The city of lights, and also the city of a million places to see and thus, a million other tourists. I was lucky to spend an entire week in Paris, but let’s say you’ve got one weekend to see all of the best sights. Here are the ten places that you should make priority.
1. Le Musée du Louvre
Take a photo of the iconic glass pyramids before heading inside. The Louvre is massive, so just pick a few things to see. Everyone else will be looking for the Mona Lisa, so go explore Napoleon III’s apartments instead.
2. Le Cathédrale de Notre Dame
Our Lady is the perfect and most beautiful example of Gothic architecture in Paris. Before going in, buy some gelato and wander around the garden behind the building. Go inside and be awed by the masterpiece that inspired another masterpiece, written by Victor Hugo.
3. Sainte-Chapelle
Notre Dame shares its island with another magnificent structure. Find your way to Sainte-Chapelle, so that its detailed ceilings and towering walls of stained glass can take your breath away.
4. Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
While you’re visiting all of those churches, make your way to Montmartre to see another piece of art: Sacred Heart. The stairs to the basilica look daunting, but climb them to be rewarded with amazing views of Paris.
5. Montmartre
After touring Sacré-Cœur, walk behind the basilica to explore the quaint cafés and alleys of upper Montmartre.
6. Le Musée du Montmartre et les Jardins Renoir
Before descending back down from the hill, pop in the museum and its grounds to see where Renoir and many other impressionists lived and painted to enjoy a green escape from the rest of Paris.
7. Le Musée d'Orsay
Explore the riverbanks of La Seine and make your way to Musée d'Orsay, home to some amazing exhibits. After getting lost in the collections, stop in the museum’s restaurant and treat yo self to a delicious lunch. Gilded ceilings above you and the city’s rooftops out the window beside you make for a pretty amazing meal.
8. Le Champs-Elysée
Wander down the avenue to the most famous l'Arc du Triomphe in France. Window shop at places you can’t afford, and make a pit stop for some macaroons at Ladurée.
9. Pick a cemetery, any cemetery
Père Lachaise is France’s most famous; it houses celebrities like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. But all of the Parisian cemeteries are beautiful, so pick one that’s close to where you are staying to wander through.
10. Le Tour Eiffel
The Eiffel Tour is the symbol of Paris - it is the light of the city of lights. Visit it at dusk, have a picnic and watch the sun set. As you return to your residence for the night, make sure to look over your shoulder to see it sparkling over La Seine.
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