Best Paris attractions
Eiffel Tower
Well, come on, you know what it is. Very probably the single most famous man-made structure in the entire world, the Eiffel Tower was originally erected as a temporary exhibit for the Exposition Universelle of 1889 (it was due to be taken down in 1909).
Musée d’Orsay
Before it became a world-leading art gallery, the Musée d’Orsay was a major train station (the first electrified train station in the world, actually). But despite being a lovely building, it couldn’t accommodate the ever-increasing size of trains, leading the French government to the ingenious idea of filling it with art instead. This is where art fans go for a full-on dose of the biggest and best names in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Lap up all that colour, light, and scenic views before also exploring the decorative art collections for Art Nouveau glamour. Lovely.
Le Marais
Once upon a time, the Marais was where you found the movers and shakers of the French aristocracy. Then the French Revolution happened, and… yeah. Anyway, since then, this Parisian district has found a new lease of life as one of the most trendy, go-to parts of the capital. Head here for LGBTQ+-friendly venues, vintage boutiques, and the best collection of art galleries in the city.
Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Napoleon but not actually finished until 1836, the Arc de Triomphe is the mother of all war memorials. Give your legs a workout and climb the 284 steps to the top, where the views sweep in geometric splendour between the arc of La Défense and the Louvre. Although you may be more distracted by observing the remarkable Parisian driving techniques in evidence around the unmarked traffic island below: in fact, hire car drivers have to pay extra on the insurance if they’d like it to cover the roundabout. When you get back down to the ground, do spare a thought for the unknown soldier whose grave sits solemnly in the centre of the arch.
Les Catacombes
Until you’ve actually been to them, it’s almost impossible to believe that ‘Les Catacombes' actually exist. This 300-kilometer (185-mile) network of tunnels runs under much of the city, and very publicly contains the bones of some six million people, including many who perished during the Revolutionary Terror. In these claustrophobic corridors, you’ll find the bones of Marat, Robespierre, and their comrades, packed in with wall upon wall of fellow citizens. It’s a remarkable and deeply macabre sight. And get your jackets at the ready; the Catacombes are chilly, both literally and spiritually.
Palais Garnier
Trips to the theatre don’t get more splendid than an evening spent at the Palais Garnier. Located at the Place de l'Opéra, this opulent-and-then-some theatre is luxury writ large. We come here to see the Paris Opera Ballet, but to be honest, the building itself is (almost) as much an attraction as the dancers on stage. Check out the insane array of mirrors, marble, velvet, and satin, and positively swoon at the Grand Escalier. The Palais Garnier is open to the public most days, unless there’s a matinee performance. It’s best to check the schedule ahead of time and reserve tickets online.
Château de Versailles
Once just a modest hunting lodge, the Château de Versailles can surely now lay claim to the title of the most sumptuous pad in France. It’s grown with each resident and now has an astonishing 2,300 rooms that have housed numerous members of the French royalty over the years. The majority of the lavish work was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1678. The Sun King is virtually synonymous with Versailles: he’s responsible for adding the wondrous Hall of Mirrors, as well as the elegant and expansive grounds. It can get busy at peak times, so book a skip-the-line ticket beforehand and arrive early.
