Paris is well known for the Eiffel Tower, but that isn’t the only thing that draws people to the City of Lights. There are many other attractions and sites that tourists and locals alike can enjoy. Since some of these are outdoors, be sure that you check the weather before you count on being able to visit a specific place on a particular day. You should also remember that some popular tourist attractions are likely going to be very busy and have large crowds.
01 Musee d'Orsay
Musee d’Orsay houses a variety of artwork beneath the glass ceiling. It was once a railway station, but now enables visitors to enjoy creations from famous artists like Van Goh, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet, and Seurat. If you choose this as one of your adventures, plan ample time to go through the museum, so you have time to take in the beautiful architecture and paintings.
02 Taste of Montmartre
Taste of Montmartre tours give you an authentic taste of Paris. You can enjoy wine, cheese, and pastries, depending on the tour. If you are traveling with children, be sure that the tour you choose is appropriate for them. These tours are best taken when the weather is pleasant since a large portion of the time is spent outdoors.
03 Seine River Tours
Enjoy the beauty of the Seine River by taking a tour down it. You can get a pleasant view of the city that isn’t possible if you are walking or riding around. You can opt for a group tour if you don’t mind enjoying the time with others. Private tours are also common. Some companies also offer gourmet dinner tours that are candle lit.
04 Petit Palais
Petit Palais houses artistic offerings up to the 20th century. There is a collection of medieval works, as well as an ancient collection. Sculptures abound in this museum. You can enjoy Art Nouveau works and precious art objects from around the world. If you plan to visit here, you’ll need around a half day or longer so you can take your time exploring the works of Carpeaux, Courbet, Vuillard, and others.
05 Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens are located surrounding a large castle and were historically open only to royalty. That changed after the French Revolution, at which time they became open to the public; however, the castle isn’t open to the public. The gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy some time in beautifully manicured gardens. If you are on a romantic vacation, this is a great place to spend some time with your love. There are sometimes live bands, and children might enjoy a pony ride through the gardens.
06 Moulin Rouge Show
The Moulin Rouge show is a great way to spend an evening with other adults in your party. The vibrant costumes and energy of the show are sure to please. There is a dinner and show option that gives you a chance to enjoy amazing Parisian foods while you watch the show. Don’t forget to check out the giant aquarium in the building.
07 Bastille Market
The Bastille Market gives you a glimpse into a Parisian street market. You can find all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with seafood, bread, and pastries. Some vendors offer hot food choices, so you can find something to eat that will please your palate. This is a good place to venture early in the day so that you can find local foods to have during a picnic at one of the nearby parks. There are tours of the market that are ideal for people who want more information about it, but many people choose to just venture around on their own. Be sure to have some cash with you because some vendors don’t accept credit cards.
08 National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is home to a vast collection. The Great Gallery of Evolution shows how animals of all kinds have evolved to fit the conditions on Earth. The Museum of Man takes an interesting look into the history of humans and provides a glimpse into what the future of humans might be. A first of its kind permanent exhibit in France, the Cabinet of Virtual Reality is dedicated specifically to the amazing technology that immerses people into virtual experiences.
09 Latin Quarter
Paris’ Latin Quarter is located on the Left Bank and has a very relaxed atmosphere that makes visitors think about the depictions of Paris from decades and centuries ago. Bars and restaurants dot the area so you can find something to snack on as you venture around to enjoy street performers. In the evenings, you can enjoy a vibrant music scene. Jazz clubs are a common way to spend time from sunset into the night.
Situated around the Fountain of Innocents within the Latin Quarter, Saint Michel Square is a bustling area. The fountain itself is a tribute to the medieval cemetery that served as a mass grave, and it is said to be the oldest monumental fountain in the city. Saint Michel Square also houses the Saint Michel Fountain, which depicts the battle between good and evil.
10 Catacombs of Paris
The Catacombs of Paris is the earliest burial ground in the city. There are 130 steps leading down to the area where tourists can visit. The full walk to the other end is around 1.25 miles. The catacombs house the remains of 6 to 7 million people. These bodies were moved into former quarries in a process that took around 12 years to complete. That undertaking began in 1786 with the Les Innocents cemetery. Informational plaques dot the walk. When you reach the end, you climb 86 steps to get back to surface level.
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