Paris is one of the world’s truly great cities. The charming, elegant and romantic French capital is best known for its iconic monuments including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral. But the joys of Paris stretch far beyond these world-famous landmarks. The City of Love is also on the map for boutique shopping, high fashion and classical and contemporary art – not to mention its culinary reputation.
The city boasts a wealth of big-hitting sights that visitors both new and seasoned will want to see. We’ve rounded up a few of the best to get you started, along with delectable restaurant recommendations to enjoy along the way.
The Louvre
Paris can lay claim to an extensive list of illustrious artists – Renoir, Rodin, Picasso, Monet, Manet, Dalí and Van Gogh to name but a few – and it also has the galleries to boot.
Top of the list is the vast and incomparable Louvre, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s Venus de Milo. These iconic works are just the tip of what this vast former palace has to offer. Inside the majestic building, you’ll see extraordinary pieces by Renaissance artists Raphael and Botticelli, in addition to exquisite collections of priceless antiquities from Ancient Egypt and Greece.
The Louvre is the most visited art gallery in the world, so there’s usually a queue for entry. To cut down on the waiting time, buy a timed ticket in advance on the website.
Musée d’Orsay
Standing on the banks of the Seine river is the Musée d’Orsay, which houses a huge collection of artworks starting from the mid-19th century. You’ll also find many impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces on display, including Manet's Olympia, Monet's Rouen Cathedral and Van Gogh's self-portrait.
Equally magnificent, however, is the architectural setting of this former Belle Époque railway station. Admire the soaring glass domes in the entrance hall and glimpse beautiful views over Paris from behind the vast clock face.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
A masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is the city’s most visited free site. The structure was the focus of Catholic Paris for more than 700 years, accommodating up to 6,000 worshippers in its cavernous interior.
Among the scenic highlights are three spectacular stained-glass windows which are shaped like roses. Climbing to the top of the bell towers is another must-do activity in Paris. From the top of the North Tower, reached by an almost-endless spiral of steps, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Paris, in the company of curious stone gargoyles.
The Ste-Couronne, translated as the ‘Holy Crown’, is also found in this prestigious church. Brought to Paris in the mid-13th century, this is said to be the wreath of thorns placed on Jesus’ head before he was crucified.
Pompidou Centre
If you’re interested in art and culture from the modern age, visit the distinctive Pompidou Centre in the historic La Marais district. The post-modern, bare-bones structure features metal scaffolding, primary-coloured pipes and a diagonal tubed escalator. The design caused a major stir when it was first built more than 40 years ago and it continues to make a big statement today.
Inside it houses the country’s most revered collection of 20th-century art, bringing together Fauvist, cubist, surrealist, pop art and contemporary works. There’s also a cafe, art shop and library on site, as well as an exciting programme of events to enjoy.
Musée Rodín
Perhaps less known, though equally unmissable, is the wonderful Musée Rodín. Housed in the beautiful rococo mansion, this is where famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin had his studio in the early 20th century. The interior has been thoughtfully restored to honour this, with the artist's early portraits on display. It also displays his pioneering armless bronze and stone sculptures, which are encrusted with fragments of antique statuary. Head outside and visit the beautiful gardens, where there are numerous sculptures to ponder, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
Eiffel Tower
The city’s most iconic sight is the 320 metre-tall, elegant, wrought-iron Eiffel Tower, which has stood imperiously over Paris since the 1889 World's Fair.
Elevators soar up the tower in seconds – though if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb 704 stairs to the second floor where you can enjoy a well-earned refreshment at one of the snack bars. Continue right to the top to marvel at the best views in Paris.
It’s a good idea to buy your tickets online in advance for a specific time slot. You could also visit at night – the queues are often shorter, and you can delight at the tower sparkling on the hour for five minutes.
Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is wholly deserving of a trip out of the city. This is the resplendent, former home of the court and government of King Louis IV – and subsequent French kings and queens up until the French Revolution in 1789. The drive takes around 45 minutes from the centre of Paris, traffic depending, via the A13.
The palace’s 2,300 extravagantly decorated rooms, including the famous Hall of Mirrors, are completely entrancing, each one oozing luxury and excess. Be sure to explore the formal garden created by regal landscaper André Le Nôtre. The pristine design is every bit as lavish as the house, with gushing fountains, winding paths and flourishing plants from around the world. On a warm day, you can really relish the setting by packing a picnic and having lunch by the Grand Canal.
Shopping in Paris
Paris is a fashion Mecca. The city is studded with fabulous boutiques and stores, providing luxurious shopping at every turn. However, there are certain shopping districts that you should prioritise, whether you’re looking for discount or designer.
The Faubourg Saint-Honoré district is the beating heart of Parisian fashion. Here you’ll find trendy boutiques as well as flagship stores from classic designers including Versace, Hermès, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Close by is the spacious Boulevard Haussmann, lined with grand, Belle Époque department stores. Most famous of these are Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, two veritable Aladdin’s caves of consumer delights, from designer clothing lines to gourmet food, home design and dazzling jewellery.
While you’re in the area, check out the elegant, old covered arcades. With mosaic floors and glass domes, Galerie Vivienne is a particularly beautiful example. Inside you’ll find luxury boutiques dreamt up by top designers, as well as rare bookshops and old-fashioned artisan toy stores.
Two of the city's most coveted fashion streets are Avenue Montaigne and Avenue des Champs-Elysées. Avenue Montaigne is home to legendary designers such as Chanel and Dior, while the central Champs-Elysées is where to find more affordable global chains such as Zara.
Dining out in Paris
The French reputation for cuisine is legendary. In Paris, you can experience French food at its finest, whether in an atmospheric neighbourhood bistro or the total luxury of a triple-Michelin-starred venue.
If you’re a lover of gastronomy, you should make space in your budget (and your belly) for a meal at one of Paris' top gourmet restaurants. French star chefs Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy guarantee gastronomic experiences like no other at their city restaurants.
However, you don’t necessarily have to splash the cash to enjoy fine food. You can pick up enticing goodies at one of many enticing patisseries, boulangeries (bakeries), fromageries (cheese shops) and colourful street markets. Put together a picnic and claim a spot at the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, a favourite green space for generations of Parisians.
Before you leave, make sure you visit Berthillon, the city’s legendary and esteemed ice-cream maker. Tantalise your taste buds with one of the 70-plus natural flavours available, from tangy pink grapefruit sorbet to a rich and creamy Armagnac and prunes.
Renting a car in Paris allows you to discover the best of the romantic French capital. We have numerous pick-up points spread around the city, including at both airports and the main rail stations. Get behind the wheel and explore the delights of this beautiful and historic city with Hertz car rental in Paris.