There are so many beautiful places in Paris, France, and this list features some of the top attractions and hidden gems!
As the French capital and one of the top travel destinations in the world, there are limitless beautiful places to visit in Paris! Before you get started, make sure to check out our detailed article about picking the Best Time To Visit Paris!
Planning your trip to Paris last minute?
Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Paris in advance to ensure availability! Here are our top picks for your trip!
Top experiences and tours in Paris:
- 1-Hour Seine River Cruise (Super fun/affordable! We loved it!)
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Great way to see the city)
Tickets you MUST book in advance:
- Louvre Entry Ticket (Do not buy tickets in person! Too busy)
- Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket (I’ve waited 2 hours to buy in person!)
- Disneyland Paris 1-day ticket (One of my fave Disney parks)
- Versailles Palace And Gardens Full Access (An audience fave)
Top Hotels In Paris:
- Hôtel des Arts Montmartre (Good location and moderate price)
- Le Katorze Hôtel (Budget option with 4 star rating)
- Hôtel D’Aubusson (Luxury central location with pool!)
From incredible Gothic cathedrals such as Notre Dame to the famous Eiffel Tower, you will have no shortage of pretty places in Paris to explore.
We have been to Paris multiple times. It’s actually one of our favorite destinations as we are always amazed by the city regardless of how many times we have visited.
Yes, you will be amazed by the beautiful famous places in Paris!
In this article, we are going to focus on the most incredible sights in Paris so you can make the most of your trip!
Don’t forget to check out our complete guide on where to stay in Paris!
Let’s take a look at the top amazing sights in Paris, France!
15 Beautiful Places In Paris You Must Visit
The Eiffel Tower
Introduced during the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower has become the most visited tourist destination in the entire world!
The Iron Lady is an iconic French landmark and one of the best places to visit in Paris.
You have to add this historic structure to your perfect Paris itinerary! If you do not take a selfie with the Eiffel Tower, did you even visit Paris?
You can take an elevator to the top for an unbeatable aerial view of Paris or wander the garden that surrounds it, looking for the best photo spot.
You can even picnic at the Champs de Mars field which is situated right at the massive tower’s base. This is one of the best things to do in Paris with kids!
Whatever you decide to do, you will be without a doubt astounded by its grandiosity. It truly is one of the most amazing Paris places to visit.
Of course, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle is one of the best things to do in Paris at night!
Sainte-Chapelle
Nestled in the center of what was formerly the royal palace of the King of France is a jewel box of a chapel.
This unbelievably beautiful church is known by the French as Sainte-Chapelle which translates to Holy Chapel in English.
Since the year 1238 when construction began, Sainte-Chapelle has been considered one of the most beautiful places in Paris.
It has retained this reputation to this day, almost 800 years later and it’s obvious why.
There are two layers of this building to see. The first is the Lower Chapel and while the Lower Chapel (with it’s luxurious and regal aesthetic) is undeniably outstanding, this is not the main attraction.
Immediately, you will feel the breath leave your lungs when you step into the Upper Chapel section and behold the amazing colors shining from the walls of divine stained glass.
Considered the world’s finest of their type, the outstanding glass is the most famous sight the church is known for. You will understand why this location is on this list of the most beautiful places in Paris.
Interestingly, this chapel once held the Crown of Thorns, an important relic in the Christian religion.
Palais Garnier
In Europe, there are many incredible opera houses but Palais Garnier is by far one of the best!
Finding itself on the same level as the Louvre or Notre Dame, Opera Garnier is an iconic stop in Paris.
Completed in 1875, this opera house is home to the largest stage in Europe. Throughout the building, you will find Baroque details, golden accents, and many chandeliers.
Literature, musical, and film fans will have special interest in the Palais Garnier.
It was the setting for the internationally famous novel Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux which has been adapted into a musical and many movies.
The Arc de Triomphe
Easily the most unmissable Paris sunset view of the Eiffel Tower is found right at the top of The Arc De Triomphe.
This famous landmark and monument is dedicated to the soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars. It was inaugurated in 1836.
The Arc stands right at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle on the Champs Elysees.
A brisk climb to the top of the Arc offers you a perspective of the Eiffel Tower from about mid-height which allows for iconic photo opportunities.
Especially during the sunset, this is one of the most beautiful places in Paris for amazing views!
If you only have one day in Paris, add this monument to your list!
Sacre-Coeur
The Sacre-Coeur Basilica, or the Sacred Heart, upon the hill of Montmartre is one of the most beautiful places in Paris to visit.
This particular site was a place of worship long before the church was opened in 1914.
Sitting right at Paris’ highest natural altitude, ancient pagans believed they were closer to the gods while standing there.
It was believed the higher you were on Earth and the closer you were to the sky, the closer you were to the Gods and the better they could hear your prayers.
Sacre-Coeur is one of the most beloved and stunningly beautiful places in Paris that you cannot miss.
Walk around Sacre-Coeur for incredible views of the city, but climb to the top of the church to be simply amazed.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a massive Roman-inspired mausoleum situated right in the Parisian Latin Quarter.
When groundwork was first laid out on this massive and impactful building in 1757, it was destined to be a church.
But in today’s world, it has retired from its religious ties and now serves as the burial place for the most distinguished French citizens.
Since it’s marvelous enough for Paris’ highest society to spend their eternity there, it’s easy to develop high expectations of its beauty.
You can see that it lives up to these implications! It easily finds itself on our list of the most beautiful places in Paris!
Passing through an array of Roman-styled columns that adorn the facade, you will come into the magnificent building.
Look around and be amazed at how skillfully the architects combined the aesthetics of the popular Gothic style with more ancient practices.
Mixing these two styles together is what gives the Pantheon its unique, trademark look.
Rue Cremiux
Considering it’s one of the most charming streets in Paris and certainly the most colorful, we are in love with Rue Cremiux.
This adorable little residential street is lined with houses painted an array of cute colors which give it one of the most aesthetically pleasing atmospheres in the city.
Cremiux Road is definitely considered one of the most beautiful places in Paris. It’s just so darling and one of the most Instagramable spots the mind could imagine.
However, with its influx in popularity with social media influencers itching to capture its intoxicating cuteness for their feeds, you might find a more enjoyable experience in the morning.
Just keep in mind it’s a residential street, so make sure to be respectful of the people who call Rue Cremiux their homes.
As long as you do that, this destination will be memorable for sure!
Rue Cremiux is so quirky, unique and truly one of the most beautiful places in Paris, so don’t miss it!
Galerie Vivienne
Galerie Vivienne is a lesser recognized destination yet still one of the most beautiful places in Paris.
It is the perfect covered passage in Paris for shopping on a rainy Parisian day.
It’s an exquisitely decorated walkway which makes for a lovely and luxurious stroll after a yummy brunch.
Built in the year 1823 near the Palais Royal, Galerie Vivienne is a destination which is easily accessible from some of Paris’s other landmarks.
Not only is the Galerie Vivienne considered one of the most beautiful covered walkways in the city, but it’s one of the most beautiful places in Paris period.
It is a perfect example of the absolute magic of Paris with outstanding mosaic floors and ornate, vaulted glass ceilings.
You will feel the romance of the city in every inch of intricacy.
Jardin du Luxembourg and Luxembourg Palace
As the former residence of King Henry IV’s widow Marie de’ Medici, the Luxembourg Palace is suitable for a queen.
Marie de’ Medici purchased the former Hotel de Luxembourg along with its vast land.
Then in 1612, she commissioned Salomon de Brosse to rebuild a new castle and garden modeled after that of the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy.
Deep within the Renaissance and no stranger to the finer things of this era, Marie de’ Medici wanted a glorious piece of luxury where she could live the rest of her years surrounded by beauty and fabulous decorations.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is a famous attraction with inspirations stemming from the traditional, luxurious French style and also the English style which is actually considered quite wild.
With over 60 acres of the garden open for exploration to the public, there will always be something new to see to keep things interesting.
You will undeniably feel like royalty walking around this gorgeous land while enjoying the quaint sensation of serenity for which it was designed to evoke.
All these factors combined are what make the Jardin du Luxembourg one of the good places to see in Paris.
The Colonnes de Buren Installation
Les Deux Plateaux, or the Colonnes de Buren, is a fun art installation found in the inner courtyard of Palais Royal.
Created by Daniel Buren in the mid-1980s, this is one of the unique places to visit in Paris, France!
The many black and white columns create one of the best Paris photography locations.
You will see lots of people taking pictures and kids climbing and running around the columns.
Stop by for a photo shoot and admire how the modern art stands out against the backdrop of the historic palace.
Jardin des Tuileries
Another of the most beautiful gardens in Paris is the Jardin des Tuileries next to the Louvre Museum.
This 55-acre green space is full of trees, flowers, statues, and fountains. It is a wonderful place for a stroll, but keep in mind that you cannot walk on the grass.
There are lots of seats and benches where you can rest after walking through the streets of Paris.
This garden is truly one of the best spots in Paris during every season.
During spring in Paris, you will be amazed by the flowers and bird life. In fall, the fiery trees paint a pretty scene.
If you are visiting Paris during Christmas, you should drop by the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market. Pick up some gifts and try tasty treats surrounded by pretty decor.
Square Rapp
Looking for one of the best hidden gems in Paris for views of the Eiffel Tower? Square Rapp is for you.
This short, dead-end street is off Avenue Rapp just a short walk from Champs de Mars.
If you want a secluded spot for an Eiffel Tower photo shoot, you could not find a more beautiful place in Paris!
With the classically, Parisian buildings framing the Iron Lady, it is a wonderful sight!
Keep in mind though that the end of the street is blocked by a gate and behind it is private property.
The photo below was taken before “no photography” signs were hung. Remember to respect the owners and take in the view from the public street.
Place du Trocadero
Place du Trocadero is one of the best places to see the sunrise in Paris, especially if you want an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.
This spot gets super crowded as the day goes on so arrive as early as possible to grab a photo without throngs of fellow tourists.
With gardens and the River Seine laid out before the tower, this is definitely one of the top Paris locations to visit!
The pretty tiles and lines of golden statues add to the elegant look of Trocadero.
Le Louvre
The Louvre is one of the top cool places to see in Paris as well as one of the best art museums in the world.
Even if you do not go inside, you will be in awe of this former palace and the amazing glass pyramids designed by I.M. Pei.
One of our top tips for visiting Paris is to arrive at the Louvre well before it opens to enjoy sunrise without the crowds lining up to enter the museum.
You will find lots of great angles for taking pictures. Pose for a selfie in front of the fountain that surrounds the main pyramid.
After admiring the outside, head in to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and so many more pieces of art and historic artifacts.
Le Consult
Le Consult in Montmartre is one of the prettiest cafes in Paris and perfectly exemplifies the city’s cafe culture.
The white and red-accented cafe stands out because it sits perfectly at the intersection of Rue Norvins and Rue des Saules without any buildings on either side.
The cobblestone streets and many nearby art galleries add to the charm. The cafe is also just around the corner from the Sacre-Coeur.
This cafe is extremely popular among both tourists and locals so be prepared to wait in line if you plan on ordering anything.
If you only want to snap some photos, come early in the morning to avoid the bustling crowds.
It’s not hard to find beautiful places in Paris! The city drips magic and romance from every corner of its streets to the highest steeples of its many cathedrals.
Visiting Paris is truly an experience that will make you a dreamer of idealistic thoughts, even if just for a little bit.
As always, safe travels and we wish you a magnificent adventure. Eat lots of croissants for us!
william
I also explored these alluring places in my these tours and every time have a joyful time with my buddies.