Paris Highlights & Must-Sees

Last Updated on April 28, 2021

Photo Credit: Priscilla Chai

PARIS 101: Landmarks & Monuments

As an expat living in France, over the years I have been asked time and time again what to do in Paris, where to eat, what to see and visit…so Voilà, my pick of the top 9 highlights to visit in Paris for first-time visitors to marvel at.

This is the city with an overwhelming 2,185 monuments >.< (I know right?) and I’ve included the top places you should go on your first exploration of Par-eee. In a later blog post, I will write about places to visit that are more unique and off the beaten path. This initial list is not at all exhaustive, but rather a jumping off point to get your feet wet in the magnificent Ville Lumière.  

I know 9 highlights seem underwhelming but believe me, as a five-year resident of Paris, you will end up overwhelmed by these initial 9. These visits will leave you craving more and may even convince you to make a move to the French capital before you can say “Comment-allez vous ?” three times in a row.

Please feel free to ask a question or comment below and contact Céline Concierge for help planning your dream trip to Paris. I hope these places will charm your hearts as much as they have my very own!

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Louvre Pyramid – 

One of the most iconic landmarks of Paris was designed by architect I. M Pei. This structure consists of one large pyramid and three smaller surrounding ones made of glass and metal. The largest of which gives access to the Louvre Museum (which is also a Paris highlight!). The pyramides sit in the Cour Napoléan surrounded by the Louvre that was the former royal palace.

Kind of Landmark: Glass pyramid structure

Built in: Commissioned by President François Mitterand in 1984, and completed in 1989

*Arrondissement: 1st

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Saint Eustache –

One of Paris’ largest churches and it boasts the largest organ in France. It was strategically built in the center of the city. Every Sunday afternoon there are organ rehearsals and you can even catch one of the many classical choirs performing. Visits are free and as with all the churches in Paris, there are various mass services throughout the week and weekend. It rests next to Les Halles- a notorious site for shopping and recreation.

Kind of Landmark: Catholic Church

Built in: 1534

Arrondissement: 1st

Notre Dame de Paris –

Beautiful! Truly the most stunning Gothic Cathedral from the inside and out. This iconic church attracts an overwhelming 12 million visitors a year! You can visit the interior of the Cathedral for free, walk about, pray or just sit and cherish the stained glass. Visits up the towers cost 10 euros for an adult ticket. Visiting hours and special pricing can be found here.**

**Since the Cathedral’s fire that took place on 15th April 2019, the church has been closed to the public. The City of Paris is continuing the reconstruction efforts throughout 2020. Expect the site to be closed for the next year or so. I recommend visiting equally beautiful Église Saint-Paul Saint-Louis du Marais or stunning Église Saint-Sulpice as alternatives.

Kind of landmark: Catholic Church

Built in: work began in 1163, completed and opened in 1345

Arrondissement: 4th

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Pantheon –

Originally built as a church and dedicated to St. Genevieve (the patron saint of Paris), it is now a monument and mausoleum where distinguished French citizens are buried. Visit the permanent exhibition that explores the lives of those who helped shape French history, many of whom are buried there such as Voltaire and Rousseau. Visit info and buy tickets online here.

Kind of landmark: Church and burial place

Built in: work began in 1160, completed in 1260

Arrondissement: 5th

Eiffel Tower –

Constructed from 1887-89, it was originally built as a temporary installation for the entrance of the 1889 World’s Fair. It stands at an impressive 324 meters (1,063 ft) tall. It was supposed to be torn down after 20 years, but the City of Paris kept it after it proved a valuable asset for communication and touristic purposes. Tickets up the beauty start at 10 € for adults, then bump up depending on which level you want to explore and whether you will do so by foot or elevator access. Contact me for details on private tours for your next visit!

Kind of Landmark: Tower

Built in: 1887-1889

Arrondissement: 7th

Arc de Triomphe –

This is the largest arch positioned in the center of the most famous roundabout in the world, Place d’Etoile, overlooking the most famous avenue, Champs-Elysées. Did you know that the Arc has 12 streets leading to it? And they say all roads lead to Rome… Visits up to the top cost 12 euros. Free for those 18 years or younger.

Kind of Landmark: Arch

Built in: 1806, opening in 1836

Arrondissement: 8th

Palais Garnier or The Opéra Garnier –

This famous and inspiring opera house is gilded with gold, enamored with stucco and marble interiors, and surrounded by elegant statues. This magical place will take your breath away the moment you step in! The interior tour of Paris Opera house is only 12 euros, +5 euros for the audio guided tour- I highly recommend paying the extra for this one, you won’t regret! Tours include the Grand Staircase, the Chagall ceiling, and the auditorium (but it is not a guaranteed entry as it may be restricted to visitors for rehearsals or artistic consideration). Check the site for closing days before visiting.

Kind of landmark: Opera House

Built in: 1861

Arrondissement: 9th

Catacomb Image: Hannah Smith

Catacombs –

As an underground landmark where six million bones rest, it’s not a visit for the faint of heart. This unique tour of the guts of Paris will certainly grip you, but it is not one to miss. For where else can you visit the literal bones of our ancestors? This is the ultimate tour that you won’t find elsewhere around the world. Make sure to dress warmly as it is chilly below the surface. Tickets are 13 euros +5 euros for the audio tour (recommended).

Kind of Landmark: Ossuary

Built in: Creation of the quarries commissioned in 1777 by Louis XVI. In 1786 The Catacombs was consecrated to become the resting place and Ossuary of the Cemetery des Innocents

Arrondissement: 14th

Montparnasse Tower – 

The first skyscraper erected in Paris and the second tallest monument within the city limits is our Montparnasse tower stretching 210 meters (689 ft) high. You can check out the 360° view from the top of the Panoramic Observation Deck for 18 euros for an adult ticket. It is true what they say- you can discover the best view of the Eiffel Tower from here!

Kind of Landmark: Skyscraper

Built in: Construction took place from 1970-1973. Inaugurated on 18 Juin 1973.

Arrondissement: 15th

Sacré Coeur Basilica –

At 130 meters high this adored basilica sits in the neighborhood of Montmartre overlooking the city. Check out the inside of the basilica for impressive stained glass windows. Tickets can be purchased directly at the basilica for the tower visit where you will catch another 360° view are only 6 euros, 4 euros for 16 years or younger.

Kind of Landmark: Basilica

Built in: Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1914.

Arrondissement: 18th

*An arrondissement is a district or neighborhood of Paris. Within the city limits, there are 20 arrondissements or districts with the first starting in the center point of the city and each consecutive one circling around like the shell of a snail until you end up at 20. But the real question is: did the arrondissement come before or after the escargot?

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Other posts you might enjoy:

Have a coffee break in Paris with The Top 4 Best Coffee Shops in Paris

To find out more about your concierge in Paris, you can read my blog post Why I moved to Paris

Where to Stay in Paris: A Brief Breakdown of all 20 arrondissements to discover each area in a nutshell

Romance and love, My Perfect Valentine’s Day in Paris 

For luxury holiday ideas check out Paris in December, Extraordinary Things to Do 

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Flaunt your Parisian side with your very own Paris tote bag!

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