Paris has enchanted travelers for centuries with its timeless beauty, elegant boulevards and world‑famous cultural treasures. From towering monuments to grand museums and historic squares, the City of Light is filled with unforgettable sites that capture the heart and imagination.
Here are the top 10 famous landmarks in Paris you should experience.
1. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the quintessential symbol of Paris and one of the most recognized monuments in the world. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, this iron lattice tower soars more than 1,000 feet above the city and offers panoramic views that stretch across the entire Paris skyline. Millions of visitors each year take an elevator or climb the stairs to admire the city from its observation platforms.
Fun Fact: The Eiffel Tower was originally meant to be a temporary structure and stood at the center of intense debate before becoming a beloved Paris icon.
2. Notre‑Dame Cathedral
Notre‑Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and a spiritual heart of Paris. Its soaring façade, intricate stone carvings and beautiful stained-glass windows have drawn visitors for centuries. Although a major restoration followed the 2019 fire, many exterior elements remain accessible and continue to draw admiration for their craftsmanship and historic significance.
Fun Fact: Before the fire, Notre‑Dame was one of the most visited monuments in France with millions of tourists each year.
3. Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most visited art museums in the world, home to thousands of works spanning thousands of years of history. Its collection includes legendary masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and ancient Egyptian artifacts, attracting art lovers from around the globe. Set in a former royal palace, the Louvre not only showcases art but also tells the story of France’s cultural heritage.
Fun Fact: The museum’s modern glass pyramid entrance created controversy when it was first built, but has since become an iconic part of the Louvre experience.
4. Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Napoleon to honor his army’s victories, the Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the western end of the Champs‑Élysées. Its massive sculpted reliefs, detailed engravings and commanding presence make it one of Paris’ most impressive landmarks. Visitors can climb to the top for sweeping views down the famed avenue lined with shops, cafes and theaters.
Fun Fact: Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame honoring those lost in World War I.
5. Sacré‑Cœur Basilica
Perched atop Montmartre Hill, the Sacré‑Cœur Basilica offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris. Its gleaming white domes and Romano‑Byzantine architectural style make it unmistakable against the city skyline. The interior mosaic of Christ in Glory is one of the largest in the world and the lively surrounding neighborhood is known for artists, cafes and winding cobblestone streets.
Fun Fact: Sacré‑Cœur’s stone contains calcite that naturally keeps the basilica’s exterior bright white over time.
6. Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former Beaux‑Arts railway station, the Musée d’Orsay celebrates French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its collection features iconic works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and other masters of impressionism and post‑impressionism. The museum’s elegant interior and magnificent clock face are highlights in themselves.
Fun Fact: The museum’s location was once a railway station built for the 1900 World’s Fair.
7. Champs‑Élysées
The Champs‑Élysées is one of the most famous avenues in the world, stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Lined with theaters, luxury boutiques, cafes and gardens, it’s a must‑see Paris landmark that captures the city’s vibrant spirit. The avenue is also the center of major cultural events such as Bastille Day parades and New Year celebrations.
Fun Fact: The Champs‑Élysées translates to “The Elysian Fields,” a place of paradise in Greek mythology.
8. Palace of Versailles
Just outside central Paris, the Palace of Versailles is a symbol of royal extravagance and architectural grandeur. Once the seat of French monarchy, its Hall of Mirrors, formal gardens and ornate state apartments showcase the opulence of the ancien régime. A visit to Versailles gives a deeper understanding of France’s history and its transformation over time.
Fun Fact: Versailles was originally a hunting lodge before becoming the principal royal residence under Louis XIV.
9. Sainte‑Chapelle
Sainte‑Chapelle is a jewel‑like Gothic chapel known for its stunning stained-glass windows that flood the interior with vibrant color. Built in the 13th century to house sacred Christian relics, it remains one of the most visually stunning religious sites in Paris. The chapel's delicate stone tracery and soaring vertical lines create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Fun Fact: The chapel contains more than 1,000 stained-glass panels that narrate biblical stories in vivid detail.
10. Seine River Banks
The Seine River winds through the heart of Paris, offering scenic views of many famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre‑Dame and Louvre. Strolling along its banks or taking a river cruise is one of the best ways to take in the city’s classic sights while enjoying the relaxed rhythm of Parisian life. The riverbanks are also a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with booksellers, bridges and charming quays.
Fun Fact: The Seine has been the lifeblood of Paris since ancient times and remains a central part of everyday life in the city.
Exploring Famous Landmarks in Paris
Paris is a city that captivates with its mix of history, art and romance. From the soaring Eiffel Tower to the treasures of the Louvre and the serenity of the Seine, these landmarks to visit in Paris represent the essence of the City of Light.
Landmark Excursions in Paris
Here are some great Paris shore excursions that explore these iconic landmarks and bring the City of Light to life:
- Paris Sightseeing With Lunch — Enjoy panoramic views from the Seine and see the Eiffel Tower and Notre‑Dame up close.
- Paris Sightseeing Without Lunch — Take in Paris’s top historic sites like the Arc de Triomphe and Louvre on a guided motorcoach tour.
- Panoramic Paris – Delight in a full-day guided tour that covers all the essentials, including drive-by views of Notre-Dame, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, with free time at the base of the tower.
- Paris On Your Own — Explore famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre at your own pace with independent time.
- Versailles – Take a guided tour of the opulent Palace of Versailles and its gardens: one of the most iconic royal landmarks near Paris.
Planning a Visit to Paris? Explore More Inspiration & Tips:
- 10 Things Paris, France is Known For — Learn what makes Paris one of the world’s most beloved destinations.
- Paris, France Shore Excursions — Discover curated shore excursions that bring the city’s landmarks to life.
