Visit Paris
Paris pulls you in the moment you roll into the city. Suddenly you are surrounded by cafés with chairs facing the street, bakeries showing off fresh pastries and buildings that seem designed to impress without trying. Scooters weave through the lanes and people move with purpose. It feels like the city is already in motion and you are simply joining it.
Drive along the Seine and the major landmarks reveal themselves fast. The Eiffel Tower rises above the trees near the Champ de Mars. The golden dome of Les Invalides shines in the distance. Boats drift under the Pont Alexandre III while people lean over the rails to take photos. It is one of the best routes to get a first taste of Paris.
Head toward the historic centre and the atmosphere changes again. Around Île de la Cité, the towers of Notre Dame stand proudly over the river. Narrow streets lead you into the Latin Quarter. Bookshops fill entire blocks. Small bistros spill onto the sidewalks. Students gather near the universities and bring a lively feel to the area.
Cross into Le Marais and you enter a mix of boutiques, bakeries and old mansions. It is a great place to explore without a plan. Farther north, Montmartre rises above the city. Its steep streets and staircases guide you toward the bright white Sacré Coeur. The views from up here stretch across all of Paris.
If you are here for food, you will not be disappointed. Simple cafés serve classics like croque monsieur. Brasseries buzz with noise and plates of steak frites. High end restaurants offer tasting menus that feel like events.
Paris is busy and full of character. Whether you came for the famous sights, the neighbourhoods or the food, the city draws you in with ligthning speed.
Top sights to visit
- Eiffel Tower Paris’ most iconic landmark, offering panoramic views from its observation decks. Visitors can take the elevator or climb the stairs for a more active experience. Sunset or night visits provide breathtaking photo opportunities with the city lights.
- Louvre Museum Home to thousands of artworks, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The museum’s vast collection spans centuries, from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. Exploring the galleries is a full-day adventure for art and history lovers.
- Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur A charming neighborhood famous for its bohemian past and the white-domed basilica. Wander cobbled streets, see local artists at work and enjoy stunning views of Paris from the hill. Cafés and hidden squares add to its romantic atmosphere.
- Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame The historic heart of Paris with iconic Gothic architecture. Although Notre-Dame is under restoration, the square and surrounding streets still showcase centuries of history. Nearby, Sainte-Chapelle amazes with its stained glass windows.
- Musée d’Orsay Housed in a former railway station, this museum focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas are highlights. The architecture itself with its grand clock and industrial charm is just beautiful.
- Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées The massive triumphal arch stands at the western end of the famous avenue. Climb to the top for a spectacular view of the twelve radiating avenues, including the straight line that runs all the way to the Louvre. The avenue itself is famous for high-end shops and cafés.
- Le Marais District A lively area with trendy boutiques and historic mansions. It’s perfect for exploring galleries, cafés and unique local shops. Hidden courtyards and charming squares make walking through this district a true delight.
- Canal Saint-Martin A trendy area with iron footbridges, canalside cafés and boutique shops. It’s ideal for a leisurely walk away from tourist crowds. The atmosphere is particularly charming at sunset when the canal reflects the city lights.
- Rue Crémieux Located near Gare de Lyon, this charming pedestrian-only street is a true photographic gem. Unlike the typical gray Haussmann architecture, its cobblestones are flanked by pastel-colored houses. It gives it a almost British village feel right in the middle of Paris. Please be respectful of residents when visiting.
- Square des Peupliers Tucked away in the 13th arrondissement (Butte-aux-Cailles district), this almost-secret triangular square is flanked by three charming, narrow streets. Lined with small artistic houses and filled with flowers. It feels less like a square and more like a little plaza. A rare find in central Paris.
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History of Paris
Paris started as a small settlement of the Parisii tribe along the Seine over 2,000 years ago. The Romans arrived in 52 BC and built Lutetia. They laid roads, baths and an amphitheater. Remains of their city still appear in the Latin Quarter and along Rue Saint-Jacques.
By the Middle Ages, Paris had grown into a centre of trade, religion and learning. The Île de la Cité was the city’s heart. Notre Dame Cathedral began construction in 1163. Markets, churches and bridges connected the population. The University of Paris drew scholars from across Europe.
The Renaissance brought art, architecture and royal ambition. Kings like François I expanded the Louvre and encouraged workshops and printing presses. In the 17th century, Louis XIV built Place des Vosges and other monuments. Paris became a symbol of French power.
The French Revolution in 1789 changed the city. Palaces became public spaces. Streets hosted uprisings. The storming of the Bastille turned Paris into the stage of history. In the 19th century, Baron Haussmann redesigned the city with wide boulevards and parks. The Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World Fair, became an icon of modern Paris. Today, walking along the Seine, through the Latin Quarter or past the Louvre, you can see centuries of history in every street and building.