Paris, France

What to do in Paris, France

City Tour

Start by acquiring a guided understanding of Paris' layout. This "getting to know Paris" excursion also treats you to a "primer" glimpse at many sights like Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe, and helps you decide which you would most like to explore in depth.

Museums

Paris houses many of the most poignant, famous, and priceless masterpieces ever created by the hand of man. Large and small, modern and historic, there are more than you could possibly visit in one trip, but the Louvre and the Musée de Orsay should be explored straight away.

The Louvre, opened to the public during the Revolution in 1793, was turned into the largest art collection on Earth within a decade by Napoleon. Filled with the booty from his new empire, and growing ever since, the collection is numbingly vast. You'll need heroic stamina to journey through the over 300,000 works of art on display, including the Mona Lisa.

The Musée de Orsay was transformed from a luminous train station into one of the greatest museums in the world. It is devoted exclusively to 19th-century art and contains paintings by most of the French Impressionists, as well as thousands of sculptures and objêts de art.

Sightseeing Cruise on the Seine

An elegant way to see Paris, with the all-encompassing view afforded by distance and the chance to relax in the fresh air and soft breezes. Expert narrators share their knowledge of the landmarks, and snacks or dinner are served.

Cathédrale de Notre-Dame

The stupendous 12th-century cathedral stands on the Île de la Cité, where Paris was born. It is so central to the psyche of the city that distances from Paris to other places are measured from the "0 kilometer" plaque in front of the cathedral. Intricate architectural detail, spires, ancient stained glass, sculpture, pillars, and the choir give the cathedral its physical magnificence. The most striking aspect of the cathedral as a whole, however, is the dramatic contrast of light and darkness created by the sun's rays streaming through the enormous glass transepts. Excavations revealed what is now known as the Crypt, containing 3rd century Gallo-Roman, late Roman, and Medieval ruins of streets and homes, making it the largest archaeological crypt in Europe.

Eiffel Tower

The most recognized structure in the world was never meant to be permanent! Designer Gustave Eiffel (also the designer of the Statue of Liberty) was harangued by skeptics who said it was an engineering impossibility, by anti-modernists who despised it, and by naturalists who feared its interference with avian flight corridors. It narrowly escaped destruction in the 1890s when the government found use for it by installing antennae on it, ushering in wireless communication for the city. In time, it became a beloved symbol of the city. The view from the 3rd floor is a favorite.

Castles of the Loire Valley

Castle-hopping is one of France's most enjoyable adventures, however, there is such a great density of them that it's best to choose a few like the Chambord or Chenonceaux to focus on. Chenonceaux straddles the Loire and is likely the finest of all the castles in the region, built in 1520 as the home of King Henry II's lover, Diane de Poitiers. Unlike other velvet-roped historic sites with limited access, here you are allowed to roam freely to observe the many priceless tapestries, paintings, and furniture.

Normandy Landing Beaches

Visit the spot where the faltering fate of the World War II Allies turned on a dime into impending victory at the cost of countless courageous lives. For the United States, Normandy proved to be an inauguration of military responsibility in the world. Before 1945 was over, the US was established as the most powerful country the world had ever known and, moreover, a power dedicated to the maintenance of the peace it had won.

Basilique du Sacré-Coeur

Like the Eiffel Tower, this too has been a controversial structure prompting many criticisms, including writer Zola's denunciation of it as "the basilica of the ridiculous." Gleaming white domes and the campanile (bell tower) rise high over Paris and offer fabulous views. Mosaics decorate the inner walls and the stained glass windows are replacements for the originals shattered during the Nazi invasion. The basilica derives its name from a relic in the church's crypt, which the devout believe is Christ's sacred heart (sacré coeur).

Catacombs

Millions of bones were transferred here at the end of the 1700s because their previous resting place - the Cimetiere des Innocents - had become overcrowded. It was the headquarters of the French Resistance, and the Nazis never discovered their secret.

Visit the "Dead But Never Forgotten"

At the most famous cemetery in Europe, Père-Lachaise, chances are good you'll find one of your favorite artists, with the "resident" roster including such names as Gertrude Stein, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Alice B. Toklas, Abélard and Hélöise, and Marcel Proust. After paying tribute to these souls, may they rest in peace, explore the many fascinating ambient factors like the eerie, elaborate, and often bizarre tombs. There are remarkable views from this 200-year old cemetery, which occupies a sloped hill in Ménilmontant.

Jardin des Tuileries

Flanked by the Louvre, the Seine, Place de la Concorde, and the rue de Rivoli, this is a superior spot to rest between sightseeing jaunts. The Jardin is a stunning example of French formal gardens, symmetrical and manicured with terraces and pools, designed for Louis XIV in the 1600s. Another gorgeous spot in downtown Paris are the Luxumbourg Gardens, the beautiful grounds in front of the French Senate.