17 Spots in Paris Beyond the Eiffel Tower You Must Visit
Paris is so much more than the Eiffel Tower and croissants at a corner café – though those are great, too! Beyond the iconic landmarks, the City of Light is brimming with hidden gems, charming neighborhoods, and spots that locals love but tourists often overlook.
Ready to explore a side of Paris that most visitors miss? These 17 destinations will make you fall in love with the city all over again.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is a masterpiece, and it houses the enigmatic Mona Lisa. It is the world’s largest art museum, with an extensive collection dating from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. Visitors can see works by Michelangelo and Delacroix within its huge halls, among others.
Montmartre
Montmartre perches on a hill with a panoramic view of Paris. Its winding streets, quaint cafés, and amazing Sacré-Cœur Basilica make this a bohemian district that once was home to Picasso and Van Gogh. It is a place where history and creativity are intertwined.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is an architectural marvel of Gothic design. It is a historic monument composed of intricate stone carvings and towering spires that have witnessed centuries of Parisian history. Visitors climb to its towers to be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city.
Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is a green oasis in the heart of Paris that is ideal for strolling. It is adorned with statues and fountains and filled with manicured lawns, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. The serene environment is further accentuated by the Luxembourg Palace, which is also located in the gardens.
Le Marais
Le Marais, a vibrant neighborhood steeped with history, is home to the oldest, the trendiest, and the most beautiful medieval architecture. You can wander through its narrow streets as it has a blend of old-world charm and most contemporary cultural offerings.
Sainte-Chapelle
The stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle make this royal chapel a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The windows’ vivid colors and elegant designs depict biblical scenes, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of light that makes people stand in awe.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery is not just a resting place; it is an open-air museum. It is the final abode of many luminaries, such as Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. Walking through its serene pathways offers a contemplative experience of artful tombstones and mausoleums.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a short trip from Paris and symbolizes opulence and grandeur. Though nobody lives there anymore, its lavish halls and expansive gardens portray the peak of royal extravagance. The Hall of Mirrors is most dazzling with its ornate design and historical significance.
La Conciergerie
La Conciergerie was once a royal palace and then a prison during the French Revolution. Its Gothic halls, including the cell where Marie Antoinette was held, can be visited, providing a poignant piece of France’s turbulent past.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes Chaumont is one of Paris’s biggest green spaces, offering some relief to the hustle of urban life. Its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and temple on top of a hill make it a scenic escape from life for nature lovers and picnicking types.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Musée de l’Orangerie, famed as a house to Monet’s expansive Water Lilies murals, is the place for an art lover of Impressionist art. Visitors to the museum can immerse themselves in the serene beauty of these masterpieces and works by Cézanne and Picasso due to the museum’s intimate setting.
Musée d’Orsay
A former railway station now houses an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. For art enthusiasts, the museum is a haven for Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and others of 19th-century art.
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin is an incredibly chic area away from standard tourist trails. It is lined with indie boutiques and cozy cafés. Leisure walks or picnics along the tree-shaded canal and the iron footbridges add a romantic touch to the area.
Place des Vosges
Place des Vosges is one of the oldest planned squares in Paris. It is elegant and symmetrical. Surrounded by red brick houses and arcades, it is a serene place to relax and enjoy the historic atmosphere. It is also notable for including the former residence of Victor Hugo, which now constitutes a museum.
Opéra Garnier
Opéra Garnier is a cultural landmark and a masterpiece of neo-Baroque architecture that hosts ballets and operas. The interiors are lavish and adorned with marble and gold leaf to reflect the grandeur of Paris in 19th-century design. Noteworthy are the grand staircase and the ceiling painted by Chagall.
Musée Rodin
This museum is dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin and is set within a charming 18th-century mansion. Beautifully decorated, the gardens also allow visitors to enjoy the tranquility and famous sculptures such as ‘The Thinker.’
Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III is considered to be one of Paris’s most ornate bridges because of its elegant, elaborate design. It connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with the Invalides. It is adorned with Art Nouveau lamps and gilded statues and has splendid views of the Seine and nearby landmarks, which make it a favorite of photographers.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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