As the third most visited city in the world, Paris, France, is a must-see destination. Known as the “City of Love” and the “City of Lights,” Paris is full of monuments, museums, and other attractions that are some of the most famous in the world.
With more than seven million visitors annually and nearly 800,000 square feet of gallery space, the Louvre Museum is the world’s most visited museum and largest art museum. While it is infamous for terribly long lines, pieces like the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and the two-thousand-year-old Venus de Milo make it worth the wait. Tom Hanks fans can visit the spots where his 2006 film The Da Vinci Code was filmed, such as the Grand Gallery and the glass pyramid above the entrance.
What would a trip to Paris be without stopping by the Eiffel Tower? This wrought iron structure was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and was named after French engineer Gustave Eiffel. Visitors can of course see the incredible tower from the ground, whether it be right at the base or from miles away. Those without a fear of heights can take an elevator or climb the steps to any of the tower’s three floors. The first floor has small exhibits that tell the story of the Eiffel Tower as well as a glass floor that makes visitors fear their every move. One can enjoy gourmet food from a Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor, while gazing out at amazing views from hundreds of feet in the air. However, to get the best views, visitors must visit the top floor, where nearly all of Paris can be seen.
The 200-year-old Arc de Triomphe is definitely worth checking out as well. This monument honors soldiers who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Visitors can walk around the arch to see the various plaques commemorating significant dates in French history. The 21 roses sculpted into the ceiling more than 100 feet above the ground also are worth viewing. For the arch enthusiasts out there, another famous arch can be found across the city. The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel was built to commemorate Napoléon Bonaparte’s military victories in the early 1800s.
Many people who visit Paris take the short trip to the suburbs to visit the Palace of Versailles. This luxurious manor was built in 1624 by King Louis XIII. Over the years, the palace served as not only a lodge for French Royalty, but also as a court and the headquarters for the government. Visitors can walk through the glamorous rooms where many French kings lived, the stables and Gallery of Coaches where the horses and carriages were kept, and even the Royal Opera that is located at Versailles. One of the most famous rooms in the palace is the “Galerie des Glaces” or the “Hall of Mirrors.” This room is known for the signing of two treaties, one at the end of the Franco-Prussian War, and another at the end of World War I. Surrounding the estate lies a large park filled with greenery and fountains.
Sports fans can visit the Parc des Princes where soccer superstar Neymar Jr. and the Paris Saint-Germain Football Club or PSG play. The Stade de France is also in Paris. This is where the French national football and rugby teams play. It also hosted the 1998 Fifa World Cup Final, and will host both the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Anyone visiting France must spend some time in the beautiful city of Paris. The city has so much to offer and is loved by visitors from all over the world.