Paris is always a good idea. Though the allure of the City of Lights is endless, some key French attractions simply can’t be cast aside on your Paris tours. From the Musée du Louvre to the Moulin Rouge, these iconic Parisian sites should be placed at the very top of your French bucket list.
1. The Louvre
The largest museum in the Western world needs no introduction. Housing more than 35,000 artworks across four levels, three wings and through delightful alfresco courtyards, the Musée du Louvre first started life as a fortress in 1190. Converted to a royal palace in the 16th century, the Louvre has since housed artworks from the world’s most recognised and influential artists. Leonardo de Vinci, Rafael and Eugène Delacroix barely scrape the surface of the impressive collection of artists featured here. With more than 380,000 displayed objects to discover, you’ll need much more than a day to uncover this cultural treasure trove.
2. The Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. First erected in Paris as a temporary exhibit in the 1889 World Fair, this elegant structure stole the hearts of many Parisians, and it soon became clear – the tower was here to stay. Despite it this iron lattice tower’s fame the world over, Eiffel Tower tickets are not as pricy as one may expect, with summit tours and skip-the-line access setting tourists back as little as £30 or less. One of the world’s most magical builds, the Eiffel Tower is a must-do on your Tour de France.
3. River Seine Cruises
It may not be the first attraction that comes to mind when you think of Paris – the Musee du Louvre and the Eiffel Tower will always hold pride of place there – but the heart of the city of love lies in its waterways. Running alongside the city’s elegant builds, the River Seine offers spectacular views of Paris’ most famous sites, it’s canals and bridges providing the perfect backdrop to the classical concrete jungle beyond. While it’s great to stroll alongside the water banks, there’s nothing quite like a River Seine cruise to complete your Paris day out.
4. Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, photo via V&V fashion blog
It technically lies outside of the city, but no Paris guidebook would be complete without mention of the glorious Versailles Palace. Home to the royal court for centuries, the Château de Versailles’ 7-hectare grounds was the extravagant playground of Kings and Queens up until the royal court’s fall in 1789. With 700 rooms housing 67 staircases, 352 chimneys, 6300 paintings, 2100 sculptures and 5000 decorative art furnishings, all Paris tours of these extraordinary royal headquarters will surpass expectations.
5. Moulin Rouge
Vintage snaps of Moulin Rouge via My Modern Met & We Heart Vintage
A quintessential Parisian experience, the Moulin Rouge may be a well-marked spot on the tourist track, but even the briefest of look-ins at this Montmartre attraction and you’ll understand why. Bewitching crowds for more than 100 years, each night a pack of talented twirlers take center-stage at Moulin Rouge – delivering a showstopping Parisian cabaret like no other. High-kicking their way into the hearts of locals and tourists alike, add Moulin Rouge to the top of your Paris tours list for a unforgettable night in the City of Lights.
This article was originally posted on Tourism Review, the leading provider of news for travel trade professionals around the world.
