Paris Landmarks
These are the landmarks in Paris that we profiled. Everything on this list is recommended (although, in some cases, with reservations: read detailed reviews for more information).
- Eiffel Tower
- Champs de Mars
One of the most recognizable structures in the world and a symbol of Paris (and France) for many, the Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and built for the 1889 World's Fair (Exposition Universelle). - Arc de Triomphe
- Place Général-de-Gaulle
One of the symbols of Paris, this famous arch (whose full name is The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel) in the northwestern sector of the city (formally considered part of the 8th Arrondissement, it actually stands at the intersection of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements) was commissioned by Napoléon in 1805 and built in 1806-1808 to commemorate the country's military victories. A few years after the arch's completion, Napoléon decided to invade Russia... we all know how it ended. - Jardin du Luxembourg
- Jardin du Luxembourg
One of the better-known parks of Paris, equally popular with Parisians and tourists. - The Catacombs
- 1 Place Denfert-Rochereau
Clearly on the creepy side as far as Parisian attractions are concerned, the Catacombs are old quarries that contain about six million skeletons moved here between the end of the 18th and the middle of the 19th centuries from overcrowded cemeteries. - Montparnasse Cemetery
- 3 Boulevard Edgar-Quinet
The final resting place of many Left Bank intellectuals and artists (among them: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Samuel Beckett). - Sacré Cœur
- 35 Rue Chevalier-de-la-Barre
A hilltop church that became the alternative (to the Eiffel Tower) symbol of Paris for many. The views afforded by its location are some of the best in the city and have become a postcard staple, along with the image of the church itself. - The Louvre
- Rue de Rivoli
The world's top museum is home to the Mona Lisa and tens of thousands of other works. - Musée d'Orsay
- 1 Rue de Bellechasse
An impressive collection of 19th and early 20th century art housed in a former train station. The museum's impressionsts section is considered the best in the world. - Centre Georges Pompidou
- Place Georges Pompidou
A cultural center housing an impressive collection of modern art, as well as a library, cinema and bookstore. - Institut du Monde Arabe
- 1 Rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard
The Institut is dedicated to promoting the arts and the culture of the Arab world. It includes a museum, cinema, library and language center. The building is starchitect Jean Nouvel's creation. - Musée Rodin
- 9 Rue de Varenne
The museum, housed in an 18th century mansion houses Rodin's most famous works, including The Kiss and The Thinker. The garden, adjacent to the museum, is in itself a reason to visit. - Notre Dame de Paris
- 6 Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame
A Gothic cathedral that took almost 200 years to build stands in all its glory in the medieval heart of the city. - Les Invalides
- Esplanade des Invalides
A 17th century masterpiece and a fine example of Baroque architecture, the Invalides complex houses the Musée de l'Armée, the Musée d'Histoire Contemporaine, the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération and the Musée des Plans et Reliefs. - Place Vendôme Column
- Place Vendôme
The column at the center of the beautiful quasi-octagonal square (Place Vendôme) was cast from over 1,000 Austrian cannons and supposed to commemorate Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz. Architects: Jacques Gondoin and Jean-Baptiste Lepère.
