What are the must-see places to visit in Paris?

The must-sees are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum, Notre Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Montmartre district and Sacré-C&oelig;ur, the Musée d'Orsay, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Centre Pompidou and the Palais Garnier. A Seine river cruise and a day trip to the Palace of Versailles ideally complete the discovery of the capital, alongside Marie Antoinette's gardens.

How many days do you need to visit Paris?

To visit Paris and its main attractions, plan at least 3 to 4 days. This allows you to discover the iconic landmarks, two or three art museums, several neighborhoods (Marais, Saint-Germain, Montmartre) and enjoy a cruise on the Seine river. A full week is ideal to include Versailles, Disneyland Paris and more unique experiences such as a day trip to Normandy or the Loire Valley.

What to visit in Paris with kids?

For a family trip, prioritize the Eiffel Tower, a Seine river cruise on an electric boat, the Luxembourg Gardens with its small sailboats, the Jardin d'Acclimatation, the Cité des Sciences and Disneyland Paris. The Musée du Quai Branly and some guided tours of the Louvre also offer routes adapted for children, making it easier to enjoy local cuisine and culture together.

Which Paris museums are absolutely worth visiting?

The must-visit art museums are the Louvre for its major works including the Mona Lisa, the Musée d'Orsay for the Impressionists, the Centre Pompidou for modern art, the Musée de l'Orangerie for Monet, the Grand Palais for major exhibitions and the Musée Picasso in the Marais. Booking tickets in advance online helps you skip the crowds and saves time.

Which neighborhoods of Paris should you visit?

The neighborhoods to explore are the Marais for its historic district charm, Saint-Germain-des-Prés for its literary cafes, the Latin Quarter for its heritage, Montmartre for its bohemian vibe, the Champs-Élysées for its prestige, and the Louvre and Palais-Royal area for its architecture. Each arrondissement reveals a different facet of Parisian life and stories.

How to easily get around between the top attractions in Paris?

The metro is the fastest and most practical transport option to move between the popular attractions. Line 9, accessible from Boulogne-Billancourt, directly serves the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Palais Garnier and République. Bus, Vélib' and walking complete the options to explore historic neighborhoods and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

What to visit in Paris?
The top 15 must-see landmarks from Bijou Hôtel

Planning a trip to Paris, France and wondering what to visit in Paris to make the most of your stay in the city of light? Between the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Louvre art museum and the famous Mona Lisa, Notre Dame cathedral on the Île de la Cité, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, the Musée d'Orsay and its 19th century art, the Montmartre district and its Sacré-Cœur, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain and the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Marais and its historic district, or a Seine river cruise at sunset, the French capital unfolds a heritage of unmatched rich history.

This guide reveals the 15 iconic landmarks and hidden gems, unique cultural experiences and travel tips to enjoy your day-to-day visit and explore the heart of this vibrant European city, all from Bijou Hôtel, your strategic address in Boulogne-Billancourt, just minutes from central Paris via metro line 9.

Book your stay near Paris city center at Bijou Hôtel

Planning your trip to Paris: practical travel tips and itinerary ideas

Before exploring the famous spots, a little plan goes a long way. Book tickets in advance online for the major attractions (Eiffel Tower, Louvre museum, Sainte-Chapelle, Palace of Versailles) to skip the crowds, especially in summer during June and July. A guided tour adds depth to the experience, allowing you to discover the architecture, the art and the stories behind each monument.

Plan your itinerary by neighborhood or arrondissement to optimize your time. And remember: in Paris, public transport and the metro station network remain the easiest way to move between top attractions, with the official RATP app and a good city map for live navigation.

Top 15 must-see landmarks to visit in Paris

1. The Eiffel Tower

The universal symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower rises 330 meters above the Champ de Mars. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair, it was originally meant to be dismantled after twenty years before becoming the most-visited monument in the world.

Three levels invite visitors to climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. The first floor features an educational walking tour, the second offers the best panoramic views, and the summit, accessible by elevator, reveals Paris in 360°. For a unique experience, plan your visit at sunset and stay until the hour when the iron tower sparkles for five minutes. At its feet, the Champ de Mars and the Trocadéro gardens offer the best spots to photograph it. Booking admission tickets in advance is highly recommended, as the price varies and the wait can be long in summer.

2. The Louvre museum

The largest museum in the world and the leading cultural site in France, the Louvre houses more than 35,000 artworks including the iconic Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Set in the former royal palace transformed into an art museum during the French Revolution, it displays its collections from the Middle Ages to the 19th century across eight departments: Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and Islamic art.

Allow at least half a day to explore the main rooms, or a full day for art lovers. The glass pyramid designed by Ieoh Ming Pei in the Cour Napoléon has become an emblem of Paris in its own right.

Tip for solo travelers and time visitors alike: choose the late evening openings on Wednesday and Friday to skip the crowds. A guided tour helps you focus on the highlights without getting lost in this monumental palace.

3. Notre Dame cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture from the 12th century, Notre Dame cathedral stands on the Île de la Cité, in the heart of Paris. Construction began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and stretched over nearly two centuries. After the restoration work following the 2019 fire, the cathedral reopened to visitors in December 2024, regaining the splendor of its vaults, framework and spire. Its three rose windows, its 13th-century stunning stained glass windows, its gargoyles and its façade adorned with statues continue to amaze visitors from around the world.

A must-see, immortalized by Victor Hugo in his famous novel, with a forecourt offering one of the most beautiful views of the Seine river. The cathedral's treasury, accessible with a separate ticket, displays the Crown of Thorns and several exceptional relics from its rich history.

4. The Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées

At the top of the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Arc de Triomphe watches over the Place de l'Étoile. Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to celebrate the victories of the Grande Armée, this 50-meter-high monument houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, whose flame has been rekindled daily since 1923. From its terrace, accessible via 284 steps or by elevator, the view over the twelve avenues radiating like a star and the perspective of the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Place de la Concorde, from the Louvre to the Grande Arche de la Défense, is breathtaking.

Walking down the Champs-Élysées, with its shops, cafés and historic cinemas, naturally extends the visit. Not to be missed during a stroll through this iconic arrondissement, especially at night when the avenue lights up.

5. The Montmartre district and the Sacré-Cœur

Perched on the hill of the 18th arrondissement, the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur dominates Paris from its 130-meter altitude. Its white silhouette in Château-Landon stone, its Romano-Byzantine domes and the panorama from its forecourt are among the most famous images of the city. Built at the end of the 19th century, it offers stunning views from its dome after a short climb.

All around, the cobblestone streets of Montmartre preserve the soul of the artists' village: the Place du Tertre where painters and portraitists set up their easels, the Maison Rose, the Wall of Love, the Clos Montmartre vineyard and the Musée de Montmartre tell the stories of this neighborhood with a true bohemian vibe. Below, the iconic Moulin Rouge has perpetuated the art of cabaret since 1889. A must-do walk, ideal at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset over Paris.

6. The Musée d'Orsay

A former train station built for the 1900 World's Fair, transformed into a museum in 1986, the Musée d'Orsay houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks in the world. Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Degas, Manet, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec: all the great names of French and European painting from 1848 to 1914 are represented. The Poppies by Monet, the Bal du moulin de la Galette by Renoir, L'Origine du monde by Courbet and Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles are among the highlights of the collection.

The building itself, with its grand clock overlooking the Seine river and its monumental nave, is a spectacle. Located on the left bank, facing the Louvre museum, it perfectly complements a visit to the major Parisian art museums. The fifth-floor terrace offers an unexpected view of the rooftops of the Louvre and Montmartre in the distance.

7. The Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie

On the Île de la Cité, the Sainte-Chapelle is a masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic. Built in just seven years by King Louis IX, the future Saint Louis, in the 13th century to house the Crown of Thorns and other relics of the Passion, it dazzles with its 1,113 stunning stained glass windows depicting the Bible across 670 m² of colored glass. The upper chapel, bathed in an unreal light on sunny days, is one of the most moving spaces in Paris.

Right next door, the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison during the French Revolution, recounts a dark page of French history. This is where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her execution, and her reconstructed cell can still be visited. The Hall of the Men-at-Arms, an immense vestige of the medieval palace, testifies to the power of the Capetian kings. A combined ticket lets you visit both monuments at a better price.

8. The Centre Pompidou and modern art

With its iconic architecture and colored exterior pipes designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, inaugurated in 1977, the Centre Pompidou is the Parisian temple of modern and contemporary art. Conceived as an "inside-out" building, with its visible circulation systems and technical installations on the façade, it houses the National Museum of Modern Art, one of the finest 20th-century art collections in the world.

Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, Duchamp, Warhol, Niki de Saint Phalle and Soulages dialogue through nearly 100,000 works, of which about 1,500 are permanently on display. The center also hosts major exhibitions, a public library, workshops and performances. From the top floor, the panoramic view of the rooftops of Paris is a guaranteed favorite among visitors.

Note: the Centre Pompidou is entering a major renovation phase, so check the official website for access conditions before your visit.

9. The Palais Garnier

Inaugurated in 1875 under the Third Republic, the Palais Garnier is one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Designed by architect Charles Garnier in an eclectic style blending Second Empire, Baroque and Classicism, it embodies the splendor of the era. Its grand marble staircase, its golden foyer worthy of the Palace of Versailles, its ceiling painted by Marc Chagall in 1964 representing 14 operas and ballets, and its Italian-style auditorium seating 1,900 spectators plunge visitors into a timeless atmosphere.

You can attend a ballet or opera performance as part of a prestigious program, or simply book a daytime tour to admire its exceptional architecture. Just steps from the Galeries Lafayette department stores, the opera library-museum displays costumes, models and historical scores from three centuries of French lyrical art.

10. The Marais district

Nestled between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the Marais is one of the oldest and most vibrant districts in Paris. Spared from the Haussmann transformations of the 19th century, it has preserved its medieval layout, narrow streets and exceptional architectural heritage. Mansions from the 17th century, the Place des Vosges with its perfect pink-brick symmetry, trendy shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants form a unique blend of art and culture.

The Musée Picasso, set in the Hôtel Salé, and the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris, deserve an in-depth visit. The neighborhood also houses Victor Hugo's home on the Place des Vosges and the Shoah Memorial. It's the perfect district for a leisurely Sunday walk, alone or with family, and stays particularly lively when the rest of the city slows down.

11. The Jardin du Luxembourg and Saint-Germain-des-Prés

On the left bank, the Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. Laid out in the 17th century for Marie de Medici, it spreads over 23 hectares in the heart of the 6th arrondissement. With its statues, central pond where children sail small rental boats, lawns, orangerie, tennis courts and the Palais du Luxembourg (seat of the French Senate), it offers a peaceful setting just steps from the Panthéon and the Sorbonne.

The Medici Fountain, sheltered in a green frame, is one of the most romantic spots in the city. The neighboring Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, with its legendary cafes (Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, Brasserie Lipp), art galleries and bookshops, extends the Parisian experience. The church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest in Paris, is also worth a visit.

12. The Palais-Royal and its gardens

Often overlooked in classic itineraries, the Palais-Royal is one of the best-kept secrets of Paris. Built in the 17th century for Cardinal Richelieu, who bequeathed it to King Louis XIII, it now houses the Conseil d'État, the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture. Its covered passages, such as the Galerie de Valois and the Galerie de Beaujolais, host antique shops, historic perfumeries (Serge Lutens) and prestigious dining venues (Le Grand Véfour, founded in 1784).

Its French-style gardens, lined with arcades and pruned lime trees, offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. The famous Buren columns, installed in 1986 in the main courtyard, have become one of the most photographed hidden gems in Paris. A unique and photogenic stop, just steps from the Louvre.

13. A cruise on the Seine

If there is one must-do activity, it is a Seine river cruise, with the riverbanks classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the Pont de l'Alma, the Pont Alexandre III, the Quai Branly or the Pont Neuf, sightseeing cruises in English glide past the most beautiful monuments of the city: Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Musée d'Orsay, Louvre, Notre Dame, Conciergerie, Hôtel de Ville, Pont Neuf, Île Saint-Louis.

Several options are available: a one-hour commented cruise, a romantic dinner cruise with gourmet menu, a weekend brunch on the water, or an electric boat rental without a license for more freedom. At night, when the monuments light up, the experience becomes magical, ideal for couples. The price varies by group size, but private and luxury English-language cruises are easy to book online.

14. The Palace of Versailles

A 30-minute trip from Paris by RER, the Palace of Versailles embodies the grandeur of King Louis XIV's reign. Originally a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII, transformed into a royal residence by the Sun King from 1661 onwards, it became the seat of French power for more than a century. The palace, its royal apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and its 357 mirrors, the royal chapel, the royal opera, the gardens designed by André Le Nôtre with their fountains and statues, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette's Hameau form an exceptional ensemble listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Allow a full day for the visit, or even two to cover everything at your own pace. The Musical Fountains Shows on summer weekends animate the basins to the sounds of Baroque composers. The most popular day trip from Paris, a must on any bucket list to understand the France of the Grand Siècle.

15. Disneyland Paris

A 40-minute trip from the capital via the RER A line, Disneyland Paris remains the family destination of choice. Opened in 1992, the resort includes two parks: Disneyland Park, with its famous Sleeping Beauty Castle and iconic attractions (Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor, It's a Small World), and Walt Disney Studios, dedicated to cinema and the newer Marvel and Star Wars franchises. Shows, parades, character meet-and-greets and night illuminations delight kids and adults alike. Ideal for a day of escape with family after several days of cultural visits.

Several formulas are available: single-day tickets, combined hotel-park stays, multi-day passes (adult price varies). A unique experience to close a Parisian trip on a playful note.

Getting around Paris: transport and navigation

The Parisian public transport network is one of the densest in the world. The metro is the fastest way to move between sites, with 16 lines covering the city and inner suburbs. Buses offer the bonus of discovering Paris through the window during the ride. The RER serves Versailles, Disneyland Paris and the main airports, including Charles de Gaulle. For short distances, Vélib' stations and electric bikes are a great option, with an ever-expanding cycling network across every district.

Several ticket options exist: single tickets, packs of ten, the Navigo Easy pass or tourist passes depending on the length of your stay. For a combined itinerary of monuments and a sightseeing cruise, the Paris Museum Pass offers access to more than 50 museums and monuments at a discounted price. Useful tip: download the official RATP app for live navigation, real-time station updates and route planning.

Unique experiences and hidden gems in Paris

Beyond the iconic landmarks, Paris is full of unexpected experiences. For food lovers, a food tour in the Marais or Saint-Germain helps explore French specialties, cheese, wine, pastries and chocolate at the best local spots. A cooking class with a Parisian chef turns the day into a gourmet memory. Wine tasting sessions in historic cellars offer a deeper taste of French art de vivre. Game and adventure enthusiasts will find their bucket list filled with Paris-themed escape games or a walking tour through historic neighborhoods.

For art lovers, the street art of the 13th arrondissement and the Canal Saint-Martin offer a contemporary urban experience, far from touristy clichés. Don't miss exhibitions at the Grand Palais, the Musée du Quai Branly, the Musée de l'Orangerie for Monet's Water Lilies, or the Petit Palais with its city of Paris art nouveau and Belle Époque collections. For a more unusual experience, the Catacombs of Paris reveal a hidden world beneath the city, while the Père Lachaise cemetery, the most famous in France, is the final resting place of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Chopin and Edith Piaf. A cool stop for travelers seeking the offbeat.

A bike ride along the Seine, a stroll down the Champs-Élysées, a picnic on the Champ de Mars, a climb up the Tour Montparnasse for stunning 360° views, a walk along the Promenade Plantée, a visit to the 2nd arrondissement covered passages or a coffee cup at a local cafe are all simple ways to enjoy free attractions and feel the real life of Parisian neighborhoods. For a longer trip, day excursions to Normandy or the Loire Valley make perfect extensions.

Bijou Hôtel: your strategic address to visit Paris

Visiting Paris in the best conditions also means choosing a well-located, quiet and good-value hotel. Bijou Hôtel, a recently renovated 3-star establishment, welcomes you at 15 rue Victor-Griffuelhes in Boulogne-Billancourt, at the western gates of the city.

Just 5 minutes on foot from Marcel-Sembat station, you benefit from direct access to metro line 9, which serves without changing the Eiffel Tower (Trocadéro), the Champs-Élysées (Franklin D. Roosevelt), the Palais Garnier (Havre-Caumartin), République and Bastille. The main museums, monuments and iconic spots are reachable in less than 30 minutes, with stays in Paris made simple from this strategic neighborhood.

Comfortable rooms for every traveler

Our 47 rooms combine contemporary design, natural materials and quality French bedding. From the Solo room to the Family room accommodating up to four people, each category offers a bright, calm setting, perfect to relax after a day of sightseeing. Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV with Chromecast and organic toiletries are standard, ensuring a comfortable stay at a fair price.

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Services designed to enjoy Paris

L'Écrin bar, open from 7 a.m. to midnight, welcomes you for a morning cup of coffee or a signature cocktail after your walks. The breakfast buffet showcases French products delivered every morning by a local baker. The indoor patio invites relaxation between outings. Our bilingual team, available 24/7, helps you plan your itinerary, book tickets in advance and discover the best Parisian addresses for a truly unique experience.

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Book your stay in Paris at Bijou Hôtel

What to visit in Paris? Dozens of monuments, museums and neighborhoods to explore day after day. Bijou Hôtel in Boulogne-Billancourt is the ideal address to easily explore the city of light, enjoy quiet evenings and benefit from excellent value for money. Just steps from the metro, a few minutes from central Paris, your Parisian stay begins under the best conditions.

Book your stay on the official Bijou Hôtel website

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about visiting Paris

The must-sees are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum, Notre Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Montmartre district and Sacré-Cœur, the Musée d'Orsay, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Centre Pompidou and the Palais Garnier. A Seine river cruise and a day trip to the Palace of Versailles ideally complete the discovery of the capital, alongside Marie Antoinette's gardens.
To visit Paris and its main attractions, plan at least 3 to 4 days. This allows you to discover the iconic landmarks, two or three art museums, several neighborhoods (Marais, Saint-Germain, Montmartre) and enjoy a cruise on the Seine river. A full week is ideal to include Versailles, Disneyland Paris and more unique experiences such as a day trip to Normandy or the Loire Valley.
For a family trip, prioritize the Eiffel Tower, a Seine river cruise on an electric boat, the Luxembourg Gardens with its small sailboats, the Jardin d'Acclimatation, the Cité des Sciences and Disneyland Paris. The Musée du Quai Branly and some guided tours of the Louvre also offer routes adapted for children, making it easier to enjoy local cuisine and culture together.
The must-visit art museums are the Louvre for its major works including the Mona Lisa, the Musée d'Orsay for the Impressionists, the Centre Pompidou for modern art, the Musée de l'Orangerie for Monet, the Grand Palais for major exhibitions and the Musée Picasso in the Marais. Booking tickets in advance online helps you skip the crowds and saves time.
The neighborhoods to explore are the Marais for its historic district charm, Saint-Germain-des-Prés for its literary cafes, the Latin Quarter for its heritage, Montmartre for its bohemian vibe, the Champs-Élysées for its prestige, and the Louvre and Palais-Royal area for its architecture. Each arrondissement reveals a different facet of Parisian life and stories.
The metro is the fastest and most practical transport option to move between the popular attractions. Line 9, accessible from Boulogne-Billancourt, directly serves the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Palais Garnier and République. Bus, Vélib' and walking complete the options to explore historic neighborhoods and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.