Paris is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. There are many famous landmarks and monuments in Paris that travelers can visit to better understand the city and French culture. Some of these proud Parisian monuments and landmarks in Paris reflect the victories and glory, while others speak of the darker moments in history.
Nevertheless, these buildings, landmarks, and monuments in Paris provide a window into understanding both the history and current status of the French Capital. Here are some of the most famous Parisian landmarks and monuments to explore!
Most Famous Parisian Landmark In Paris
No points for guessing this, but if there is one iconic Parisian landmark to represent Paris or even France, this has to be it.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a world-famous landmark in Paris. It was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and has become an undeniable icon of the city. The impressive tower stands at 324 meters and has multiple levels that you can visit. It is recommended to get a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the queue.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, and it receives millions of visitors each year. It is also one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.
Religious Landmarks In Paris
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic royal chapel on the Île de la Cité in Paris. It was built in 1248 and is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture.
The chapel is famous for its extensive collection of stained glass windows, many dating to the 13th century. These are some of the oldest and most well-preserved in the world, and displays scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
The Chapel no longer functions as a church today and is now a museum that also hosts events like concerts.
Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Paris is a Gothic Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité. It is one of the most famous and widely recognized landmarks in Paris, and it is also one of the largest and most visited churches in the world.
The construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163, and it was completed in 1345. The cathedral is home to many famous works of art, including the rose windows and the flying buttresses. It was also the setting for Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
Église Saint-Sulpice
Église Saint-Sulpice is a Roman Catholic church in Paris. It is one of the largest churches in the city, and it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations. The church was built in the 17th century, and it is known for its grandiose architecture and interior design.
The church also has a large organ, and it is one of the most famous in the world. It has been featured in many films, including The Da Vinci Code.
Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur
The Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur is a Roman Catholic church located on top of Montmartre Hill in Paris. It was built between 1876 and 1914 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
The basilica is known for its Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, as well as its panoramic views of Paris. The Sacré-Coeur is also home to a large crypt and a museum with many religious artifacts.
Paris Pantheon
The Paris Pantheon is a neoclassical church and mausoleum. It is in the Latin Quarter of Paris and was originally built as a church in 1744.
The Pantheon was transformed into a mausoleum during the French Revolution, and it now houses the tombs of many famous French citizens, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.
The Pantheon is one of the most popular places to vist in Paris, and it is also an active church that holds religious services.
Expiatory Chapel of the Holy Innocents
The Expiatory Chapel of the Holy Innocents is a small chapel located in Paris. It was built in 1825 to honor the victims of the French Revolution.
The chapel is decorated with mosaics, and it has a statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. The chapel is open to the public, and it is a popular place for prayer and reflection.
Natural Landmark In Paris
Seine River
The Seine River is a natural landmark that runs through the city of Paris. It is one of the most famous rivers in the world, and a popular spot for tourists to take boat rides and see the sights of Paris from the water.
The river is also full of history. It has been a major trade route since ancient times, and it has been the setting for many battles and wars.
Today, the Seine River is a peaceful place where people can enjoy the beauty of nature in the middle of a busy city. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Paris.
Landmarks In Paris – Squares and Avenues
Avenue des Champs Elysées
The Avenue des Champs Elysées is a famous avenue in Paris. It is one of the most beautiful and well-known streets in the world. The avenue is tree-lined, and it runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
Many high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes sits on this avenue. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit, and it is often considered the most beautiful street in Paris.
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is a large public square in Paris, that forms one end of the Avenue des Champs Elysées. Therefore, it is one of the most popular landmakrs in the city.
The square is home to the Obelisk of Luxor, which was gifted to France by Egypt in 1836. The Place de la Concorde is also where many famous French citizens were executed during the French Revolution which gives it a strong historic significance.
Place des Vosges
The Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in the city and was initially called Place Royal. It was built between 1605 and 1612 by Henry IV.
The square features a huge garden surrounded by beautiful 17th-century houses that are both residential and commercial. They are home to many high-end stores and restaurants. This makes Place des Vosges a popular place to visit in Paris, because of the historic significance and pleasing architecture.
Boulevard Saint Germain des Paris
The Boulevard Saint Germain des Paris is a busy street in the heart of the Latin Quarter. It is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The street is also home to many universities and colleges, making it a popular place for students.
The boulevard runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Luxembourg Gardens. While it might not be as well known as the Champs Elysées, it is still a popular place to visit in Paris. The boulevard boasts a lively atmosphere and there are many things to see and do.
Place Vendôme
The Place Vendôme is a neoclassical square in Paris that was built between 1686-1699. It is home to the Vendôme Column, which is a towering monument that was built to honor Napoleon’s victories. The column is made of bronze and it is 47 meters tall.
The Place Vendôme is also home to many high-end stores, like Chanel and Dior, as well as hotels, and restaurants.
Champ de Mars
The Champ de Mars is a large public green space in the Seventh Arrondissement, and it is named after the Roman god of war, Campus Martius. The Champ de Mars is beautiful in its own right. However, it is also a popular destination because it is home to the most famous landmark in Paris – The Eiffel Tower. The beautiful surrounding and greenery make this a popular place for picnics, concerts, and other events.
Landmarks In Paris – Bridges
Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III is a bridge that crosses the Seine River. It is one of the most ornate and beautiful bridges in the city, and it is also one of the most iconic tourist landmarks.
The bridge was built between 1896 and 1900, and it is named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia. The Pont Alexandre III is decorated with many sculptures and reliefs, and it has four gilded statues of winged horses at the corners.
Pont des Arts
Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Seine River. It is located in the heart of Paris, and it is one of the most popular places to walk and take in the sights of the city.
The Pont des Arts is also famous for its love locks, which are locks placed on the bridge by couples as a symbol of their love. Rumor has it that this is where the whole love locks on bridges started.
The bridge has been the setting for many films and TV shows, and it is one of the most photographed landmarks in Paris. You can no longer put locks here after part of the parapet collapsed due to the weight of the padlocks tied to it.
Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris. It crosses the Seine River, and it was built between 1578 and 1607.
The Pont Neuf is a stone bridge with many arches, and it is decorated with statues of famous French kings and queens. The Pont Neuf is a popular place for tourists to take pictures, and it offers stunning views of the river and the city.
Famous Landmarks of Paris – Museums
Here are just few of the famous Paris museums, and you can find out more about the top museums in Paris here.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in the world located in the Louvre Palace. It is one of the most famous museums and definitely one of the top places to visit in Paris.
The Louvre Museum houses many famous works of art, like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The extensive collection of masterpieces means that you need more than one day to really see all the impressive works here. Be sure to plan ahead on what you like to check out, and get a skip-the-line ticket to save time.
Musee d’Orsay
Musee d’Orsay is a large museum in Paris that is housed in an old railway station. It sits on the left bank of the Seine River, and is a prominent landmark in Paris.
The building was built in 1898, and it was originally used as a Beaux-Arts train station. However, it was converted into a museum in the 1970s. Musee d’Orsay is home to many famous works of art, like paintings by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
This is a great place to spend an afternoon discovering art and history. Get your ticket in advance for tis popular attraction.
Foundation Louis Vuitton
The Foundation Louis Vuitton is a modern art museum in Paris. It is housed in a glass and steel building that was designed by Frank Gehry.
The museum has a collection of contemporary art, as well as temporary exhibitions. The Foundation Louis Vuitton also has an auditorium, library, and restaurant.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris, and it is certainly worth a visit if you are interested in modern art. Get your ticket to check out this unique landmark in Paris.
Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is a large museum in Paris that is dedicated to modern art. It is located on the right bank of the Seine River, and it is one of the most iconic buildings in Paris.
The building was designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, and it was built in 1977. The Centre Pompidou is home to many famous works of art, like paintings by Picasso and Matisse. This is a great place to spend an afternoon discovering modern art and architecture. Get your ticket early for this impressive art museum.
Famous Landmarks of Paris – Gardens and Parks
Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is a public garden located in the heart of Paris. It is one of the largest and most popular parks in the city, and it is full of beautiful flowers, trees, and sculptures.
The Jardin des Tuileries is a great place to relax or take a walk, and it is also a popular spot for picnics and outdoor concerts. The garden is open all year round, and it is one of the most beautiful places in Paris.
Japanese Garden of the Buddhist Pantheon
The Japanese Garden of the Buddhist Pantheon is a small but beautiful garden located in the Fifth Arrondissement. It was built in 1885, and it is one of the oldest public parks in Paris.
The garden is full of trees, flowers, and sculptures, and it has a pond with fish. The Japanese Garden is a popular place to relax and take in the sights of Paris. It is one of the most visited parks in the city.
Alpine Garden in Jardin des Plantes
The Alpine Garden is a botanical garden located in the Jardin des Plantes. It is home to many rare and endangered plants, as well as a wide variety of flowers and trees.
The garden is a popular destination for tourists, and it offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can also take part in guided tours, which are a great way to learn about the plants and the history of the garden.
Other Landmarks In Paris
Luxembourg Palace
The Luxembourg Palace is a large palace in Paris that was built in the 16th century. It is together with the Luxembourg Gardens, and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Paris.
The palace was originally built for Marie de’ Medici, the wife of King Henri IV. The gardens are beautifully landscaped, and they are a great place to relax or take a walk.
Paris Catacombs
The Catacombs of Paris are a network of underground tunnels and burial chambers that span over 200 miles and 20 meters underground. They were used to store the bones of some six million people from 1786 onwards, as cemeteries in Paris became full.
Today, the Catacombs offer a unique glimpse into the city’s past and its dark history. This is not for the faint-hearted but is a popular tourist attraction, with around half a million people visiting each year. There is often a queue so it is good to get your ticket beforehand.
Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Père-Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris and one of the most famous in the world. It is home to the graves of many famous people, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, and Marcel Proust.
The cemetery is also known for its beautiful gardens and sculptures. The cemetery spans 44 hectares and receives over 3.5 million visitors each year. It is certainly one of the most visited places in Paris.
If you are a fan to understand more about this necropolis, you can also do a walking tour of the cemetery.
Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a famous cabaret in Paris. It was built in 1889, and it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The Moulin Rouge is known for its red windmill on the roof, and for its can-can dancers.
The Moulin Rouge is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a popular place for locals to go out at night. The cabaret has a long history, and it has been featured in many films and TV shows.
Famous Landmarks Around Paris
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a grand palace in the suburb of Versailles. It was built in the 17th century for Louis XIV, and it was the main residence of the French kings until the French Revolution.
The palace is full of opulent rooms and gardens, and it is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take tours of the palace, and see the famous Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Bedroom, and the Queen’s Bedroom.
The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris.
Stade de France
The Stade de France is the national stadium of France. It is located in the north of Paris, and it is the largest stadium in France.
The stadium was built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and it has a capacity of over 80,000 people. The Stade de France has also hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the 2016 European Championships.
If you are a sports fan, this is an interesting place to check out with a behind-the-scenes tour. Another similar place to visit in Paris is the home stadium of Paris Saint German Football club, Parc des princes.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is a theme park on the outskirts of Paris. It is certainly one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The park was opened in 1992, and it features rides, shows, and attractions based on Disney characters and stories. Visitors can meet Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters, and they can watch parades and shows.
Disneyland Paris is a popular place for families, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe.
Parisian Monuments and Monuments In Paris
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a large imposing arch in the center of Paris. It was built to honor the soldiers who fought and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic Parisian monuments, and you can go up to the observation deck for a great city view. It is located at the end of the Champs-Élysées and surrounded by a large park and gardens.
July Column (Place de la Bastille)
The July Column is a tall column in the Place de la Bastille. It was built to commemorate the 1830 Revolution, and it features a statue of Liberty at the top.
The column is a distinctive monument in Paris, and it is also a popular place for locals to gather and relax. The area around the column is full of cafes and restaurants, and it is a great place to people watch.
Obelisk of Luxor
The Obelisk of Luxor is a large ancient Egyptian obelisk that was brought to Paris in the 19th century. It is about 23 meters tall, weighing 220 tons. The Egyptian monument stands out amongst its surroundings in the center of the Place de la Concorde.
The obelisk is over 3000 years old, making it is one of the oldest monuments in the city. It is a great place to get a feel of ancient Egyptian history, and it is also a popular spot for taking photos.
Fontaine Saint-Sulpice
The Fontaine Saint-Sulpice is a large fountain next to the Saint-Sulpice church. Also known as the fountain of the Four Bishopsdates, the monument dates back to 1848, and it is one of the oldest fountains in Paris.
Interestingly, this monument is designed by the same architect who is also responsible for constructing Napoleon’s tomb. The fountain is a great place to sit and cool down on a hot day.
Saint-Jacques Tower
Saint-Jacques Tower is a flamboyant Gothic-style church tower in the Latin Quarter of Paris. It was built in the 16th century for pilgrims that are on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
The tower is 107 meters tall, and it has a viewing platform that offers views of the surrounding area. The Saint-Jacques Tower is open to the public and is one of the most recognizable monuments in Paris.
Famous Buildings In Paris
Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier is a large building in Paris that was built in the 17th century. It is located on the left bank of the Seine River, and it is one of the most iconic buildings in Paris.
The Palais Garnier was originally built as a residence for Cardinal Richelieu. However, it has been home to the French National Assembly and the Senate since 1871. The building is also home to many museums, like the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of Musical Instruments.
Palais Garnier is a great place to visit in Paris for anyone interested in France’s history or architecture. You can get a ticket and tour around yourself as well.
Les Invalides
Les Invalides is a large complex in Paris that was built in the 17th century. It includes several museums, like the Army Museum and the Napoleon Museum.
The complex was originally built to house disabled soldiers. However, it now serves as a reminder of France’s military history. Les Invalides is also home to the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
This is a great place to learn about France’s military history, and it is also a beautiful complex to explore. You can get a ticket online to visit the museum and Napoleon’s tomb to save time.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais is a large building in Paris that was built for the 1900 World’s Fair. It is located on the right bank of the Seine River, and it is one of the most iconic buildings in Paris.
The Grand Palais is a dedication to French Art but has also been used for various other purposes throughout historical events like as a hospital during the World War. The building is a combination of three spaces, the Nave, National Galleries, and the Palais de la Decouverte, which is a science museum.
La Conciergerie
The La Conciergerie is a large building in Paris that was once used as a prison. It is on the Île de la Cité, and a popular place to visit in Paris.
The La Conciergerie was built in the 14th century, and it has been used as a prison since the 18th century. Many famous prisoners were held here, like Marie Antoinette and Maximilien Robespierre. The La Conciergerie is now a museum, and it is a great place to learn about France’s history and culture.
Montparnasse Tower
The Montparnasse Tower is a skyscraper in Paris that was built in the 1970s. It is located in the Montparnasse district, and it is one of the tallest buildings in Paris.
The tower has an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city. It is a great place to get a birds-eye view of Paris.
The tower is also home to a few restaurants, bars, and shops. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the views and get some shopping done, the Montparnasse Tower is the perfect place.
Opéra Bastille
The Opéra Bastille is a modern opera house near the Place de la Bastille, and it is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
The Opéra Bastille was built in the late 1980s by Carlos Ott, a Canadian-Uruguayan architect. The building has a capacity of over 2000 people and is a popular place to visit in Paris for opera lovers. There are often performances happening, and you can even take a tour of the opera house.
READ NEXT: 21 Fun Facts About France and The French
Discovering Parisian Monuments and Landmarks in Paris
As you can see, there are many famous landmarks, monuments, buildings and places in Paris that travelers can visit to better understand the city and French culture. Each one has its own unique history and significance.
This is just a small sample of the famous landmarks and monuments in Paris. If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the French capital, then be sure to visit some of these famous Parisian landmarks. They are sure to give you a better understanding of this amazing city!
Visiting Paris – Useful City Passes
When traveling in Paris, there are some passes which can be a good time and cost savers depending on your itinerary. Here are some thing to check out and see if they fit your plans.
- Paris City Pass: Access to over 75 attractions with some skip-the-line privileges.
- Paris Museum Pass: 2,4 or 6 day pass for museum nuts to access to some of the most popular museums in Paris.
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus: Similar concept to hop-on-hop-off buses in other touristic cities. 1 or 2 day tickets that help you get to different popular attractions and sights in Paris.
- Hop-on-Hop-off Cruise: If you prefer to travel by water, there are 1 or 2 day boat ride passes to help you explore Paris with ease.
- Private Airport Transfer: If you are coming in or leaving by flight, the most convenient option to travel between the CDG Paris airport and city center.
