The City of Lights, known throughout the world, offers a unique array of monuments, museums, neighborhoods, and iconic atmospheres. Whether you’re in a hurry or looking to take your time, you’ll have the opportunity to capture a piece of Paris’s soul, whether you’re here for a weekend or a week. But Paris is also one of the world’s fashion capitals. We recommend combining a shopping trip to Paris with a unique cultural and sightseeing experience.
With so much to see in Paris, it’s hard to put together a list that covers the essentials while still giving you a realistic taste of everything “Paname” has to offer. With those unfamiliar with Paris in mind, we’ve selected the very best of Paris—featuring some well-known spots and others off the beaten path—to help you plan a long weekend or a short stay in the City of Lights. Here is the list of 9 major monuments or landmarks to visit in Paris, to truly understand what it’s all about. Combine your visit with a shopping trip to One Nation Paris Outlet.
The most famous symbol of Paris is the Eiffel Tower, but some travelers prefer to visit the Louvre, much more interesting. It is the best art museum in the world, but also the most visited and the largest, where you can see works and artifacts from almost every civilization in the world. The three most popular works here are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Beyond these must-sees, the best thing to do is to know where you’re going and what you want to see first. But don’t be afraid to get lost—you might stumble upon something unforgettable!
Standing above Place Jean-Paul-II (forecourt) on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral is the symbolic heart of Paris and, for many, that of France. Napoleon was crowned here, and many kings and queens exchanged their wedding vows in front of its altar. The interior of the Gothic cathedral is a must-see (free tour), but the exterior is also stunning, featuring beautiful architectural details and an unforgettable view of Paris—amidst a few gargoyles—from the top of the south tower. Begun in 1163 and completed in 1345, severely damaged during the Revolution, and restored by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, Notre-Dame is not the oldest or largest cathedral in France, but in terms of beauty and architectural harmony, few can compare.
The Eiffel Tower is to Paris what the Statue of Liberty is to New York and what Big Ben is to London: the ultimate symbol. The French engineer Gustave Eiffel, already famous for building viaducts and bridges, spent two years erecting this iconic monument for the 1889 World’s Fair. It also commemorates the centennial of the French Revolution. Today, it is undoubtedly most beautiful at night, when it is illuminated in a dazzling display. The light show was originally intended to be used only in the year 2000, but it proved so popular that the 20,000 bulbs were reinstalled for permanent use in 2003. Thanks to the shuttle bus that takes you from the Eiffel Tower to One Nation Paris, you can even add a visit to the Palace of Versailles to your shopping outlet experience in Paris, France.
More than just old shopping centers, The Covered Passages Around the Grand Boulevards are arcades with a unique atmosphere dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Covered by a charming glass roof, their secondhand bookstores, tea rooms, and gift shops make them fun alternatives to Parisian shopping arcades. The Galerie Vivienne and the Jouffroy Passage, home to the Musée Grévin, are listed historic sites. It’s also a great place to check out fashion trends before heading to the One Nation Paris outlet mall to score discounted prices.
It’s hard not to feel like you’re going to heaven when you visit the “Basilica of the Sacred Heart”, this white castle perched atop Montmartre. The French government commissioned it in 1873, following the devastating years of the Paris Commune and the Franco-Prussian War. Architect Paul Abadie designed the Sacré-Cœur, incorporating Romanesque and Byzantine elements into its design. A blend that many critics have called «gaudy,» drawing a comparison to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Construction continued until World War I, and the basilica was finally consecrated in 1919. The iconic film «Amélie» made it both special and known worldwide.
Then, stretch your legs and climb the 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. From up there, you’ll have a view of the Champs-Élysées and the La Défense arch. It’s also a prime spot to observe how Parisians drive: the roundabout at Place de l’Étoile can get pretty chaotic at times. In fact, when an accident occurs here, fault is automatically split 50/50 on the report. Back at the base of the arch, take a moment to remember the Unknown Soldier, whose grave lies beneath the monument. Recently broadcast live in 2018, amid dramatic protests here in Paris, with “yellow vests” turning the place upside down. Now that calm has returned to the area, you can combine your visit with a shopping outlet experience in Paris.
Père Lachaise is the cemetery of the famous: almost all the talented French people who have passed away are buried there. And even those who weren’t French. Religious beliefs and nationality never prevented anyone from being buried there: it was simply necessary that the person had lived or died in Paris or had a space allocated in a family grave. From Balzac to Chopin via Oscar Wilde (whose tomb is worn by the kisses of admirers), the hunt for talent is endless.
Housed since 1986 within one of Paris’s most beautiful railway stations, the recently renovated galleries of the Musée d'Orsay It houses the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces: works by Cézanne, Monet, Renoir, Manet, Van Gogh, Degas, Gauguin, and many others are on display. In addition to the works of the Great Masters, you’ll find a collection of decorative art from the Art Nouveau era and a selection of 19th-century sculptures. Relax at the café behind the museum’s giant transparent clock.
For some, the Seine is the most romantic part of Paris, and if you're visiting Paris as a couple, a cruise on Riverboat It will be wonderful. Its curves, punctuated by bridges, are lined with some of the most beautiful monuments in the world, and its green riverbanks provide the perfect backdrop for a postcard-perfect scene. This is by far the best way to see as many monuments as possible in an hour or two, ideally from the deck of a Bateau-Mouche. Yes, they’re touristy, but sometimes it’s worth putting on your headphones and blending in with the crowds to enjoy a good time in the heart of Paris.
With just a little preparation, whether you’re staying for a short or long time, you’ll have the chance to experience the true essence of Paris. With a unique, streamlined Paris shopping experience, you’ll take a little piece of Paris home with you to enjoy all year long.
