Paris has developed a reputation with holiday-makers in as the city of love – and with good reason. Accessible and reasonably priced transport links to the French capital have helped to attract millions of tourists every year – 30 million people flock to the Paris area annually – and that number will only continue to grow as more art galleries, monuments and sporting venues are established.
Choosing only five activities to do or see in Paris can prove extremely difficult, so why not take a look at our suggestions below? Whether you are in Paris for one day or one week, you simply MUST make sure you check out at least one of the following.
Eiffel Tower
Standing at a grand height of 324 metres, the Eiffel Tower looks over the city of Paris and is of great importance to the French people. Parisians weren’t convinced on the Tower in the early days after its construction but it is now impossible to imagine the city without it – both for them and for anyone who hears the word Paris, anywhere in the world they may be.
According to CNN, this iconic landmark is the most visited paid-for attraction on the planet; and over 250 million had climbed its famous steps as of April 2016. Whether you get the chance to go up the Tower or simply adore its beauty, take the time to explore the nearby region.
The River Seine
If you fancy a romantic moonlit walk by the river, the Seine is the place to be. Incredibly, it is over 480 miles long and 37 bridges throughout the city help Parisians to get about their daily business.
You might not go out of your way to see specific sections of the Seine but you will almost certainly notice parts of the famous river during your time in the city. Pont Neuf, a popular area with tourists, is one of the more well-known regions of Paris where the Seine is very prominent across the landscape.
Parc des Princes
Home to defending Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, the Parc des Princes is one of the most challenging football grounds in Europe. The French side, priced at 8/15 with Betway to retain their crown, are currently third in the table – just three points behind leaders AS Monaco.
With a capacity of around 50,000 fans, this cauldron of passion is one of the loudest venues in France. If you’re a football fan, this is a must see; the stadium tour is well worth a visit if you are unable to acquire tickets during your trip.
The Louvre
Once again, an absolute must for fans of the arts. The Louvre’s reputation speaks for itself and the queues are well worth it. With masterpieces from some of the greatest artists of all-time on show, you can immerse yourself in the history of some well-renowned artefacts – including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa; which has been on permanent display here since 1797.
If you can’t tell your Monet from your Manet, that’s absolutely fine. We advise you to still visit The Louvre anyway just for the unique design of the building itself. It isn’t the prettiest monument in Paris to some, but it is certainly up there in terms of popularity.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
You probably won’t find Quasimodo at the top of the cathedral but you will be taken on a religious journey through the ages in one of Paris’ oldest establishments. Parisians have looked fondly on Notre-Dame since the Medieval gothic era and tourists travel from all over the world to pay homage to this iconic landmark.
And yes, it is true – the bells of Notre-Dame really do have names. The largest, Emmanuel, weighs over 13 tonnes and has been in use since the 17th century. The cathedral is visible across the city and it stands as a beacon of hope to all of Paris’ loyal citizens.
