The city of Paris is one that has won the hearts of tourists across the globe due to its eternal beauty, history and memorable character. Even though the Eiffel Tower is, by all means, the most iconic landmark in the city, there is a whole world of interesting things to be explored in the city, beyond the tower. There is no end to the experiences in Paris which can demonstrate its real image, whether it is world-class museums and historic neighborhoods, or just beautiful gardens and magnificent palaces. In case you’re trying to find the Best Places to Visit in Paris, you are soon to be overwhelmed with the discovery that Paris is full of hidden treasures which are just as much worth exploring as the most famous tower.
With France Tour Packages, you can plan your vacation and know that you will see the very best of Paris, without having to miss its cultural treasures. In Arooha Tours we feel that every tourist visiting the city should see the minor wonders of the city to fully enjoy its beauty and multiplicity. Passionate about art, interested in history, wish to walk down quaint streets and beautiful parks, Paris has its offer to all. This guide has selected ten amazing places that will enable you to explore the City of light in a new dimension.
Here are the top Places to Visit in Paris Beyond the Eiffel Tower
1. Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum is a renowned museum around the world and a tourist attraction site that people cannot afford to visit when visiting Paris. It houses more than 35000 pieces of art and contains the legendary masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Liberty Leading the People.
The museum itself is an art besides its invaluable collections. The historical pyramid entrance made of glass is a perfect combination of a building of modern architecture and a historic palace. The visitor can spend hours in galleries of paintings, sculptures, ancient objects and decorative arts that show the civilizations of people all around the world. Each part of the Louvre has its own special experience, and it is a memorable experience to tourists of all ages.
2. Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most beautiful and artistic quarters in Paris. This old area is located on a hill, the streets of which are paved with cobblestones, the cafes are of all colors, local artists and vibrant life are present.
The grand Sacre Coeur Basilica, which is located at the top of Montmartre, is one of the places that provide spectacular panoramic views of Paris skyline. Great artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir have been inspired by the neighborhood, thus a haven to the art lovers. Taking a stroll around its small streets, a visitor can feel the true Parisian life, visiting secret galleries and boutiques, and old-fashioned bakeries.
3. Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is also an ideal place to relax and get away as the hectic city streets. The gardens, beautifully landscaped with fountains, colorful flowerbeds, statues and with pathways lined with trees are a favorite of the green space in Paris.
Tourists are free to take leisurely walks, hire traditional green chairs on which to relax by the fountains or sit and see the historic Luxembourg Palace that overlooks the gardens. The playgrounds and puppet shows are valued by families, and couples usually spend silent afternoons in the beautiful landscapes.
4. Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is one of the greatest architectural treasures of Paris, which is often disregarded by first-time visitors. Construction of this Gothic chapel took place in the 13 th century and it is known due to its spectacular windows which are stained-glass.
The walls appear nearly all composed of color glass, and portray over a thousand biblical subjects. The chapel turns into an amazingly bright rainbow when the sun rays through the windows. Being relatively small, Sainte-Chapelle makes a great impression on every visitor.
5. Le Marais
Le Marais is an ideal blend of ancient Paris and the contemporary. Arguably the trendiest area of the city with its medieval architecture, fashionable boutiques, art galleries, quaint cafes, and bustling nightlife, it still stands as one of the trendiest areas of the city.
Tourists have an opportunity to stroll along picturesque avenues with old houses and find out some unusual shops, pastry salons and secret gardens. The area is also home to a number of very interesting museums and as such is a great place to be visited by those tourists who like culture and shopping.
6. Palace of Versailles
The palace of Versailles is one of the most beautiful royal palaces in France, which is situated just outside Paris. The palace was the residence of King Louis XIV and is a symbol of luxury, power and spectacular architecture.
Tourists are able to visit the glitzy Hall of Mirrors, rich royal apartments, exquisitely adorned halls and extensive landscaped gardens with fountains and sculptures. One day trip enables the tourist to enjoy the majesty of the French history in the midst of one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe.
7. Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin provides an entirely new face of Paris with its crowded tourist sites. This serene canal is encircled by shaded paths, adorable bridges, stylish cafes, independent bookstores and boutique stores.
People like to picnic or walk in the evenings and this area is usually filled with locals. Taking a boat ride along the canal, one can see some of the hidden locks and beautiful scenes which not all tourists get to see. It is the ideal location to relax and savor the true Parisian lifestyle.
8. Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is housed in a finely restored railway station, where one of the best collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is found worldwide.
There are paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne as well as many other renowned artists that are admired by the visitors. The magnificent architecture and its famous clock windows in addition to the spectacular artwork also make the museum one of the most photographed cultural sites in Paris.
9. Latin Quarter
One of the oldest in Paris, the Latin Quarter is still a very dynamic place of education, literature and culture. The district is home to old universities, old bookstores, vibrant cafes, and busy markets and is filled with the energy of the youth, which draws visitors all year round.
Cruising around its medieval streets, one comes across the concealed squares, old churches, and real French restaurants, offering tasty local dishes. It is a great spot to have a taste of everyday Parisian life and a peep into centuries of the past.
10. Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier is among the world’s most beautiful opera houses. It has great architecture with huge staircases, marble columns, crystal chandeliers, elaborately sculpted ceilings and heavily decorated.
Taking a guided tour, visitors can get to know about its interesting history and have a look at its luxurious interiors which inspired the famous novel The Phantom of the Opera. Be it during a performance or even during a simple tour of the building, Palais Garnier offers a memorable cultural experience.
Why Explore Beyond the Eiffel Tower?
As much as the Eiffel Tower is a must-see destination to every traveller, the real beauty in the city is found in its variety of attractions and districts. A visit to the museums, old quarters, gardens, canals and royal palaces will provide a better insight into the Parisian heritage and culture. These places of interest unveil the artistic heritage of the city, architectural masterpiece, and ordinary way of life that numerous tourists overlook when visiting only the well-known places of interest.
Each of the attractions is a different story and it will be remembered. Not only is your vacation to Paris more rewarding, but these experiences make it richer and more enjoyable whether you are interested in history, art, architecture, photography, shopping or just having beautiful surroundings. They can enable the visitors to explore the true essence of one of the most popular cities in the world.
Conclusion:
Paris is far more than its iconic Eiffel Tower. Among the artistic allure of Montmartre and the invaluable works of the Louvre Museum, the quiet Luxembourg Gardens and the royal majesty of the Palace of Versailles, there are numerous Places to Visit in Paris that bring to mind unforgettable experiences. All the destinations present a new facet of the city, its history, culture and classic beauty, so that no traveler would be left without the memories that will stay with them forever. A visit to these great sights will enable you to see Paris in a different dimension outside the usual tourist track as you enjoy the real spirit of Paris.
At Arooha Tours, we believe that every journey should be filled with meaningful discoveries and unforgettable adventures. With these amazing Places to Visit in Paris on your itinerary, you will discover something out of the ordinary, get to experience the real French culture and make memories that will not be about sightseeing. It has something marvellous round every corner whether you are making your first visit or going back to see more of this magical city.