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Paris Tourist Attractions Guide for Expat

Tourist Attractions in Paris

There are numerous tourist attractions in Paris that you should not miss on your visit. These encompass almost everything from cultural and historical monuments to places of leisure and recreation. 

History of Paris

Paris has a rich history dating back to around 259 BC. The Parisii were Celtic tribesmen who settled down on the banks of the River Seine here. Around 52 BC, the village of fishermen was conquered by the Romans and this led to the establishment of Lutetia, a unique Gallic-Roman settlement. The name of the city changed to Paris around the 4th century. Throughout this time, the city was under attack courtesy Attila the Hun and his marauding army. However, tales also highlight the valor of the inhabitants who resisted his attacks with the divine intervention of their patron saint- Saint Genevieve. 

Top Tourist Attractions in Paris 

Paris is home to numerous landmarks that you should not miss. These include the following: 

  • Eiffel Tower - Designed for the 1889 Paris Exhibition by Gustave Eiffel, this iconic tower has 18,000 iron sections and 2.5 million rivets alone! One of the world’s biggest attractions, it goes up to 324 metres. Check out the cafeteria, outdoor viewing platform, gift store and restaurant within the monument. The top level can be accessed through a thrilling elevator journey. 
  • Musee du Louvre - The Louvre is one of the most important museums in the city, housing 35,000+ works of art dating to the 15th-19th centuries. Find icons like La Gioconda, Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo sculpture and Liberty Leading the People here! 
  • Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris - Notre Dame is beside the Latin Quarter on the Seine River. Founded in 1163, the cathedral is a must-visit monument for architecture and history lovers. 
  • Avenue des Champs-Elysees - The most famous Parisian boulevard has the Petit Palais museum, Jardin des Champs-Elysees, a park, Maison Laduree and the legendary Le Fouquet hotel. 
  • Palais Garnier - Commissioned in 1860 by Napoleon III, this monument was designed by Charles Garnier. From the interesting façade to the Grand Escalier and massive auditorium, it is a treat indeed. 
  • Arc de Triomphe - The Arch of Triumph or Arc de Triomphe is the most famous triumphal arch in all of France. The arch was built to honor and commemorate the soldiers who were martyred under Napoleon’s leadership. The monument is a symbol of French pride and celebrates all the battles won by Napoleon. 
  • Sacré-Cœur - This is an architectural masterpiece and is also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. It is a wonderfully designed Roman Catholic Church located on the top of the Montmartre Hill. Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this basilica is the second-highest viewing point in Paris as well. You will love the sweeping views from the observation deck.  

Theatres in Paris

Paris is home to several popular and historic theatres including the following: 

  • Théâtre de la Gaîté-Montparnasse – This theatre dates back to the 1900s and is based in the 14th Arrondissement at Montparnasse. This is an artistic neighborhood where the theatre came up in 1868, leading to a major creative influx over the years. The theatre can comfortably seat 400 people while it has been periodically renovated too. You will enjoy the historic ambiance and the fascinating shows on offer. Once you have caught your show, you can try the famous crepes in the neighborhood.  
  • Opera Garnier – Parisian architecture has its own special place in the global lexicon and you will be floored by the Italian-esque ambiance of this opera house. This historic opera house is housed within an elegant building dating back to the 19th century in the middle of the intersection of the 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th Arrondissements. The theatre’s ceiling was painted by Chagall and an in-person visit is the best way to get the full scale of the grandeur all around. The stairwells, entrance hall and mesmerizing ballets performed here will bowl you over! 
  • Theatre Edouard VII – King Edouard VII was a King of Britain although he was known for his preferences for the arts and culture along with French traditions. In the early 1900s, it was decided that a theatre would be built in his honour in Paris. This has always been a symbol of the confluence of French and English cultures over innumerable years. The historic theatre lies in the 9th Arrondissement beside the public square called Place Edouard VII. There is a statue of the King that you can view here. The theatre has its own coffee shop downstairs for mid-performance refreshments. 

Paris Sports 

Paris is all about a strong sporting culture. Popular sporting disciplines here include football, tennis, athletics, cycling, horse racing, handball, basketball and judo among others. The Accor Arena, Stade de France, Stade Roland Garros and Parc des Princes are amongst the leading sporting arenas which host major events throughout the year. Paris is also famous for Paris Saint-Germain, the globally acclaimed football club which plays in the French Ligue

Parks & Recreation 

There are several beautiful parks and recreational zones in Paris. These include the following: 

  • Jardin des Tuileries – This is also called the Tuileries Garden and is one of the most famous public gardens in the city, housed between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. It was built in 1564 as the Tuileries Palace garden by Catherine de’Medici. It became a public park post the French Revolution. This is an urban oasis that you should not miss. 
  • Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – This is a beautiful green zone dotted with waterfalls, lakes, cliffs and trees and charming pathways winding up the cliffs. The Temple de la Sybille is worth a climbing expedition and you will also love the picturesque views all around. 
  • Bois de Boulogne – Covering 865 hectares, the Bois was landscaped back in the 1860s. It is famous for its water lilies, orangery and roses at the Jardin de Bagatelle and the amusement park for children called Jardin d’Acclimatation. 

 




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