Yello’s Mini City Guide: Five Top Sights to See in Paris
by Karen Rollins Apr 15, 2019
Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world with tourist attractions that are on most people’s bucket lists such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe.
If you’re hoping to visit the French capital city in 2019, this Yello mini city guide will give you some background and information on five of the top ‘must-see’ sights.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable tourist attractions on the planet. Built in 1889 as part of preparations for the World Fair, the 300m tall tower took two years, two months and five days to complete.
Now you can travel to the top of this impressive structure using stairs and glass-walled lifts and enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris from the summit.
On the first floor you can walk on glass and see Paris beneath your feet; on the second floor you’ll find Michelin-starred restaurant the Jules Verne; and from the top floors you can soak up the view in the open-air or indoors and have a drink at the Champagne Bar.
You can avoid some queuing by booking tickets in advance online.
The Arc De Triomphe sits majestically at the top of Paris’s Champs-Élysées.
The arch was designed by architect Jean-François Chalgrin, who is said to have been inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. It was inaugurated in 1836 by French King Louis-Philippe and dedicated to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire.
Thousands of tourists visit this impressive monument every year. It features sculptures, a permanent exhibition, plaques honouring France’s war dead, and the tomb of the unknown soldier where the flame of remembrance is rekindled every day at 6.30pm.
The home of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa as well as the ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo, The Louvre is centrally-located on the banks of the river Seine.
Once a formal royal palace, this impressive site is now the world’s largest art museum, holding various collections which span thousands of years and represent dozens of countries.
Plan your visit so you don’t miss any of the most famous works. The building is vast so wear comfortable shoes and take regular rests while walking around.
Book your entrance ticket online in advance to avoid queuing.
Notre-Dame de Paris, or ‘Our Lady of Paris’, is a mediaeval Catholic cathedral that was originally constructed between 1160 and 1260.
The building was desecrated during the French Revolution but following the 1831 publication of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, there was renewed interest in the site and a major restoration project began in 1845.
Steeped in religious and architectural history, the cathedral features eye-catching gargoyles and stained glass and is free to explore. An estimated 12 million people visit Notre Dame every year which makes it the most popular attraction in Paris.
On 15 April 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral was severely damaged by a fire which destroyed the 850-year-old building’s roof and caused its spire to collapse. Hundreds of people have pledged money to restore this historic site, if you would like to help you can donate via the Friends of Notre Dame website.
Known as the birthplace of modern Cabaret and the can-can dance, Moulin Rouge is a club located close to Montmartre in the Paris district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement.
Co-founded in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, the original Moulin Rouge house was burned down in 1915 but was rebuilt and reopened in 1921.
The site is famous after featuring in films, documentaries and books and is renowned for its quintessentially Parisian ambience and atmosphere.
Dinner is served at 7pm and there are two shows every night at 9pm and 11pm. However, if you don’t like nudity, Moulin Rouge is probably not for you.
Bon voyage!
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Sources: Lonely Planet / Fodor’s Travel
