Rome and Greece, should visit the Louvre.
Just imagine, every year over 10 million people visit the huge exhibition halls, many of whom come here to take another look at the main highlight of the Louvre - the famous Mona Lisa! But even without this painting there is something to see here. Under the dome of the museum, valuable and unique artifacts and relics of the Ancient East, Asia, and Western civilizations are collected. The famous museum is located at Palais Royal, Musée du Louvre, 75001. The easiest way to get there is by bus or metro (Palais Royal station). The exhibition is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (on some days until 9:45 p.m.). Ticket prices start from 15 euros.
Luxembourg Garden
Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg) is a palace and park ensemble, one of the main attractions of the Latin Quarter. The garden is located at the end of the beautiful Boulevard San Michele, along which it can be reached. You can also get to the Luxembourg Gardens by metro, getting off at Luxembourg station. In the garden stands the Luxembourg Palace - one of the best architectural monuments in all of France. In front of the palace there is a huge, beautiful fountain, through the waters of which you can even launch a model of a sailboat. A little to the side is the atmospheric Medici fountain of the 17th century, marble, overgrown with moss.
We recommend that all connoisseurs of the famous French park architecture plan a visit to the Luxembourg Gardens. Despite the fact that initially its entire area was allocated for vegetation, today it is a real cultural and gaming expanse for visitors. For example, right at the entrance to the garden there is a large stage where concerts and festive events are regularly held. There are many attractions and playgrounds in the park.
This is where Parisians like to spend all their free time. The Luxembourg Gardens also arouse genuine interest among numerous tourists and guests of the capital who personally want to stroll through its vast territory. The garden is located at rue de Vaugirard (Vaugirard street), 15. We recommend getting there by metro (Odeon station) or by bus. They won't charge you a cent to enter. The park is open in summer from 7.30 to 21.45, and in winter from 8.15 to 16.45.
Alexander III Bridge
The bridge connecting the opposite banks of the Seine is often called the most romantic place in the city. It is decorated with dozens of sculptures of angels, nymphs and pegasi, each of which is distinguished by its unique design and indescribable beauty. According to history, the author of the idea of creating the bridge was Russian Emperor Nicholas II, who in such an unusual way decided to perpetuate the memory of his father by naming the bridge in his honor. It was a kind of gift in honor of the conclusion of peace between France and Russia.
The bridge was designed in such a way as not to spoil the breathtaking panoramas of the Champs Elysees. Its length is 160 meters and its height is 6 meters. You can get to the building by car or metro (Invalides station), as well as by walking to the Invalides House. Admission is free, you can visit the attraction at any time of the day. According to legend, a kiss on the Alexander III Bridge can bind two loving hearts with strong bonds.
Museum d'Orsay
Are you a passionate fan of the Impressionists? Then go boldly to the famous exhibition halls of the Musee d'Orsay. It is this cultural institution that enjoys fame and respect among tourists and true connoisseurs of this art direction. The halls display dozens of paintings by famous artists, including Manet and Monet, Degas, Renoir, Lautrec, Gauguin and many others. But this famous exhibition complex is not famous for its paintings alone. There are many examples of other areas of art - architecture, decorative and applied arts.
D'Orsay is located at rue de Lille, 62. You can get there by metro, getting off at Solferino station, and if you are coming from the suburbs, by RER train. The exhibition doors are open daily from 9.30 to 18 hours. Closed on Monday. The ticket price is 9 euros, and for tourists who want to visit periodic exhibitions - 12 euros. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.
Rodin Museum
If you are a passionate admirer of the works of the sculptor Auguste Rodin, you should definitely visit his personal museum. More precisely, a museum that displays his best works. The museum occupies the building of a mansion, which was erected in the second half of the 17th century and at one time belonged to the famous master. The doors of the museum were first opened to visitors in 1919. The pride of the collection are the famous sculptures “The Thinker”, “Citizens of Calais”, works “The Gates of Hell”, “Beethoven” and many others. In total, the collection occupies an area of 16 rooms.
It is worth noting that the collection also includes paintings by famous artists, including Van Gogh and Manet. These paintings were collected by Rodin and donated to the city along with his personal works. You can get to the museum, which is located at 79 Rue de Varenne, by metro (Varenne or Invalides stations). At the box office you can buy a comprehensive ticket to view the collection (6 euros) or limit yourself to visiting the garden (1 euro). Visitors under 18 years of age can enter the museum for free. The doors of the complex are open every day except Monday from 10 to 17.45.
Ile de la Cité
The surviving island, located in the middle of the Seine, is today considered the real heart of the city. You can get to it via one of the existing nine bridges (you can get there from any part of the city). The island was once intended to house a royal residence, but today there is practically not a single resident left here. We recommend spending a whole day exploring the island. Famous sights are brought to the attention of tourists: the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, the well-known Conciergerie prison, which today has the status of a museum, the Palace of Justice and several other interesting historical sites.
In order not to miss anything important, we advise you to arrange a paid excursion led by an experienced guide. The island is open to visitors around the clock. Admission is free (except for visiting museums and other attractions). You can get there by metro or other public and private transport.
Palais Royal Palace
The Palais Royal is located in the very center. It includes the palace itself, a square and a park area. According to official information, the palace was intended to house the outstanding figure Cardinal Richelieu and his retinue. Since the cardinal was partial to art, a library, art gallery and theater were created in the palace. The palace received its modern name thanks to its new owner, Anna of Austria, who took over the residence of the cardinal after his death. During its existence, the complex repeatedly changed its owners, was rebuilt and expanded.
At one time, noisy celebrations were held here, the Chapiteau circus worked, at another time the palace was closed to outsiders and lived a measured life, full of secrets and conspiracies. These days, the palace building is closed to visitors. You can only enter the park territory, as well as the courtyard, admission is free. Attraction address: Le Palais Royal, Rue de Montpensier. You can get there by metro. You are welcome every day from 7.20 to 20.
Pantheon
This place houses the ashes of famous Parisians who distinguished themselves over the years of their lives. At the same time, the Pantheon is a real monument to human ambitions and passions. According to legend, the building appeared as gratitude to St. Genevieve, to whom King Louis appealed while on the verge of death. Since, according to the ruler, it was the patroness of Paris who granted him recovery, 11 years later the construction of a temple in her honor began.
The author of the architectural masterpiece was Soufflot, who was able to combine the best achievements of architects of several generations within one project. Subsequently, many ideas were used by architects of later eras. For example, in the dome of the Washington Capitol there is a clear resemblance to the Parisian Pantheon. The attraction is located at Place du Panthéon, 5e. The Pantheon is open daily from 10 to 18.30. In winter, the temple doors close half an hour earlier. Entrance will cost visitors 8 euros, and children can enter for free.
Place de la Concorde
This is one of the main squares of the French capital, which is created in the shape of a regular octagon. The corners are decorated with statues that symbolize the most significant cities of the country. In the very center there was a place for a huge obelisk. The square is also known for the fact that at one time many noble Frenchmen and state rulers were executed here. For example, King Louis XVI and famous women – Marie Antoinette, Madame Elizabeth and Charlotte Corday – met their death on the Place de la Concorde.
The guillotine stood on the square until the revolutionary intensity dropped. You can get to the square by metro (Concorde station) or by car. You can use one of the regular buses. The attraction is located in the 8th arrondissement, at Place de la Concorde. Free admission.
Disneyland
When planning a trip, a must-see for almost every tourist should be a visit to the famous Disneyland. The magical world of Walt Disney brings guests a sea of pleasures and joys.
The entertainment complex is located 30 kilometers from the center of the French capital. The vast territory of the park is divided into five thematic zones, each of which is stylized as a famous fairy tale, cartoon or movie. Beautifully designed buildings and structures, exciting attractions, and sculptures of famous characters evoke a sense of celebration in children.
Disneyland welcomes its guests with a main street designed in the style of Western American towns of the late 19th century. There are nice houses lined up here with shops, cafes and souvenir shops. The road leads to the main symbol of Disneyland - Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Basilica of Sacré-Coeur
The top of Montmartre Hill, which is 130 meters high, is majestically crowned by the white stone Sacré-Coeur Basilica. This is one of the main attractions of the French capital.
The idea of building a temple arose in the 70s of the 19th century after the crushing defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War. The new church was supposed to put an end to all the misfortunes visited on the French people. The construction of the Catholic shrine in the Byzantine style took 35 years.
A multi-span staircase leads to the basilica, on the intermediate platforms of which there are green lawns, always filled with the resting public. At the foot of the church, tourists can see five domes stretched upward. The central dome reaches a height of 83 meters. The facade of the basilica is decorated with a massive portico with three arches, on top of which are equestrian statues of Saint Louis and Joan of Arc.
Palace of Versailles
In 1661, the young king of France, Louis XIV, decided to build a residence for himself in the hunting grounds of the suburb. The best architects of that time brilliantly fulfilled the wishes of the monarch. A masterpiece of classical architecture was built, which became a symbol of the absolute power of the king - the Palace of Versailles. The magnificent grand building reflects the luxury that reigned at the court of Louis XIV. Around the architectural pearl grows a garden with intricately designed alleys, evenly trimmed green spaces, a pond and numerous sculptures.
The facade of the palace stretched 640 meters wide. The interiors of the palace premises amaze visitors with their pompous beauty. The royal halls are decorated with majestic columns, arched galleries, gilded stucco, balustrades, bas-reliefs, ceiling frescoes, paintings, mirrors and tapestries.
House of Invalides
During the reign of Louis XIV, an architectural complex of buildings was erected, conceived as a shelter for war veterans who were injured on the battlefields. Thus, the authorities fought against the begging of soldiers who had lost their health and lost their ability to work. The ensemble of buildings is built in a restrained classical style. The elongated buildings form courtyards with arcaded galleries. Today, within the walls of the Invalides House there is a museum of military glory. The main architectural structure of the complex is the monumental Cathedral of St. Louis. Its tall and majestic dome, decorated with golden ornaments, dominates the entire center. The temple became the tomb of many French military leaders from different eras. The main point of attraction for tourists is the sarcophagus with the ashes of Napoleon I Bonaparte.
Montparnasse Tower
Among the particularly remarkable architectural ensembles and monuments, the towering grandiose structure made of glass and concrete - the Montparnasse Tower - catches your eye. The 210-meter-high skyscraper was built in 1972. It houses many offices and restaurants, as well as an observation deck. Tourists are taken by a high-speed elevator to the 56th floor, from where a breathtaking panorama of the historical center opens. The viewing radius reaches up to 40 kilometers. From a bird's eye view you can see all the iconic sights of the city. Along the perimeter of the observation deck, fenced with thick glass, there are chairs and telescopes.
Sorbonne
Paris is home to one of the oldest educational institutions in the world. This is the main university of France - the Sorbonne. The history of the creation of the higher school, named after the clergyman Robert de Sorbonne, dates back to the first half of the 13th century. Over the years of its existence, the institution has become famous for educating many generations of the country's intellectual elite. The main building of the Sorbonne University is located in the Latin Quarter. The architectural ensemble is of historical value for the culture of the French nation.
The interior of the building corresponds to the educational atmosphere. On the facade you can see statues symbolizing various sciences. Among the educational buildings stands the Baroque chapel of St. Ursula of Sorbonne. The façade of the shrine is crowned with a high dome framed by four bell towers. The entrance to the temple is decorated with a classic portico with columns and sculptures installed in niches.
Pompidou Center
The Georges Pompidou National Center for Contemporary Art is considered a popular attraction in the French capital. The unusual museum complex was founded in 1977 with the aim of supporting an innovative cultural movement - avant-garde. The original building of the Pompidou Center seems to defy classical architectural canons. At first glance, there is a feeling that the building is being reconstructed or is still under construction.
According to the architectural design, all pipes, scaffolding, wires, metal structures and other technical communications are moved outside. Museum exhibitions express the ideas of abstractly thinking artists. Visitors are free to interpret contemporary art in their own way. There are paintings, sculptural compositions, and various objects that create whimsical installations.
Cabaret Moulin Rouge
Tourists can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of enchanting show programs with incendiary spectacular dances, music, songs and acrobatic performances at the world famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. This is the hallmark of the nightlife and glamorous life of France. The variety show building is decorated with a red mill, considered a symbol of the Montmartre district, where the entertainment and rather racy establishment is located.
The Moulin Rouge show fascinates with the grandeur of the performances that will leave unforgettable vivid impressions in the memory of the audience. The performances feature many dancers dressed in colorful, gorgeous costumes decorated with rhinestones, feathers and sequins. The refined movements, plasticity and grace of the artists evoke enthusiastic emotions. Mostly girls perform topless, which is of particular interest to the stronger half of humanity.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
The legendary Père Lachaise cemetery embodies the romance of Parisian architecture, which is not without interest for tourists visiting the attraction. On a vast territory of 47 hectares you can see stone crypts and tombstones decorated with highly artistic sculptural compositions. The cemetery contains about a million graves. The remains of a considerable number of famous personalities rest here.
Here you can see the tombstones of the composer F. Chopin, singer Yves Montand, dancer A. Duncan, actress A. Girado, singer E. Piaf, playwright O. Wilde, writer O. Balzac and many others. The monument to the Russian soldier, erected in honor of the fallen soldiers during the Second World War on the territory of France, deserves attention. A separate large area of Père Lachaise is dedicated to the burials of victims of Nazism.
In Paris, the best time to go for a walk around the city in the evening, and the best place to start such a journey is from the Eiffel Tower. In addition, it works up to 24 hours. You can see how incredibly colorful it is illuminated every hour. At this time there are practically no queues to lift the towers to the top. So you can completely calmly, without any fuss, make the ascent and admire the magnificent evening Paris from the top observation deck.
You can also go in the evening to one of the Parisian museums that are open until late. For example, almost all museums are open until 21.00 every Thursday, the Louvre is open until 21.00 on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the popular Orsay Museum is also open on Thursdays.
If you are not particularly interested in evening sightseeing, then you can easily go to some bar. For example, in the Bastille metro area you can find many discos and clubs. You can communicate there in English or Russian (if you don’t speak French), or, as a last resort, using gestures. If you are not drawn to a bar or a disco, then you can go to some cozy restaurant, at least in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.
But even after visiting a restaurant or bar, still don’t be lazy and walk around Paris on foot, preferably along the Seine, there are a lot of interesting things there. If you are tired and do not want to wander, then you will have the opportunity to take a boat ride along the evening Seine. Or you can go on an excursion on a special bus. Then you will not only see all the city’s attractions, but also hear an interesting and detailed story about them. 
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is open until 9 pm. There is also an observation deck there.
You can go to a cabaret in the evening, for example, to the famous Moulin Rouge. If you didn’t have time to go shopping during the day, then you may well have time to do it in the evening. Head to the Champs-Élysées, where the shops are open until late in the evening, and you'll also have a great opportunity to visit the most famous street in the world.
You can devote the evening to a walk in one of the magnificent Parisian parks. They work late, but do close at night. If you are an intellectual at heart and are constantly drawn to beauty, then you should definitely attend a symphonic music concert or go to the opera.
You can visit the courtyard of the Louvre in the evening. Try to figure out some monogram there. There you can find many encrypted messages about the secrets of the heart left by the French kings. Between the windows and columns of the palace, the architects left countless initials, which can be perfectly seen in the evening light. Among them, in encrypted form, are the names of kings and queens, their mistresses and lovers. Quite an interesting way to get acquainted with the secrets of the French court. 
It's a good idea to go for an evening walk to the stone village of Cité Sant-Paul. It is located almost in the very center of Paris, in a very old quarter. And it actually consists of several dozen stone houses, which are connected by courtyards and low arches. These nooks and crannies are of great interest for walking. However, be careful - in the evening you can easily get lost there. The charm of this historic area will surely captivate you. Of course, you can go there in the daytime, it will also be very nice there, but still, it is in the evening that this quarter looks somehow enchanting and mysterious.
And there is one very, very unusual proposal. Would you like to have some tea? And not just somewhere in a cafe, but in the tea salon of the main Parisian mosque. You will find yourself in a real Moroccan palace with copper lamps and painted ceilings, with carved stools and the aromas of oriental sweets, and will plunge into extraordinary peace and tranquility. You can comfortably sit on the terrace under the trees and enjoy the oriental exoticism to the fullest, washing it all down with delicious and aromatic tea in glass glasses with herbs and mint. 
If you want to have fun in the evening in an unusual way, then you’re in the right place at L’Urgence Bar. This is the so-called “medical bar” and they treat visitors there to medicinal cocktails with unusual names - “Laxative”, “Viagra” and the like. The cocktails, of course, do not have a healing effect, but rather a fun effect, and the whole atmosphere in the bar resembles some kind of game. However, all visitors enjoy this fun activity. Waitresses in flirtatious nurse uniforms and even with syringes walk between the tables, but we are not talking about medical procedures here. This fun establishment is located near the Odeon metro station, in the sixth arrondissement of Paris.
If you are an inveterate music lover and a fan of jazz music, go listen to real jazz at Le Baiser Sale. You can get there by metro to Chatelet station, this is the first arrondissement of Paris. You will find yourself in one of the oldest Parisian jazz clubs, where many famous musicians began their careers. The bar is open almost until the morning, and here you can not only listen to music, but also freely communicate with the performers
Many words have already been said and written, it was painted by hundreds of artists and thousands of poets sang, a city unlike any other city in the world, the capital of lovers and the city of arts, high fashion is born here and important political affairs are accomplished.
Paris is different, deceptive and unpredictable. Paris is different for everyone.
But there are places in Paris that you should definitely visit when first exploring the city.
Until the end of the 17th century, wealthy Parisians were buried in church cemeteries. And at the beginning of the 18th century, on the slopes of a hill in the Belleville quarter, a city cemetery was opened on the site where the house of Father Lachaise, confessor of Louis XIV “the Sun King,” once stood. This is where the name of the cemetery came from - Père Lachaise. At first, Parisians did not want to bury their deceased relatives away from the city and in a simple quarter, but in order to raise the “prestige” of the Père Lachaise cemetery, the remains of famous people were moved here, for example, Heloise and Abelard, Moliere and La Fontaine.
Now Père Lachaise is the largest of twenty cemeteries in Paris (40 hectares), where many famous people, scientific and cultural figures, military and political figures are buried, including Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Georges Bizet, Marcel Proust, Balzac, Camille Pizarro , Moliere, Eugene Delacroix, Sarah Bernhardt, Isadora Duncan, Simone Signoret, Frederic Chopin, Yves Montand, Jim Morrison and others.
There are self-sufficient and easy-going people who are not afraid of loneliness, and they do not need to be in company to have an interesting time. If you're one of them, you won't be daunted by the prospect of heading out on your own.
Just imagine how many opportunities will open up for you if no one is around you whining that it’s too late, loud, boring, scary, windy, hot or crowded...
Without “ballast” you are free to do anything, whenever and as much as you want. Do you want to devote the whole day to a single museum? - Please! Do you dream of exploring as many streets and nooks and crannies of the capital as possible? – no one will say that this is pointless and tedious.
Are you planning to do a lot of shopping, indulge in gluttony and taste famous French dishes, do you want to buy a bunch of trinkets or hang out until the morning in a night bar? No one will stop you, call you to order, or drag you into a hotel room ahead of time.
Independent Paris is great if you know how to have fun and find new friends wherever fate takes you. In fact, it is happiness to be an independent, holistic, somewhat adventurous person, capable of buying a ticket at any moment and rushing off after a dream.
Let's plunge into the world of art
However, wherever you go, you will not be alone, because all year round the city has plenty of tourists besieging the main attractions.
Take advantage of the freedom to visit exactly the exhibitions that interest you. The most popular museums: Rodin, Fontainebleau, Grand Palais, Conciergerie.
Be sure to visit the church, whose stained glass windows you won’t be able to take your eyes off on a sunny day. Surely you will be interested in treasures and, and the choice of halls and individual exhibits is yours.
Everything mentioned is a classic, but where else to go in Paris?
The capital has many amazing places. For example, a museum of sewers, magic and carnivals, hunting and vampires, medicine, smuggling and the police. On the street Pulbo, take a look at the exhibition of S. Dali, a shocking surrealist artist who continues to amaze with his extravagance today. It is also interesting to visit the Parisian Catacombs - the underground city of the dead.
You can continue your acquaintance with creativity at the Pompidou Center (). It was created to demonstrate the achievements of contemporary art in various fields, but the building itself is also of interest.
It is entangled with multi-colored communication systems, and if at first this shocked the local population, now the structure is considered an original addition to the metropolis. Opening days, souvenir shops and cafes await you inside, and outside mimes and musicians entertain passers-by.
Walks in the open air
Experienced travelers advise not to get hung up on, but rather to walk the streets and legendary neighborhoods.
Free Paris can be much more generous than during organized sightseeing tours. The main thing is to open your eyes wider and set up your camera to capture the most fantastic views.
Old Paris is rich in architecture. Each building is a masterpiece of architecture, with its own fascinating history, and one can only imagine what passions have been seething behind each wall for centuries. Their color is complemented by monuments and fountains, which are pleasant to look at slowly, studying every detail.
Historical places of the metropolis
It would be a crime not to see Montmartre, where Van Gogh, Lautrec, Picasso, Braque, Gauguin, Cezanne, Modigliani, Renoir, Degas, Signac and other representatives of the creative bohemia once lived, worked, were regulars and simply reveled in local eateries.
Since you are in this quarter, visit Delilah, Nezhinsky, Dumas son, Berlioz, Stendhal, Sax and other celebrities at the Montmartre cemetery.
You can end your walk with a visit to the very top of the hill. Entrance to it is free, with the exception of the observation deck and the crypt.
But we immediately warn single tourists that they are most likely to be noticed by dark-skinned molesters hanging out nearby and tying red “strings of happiness” on tourists’ wrists. This is the purest scam for the sake of defrauding money.
Montmartre- a very remarkable place. This is where the notorious “Agile Rabbit” and “Black Cat” cafes are located, the Belle Epoque hotel with rooms stylized as an old brothel, and the Dali Museum.
On the square Terter once carried out executions en masse, but now artists draw caricatures right on the street for everyone. On the square Pigalle (the red light district) still has plenty of sex shops, strip bars and brothels, and therefore the Wall of Love in Jean Rictus Park looks quite logical, although somewhat chaste.
Now head to the Latin Quarter, where the main attraction is the Sorbonne University. If you walk past it on the street. Kyuzhi, come out to . Then you can walk to the arenas of Lutetia or get there to the Cardinal Lemoine station, and from there go along the highway. Monge.
If you move along Blvd. Saint-Michel, go out to , where in good weather it’s nice to stay longer.
Be sure to stay on the street. La Harpe, because part of the events of the novel “The Three Musketeers” unfolded here.
Visit the Cluny Museum, which is not far from. The majestic cathedral is stunning in its architecture both outside and inside, especially the gargoyles perched on the peaked roof.
When looking at this majestic, austere building, scenes from V. Hugo’s novel involuntarily appear before your eyes. It seems that the deaf hunchback is about to begin to frantically torment the main bell, forcing it to sing so loudly that the air around the chapel hums and vibrates.
The Marais quarter is also an important part of the city, and when going to Paris on your own, be sure to devote time to it. It is famous, first of all, for the Place des Vosges, which is a perfect square formed by red brick buildings.
Not far from it stands the Gothic-looking Sully Palace, which functions as a museum. If you like to go to vernissages, check out the Carnavalet, the Soubise and Salé mansion, where works by Picasso are exhibited, the Chateau de Sens (aka Margaux) and Cognac-Jay.
The Marais is considered quiet and cozy, where people come to understand the soul of Paris, hear its thoughts, and feel the course of events. The area is also known for the local Jewish quarter and the gay village that appeared here in the 80s of the last century. The LGBT population is particularly high on the streets of Vieille du Temple and Sainte-Croix de la Bretonrie.
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter produces a completely different impression, where wealth and luxury are the norm. It stretches along the Seine for 3.5 km, and small streets branching off on the sides make the main artery look like a centipede.
An unusually mesmerizing spectacle begins at night when the illumination turns on.
Also, take a walk and just don’t stay until dark, especially in the latter, if you don’t want trouble with pimps, drug dealers and the police. But in the light of the sun it is pleasant to explore the vast territory, going deeper along winding paths.
There you can go boating, visit the zoo, go on amusement rides, go to a museum and even attend an open-air concert.
Oh great shopping!
Having gone to Paris for 3 days on your own, it is better not to overload yourself with a too busy program, otherwise everything will get mixed up in your head, fatigue will set in, and this is a dubious pleasure.
It’s better to act on a whim, and if you are more drawn to shops than to exhibition galleries, do not deny yourself the pleasure, especially since you are your own master.
There are many interesting shops in the neighborhoods that have already been mentioned, so it is quite possible to combine spiritual development and the excitement of shopping.
Few people return home without a souvenir. I would like to buy at least one Eiffel Tower pendant as a souvenir, but as practice shows, one keychain is never enough. To avoid overpaying, shop away from tourist areas, and more varied and sophisticated items are sold in retail outlets at museums.
If shopping is the goal in the program, go to large commercial centers (Lafayette, Hussman, Les Quatre Temps, Louvre, Forum des Halles and others), where there is a large selection of goods for every budget.
If your purchases are mainly a reminder, and you want something unique, check out flea markets. There you can find rare books, dishes, home decor, clothing, vintage jewelry, handbags, watches, musical instruments and many other treasures for next to nothing.
The largest and most popular flea market is Saint-Ouen. You can get there by RER train to the Saint-Ouen stop on line C.
On the square Saint-Sulpice also has seasonal sales. By the way, it is located opposite the church of the same name, in which V. Hugo was once married.
Don't miss the antique shops either. One of them is located on the way to the Trocadero Gardens, if you move along the street. Pass and then take the 5 Impasse des Carrieres. The place is quite secluded, but if you find it, you will get a lot of pleasure from the assortment, and to celebrate your purchase, the nearby Villa de Passy restaurant will attract you with its cozy terrace.
The question of where to go in Paris if you come without company is purely rhetorical. Day or night, it’s not a problem to find somewhere to get drinks and entertainment. Along with clubs that are quite difficult to get into, there are always easier and more accessible establishments.
When planning to find out how the capital lives at night, take into account the characteristics of the district in which you are located. In the center, bars are more expensive, but become cheaper as you approach the outskirts.
However, in districts 10 - 11, 18 - 20, it is better not to tempt fate, since they have a bad reputation, being considered disadvantaged.
How to have fun?
When you go on a trip to Paris on your own, you can sign up for an excursion, especially since at every hotel or hostel this can be done at the reception desk.
There are many options, and this could be a bus tour of the city at night, visiting palaces, or walking through historical places. But there are also more exotic options, for example, helicopter flights, rides in retro cars, Segways, bicycles, or in a carriage.
It would be a good idea to sign up for a gastronomic tour, during which you can taste fine wines, cheeses, seafood, sweets and other delicacies.
You will also enjoy a trip to Safari Park, miniature France, Asterix Park and medieval Provence, or you can simply buy a ticket for a river boat plying the Seine and look at the city from a different angle.
A sea of impressions is guaranteed by the cabarets - Moulin Rouge and Lido. Both offer unique programs, but each is full of feathers, glitter, topless dancing and champagne.
It’s even better to come to Paris on your own during the New Year and Christmas holidays to see it in all its glory – shrouded in bright garlands and full of elegant shop windows. At this time, bazaars with a lot of goodies and things on the theme of winter holidays begin.
Be sure to visit the Lafayette Gallery, where a huge Christmas tree is installed in the foyer for Christmas, and it is decorated every year by one of the fashion companies represented in the shopping town. Once upon a time, the coniferous beauty was adorned with Swarovski crystals, so this is a must-see sight.
Ideas on where to go in Paris can be developed further, but the main thing has already been said. When you are at an intersection of roads, choose any direction without fear: if you go to the right, you won’t let anyone down, if you go to the left, you will find delicious food; if you go straight, you will find a lot of entertainment.
