Top Paris Sites (from our point of view)

Eiffel Tower

Obviously the Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in Paris and it’s worth planning to go to the top if you’ve never been. The views from there on a clear day are amazing!

The crowds can get huge so be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time online prior to your trip. The Eiffel Tower security will check ticket times and are pretty strict about not allowing you up to the top until the time printed. You are allowed to go through security along the perimeter without tickets. The ticket office is behind the security building.

 Closest Metro Station: Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel. You can take Metro or RER services to this stop. Then, simply hop off and stroll for less than ten minutes along the Seine to get to the monument. The Bir-Hakeim Station is a bit closer, but it is almost always "pick-pocket central" and we recommend avoiding it if possible.

 Eiffel Tower info, operating hours, tickets, etc.

Palace of Versailles

Louis XIII first came to the hunting lodge at Versailles in 1607 and after he became King in 1610, he contined visiting Versailles and then decided to rebuild it in 1631. This rebuild created the essence of what we can see today as the Palace of Versailles. The son of Louis XIII, Louis XIV was the King that increased the size of the estate by adding new wings to the original building and adding more size to the overall estate - 30,000 acres at it's largest under King Louis XIV.

The Women’s March on Palace of Versailles took place in 1789 and was a defining moment in the French revolution. The estate today consists of the palace, park and gardens and covers an area of about 2,000 acres. Every year about 15 million people visit the palace and gardens. Visit Versaille for the history, the architecture and the beauty of the gardens.

 The Palace walking audio tours are entertaining and informative and they even have a version for children. When our son was small he was enthralled by the children’s tour - marching around on his own thoroughly entertained.

 Paris to Versailles by Train: Take the RER 'C' line to the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. Popular "C" line stations in central Paris include St-Michel (near Notre Dame), Musée d'Orsay, Invalides, Pont de l'Alma, and Champs de Mars - Tour Eiffel.

Sacré Cœur du Montmartre

The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre (in English "Sacred Heart of Montmartre"), commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica and often simply Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This is easily one of the prettiest churches in Paris. Due to the height of Montmartre (256 feet above sea level, the highest natural point in Paris), the church can be seen from all over Paris! Easily reached via the Paris Metro, exit at the Abbesses Station. Its height when combined with a clear day, provides visitors with really good views of Paris - not to be missed!

Word of warning: You can see how the church sits high on the hill? On a hot day, it can be difficult to walk up all those stairs (200 steps). There is a funicular that you should utilize if you are not comfortable with walking up steep stairs. Be forewarned that the funicular is very popular with the "don't want to walkup the stairs" folks, so the line to use it is always lengthy.

The Montmartre neighborhood has several excellent art museums, where visitors can admire the creations of bohemian artists who resided there during the late 19th and early 20th century. During this era, Montmartre was famous for its cabarets and artists' studios.

Paris Bus Tours

Paris is an expansive and vibrant city, and one of the most convenient ways to explore its many landmarks is by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This hassle-free mode of transportation allows you to enjoy the sights without worrying about navigating the Metro, finding parking, or getting lost in unfamiliar streets. With multiple stops at key attractions, you can explore at your own pace and hop back on whenever you're ready to continue your journey.

On our first trip to Paris, we opted for a nighttime bus tour to experience the city in its most magical form—illuminated against the night sky. There's a reason Paris is called the "City of Light," and seeing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame glowing in the darkness was absolutely breathtaking. Since we were still adjusting to the time difference and wide awake due to jet lag, the late-night excursion was a perfect choice. If you're visiting for the first time, we highly recommend a nighttime tour—it offers a unique and enchanting perspective of Paris that you won’t forget.

  Click here to see a Google Search Results list for "Paris Bus Tours".

Île de la Cité

This is easily accessible as it is situated pretty much in the center of Paris, and it would be difficult to imagine anything in Paris that contains more iconic locations, ie; Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de l'Île de la Cité, Place Louis-Lepine, the Flower Market and the Tribunal of Commerce, The Hôtel-Dieu, the Canons' Quarter, Quai de l'Horloge and the Palace of Justice and the Quai des Orfèvres.

And lest I forget to mention it, the Louvre is just north of the island.

  Click here to view the Île de la Cité article on Wikipedia.

Paris Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris are located in the 14th arrondissement quartier Montparnasse. The catacombs hold the remains of over 6 million people in a small part of the underground network. The ossuary was created to deal with the growing number of cemeteries in the city. It is not known just how large the Catacombs actually are, there are estimates that there are over 200 miles of tunnels, however, only a very small area of that is part of the tour and "legal". The other areas are considered to be dangerous and are off limits with police patrols, etc. We were told that there are people that sneak into the tunnels for parties and some actually try to live down there.

If you would like to see how our visit to the Catacombs went, click here to view our Paris Catacombs page.

Seine River Cruises

Seine River cruises, including dinner cruises, provide an unforgettable and immersive way to experience the beauty and charm of Paris from a unique perspective. As you glide along the historic Seine, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay. By night, these world-renowned sites are illuminated, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of Paris, the "City of Light."

Dinner cruises elevate the experience with exquisite gourmet meals inspired by classic French cuisine. Guests can indulge in expertly crafted dishes such as foie gras, duck confit, or decadent chocolate soufflés, all while sipping on fine French wines or champagne. Many cruises also offer live music performances, ranging from elegant piano melodies to lively cabaret-style entertainment, adding to the enchanting ambiance. For those celebrating a special occasion, premium seating options—such as tables adorned with rose petals or exclusive bay window seats—ensure an intimate and unforgettable evening. Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or seeking a fresh way to rediscover its timeless beauty, a Seine River cruise is an experience not to be missed.

  Click here to view a Google Search Results list for "paris river seine tours".

La Défense

La Défense is Europe's largest purpose-built business district, a modern architectural marvel spanning 560 hectares (1,400 acres) on the western outskirts of Paris. Designed as a hub for commerce and innovation, it hosts approximately 180,000 daily workers and features an impressive skyline of 72 glass-and-steel buildings, including 19 towering skyscrapers. The district boasts a staggering 38 million square feet of office space, making it a powerhouse of corporate activity. At its heart lies the iconic Grande Arche, a contemporary counterpart to Paris’ historic landmarks, surrounded by the vast pedestrian esplanade known as Le Parvis.

La Défense is not only a financial center but also a vibrant urban space. Les Quatre Temps, one of Europe's largest shopping malls, offers an extensive retail experience with 220 stores, 48 restaurants, and a 24-screen cinema, attracting both professionals and visitors alike. The district’s development was originally driven by Paris' strict height restrictions, which limited skyscraper construction within the city's core. However, with these regulations now relaxed, more high-rises are beginning to emerge in central Paris, potentially shifting some of the urban density back toward the historic heart of the city.

Rue Cler/7th Arrondissement

The 7th arrondissement of Paris is home to Rue Cler, one of the most charming and vibrant market streets in the city. This quintessentially Parisian street is a paradise for food lovers, offering an exceptional selection of specialty food shops, artisanal bakeries, and gourmet delicacies. As you stroll along its picturesque, cobblestone-paved pedestrian walkway, you’ll encounter traditional fromageries with perfectly aged cheeses, bustling boulangeries offering flaky croissants and baguettes fresh from the oven, and chocolatiers showcasing exquisite confections.

In addition to its tempting selection of butcher shops, delicatessens, and fishmongers, Rue Cler is also home to lively cafés where locals and visitors alike pause to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine while people-watching. The street maintains an authentic Parisian charm, with friendly shopkeepers and a true neighborhood feel. Whether you're shopping for a gourmet picnic, seeking out the finest fresh produce from expert greengrocers, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Rue Cler offers an unforgettable Parisian market experience in the heart of the Left Bank.

We had breakfast at the La Petit Cler restaurant, seated in one of their sidewalk tables. Food & service were very good and we all enjoyed our meal.

 La Petit Cler menu.

 La Petit Cler Website.

To read a good overview of what there is to see in the 7th arrondisement, take a look at this page from our friends at the "French Moments" website.

Click here if you would like to see our first visit to Rue Cler.

Le Marais Area

Le Marais (in English "the marsh") spreads out across Paris’s 3rd and 4th Arrondissements. It’s bordered by the Bastille on the east, the Hôtel de Ville on the west, the Seine on the south, and République on the north. You will be able to find numerous good restaurants & pubs in this area, as well as; Place des Vosges, the home of Viktor Hugo, Saint Paul's Cathedral and the Galerie Perrotin.

The Square du Temple is a garden in the 3rd arrondissement, established in 1857. It is one of 24 city squares planned and created by Georges-Eugène Haussmann and Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand. The Square occupies the site of a medieval fortress in Paris, built by the Knights Templar. Parts of the fortress were later used as a prison during the French Revolution, and then demolished by the mid-19th century.

We took this picture on the Rue de Rivoli as we enjoyed an adult beverage at a sidewalk pub. The Paroisse Saint-Paul Saint-Louis is just a block away to the right of where we were sitting and our VRBO condo was 3 blocks away.

Click here if you would like to see our visit to Le Marais.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, one of Paris’ most iconic monuments, stands proudly at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, where twelve grand avenues converge in a star-shaped pattern. Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806, just two years after he seized control of France, the monument was built to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The names of French generals, military leaders, and key victories are meticulously inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces, serving as a lasting tribute to France’s military history.

Inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus in Rome, the Arc de Triomphe remains an architectural marvel and is still the second-largest triumphal arch in the world. It stands 50 meters (164 feet) tall, commanding attention with its grand neoclassical design. Beneath the arch, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added after World War I, features an eternal flame that has burned continuously since 1923, symbolizing France’s commitment to remembering those who perished in war. Visitors can ascend the monument’s spiral staircase to the rooftop terrace, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, and Paris skyline. A visit to the Arc de Triomphe is a moving and unforgettable experience, blending history, art, and national pride.

The view from the Arc de Triomphe: you can either climb the 284 steps or take the elevator to the Museum hall, then climb the remaining 40 steps. Alternatively, you take the elevator directly to its observation deck. Entry to the top of the Arch requires tickets, and you should acquire those in advance to get the date & time of your choice. Click here to purchase tickets online, there are other vendors where you can purchase tickets, click here for a Google Search results list of the places where you can purchase tickets.

WARNING: Do not attempt to walk on the traffic circle to get to the Arch, the Arch is located at the confluence of 12 major avenues and the circular road surrounding the Arch (Place Charles de Gaulle) is wide and very busy with automobile traffic. The Arch can be accessed by the pedestrian underground tunnel located on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side of the circle. You can also access this tunnel from the Wagram exit of the Paris Metro.

 Closest Metro Station: The nearest Metro station is the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, on Metro line 1. This is conveniently located right underneath the Arc de Triomphe.

 Shopping on the Champs-Elysées Avenue: You might want to consider walking east along the Champs-Elysées from the Arch. There are numerous restaurants, pubs and high-end shops along the boulevard and it is a popular place to stroll. Click here to read a good page describing the stores that can be found there. Or click here to read what Rick Steves has to say about this area.

 Click here to read the Wikipedia article about the Arch - as it has had an interesting history!

Jardin des Tuileries

Even though it is true that Catherine de' Medici, the 16th-century French queen and regent did commission the construction of the Tuileries Palace in 1564, the accompanying Tuileries Garden was not her creation in its recognizable form today. The garden as it exists now was significantly redesigned in 1664 by André Le Nôtre, the famed landscape architect who also designed the gardens of Versailles. Catherine's original plans for the palace grounds included Renaissance-style elements, but the transformation into the grand formal garden we know was part of later Baroque influences under King Louis XIV.

In English "The Tuileries Garden", it is the oldest and largest Parisian garden, which has now been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

With the Louvre at the eastern end, and the Place de la Concorde at the western end, this is a nice pedestrian only park with beautiful ponds, open-air cafes, fountains, children's playgrounds, and a number of stunning statues (by Rodin, Giacometti and Maillol) and other works of art. This is a very nice place to spend some time, and with the large number of trees and benches, it is a great place to sit (or stroll) in the shade and contemplate Paris.

We took this picture as we walked down the park Allée Centrale (the center-most walking path) as we had just departed the Musée de l'Orangerie and were walking east towards the Louvre. You can see the top of the Louvre in the background of our picture.

The Pont des Arts or Passerelle des Arts (AKA the "Love Lock Bridge") is a pedestrian only bridge accessible on the south side of the Louvre. Paris has removed all of the love locks from the bridge, but it is still a nice way to cross the Seine. If you are looking for the quickest way to reach the Musée d'Orsay from the park, the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor is another pedestrain only bridge in the approximate center of the park.

Jardin des Tuileries Metro Tips: If you are looking to get back onto the Metro System, the Concorde Metro Station is at the northeastern end of the park, and the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre Metro station is at the eastern end of the park just north of the Louvre.

More Tuileries Information 

• Jardin des Tuileries Wikipedia Page (an amazing amount of history has taken place there!)
• Google Search Results list for "hotels near the tuileries in paris"
• Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market
• Fête des Tuileries (the Tuileries Festival) takes place between the first week of July and the last week of August annually.
• Google Search Results list for "restaurants near the jardin du tuileries paris"