Things you must see during your stay in Paris!

Proudly standing at over 300 metres tall, the iron clad giant is steeped in fascinating history and also boasts some truly breath-taking views out over the spectacular city of Paris. Construction took just over two years to complete and resulted in the world’s tallest structure at that time. 18,000 metallic parts, which are joined together by 2,500,000 rivets, make up the 324 metre tall, 10,000 tonne Eiffel Tower.

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the triumphal arch was finally completed 30 years later and was built to commemorate the casualties of various wars throughout history. As well as being an iconic landmark, the Arc de Triomphe is much-loved for its fantastic observation deck which boasts simply stunning views out over the Champs-Elysees and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Set within an impressive building, which dates back to the 12th century, the museum is regarded as a true paradise for art lovers and boasting a collection of over 1 million pieces, Paris’ incredible Louvre is an attraction definitely worthy of a visit whilst exploring this truly magnificent city. Showcasing a superb exhibition of well-known paintings, including the world famous Mona Lisa, the Louvre occupies a prime position within the 1st arrondissement of Paris.

The spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral is a sight certainly not to be missed whilst visiting this wonderful city. Attracting thousands of tourists every single day from all over the globe, the cathedral is steeped in history and is brimming with a superb array of truly impressive features, making it one of Paris’ most popular attractions.

Boasting beautiful views over the city, the Pantheon is brimming with breath-taking architecture and is where many of France’s well-known icons are buried. Commissioned by King Louis XV, this remarkable building was designed to replace the existing Church of Sainte-Geneviève which originally stood in its place and to represent the King’s gratitude for his recovery from ill health.

Officially known as L’Hôtel National des Invalides, this huge complex was originally created in the late 1600s to provide accommodation for injured and retiring war veterans under the orders of King Louis XIV. Amongst the buildings are several fascinating museums, together with a hospital, a church and various burial sites, tombs and vaults. The complex is also the residence of Napoleon’s tomb, which is a sight certainly not to be missed.

Attracting around 10 million visitors every single year, the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris is amongst the city’s top tourist attractions. This immense basilica not only boasts some truly incredible architecture but also offers some of the most breath-taking views out over the city.
Still in use to this day as a Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Sacre Coeur holds regular masses and daily confessions which are open to the public.

Emerging from a respectful modernisation in 2011, this fantastic museum occupies one of the world’s most stunning settings, the beautifully crafted, former Gare d’Orsay railway station. Originating at the close of the 19th century and completed on time for the 1900 World Exposition, this masterwork of industrial architecture utilised an immense 12,000 tonnes of metal during construction, surprisingly more than the iron lattice monument of the Eiffel Tower.

The Palais Garnier is also referred to as the Opera de Paris, the remarkable building was designed by the well-known architect Charles Garnier in the late 1800s for Emperor Napoleon III and was the main opera house in the city until the Opera Bastille opened its doors in the 1980s. Still showcasing regular performances of world class ballet, the Palais Garnier is an absolute must see.