Eiffel Tower
Once the tallest structure in the world, the Eiffel Tower is probably Europe's best known landmark and Paris's most famous symbol. You couldn't possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower.
Even if you do not want to visit it, you will see its top from all over Paris. It rises 300 meters tall (984 ft) and was twice as high as the Washington Monument, at the time the tallest structure in the world.
Notre Dame
Not the largest cathedral in the world, the Notre-Dame might be the most famous of all cathedrals. The gothic masterpiece is located on the Île de la Cité, a small island in the heart of the city. The site of the Notre dame is the cradle of Paris and has always been the religious center of the city. The Celts had their sacred ground here, the Romans built a temple to worship Jupiter. A Christian basilica was built in the 6th century and the last religious structure.
Arc de Triomphe
In the middle of the Place Charles de Gaulle, at the border of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissement stands one of the greatest arches in history: the Arc de Triomphe (arch of triumph).
Louvre
One of the largest and most visited museums in the world, and possibly the most famous of them all, the Louvre is one of Paris's many must-visits.
Sacré-Coeur
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of Paris's major tourist draws. The majestic building is located on top of the Montmartre hill. Above all, Montmartre is known for its many artists who have been omnipresent since 1880. The name Montmartre, an area around a hill in the 18th arrondissement, north of downtown Paris, is said to be derived from either Mount of Martyrs or from Mount of Mars. Until 1873, when the Sacré-Coeur was built on top of the hill, Montmartre was a small village, inhabited by a mostly farming community.
Champs-Elysées
The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is probably the most famous avenue in the world. This impressive promenade stretches from the Place the la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle, the site of the Arc de Triomphe. At its western end the Champs-Elysées is bordered by cinemas, theaters, cafés and luxury shops. Near the Place de la Concorde, the street is bordered by the Jardins des Champs-Elysées, beautifully arranged gardens with fountains and some grand buildings including the Grand and Petit Palais at the southern side and the Elysée at its northern side. The latter has been the residence of the French Presidents since 1873.
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Probably one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions and reputed to be the most visited cemetery anywhere.
What makes a cemetery such a popular site? Well, the people buried there, of course! For Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, that includes many individuals of world renown, not just favorite Frenchmen.
La Madeleine
The greek temple just north of the Place the Concorde is known as 'La Madeleine' or 'L'église de St-Marie-Madeleine'. The large building is actually a church, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene. In French, Magdalene is known as Madeleine, hence the name of the building.
Moulin Rouge
Ever since it opened its doors nearly 120 years ago, Moulin Rouge has set the standard for the world's most famous cabarets. History of the Moulin Rouge: In October 1889, Paris was all abuzz concerning the opening of a new music hall. The owners of this new establishment, Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, who had chosen the name Moulin Rouge (Red Mill) for their theatre, gave it the nickname “Le Premier Palais des Femmes” (The First Palace of Women) and claimed that Moulin Rouge would soon become “a temple of music and dance.”
Musée Carnavalet
Situated in Paris’ tony Marais neighborhood, this museum covers the history of Paris from the pre-Roman era up to the modern times. The museum is often overlooked but definitely worth a visit. The Building Housed in Musée Carnavalettwo adjacent Parisian mansions, the Musée Carnavalet – The Museum of the History of Paris, is a delight for lovers of fine architecture, furnishings, and French history in general.
Palais Bourbon
This monumental building, known as the Palais Bourbon or Bourbon Palace, is home to the Assemblée Nationale, the French parliament's lower house.
The Bourbons
Ironically, the name of this republican symbol refers to the Royal Bourbon family, who were ousted by the republicans during the French Revolution.
The Palais Bourbon was built by the Duchess of Bourbon, daughter of King Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan.
