Things to See in Paris
The French capital offers a plethora of sightseeing excursions: A vast collection of scenic routes, boundless historical sites and quaint mini villages wrapped up in the glorious bustle of the city that captures so many hearts and minds.
With so much to do and see in this city, it can at times be a daunting task to sift through all the possible landmarks and cultural experiences you wish to immerse yourself in.
To experience the finest of what Paris has to offer, we handpicked 5 things you must see when planning your trip.
To get to Paris, you could book a Dover-Calais route with either DFDS or P&O.
The Louvre /Musée du Louvre
The Louvre first opened its doors in August 1793 and attracted about 15,000 visitors each day. Most people recommend pre-purchased tickets online to avoid a long wait.
The world’s most beloved and visited museum is the highlight of many visitors’ trip to Paris. Bestow your eyes upon the most prolific and celebrated artworks in the world.
- Address: Rue de Rivoli
- Opening Times: Every day from 9 am to 6 pm (except Tuesdays)
- Entrance Fee: Online Tickets – €17 (quick entry), Tickets purchased at the museum: €15
- Time Required: Half day to a full day
https://www.louvre.fr/en
Versailles Palace / Château de Versailles
The former seat of power, a world-renowned palace of grandeur and opulence, was home to King Louis XIV from 1682 until his fall from grace in 1789.
The extravagant palace, as we see it today, had a much simpler appearance when King Louis XIII first set eyes on the residence. It is said that he favoured the site for its hunting potential and at first, built only a modest stone lodge until expansions took place later on.
The sprawling property attracts millions of visitors each year and will most certainly take your breath away with its captivating splendor.
- Address: Place d’ Armes, 78000, Versailles, 20 minutes southwest of the city center of Paris.
- Opening Times: Every day from 9 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays).
- Entrance Fee: Plenty of price points including free.
- Time Required: 1-2 days
Paris Catacombs /Les Catacombs de Paris
During the 18th-century, Paris faced a predicament with overpopulated cemeteries, and this lead to the construction of subterranean ossuaries that became one massive grave to over 6 million people.
As macabre as it may sound, there is something quite intriguing about leaving the beauty of the city behind for an excursion that might send a tingle or two down your spine.
- Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
- Opening Times: Every day from 9 am to 6 pm (except Tuesdays)
- Entrance Fee: €13 / €11 (reduced rates) Quick-access ticket online: full rate with audio guide, €29.
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
catacombes.paris.fr/en
Dome of Sacre Coeur Basilica /Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
Sitting atop the Montmarte hill, you will find another Parisian landmark in the shape of a Roman Catholic Church and was built after the Franco-German war of 1870.
The second-most visited religious site in France not only offers an interesting glimpse into the church that was meant to expiate the sins committed by the French people during the war, but it also delivers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- Address: 1 Parvis du Sacré-Cœur, 75018 Paris
- Opening Times: Every day from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Time Required: 2 hours to half day
http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/
Palais Garnier Opera House /Opéra Nationale de Paris
Palais Garnier, an opulent 19th-century opera house, seats 1,979 people and served as the inspiration for Gaston Leroux’s epic novel, The Phantom of the Opera.
Construction began in August 1861, and the Palais Garnier opened its doors officially on the 5th of January 1875. Inside, you will also find the Paris Opera Library-Museum. Be sure to take in the outstanding beauty of the 7-ton chandelier situated in the central area of the auditorium.
Plan your visit so that you can enjoy a concert, recital, a ballet or opera performance.
- Address: Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
- Opening Times: Every day: 10 am to 5 pm
17 July – 11 September: 10 am – 5:30 pm - Entrance Fee: Adults: 10€.
Youth (less than 25) and students: 6€.
Children (less than 10): free entry.
(Free entrance with Paris Pass) - Time Required: 1 to 2 hours of sightseeing, performances subject to the show schedule.