Monuments in Paris You Must Visit: Information and Tickets

The engineering masterpiece of Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923), meant to be temporary, became the undisputed symbol of France. Climbing to the top of the tower gives you one of the most beautiful views the Ville Lumière has to offer, especially when the whole city lights up in the evening.

The most prominent (and, some would say, most maligned) skyscraper in Paris, the Tour Montparnasse, has one winning card: the best panoramic view in the city. And why is it so highly recommended? Because it’s the only place from which you can see the skyline without seeing the tower itself!

A historic monument at the end of the Champs-Élysées, built on Napoleon’s orders. Climbing the spiral staircase brings you to a spectacular rooftop terrace overlooking all the avenues that radiate from the Place de l’Étoile in mesmerizing symmetry.

An original, quiet way to see Paris from a bird’s-eye view (literally). The balloon is in the Parc André Citroën and rises to a height of 150 meters, from where you can take in the city calmly, far from the tourist crowds.

The ultimate showpiece of the Sun King, Louis XIV, which will leave you open-mouthed at its unimaginable wealth. Plan a full day to tour the lavish halls, the famous Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) and of course the breathtaking symmetrical gardens.

A huge architectural complex with a golden dome that stands out on the city skyline, serving as France’s military pantheon. Here you can pay your respects at the monumental tomb of Napoléon Bonaparte, and tour one of the largest and most impressive collections of arms and armor in the world.

A spectacular medieval royal palace on the Île de la Cité that became a fearsome prison during the French Revolution. This is where Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) spent her last days before the guillotine, and today you can tour the Gothic halls and hear the stories of the prisoners.

An impressive neoclassical building in the heart of the Quartier Latin, the final resting place of the giants of the French nation such as Victor Hugo (1802-1885) and Marie Curie (1867-1934). Don’t miss Foucault’s pendulum, which demonstrates the rotation of the Earth right beneath the central dome.

The cradle of Gothic architecture and the true royal necropolis of France, where almost all of its kings are buried. A fascinating spiritual, architectural and historical experience, far from the well-worn tourist trail, with stained-glass windows that will light up your day.

The Château de Vincennes is the best-preserved medieval royal fortress in Europe, with a moat, fortified walls and a huge keep (donjon). A perfect destination for lovers of knights, royal intrigue and military history, with easy access on metro line 1.

A hidden historical and architectural gem in the heart of the 8e arrondissement, built in memory of Louis XVI (r. 1774-1792) and Marie Antoinette on the exact spot where they were originally buried. It’s an island of quiet and reflection that takes you straight back to the stormy days of the Revolution.

The beating heart of Paris and a timeless Gothic masterpiece on the Île de la Cité. After the fire and the restoration, the cathedral reopened to visitors in December 2024. Entry is free, and it’s worth booking an entry time in advance on the official app.

A spectacular royal chapel built by Louis IX (r. 1226-1270) to hold holy relics, and walking inside feels like stepping into a giant jewelry box. The panoramic stained-glass windows soar high and, especially on a sunny day, create a light show like no other.

The iconic white church that looks out over the city from the top of the Montmartre hill. Beyond the impressive Romano-Byzantine architecture that peeks out from every corner of the city, the square in front of it offers a lively panoramic lookout, always surrounded by street artists and musicians.

A temple of art and luxury, also known as the Palais Garnier, that looks as if it came straight out of a fairy tale. From the grand staircase, through the glittering foyer, to the main auditorium with the ceiling painted by Marc Chagall (1887-1985): it’s an aesthetic experience that will make any Francophile’s heart skip a beat.

A journey into the dark belly of the City of Light at the Catacombes de Paris. It’s a long underground maze lined, in perfect order, with the bones of millions of Parisians moved from the city’s cemeteries. Not an everyday experience at all, but definitely one that’s hard to forget.

The perfect, indulgent way to really understand why Paris earned its worldwide nickname, the City of Light. Sit back comfortably in the back seat and let a professional driver take you past all the illuminated monuments, just when the Parisian magic is at its peak and the streets empty out.

A package that combines the city’s essential tourist DNA: a classic romantic cruise on the Seine, followed by a glittering cabaret show at the world’s most famous club. An ideal solution for a carefree evening of feathers, champagne and a wild French Cancan.

If you’re planning to visit a lot of monuments and museums in Paris, it’s worth considering the Paris Museum Pass. It will save you money and time.