The founding of Paris dates back to the 3rd century BC. It was at this time that a settlement was founded on the island of Cité by the Celtic tribe of the Parisians, which first gave the name to the Gallo-Roman city of Paris, and later transformed into Paris. The city became the capital of France in the 10th century and remained it with small interruptions for many centuries.

Antiquity. Paris grew up on the site of the ancient settlement of the Parisian tribe – Lutetia. This is a Celtic tribe in the 3rd century BC. built a fortified settlement on the island of Cité. Their economy was based on trade. In 52 BC. they joined the uprising of the Gauls. In the same year they were defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Lutetia. The Romans rebuilt the city. An aqueduct, baths, an amphitheater, a forum were erected here. In the 4th century, the city was besieged by the Franks. After a ten-year siege, it was taken. Became the capital of the state of the Franks in the 5th century.

Middle Ages. At the beginning of the 5th century, Paris became the capital of the Merovingian state. In the 6th century, the city grew and built rapidly. This was greatly facilitated not only by its political function, but also by its trade. In the 7th century, the city ceased to be the capital of the state of the Franks. In the 10th century, Paris became the capital again after the coronation of the first Capetian king of France. Until the 12th century, the population of the city was mainly concentrated on the fortress island of Cité. The royal residence was located here until the 14th century. In the 12-13th century, the right bank of the Seine was actively settled. In the first half of the 15th century, during the Hundred Years War, the city was occupied by the British. From the mid-15th century to the mid-16th century, the capital was moved to Tours.

New time. In the 16th century, Paris again became the capital of France. At the same time, the city was shaken by terrible religious wars (for example, the infamous St. Bartholomew’s Night). By the end of the 16th century, more than 300 thousand people lived in Paris.

In the 17th century, King Louis XIV moved the royal residence to Versailles. At the beginning of the 18th century, the city was divided into 20 districts, and a wall was erected around it, which became its administrative boundary.

In 1814, Russian troops entered Paris.

In the 19th century, the city became one of the main cultural and economic centers of Europe.

Interestingly, the city acquired its modern appearance in the middle of the 19th century as a result of a grandiose reconstruction initiated by Baron Haussmann. According to his project, old dilapidated buildings were demolished, and narrow streets replaced wide avenues with neoclassical stone buildings.

20th century. During the Second World War, Paris was occupied by German troops. Released in August 1944. In 1968, riots broke out in the city, which led to a change in government.

“See Paris and Die”

Paris is a dream city. Who has not heard this catch phrase, who did not want to visit Paris, but after visiting to come back here.

This city attracts absolutely everyone: lovers of fashion and romance, art and history, architecture and food. Here you will find absolutely everything: world-famous museums, the most fashionable shops, interesting sights, cozy restaurants and the most romantic places.

Paris is a city of love and light, a capital of fashion and a literary paradise, a city of a thousand guises that makes you fall in love at first sight.

What to see in Paris first?

In compiling our rating of the “Best Attractions in Paris”, we took into account the reviews of travelers and the recommendations of experienced guides. Our review looks like this:

Eiffel’s masterpiece

What is a must-see in Paris for those who are in the city for the first time? An iconic landmark is the Eiffel Tower. It is visited by 7 million tourists a year. Sip coffee in a cafe near the shocking building, walk around and find unusual views of the tower, or go upstairs to admire the boulevards of Paris.

The famous tower stands on the Champ de Mars, near Jena Bridge. Climb the stairs to the second level on foot. For adults, a ticket costs 10 €, for young people from 12 to 24 years old – 5 €, and for children from 4 to 10 years old – 2.5 €. The lift will cost 16 €, 8 € and 4 €. There is also an elevator to the third level: 25 € for an adult, 12.5 € for visitors 12-24 years old and 6.3 € for children. Quite expensive if you take into account the crowdedness of the people and the low altitude from which you have to explore Paris.

1 Eiffel Tower

Nevertheless, we could not fail to include in this list the most visited attraction not only in Paris, but also in the world – the Eiffel Tower. At last count, there are about 7 million visitors a year.

8 Versailles

Since the Palace of Versailles is located outside of Paris, it is worth taking a full day to explore it. The residence of King Louis XIV is a living history. You can plunge into it by visiting the palace itself and strolling through the surrounding gardens. And if you get hungry, inside there is a wonderful bakery “Angelina”, however, the prices here are not low.

The Palace of Versailles is rightfully considered the most outstanding architectural heritage of the era of Louis XIV, a symbol of the greatness of France and the French monarchy. Stunning interiors, halls and royal chambers, striking in their theatricality and luxury – as well as the many intrigues that were hidden within the walls of Versailles. We advise you to go on a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles to discover the pages of the history of French kings and courtiers.

Notre Dame de Paris

Attention: due to the fire, the cathedral is closed indefinitely.

One must-see in Paris on your own is the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the heart of Catholic France. The Notre-Dame-de-Paris observation deck offers an amazing view of the Seine valley and the streets of the city. Admire the country’s largest organ and listen to the beautiful singing of the church choir.

The famous cathedral is located in the historic center, on the Ile de la Cité. It is easily accessible via bridges from both banks of the river. It is better to come in the morning, because then a long queue forms. The entrance is free. For visiting the tower, they charge 7.5 €, and the observation deck – 15 €.

13 Pont Alexander III

By far the most beautiful bridge in the city. It can be viewed in passing on the way to other interesting places in Paris, for example, to the House of Invalids. But do not rush, but stop in the middle of the bridge and look around – an unusual view of the Eiffel Tower opens from here.

2 Louvre Museum

Formerly a luxurious residence for kings, and now the most famous museum in the world will offer you an acquaintance with unique artifacts, canvases and engravings, sculptural compositions, historical and artistic relics. Among the main attractions of the Louvre is the beautiful painting “Mona Lisa”. Even if your trip is not related to excursion plans, you should definitely visit this museum.

Sunny Versailles for the Sun King

Parisians owe the appearance of Versailles to Louis the Fourteenth. It is Versailles that is the model for the entire palace of Europe. The best artists of France painted pictures from this palace complex, the most grandiose palaces of the past centuries were built on its model.

Arch in honor of the triumph of the French revolutionaries

The Arc de Triomphe in the French capital is located at the very end of the Champs Elysees. It was created as a monument to all those who fought for the freedom and independence of France.

The names of many soldiers who died in battles are written on the walls of the beautiful building. Under the Arc de Triomphe itself is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

26 Boulevard Capuchinok

Glory came to this street at the time of the emergence of cinema. After the presentation of the first film by the Lumiere brothers in 1985, modest cinemas began to open on the Capuchins. Such of them as the Paramount Opera and Olympia have survived here since the beginning of the 20th century, and, as before, receive numerous guests.

Copies of the Statue of Liberty

The slogan “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” was born in France, so Parisians cherish another creation of Eiffel – miniature copies of the Statue of Liberty. The original was donated to America in 1876 and rises 46 m above the pedestal.The largest French Liberty is 11.5 m high. The ingenious architect designed a steel support and supporting frame for it, and the sculpture itself was made by the talented master Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.

There are four copies in Paris. The largest is on Swan Island on the Seine. A smaller statue is kept in the Museum of Arts and Crafts. The third sculpture, 2 m high, is installed in the Luxembourg Gardens, in the very center of the city. The fourth can be seen next to the Eiffel Tower, aboard one of the barges, which is moored to the pier.

28 Bois de Boulogne

Spacious parkland green area, formerly used as a hunting ground for caprioles. The forest was opened for public visits under Louis the Sixteenth. Walking through the historic city park is a lot of fun at any time of the year.

Catacombs of paris

What to see in Paris for a fan of unusual urban stories? From the end of the 18th century, people began to be buried in underground tunnels under the streets. Until the middle of the 19th century, the remains of about 6 million Parisians were buried in the catacombs. Today, thousands of tourists come to see the eerie place and old skeletons. There are excursion routes 1.5 km long. However, underground there are many secret passages that are still waiting for their explorers.

Cabaret as a role model

The legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret has been a role model for over 120 years since its opening. Other similar establishments are guided by this cabaret as the gold standard in the world of entertainment.

In 1889, Paris was stirred up by the information that a completely new music hall would be opened in its center. In the beginning, the Moulin Rouge was an institution with a tarnished reputation. The girls danced the cancan there, and then provided intimate services to visitors.

Oller and Ziedler, organizing the performances, quickly realized that the public was outraged by the opening of a new brothel, and decided to take cabaret to a completely different level.

So the dancing at the Moulin Rouge became more professional, and the courtesans did not offer themselves so openly.

Today, the Moulin Rouge does not provide intimate services. Cabaret has reoriented itself to professional performances, interspersed with humorous numbers. After all, now children from 12 years old are allowed to the shows themselves.

When visiting the current “Red Mill” (Moulin Rouge), you must observe the dress code and look elegant. Food and drinks are served in the venue where the performance is taking place. When purchasing a ticket, remember that you need to arrive at the cabaret half an hour before the start of the show.

12 Tuileries Garden

Popular and very beautiful place to stay in Paris, as the garden is located on the way from the Louvre to the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe.

Tower with the best view of Paris

Montparnasse is the first of the tallest skyscrapers in Paris. This tower has an extensive observation deck, from where the capital of France is visible in almost all directions.

Montparnasse is able to prove to anyone that Paris is beautiful in any of its manifestations, and all because this glorious city was built up according to a single plan of Haussmann. The architecture of Paris was practically not influenced by any fashion trends in the construction and planning of the landscape.

For a long time, the inhabitants of Paris were unhappy with this tower, as it literally cut the horizon.

A ticket to the tower costs about 15 euros. There is a high-speed elevator to get to the 56th floor. On a good and sunny day, the view from the observation deck can reach 40 kilometers. From Montparnasse you can see the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides.

Legendary Notre Dame Cathedral

The unique attraction has become widely known thanks to the works of Hugo and the musicals of the same name. Notre Dame de Paris – this is what the French call a famous place.

The construction of the Gothic temple began in 1163. At the laying of the first stone of the future cathedral, the bishop himself was present – His Holiness Alexander the Third.

The famous gargoyles of the cathedral and its stained glass windows with roses have become a real hallmark of the Gothic temple. At the very top of the cathedral, there is an observation deck that offers amazing views of Paris.

The cathedral contains unique religious portals of the Virgin Mary and the Great Court.

The City Metro Station is next to Notre Dame Cathedral. The entrance to the temple is free, but you will have to pay for a ticket to enter the towers.

14 Grand Opera

Where to go in Paris for fans of theatrical art? The main opera house of the state, opened in the 17th century. The performances that are given on the stage are various – ballet, opera, theatrical and dance performances of our and past days. It is interesting not only to visit any event, but also to explore the incredible interiors of huge halls.

Most visited cemetery

Père Lachaise is a cemetery named after the confessor of King Louis the Fourteenth. The cemetery was opened in 1804. Many famous people of France are buried on the territory of the cemetery.

The gravestones and crypts of this place are true works of art. It is for their inspection that visitors go to the Pere Lachaise cemetery.

For a long time, this final resting place was the preserve of the rich and famous.

Chopin, Moliere, Balzac – this is a small list of names that can be found on Père Lachaise. More than 800 thousand people are buried in the Parisian cemetery, and each of them has an individual tombstone in the form of a sculpture or a bas-relief, although there are also common graves with arches and sculptural complexes.

In the south-west of the cemetery, everyone is given maps showing legendary burials. Père Lachaise has five entrances. Two entrances are on Menilmontant Street. Nearby there is a metro station of the same name with the cemetery.

6 Orsay Museum

If earlier this museum of Paris, located on the left bank of the Seine, was referred to by guidebooks as “lesser known”, in recent years it has become very, very popular. But the collection of Impressionist artwork on display here is worth resigning to the influx of tourists also eager to see the masterpieces of Manet, Degas, Renoir, Gauguin, Van Gogh and other great artists.

25 Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Cemetery and museum with gravestone sculptures. Politicians and military men, thinkers and philosophers from all over the world rest here. The grave of D. Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors, is adjacent to the last resting place of Isadora Duncan and Oscar Wilde, a revolutionary from Ukraine Makhno and a dictator from the Dominican Republic Trujillo. Despite the rather depressing atmosphere, one should not refuse to visit the Pere Lachaise cemetery. You will be able to see many unique sculptures of great architectural value.

Baroque opera

The main opera in Paris arose thanks to the command of Napoleon III, as well as with the help of the architect Granier. The 19th century building is fully consistent with the Baroque style.

Marble, gold, stucco and multi-layered crystal chandeliers are what characterizes the Paris Opera best.

The opera building has a capacity of 2,200 people. Previously, this luxurious building was used for ballet performances.

Finding the Opera in Paris is not difficult. It is located on Place de l’Opera street in the 9th arrondissement of the capital.

10 Opera Garnier

Of course, in the most romantic city in the world, one cannot ignore the Grand Opera – the Paris Opera.

Luxembourg garden

Near the Sorbonne in the 6th arrondissement there is the most popular park in the capital – the Luxembourg Gardens. As many as 55 acres are dedicated to the explosive growth of a variety of trees and plants.

The park originally belonged to the Duke of Luxembourg. In 1612, Maria de Medici bought the area. The garden is designed in Italian style.

Today, there is a fountain in the park, boat rentals by the pond, a cinema and children’s attractions.

Next to the garden is the Luxembourg Palace, which is also open to the public.

19 Cours du Commerce-Saint-Andre

The old quarter, which, in addition to its churches and other attractions, is also notable for the many boutiques and shops with discount clothing from luxury brands.

Triumphal Arch

If you plan to visit Paris in 1 day, do not forget to include one of the city’s most famous monuments in your itinerary. Remarque’s novel Arc de Triomphe is named after the majestic monument that has dominated the Champs Elysees since the early 19th century.

An ornate arch stands in the square named after Charles de Gaulle. The entrance fee is 12 €, and there are significantly fewer people here than near the Eiffel Tower.

Dark Palace Conciergerie

In the 14th century, King Philip the Fair chose a wonderful site on the Isle of Cite to build his own palace. In the Middle Ages, the palace was a recognized masterpiece of architecture.

A century later, Charles the Fifth leveled the importance of this palace into a simple administrative building. Karl preferred to spend time in the Louvre, so the palace was used by the police for their own needs. By the name of the chief superintendent of law and order in Paris, he was named “Conciergerie”.

In 1391, the building of the palace was given over to prison affairs. Political and simply wealthy criminals were housed in his chambers, and poor lawbreakers languished in the basements of the Concierge.

During the bloody French Revolution, the palace was used as a place for a tribunal and the beheading of people objectionable to the new regime. This is how the Conciergerie acquired dark fame.

Today only part of the palace is open to the public. There is a museum of the history of this place, and everything that is connected with it.

18 Cabaret Moulin Rouge

A visiting card of Parisian nightlife, an art restaurant and a variety show, opened more than a hundred years ago. The Moulin Rouge has turned from the “evil” club into a popular stage with dozens of world-famous artists. Tickets for performances should be purchased well in advance.

10 Isle of Cité

Located in the central part of the metropolis, in the middle of the Seine. Cité is connected with other parts of the city by bridges. It is on this island that many of the best sights of Paris are located – the Sainte Chapelle chapel, the Conciergerie castle and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Georges Pompidou Center

The most controversial place in Paris is where a huge city market once worked. Then it was closed and the building of the Museum of Modern Art was built, which still amazes with its communications. On the ground floor there is a cinema, above – a public library, and the upper floors are occupied by museum halls. There are many exhibitions and art workshops.

The cultural center is located in the Beaubourg quarter, next to the Rambuteau metro station. The entrance costs 14 €, the concessionary ticket is 11 €.

Cardinal’s palace

The Palais Royal was built for personal use by Cardinal Richelieu. During construction in 1629, the cardinal acted as minister, and could afford to build a luxurious palace, which he later bequeathed to Louis the Fourteenth.

The king’s brother Philip of Orleans expanded the palace building, adding a gallery and shops to it. Then gambling halls were opened in the palace.

In 1871, part of the Palais Royal was destroyed by fire. Today, the palace garden is open for viewing tourists, as well as a small part of the main building. The palace is located in the 1st district of the capital. It is an excellent example of classical architecture.

4 Basilica of the Sacre Coeur

The Basilica of the Sacre Coeur rises above Paris at an altitude of 130 meters. Walking around Montmartre, do not be too lazy to go to her.

Concorde Square

The representative octagonal square is the embodiment of the classic architectural style. In the center is the high Luxor obelisk, which was created during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II and brought to France in the 30s of the XIX century. Walk around the square where the formidable guillotine used to stand. Relax by the Fountain of the Seas and view statues dedicated to eight French cities.

The square is located halfway between the Champs Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens. They go to it from the Concorde metro station.

6 Champs Elysees

A luxurious and glamorous place designed for the wealthiest people in the world to live and relax. The main thoroughfare is home to the boutiques of the world’s most famous brands, the best restaurants and hotels in Paris. The length of the boulevard, more than 70 meters wide, is 1915 meters. Here, solemn celebrations and all kinds of processions of the townspeople are often held.

30 Disneyland

Disneyland is a magical world for children created by the American company “Walt Disney” Joel

The best gift for a person of any age is a visit to Disneyland with its unique fabulous atmosphere. Incredible land and water adventures await you. You can see the Mad Hatter and Snow White, take a photo with Indiana Jones and Mickey Mouse, visit the bottom of the sea and in space, look into the future and the past. There is a huge number of entertainment points and attractions, restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops throughout the area. The territory is so vast that it is recommended to purchase entrance tickets for several days.

13 Sorbonne University

The national pride of the country was created in the 18th century, and to this day its teachers and students highly respect the traditions of quality European education. Today the Sorbonne includes thirteen independent educational institutions. In addition, it is a huge center for theology and philosophy.

Montmartre

Not sure what to see on your own in Paris? Take a stroll through Montmartre, an artistic district in the city center, home to some of the world’s most famous writers and artists. Walk to the picturesque Sacré Coeur Basilica, which adorns the city’s highest point at 130 m. Ask a street artist to paint your portrait, visit the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret and take a photo near Paris’s only windmill, the Moulin de la Galette.

Don’t be limited to the main streets of Montmartre. Take the back alleys and you will find yourself in the quiet, almost rustic area that Hemingway wrote about.

The bohemian quarter is located on a hill. You can climb there by stairs or by cable car.

18 Latin Quarter

If you are tired of the main sights of Paris and just want to walk the streets of Paris, we recommend heading to the Latin Quarter, which is located in the fifth and sixth arrondissements around the Sorbonne.

Temple of the Sacred Heart

The white and graceful Church of the Sacred Heart can be seen at the top of the Montmartre hill. There is an observation deck in the temple. This is not surprising, since the church is located on the highest hill in Paris.

The entrance to the building itself is free, the ticket to the observation deck is 5 euros.

Paul Abadi was chosen as the architect of the church. The construction of the structure began in 1875.

In winter, the snow-white temple accepts parishioners and visitors until 18 pm, and in summer until 19.00.

Grand opera

What is the best place for music lovers to see in Paris? You will not regret buying a ticket to the Opera Garnier, or the Paris Opera. The famous temple of arts constantly hosts classical performances, ballets and high-profile premieres. Even if you don’t know French, the spectacle and the music will leave a lasting impression.

The Opera House rises opposite Opéra Metro Station. A ticket here costs 11 € for adults and 7 € for youth. For this money, they will show you the interiors of a luxurious building and conduct an educational tour.

Opera building in the evening

New bridge with old history

The name Pont Neuf is translated as “new” bridge. When the bridge was being built, and this was in the 16th century, this name was relevant. Now this bridge has a very long and interesting history.

The townspeople owe the appearance of the new bridge to Henry III, but the next monarch, Henry IV, opened the bridge. Therefore, a sculpture in his honor is installed in the middle of the structure.

Residential buildings were not built on this bridge for the first time. Residents of the city have chosen the New Bridge for walks and romantic meetings. Therefore, this structure is considered one of the most attractive bridges in Paris.

Royal square

The current Place des Vosges was once called the Royal, and all because around it stood the mansions of the nobility and the rich. The construction of the significant square began in 1605. Many years later, the Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde were built on the model of the Vosges.

The local residents liked the Renaissance style, so many holidays and celebrations took place on this square. On it, despite the ban, duels between noble opponents took place.

A large Jewish community lives near the square. There are many great restaurants there.

Place des Vosges is located in the old quarter of Marais.

9 Saint-Chapelle

The Holy Chapel is a royal medieval Gothic chapel-reliquary, which is located on the Ile de la Cité, impresses with its interior decoration.

The oldest temple in Paris

The Church of Saint Germain was rebuilt in the 6th century. It is the oldest church in the capital. For a long time Saint-Germain was the resting place of the Merovingian kings. It contained the most important relics of Christianity, and also housed the Benedictine abbey.

Once this temple was almost completely destroyed by the Vikings, but in the 9th century it was rebuilt.

The famous church gave its name to the whole block. Now this place on the map of Paris is marked with the sixth arrondissement.

On the territory of the temple, today, many new buildings have been erected.

The best boulevards and cafes in Paris

Boulevard Montparnasse is home to the most famous and top cafes in the capital of France. Boulevard Saint-Germain is famous for its establishment de Flore. It was there that at one time such persons as Picasso and Hemingway gathered.

Classic Parisian cuisine, aromatic coffee and French buns at their best are located on these two boulevards. Any tourist can visit them in between exploring the various sights of Paris.

Practical information for tourists

The official language is French.
The monetary unit is the euro.
To visit the capital of France, you need a Schengen visa.
Gratuities at restaurants are included in the price. If you liked the service and food, you can leave a couple of euros on top or round the amount up. It is customary for taxi drivers to tip 5-10% of the amount, hotel service personnel – 1-2 euros.
There are no problems with cashless payments in Paris. Bank cards Visa / MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere. Cash withdrawals may incur a commission.
Toilets. There are free public toilets in the center of Paris, marked with “toiletes” or “WC” signs. You can also go to the toilet in cafes and bars, buying something like tea or coffee there. An exception may be made for children, but it is better to ask the staff first.
You can drink tap water in Paris, although many Parisians and tourists buy bottled water.
Paris is generally a safe city. Basically, you should beware of pickpocketing. Be vigilant, do not leave your belongings unattended, do not get fooled by all sorts of distracting tricks of strangers (to sign something, help find something, etc.). It is not recommended to visit areas where people from African countries and migrants live.
Hotel reservations must be made in advance. It is also best to buy tickets online for popular attractions or excursions in advance.
You must always have identity documents with you (passport with visa). It is forbidden to leave your luggage and belongings unattended.

Sources used and useful links on the topic: https://traveller-eu.ru/pariz https://www.tripzaza.com/ru/destinations/luchshie-dostoprimechatelnosti-parizha/ https://make-trip.ru/france / chto-posmotret-parizh https://tripmydream.com/media/podborki/20-mest-kotorye-stoit-posetit-v-parizhe https://MirFrance.ru/dostoprimechatelnosti-parizha/

Post source: lastici.ru