# TOUR EIFFEL 9 
This iconic iron tower, now the symbol of France and Paris, was constructed for the 1889 world's fair and was the tallest structure in the world (total 324 m, observation deck 276 m) until 1930.
The top of this architectural and engineering marvel can still be seen from almost everywhere in Paris.
Historic Tower 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1991
# MUSÉE DU LOUVRE 9
Considered by many experts as the best art museum in the world, the Louvre displays a grand total of 35,000 artworks.
Some of the most significant masterpieces hang on its walls, including the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa".
This is our selection of the ten best paintings of the Musée du Louvre:
1) Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci (ca. 1503–06), 77 cm × 53 cm (30 in × 21 in)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
2) Madonna of Chancellor Rolin (Virgin of Ivers), Jan Van Eyck (c. 1435), 66 cm (25.9 ″) × 62 cm (24.4 ″)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
3) John the Baptist, Leonardo Da Vinci (1513–16)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
4) Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix (1830), 260 cm (102.3 ″) × 325 cm (10.6 ft)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
5) Oath of the Horatii, Jacques-Louis David (1786), 329.8 cm (10.8 ft) × 424.8 cm (13.9 ft)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
6) Grande Odalisque, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1814)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
7) The Virgin and Child with St. Anne, Leonardo Da Vinci (1510)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
8) The Astronomer, Johannes Vermeer van Delft (1668)
9)The Raft of the Medusa, Théodore Gericault (1818–19), 491 cm × 716 cm
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
10)The Turkish Bath, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1862-63)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
This is our selection of the ten sculptures and other highlights of the Musée du Louvre:
(click on images to open in lightbox)
1) The Winged Victory of Samothrace (Nike), Unknown Artist (190 BCE), Denon Wing, Room 703 by Britchi Mirela / CC BY-SA 3.0 2) Venus de Milo, Alexandros of Antioch (c.130–100 BCE), Sully Wing, Room 346 by Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0 3) Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, Antonio Canova (1813–1816), Richelieu Wing, Pavillon de Flore, Room 4 by Sara Darcaj / CC BY-SA 4.0 4) The Dying Slave and the Rebellious Slave, Michelangelo Buonarroti (1513–1516), Denon Wing, Room 403 by Jörg Bittner Unna / CC BY-SA 3.0 5) Sleeping Hermaphroditus, Unknown Artist (unknown year, 1620 [mattress]), Sully Wing, Ground floor, Salle des Caryatides, Room 348 by Wikimedia / Public Domain 6) Law Code of Hammurabi (1792–1750 BCE), Richelieu Wing, Mésopotamie, Room 3 by Wikimedia / Public Domain 7) Winged Human-Headed Bulls (Lamassu), Unknown Artist (713 BCE), Richelieu Wing, Mésopotamie, Room 4 by Poulpy / CC BY-SA 3.0 8) Great Sphinx of Tanis, Unknown Artist (Old Kingdom, 2600 BCE), Crypt of the Sphinx, Room 338 by Louvre Museum / CC BY-SA 2.0 9) Napoléon III Apartments (1852–57), Richelieu Wing, Rooms 83-89 by Geoff Livingston / CC BY-SA 2.0 10) Pyramid, I.M. Pei (architect) (1989), main courtyard by Christer Gundersen / CC BY-SA 3.0
Art and Archaeological Museum 🌍 Gallery Space: 72,735 m2 [782,910 ft2] | Galleries: 100 | Artworks on Display: ca. 38,000 | Opened: 1793 | Visitors [2018]: 10.2 million
(click on images to open in lightbox [recommended])
by Christine Zenino / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Musée d'Orsay 8
Europe's greatest impressionist and post-impressionist paintings collection is housed in a gorgeously renovated former railway station built in 1900 on the left bank of the River Seine.
This is our selection of the ten best paintings of the Musée d'Orsay:
1) Dance at Moulin de la Galette, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1876)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
2) Starry Night over the Rhone, Vincent van Gogh (1888)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
3) Olympia, Édouard Manet (1863)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
4) Le Dejeuner sur L'Herbe, Édouard Manet (1862-63)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
5) The Dance Class, Edgar Degas (1873-76)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
6) The Birth of Venus, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1879)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
7) Les raboteurs de parquet, Gustave Caillebotte (1875)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
8) The Source, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1856)
9) Tahitian Women on the Beach, Paul Gauguin (1891)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
10) Le Cirque, Georges Seurat (1891)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
Art Museum Gallery Space: 16,853 m2 [181,400 ft2] | Galleries: 72 | Artworks on Display: ca. 4,000 | Opened: 1986 | Visitors [2017]: 3,177,842
(click on images to open in lightbox [recommended])
#11 by Moonik / CC BY-SA 3.0
# NOTRE-DAME 7 
This masterpiece of early Gothic church architecture (construction began around 1163) with its three spectacular rose windows rises magnificently on Île de la Cité, an island in the middle of the Seine river.
🔔 On 15 April 2019, the roof of Notre-Dame caught fire and the cathedral sustained severe damage. A complete restoration could require twenty years or more.
Cathedral 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1991
by Zuffe / CC BY-SA 3.0
# OPÉRA GARNIER 7
Inaugurated in 1875, the interior of this world-famous opera house designed by Charles Garnier – also known as the Palais Garnier – is even more impressive than its opulent exterior.
Highlights include the stunning marble staircase, the incredibly luxurious Great Hall, and the magnificent auditorium with an oval-shaped ceiling painted in 1964 by Marc Chagall.
Opera House 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1991
by Anthony Degrémont / CC BY-SA 3.0
# SAINTE-CHAPELLE 7
This breathtaking gothic chapel was built in 1248 by Louis IX and is famous for its fifteen magnificent peerless stained-glass windows. Two-thirds of them are still originals from the thirteenth century.
Church 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1991
by Paterm / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Arc de Triomphe 7
This colossal triumphal arch towering at the western end of Champs-Élysées with a height of fifty meters (164 ft) was commissioned in 1806 by the Emperor Napoleon and completed in 1836.
It is famous for its wonderful view from the terrace on top, outstanding sculptures by François Rude, and the famous Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.
by Norio Nakayama / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Centre Georges-Pompidou 6 
Opened in 1977, the Centre Georges-Pompidou is famous for its spectacular postmodern architecture and home to the Museum of Modern Art.
The building, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers and built in 1977, offers spectacular 360-degree views from the rooftop.
This is our selection of the five best paintings of the Centre Georges-Pompidou:
1) Yellow, Red, Blue, Wassily Kandinsky (1925)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
2) Partial Hallucinations: Six Apparitions of Lenin on a Grand Piano, Salvador Dali (1931)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
3) The Blue Room, Suzanne Valadon (1923)
4) Young Girl in Green, Tamara de Lempicka (1931)
5) The Painter's Studio, Raoul Dufy (1935)
Modern Art Museum Gallery Space: 17,000 m2 [180,000 ft2] | Established: 1977 | Visitors (2018): 3,370,000
(click on images to open in lightbox)
# PLACE DE LA CONCORDE 6
Situated on the right bank of the Seine between the Tuileries Gardens and the western terminus of the Champs-Élysées the octagonal Place de la Concorde is the largest square in the French capital.
In the center stands a 3,500 years old Egyptian obelisk, flanked by two immense and beautiful fountains, designed by Jacques Hittorff.
Square 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1991
by Nitot / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Basilique du Sacré-Cœur 6
Completed in 1914 in Romano-Byzantine style, this famous white church at the highest point of Paris (butte Montmartre) offers wonderful views from the top of its 83-meters-high (271 ft) dome.
The ceiling is decorated with the largest mosaic in France measuring about 480 m².
by Christophe Finot / CC BY-SA 2.5
#11 | Fondation Louis Vuitton 6
This stunning modern building with its glass sails by the famous architect Frank Gehry hosts spectacular temporary exhibitions.
Fine Arts Museum | Modern Architecture Gallery Space: ca. 11,000 m2 (118,403 ft2) | Galleries: 11 | Artworks on Display: Temporary Exhibitions | Established: 2014 | Construction Costs: €790 million | Architect: Frank Gehry | Visitors [2017]: 1.4 million
by Daniel Rodet / CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Champs-Élysées 6
Running between the Place de la Concorde in the east and the Place Charles de Gaulle with the Arc de Triomphe in the west, the extremely wide Champs-Élysées is the city's most famous shopping street.
Shopping Street Length: 1.9 km / 1.2 miles
by Josh Hallett / CC BY-SA 2.0
#13 | Marmottan-Monet Museum 6
The most famous painting in this fine museum is Monet's Impression, Sunrise (1872), which inspired the name of the Impressionist movement.
This is our selection of the ten best paintings of the Marmottan-Monet Museum:
1) Impression, soleil levant, Claude Monet (1872)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
2) Hours of Étienne Chevalier, Jean Fouquet (1452-1460)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
3) Monet that reads, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1872)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
Fine Arts Museum Galleries: 11 | Opened: 1934
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
#14 | Guimet Museum of Asiatic Arts 6
Built by collector Émile Guimet (1836-1918), this impressive museum houses one of the largest collections of Asian art outside of Asia.
Museum Gallery Space: 5,500 m2 [2.2 million ft2] | Established: 1879 | Visitors [2007]: 309,509
by Guimet Museum / CC BY-SA 3.0
#15 | Hôtel des Invalides 6
Ordered by King Louis XIV this extensive complex of 17th-century structures and courtyards features as a highlight a stunning Dôme, 107 meters (351 ft) tall and decorated with 12.65 kilograms (27.9 lb) of gold leaf.
Since 1861, under this dome, in the crypt, lies the body of Emperor Napoleon I in six successive coffins inside a red quartzite sarcophagus.
Complex of 17th-Century Structures Completed: 1676 | Style: Baroque
by Eric Gaba / CC BY-SA 3.0
#16 | Quartier Latin 6
Also known as the fifth arrondissement, the laid-back and welcoming Latin Quarter on the Left Bank of the River Seine is known for its student-filled cafes, its bookshops, and various famous attractions like the Pantheon or the Luxembourg Gardens.
City District Main Sights: Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, National Museum of Natural History and Grande Galerie de l'Évolution
by Ana Paula Hirama / CC BY-SA 2.0
#17 | Marais 6
Located in the heart of Paris on the right bank of the River Seine (parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements), this lively, trendy, and extremely cosmopolitan neighborhood with its pedestrianized cobblestone streets fascinates with a romantic village atmosphere.
Furthermore, this former French aristocratic reserve is now a melting pot of Jewish, Chinese, and LGBT cultures and an excellent place for shopping.
City District Main Sights: Centre Georges-Pompidou, Musée Picasso, Place des Vosges, Hôtel de Ville, Musée Carnavalet
by AlNo / CC BY-SA 3.0
#18 | Montmartre 6
Perched on the top of a 130 m (430 ft) high hill in the 18th arrondissement, this famous and charming district with its small and steep narrow streets has lost none of its village atmosphere that appealed so much to the artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur on top of Montmartre offers fascinating views of the city.
Hill | City District Main Sights: Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Moulin de la Galette, Moulin Rouge, Funiculaire de Montmartre
by Dennis Jarvis / CC BY-SA 2.0
#19 | Musée de l'Orangerie 6
This museum is most famous as the permanent home of eight large Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet and contains interesting works by Paul Cézanne (Jeunes filles au piano), Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Rousseau, Alfred Sisley, Chaïm Soutine, Maurice Utrillo, and others.
Fine Arts Museum Gallery Space: 6,300 m2 | Galleries: 15 | Artworks: 400 | Opened: 1927 | Visitors [2019]: 1,029,925
by Brady Brenot / CC BY-SA 4.0
#20 | Montparnasse Tower 6
Completed in 1973, this 209-meter (689 ft) office skyscraper offers wonderful panoramic views of the city and the Eiffel tower from its outdoor terrace.
Total Height: 209 m | Observation Deck Height: 209 m | View Type: Glass Windows [Indoor and Outdoor, with a few places without glass windows outdoor] | Completed: 1973
by Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr) CC BY-SA 4.0
#21 | The Army Museum 6
This museum is a stunning repository of over 500,000 artifacts that chronicle the military history of France, from ancient times to the present day.
Visitors can explore the various eras of French warfare, from the ancient Gauls to the modern-day armed forces, through immersive installations and interactive exhibits.
by Xiquinhosilva / CC BY-SA 2.0
#22 | Place des Vosges 6
Nestled in the heart of Le Marais district, this beautiful square is a remarkable example of 17th-century French architecture, boasting red-brick facades and a perfectly manicured garden at its center.
by Des Racines et des Ailes / CC BY-SA 3.0
#23 | St-Germain-des-Prés 6
With its bustling literary cafes, historic churches like the famous St-Germain-des-Prés Abbey, and renowned art galleries such as the Musée Delacroix, this famous city district exudes an air of intellectualism and cultural refinement.
by Cmcmcm1 / CC BY-SA 4.0
#24 | Pont Alexandre III 5 
Adorned with intricate sculptures and flanked by golden statues of Pegasus, this iconic bridge overlooks the Seine and provides stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides.
by Philippe Alès / CC BY-SA 4.0
#25 | Galeries Lafayette 5
This awe-inspiring grandiose department store features ornate Art Nouveau stained glass domes and a breathtaking rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
by Chabe01 / CC BY-SA 4.0
#26 | Panthéon 5
This iconic neoclassical monument with its grand dome was originally built as a church, dedicated to Saint Genevieve, but was later transformed into a secular mausoleum.
The building's grandiose facade is adorned with Corinthian columns and a triangular pediment, inspired by ancient Roman architecture.
by Moonik / CC BY-SA 3.0
#27 | Jardin de Luxembourg 5
Tucked away in the heart of Paris lies an enchanting oasis boasting sprawling green lawns, magnificent sculptures, and picturesque fountains, all spread out across a vast 25-hectare space.
by Jiuguang Wang / CC BY-SA 2.0
#28 | Musée Picasso 5
With a collection of over 5,000 pieces, this museum features highlights like Picasso's personal collection of African and Oceanic art, as well as famous paintings such as "Portrait of Dora Maar"(1937), "Portrait of Marie-Therèse Walter"(1937) or "Massacre in Korea"(1951), giving visitors a comprehensive look into his unique style and creative vision.
The museum fills 4,000 sqm of exhibition space in the heart of Paris.
by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / CC BY-SA 2.0
#29 | Musée du Quai Branly 5
This architectural masterpiece, designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, features a unique blend of modern and traditional design elements, with a stunning living wall, reflecting pools, and a rooftop garden offering breathtaking views of the city.
It boasts a vast collection of indigenous art and artifacts from all corners of the globe, including Oceania, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
by William Crochot / CC BY-SA 4.0
#30 | Musée Rodin 5
This distinguished museum boasts a meticulously curated collection of sculptures and other works of art by the legendary Auguste Rodin, providing visitors with a rare and insightful glimpse into the life and work of the master sculptor.
Moreover, the museum's exquisite gardens and ornate architecture offer a serene haven, allowing visitors to retreat from the fast-paced energy of the city.
by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / CC BY-SA 2.0
#31 | The Jacquemart-André Museum 5
The Jacquemart-André Museum, situated in the refined 8th arrondissement, dazzles visitors with its opulent interiors that showcase the eclectic art and decorative collection of the affluent couple who once lived there.
This former private mansion, built in the Second Empire style, exudes a timeless charm with its frescoes, sculptures, and antique furnishings that evoke the grandeur of a bygone era.
by Christophe Recoura / CC BY-SA 3.0
#32 | Petit Palais - Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris 5
This breathtaking art museum in the heart of Paris showcases an impressive collection of European art from the 17th to the 20th century.
The grand architecture of the Petit Palais, featuring intricate carvings, a beautiful garden and ornate chandeliers, adds to the overall elegance of the museum.
by Gunnar Klack / CC BY-SA 4.0
#33 | Paris City Museum of Modern Art 5
This prominent museum houses over 10,000 works spanning the 20th century, including pieces by Warhol, Matisse, and Picasso, and offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from its rooftop terrace.
by Coldcreation / CC BY-SA 3.0
PALACE AND PARK OF VERSAILLES 9
The Palace and Park of Versailles, initially a hunting lodge, became a grand symbol of absolute monarchy under Louis XIV, known for its classical architecture and meticulously designed gardens.
The palace showcases French classical architecture, featuring the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Grand Apartments.
Palace and Park 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1979 | 22 km from Paris
by Myrabella / CC BY-SA 3.0
PALACE AND PARK OF FONTAINEBLEAU 7
The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau is a historic royal residence with diverse architectural styles and extensive gardens, located near Paris. It served as a royal residence for French monarchs from the 12th to the 19th centuries, including Francis I and Napoleon Bonaparte.
The palace showcases a mix of medieval, Renaissance, and classical architecture, reflecting the evolution of French artistic styles.
Palace and Park 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1981 | 67 km from Paris
by SiefkinDR / CC BY-SA 3.0
Giverny 6
Giverny is a historic French village famous for being Claude Monet's home and muse, with his house and gardens now a major tourist attraction.
Monet's house and gardens in Giverny, including the iconic water lily pond, are now a museum.
Village 75 km from Paris
by World3000 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Chantilly 6
Chantilly, a historic town in northern France, boasts the majestic Château de Chantilly, a Renaissance masterpiece housing an impressive art collection, including works by Raphael and Delacroix.
City with Castle 50 km from Paris
by LPLT / CC BY-SA 3.0
Reims 6
Reims is a historically and culturally significant city in northeastern France, famous for its Gothic cathedral, champagne, and restoration after WWI.
City with Cathedral 144 km from Paris
by MathKnight / CC BY-SA 3.0
Rouen 6
Rouen is a historic and culturally rich city in Normandy, famous for its medieval architecture, including the stunning Rouen Cathedral.
The city played a significant role during the Hundred Years' War and is where Joan of Arc was martyred.
City with Cathedral 135 km from Paris
by Philippe Roudaut / CC BY-SA 4.0