Paris: Must-see Attractions in the City of Love

Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most popular destinations in the world. The city has been for decades and to this day one of the world's leading centers of business, fashion, entertainment, art and culture. Seen by many as the most romantic city in the world, it's a fantastic escape for couples, families or those looking to find a special someone. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Paris has a renowned history and is dotted with historic buildings and famous landmarks. The city has become famous all around the world due to the beauty and splendor of French architecture throughout the ages, unrivaled by any other city in the world.

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is arguably the most important landmark in France, a symbol of the city of Paris on the famous Seine. Millions of tourists flock here every year and for good reason. You won't find another quite as unique as this building stretching up into the skyline of Paris. Being right in the center of the city with no surrounding skyscrapers, the top of the tower offers an amazing view over the picturesque city. The work on the tower began in 1887 and lasted more than two years by French engineer Gustav Eiffel and 50 other assistant engineers.

2. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the most famous streets in Paris and is always bustling with people and activity. It is also one of the most prestigious tourist trade routes in the world, dotted with high-end shops selling renowned French products such as designers bags and perfumes. It also houses a large number of international brands and a number of fine restaurants and cafés that stretch on both sides of the 2 km stretch of the road. Tourists and also Parisians love to enjoy walking along this old street and enjoying the many sights along the way such as the world-famous Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde and the lights of Avenue Champs-Elysées.

3. Arc De Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe is located on the front of the famous Champs-Elysées in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most important landmarks of Paris and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The Arc de Triomphe was built by order of Napoleon in 1806 when he wanted to pay homage to his victories and conquests. You can also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that was created in the wake of the First World War and if you visit the Arc de Triomphe at night you will see candles lit around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

4. Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde occupies an area of 8.64 hectares. The Place de la Concorde is a large square located in a privileged setting in the heart of Paris and east of Paris' famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées. The Concorde Square was designed by the French architect Angie Jacques Gabriel in 1755 and includes a number of picturesque statues and fountains along with seats and other attractions. You can stroll around the Concorde Square to see its most beautiful fountains, decorated with statues of Louis Philippe's two statues.

5. Disneyland Park

Disneyland Paris is a perfect option to spend a day out of the city for families. Opened in 1992, the park was the second Disneyland to be built after Tokyo Disneyland. Based on the original Disneyland in California, the park offers some of the resorts world famous rides such as Big Thunder Mountain and RC Racer. Outside the park you'll also find the Disney Village, full of shops bars and restaurants along with the huge Val d'Europe shopping mall with one of the world's largest Disney stores. In addition to these there's also Golf Disneyland for those who want a magical golfing experience with 9-hole and 18-hole courses. With numerous rides, activities, dining and places to shop, this mini Disney city has plenty to offer all ages and is well worth the trip out of the city.

6. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is an international museum located in Paris. housing some of the most famous works of art in the world. The museum is located on the east bank of the Seine. The collection features more than 38,000 pieces of artifacts and paintings, some of which date back to the 11th century. It is worth mentioning that the Louvre Paris building was originally built to be a castle and now known as the famous Louvre Paris museum. The Louvre was first opened in 1793 and had only 537 paintings, growing it's collection year by year especially during the rule of Napoleon. Arguably the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is on public display here.

7. Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world, along with the Louvre. The world's second largest Picasso museum, after the museum in his home country of Spain. The Picasso Museum was opened in 1985 but the building where the museum itself dates back to the 17th century, another perfect example of Parisian architecture. The Picasso Museum presents nearly 5,000 paintings of Spanish artist Picasso's most famous works.

8. Notre-Dame Cathedral

This medieval cathedral is known by many as one of the greatest examples of French Gothic architecture. First constructed in the 12th century, it was built on the site of what is believed to have been a pagan temple. The building is located right in the center of the city on an islet in the River Seine, making a perfect detour for anyone taking a stroll down one of Europe's most iconic waterways. Apart from the iconic outside appearance, the cathedral houses numerous beautiful statues, stone-work and stained glass windows.

9. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles was built in 1624 by order of King Louis XIII, it was developed and expanded many times to reach its current form. Versailles is considered one of the most luxurious royal palaces in Paris and one of the most visited tourist destinations in France. The palace includes many precious artifacts, unique furniture and paintings, and many modern and old art galleries. The palace administration organizes concerts for creative orchestras from inside and outside the country and organizes guided tours of the palace and surrounding gardens. Among the palace buildings, there are royal stables where some horse shows are performed with skilled knights.

10. Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier is the most famous and prestigious opera house in Paris and has become another symbol of the city. The Garnier Palace is still the city's main opera house, where opera singers sing along with ballet performances. The Garnier Palace also houses the Bibliotheque Museum, a library of the Paris Opera, a historic heritage and part of the National Library of France.

◎ Closing

Paris, one of the most wonderful cities in the world, hosts millions of visitors annually who come to enjoy its charming attractions like palaces, museums, parks, and cathedrals. Don't miss the chance to enjoy Paris's world famous tourist spots.