30 Famous Landmarks in Paris, France (100% worth a visit)
Paris, the capital of love, is a city that must be seen at least once in a lifetime. With its incredibly rich historical and cultural heritage, the capital of France is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason.
It’s a dream destination for artists, fashionistas, history aficionados and other lovers of French refinement. Visitors can’t get bored in this lively and picturesque city that perfectly combines the treasures of its glorious past with modern trends and innovations.
Wondering what are the most famous Paris landmarks?
Here’s a selection of 30 famous landmarks in Paris France! 🇫🇷
The Full List of the 30 Famous Parisian Landmarks
As you can guess, there are TONS of landmarks in Paris. I’ve listed the 30 very best ones, those you can’t miss if you’re planning a trip to Paris or those that have a major historical background.
To make it easier, I’ve breakdown the list into 5 categories:
⭐️ The most iconic monuments Paris has to offer:
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Sacré-Coeur
- Louvre Museum
🏛 Best museums in Paris:
- Musée d’Orsay
- Les Invalides
- Grand Palais
- Centre Pompidou
⛲️ Famous squares & bridges in Paris:
- Pont Neuf
- Pont des Arts
- Pont Alexandre III
- Place du Trocadero
- Place de la Concorde
- Place de la Bastille
- Place Vendôme
🌳 Famous gardens in Paris:
- Tuileries Garden
- Luxembourg Gardens & Palace
- Jardin des Plantes
- Bois de Vincennes
🏰 Other famous monuments & landmarks of Paris:
- Panthéon
- Palais Garnier
- Palais Royal
- Sainte Chapelle
- La Conciergerie
- Hotel de Ville
- Catacombs of Paris
- Père-Lachaise Cemetery
- Moulin Rouge
- Grande Arche de la Défense
So, here’s the full list of the 30 famous landmarks Paris France has to offer. To learn more about each of these landmarks, keep reading below 👇
Top 5 Most Iconic Monuments Paris has to Offer
When you think of Paris, you might already have some Parisian landmarks or monuments in mind, those that make Paris shine throughout the world and that you can’t miss in any case, even if spending only a weekend in Paris.
Well, let’s start this post with the top 5 Paris monuments. 🔎
1. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is definitely the most iconic monument in Paris and undoubtedly the most famous in the world. Built for the World’s Fair of 1889, the Eiffel Tower has become one of the symbols of Paris over the years.
With a height of 312 meters, the monument dominates the whole city. The beautiful park in front of it, the Champ de Mars, offers incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and is the place of important national events such as the national day’s fireworks.
This monument attracts lots of visitors every day, so it’s not uncommon to see a long queue to take one of the elevators to reach the top and admire the most beautiful view of Paris. If you’re one of the brave ones, you can reach the top of the building by the stairs!
2. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is situated on the Place de l’Etoile above the Champs-Elysées, the world’s most beautiful avenue. It’s an important monument of Paris and one of the city’s most iconic symbols.
Completed in 1836 under Emperor Napoleon I to commemorate his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe also houses the grave of the Unknown Soldier in tribute to the 1.3 million French soldiers who died during WWI. His flame is lighted every evening at 6.30pm. Now, the square is an important place hosting major national events.
Did you know that you can go to the top of the Arch? Yes, you can climb the 284 steps to reach the top and discover a unique view of Paris!
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of the city, is the most visited monument in Paris and the world’s most famous cathedral.
Completed in 1345, Notre-Dame is a marvel of Gothic architecture that took 2 centuries to be completed. The stained glass windows, the nave, the frame and the towers that rise to a height of 69 meters are a real technical feat. Like an open-air picture book, the interior tells the story of Catholicism through sculptures and paintings.
But what impresses most is the roof terrace: the panoramic view of Paris is stunning and visitors will love taking photos of the gargoyles and spires.
Read more: Discover Notre-Dame Cathedral
4. Sacré-Coeur
Located in the famous Montmartre district on the highest point of Paris, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is definitely a major landmark of Paris and a perfect visit when strolling in Montmartre.
Easily recognizable by its whiteness, the Basilica was built in 1919 with the stones that have the particularity to clean themselves. Mixing both Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the interior of the basilica is as beautiful as the interior with the most important mosaics of France on the ceiling. In addition to the various decorations and sculptures that adorn the monument, the altar and the organ are remarkable.
The church square is a great place to picnic, meet with friends and watch street shows while enjoying the view of Paris. Visitors can climb to the basilica’s Dome to get a higher view.
5. Louvre Museum
With more than 35,000 exhibits in an area of 60,000 square meters, the Louvre is one of the largest museums in the world and a visit you can’t miss when in Paris.
Hosted in the former palace of the kings of France, the museum is divided into 3 parts each housing different thematic galleries on several floors. French and European paintings, Egyptian, Greek or Etruscan antiquities, sculptures… The collections are extremely large, but one piece of art attracts tons of visitors: the Mona Lisa.
To get the most out of this museum, it’s best to focus on 1 or 2 selected galleries. You should know that a visit to a single part can easily take up to 3 hours! Also, the building itself is simply outstanding, it’s one of the top photographed places in Paris, especially at night.
Best Museums in Paris
Paris is also a capital of culture and as such, is full of museums. Although most of them are housed in beautiful historical buildings, some really stand out either because of the significance of the monument in which they are housed, or because of their exhibitions.
Here are 4 of them outside the Louvre as we already listed it. 👇
6. Musée d’Orsay
Located in front of the famous Jardin des Tuileries on the Seine river banks, the Musée d’Orsay is a French and European art museum not to be missed.
Hosted in a former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay houses more than 3,550 paintings by the most famous artists such as Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Courbet, and so many others. With more than 600 impressionist paintings and nearly 500 post-impressionist works, this museum has the largest collection in the world of this artistic movement.
If you’re visiting, don’t miss the museum’s huge clock, one of the most Instagrammable spots in Paris where you’ll be able to play with the shadows.
7. Les Invalides
The Invalides, a must-see tourist site in Paris, houses the Army Museum, a military necropolis, a library and a church. It’s one of the most famous buildings in Paris and one of the most important masterpieces of classical architecture.
The construction of the Invalides started in 1670 on the orders of Louis XIV with the goal of accommodating disabled soldiers that used to be placed in abbeys. On top of this, the site quickly became a necropolis and a pantheon for famous people such as Napoleon I.
The Army Museum was created only lately in 1905, and has become the main point of interest of the Invalides. Spread over 8,000 square meters and gathering more than 500,000 items, visitors can discover one of the world’s largest military collections including ancient war weapons and armor.
8. Grand Palais
The Grand Palais is another iconic Parisian landmark. Built for the 1900 World’s Fair in the glory of French art, the Grand Palais is a marvel of architecture combining stone, steel and glass easily recognizable by its large glass dome.
This marvel of architecture has been listed as a historical monument since November 2000, and is composed of 3 main sites: the Nave hosts important national and international events from horseback riding to fashion shows, the National Galleries provides art exhibitions, and the Palais de la Découverte is a museum and cultural center dedicated to science.
The Grand Palais is temporary closed for renovation until 2024, but visitors can still see a part of it in the Grand Palais Éphémère, located in the Champ-de-Mars, in front the Eiffel Tower.
9. Centre Pompidou
With over 100,000 works by 6,400 artists from all over the world, the Pompidou Centre has the largest modern and contemporary collection in Europe.
Located in Le Marais district, the Centre Pompidou, also called “Beaubourg”, is a unique building that stands out because of its modern and unique architecture, with its exposed framework, colored pipes and exterior escalators.
The Centre Pompidou hosts temporary and permanent exhibitions, theaters, cinema and a library, you’ll love visiting it!
Famous Bridges in Paris + Squares
Paris itself is a monument: it’s filled with wonderful streets, squares and bridges, some of them are real monuments and amaze all visitors strolling in the city. This is what makes Paris magical!
Let’s discover 7 of them right below 👇
10. Pont Neuf
Located in the 1st arrondissement close to the Sainte-Chapelle church, the Pont Neuf is a famous landmark in Paris, especially because of its significant historical background.
Besides being one of the 5 bridges that span the Seine river through the Ile de la Cité, the Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge of Paris. Meaning « New Bridge », the Pont Neuf was completed in the 17th century and was the first stone bridge of Paris, the first to cross the river in a single span, and the first to feature sidewalks.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this bridge offers stunning views over the Conciergerie. Visitors can see the Pont Neuf or cross it on your way to the Louvre Museum or to Notre-Dame Cathedral.
11. Pont des Arts
The Pont des Arts is one of the famous bridges in Paris. It crosses the Seine river between the Institut de France and the Louvre courtyard.
Pont des Arts leading to the Institut de France
The bridge that we can see now was built between 1981 and 1984, but it’s a replica of the old bridge completed in 1804, damaged by boat collisions and bombings of the 2 world wars.
Until recently, couples from all over the world came here to seal their love by hanging a padlock. Unfortunately, they were recently removed for security reasons. But the bridge remains a meeting place for art lovers, as exhibitions are often organized there and painters settle there during the day.
12. Pont Alexandre III
Connecting the Invalides to the Grand Palais, the Pont Alexandre III is undoubtedly the most majestic of all the Parisian bridges.
Inaugurated during the 1900 World Fair, the Pont Alexandre III was designed as a political and diplomatic weapon. Indeed, its construction was decided as part of the military and economic alliance concluded in 1891 between France and Russia. But Tsar Alexander III died in 1894 and never saw the bridge that now bears his name.
Listed as a historical monument since 1975, the Pont Alexandre III is a marvel of innovation and engineering. Mixing classicism and modernity, the golden statues and majestic lampposts make this bridge one of Paris’ best photo spots.
13. Place du Trocadero
Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris opposite the Eiffel Tower, the Place du Trocadero is one of the most popular squares for both locals and tourists.
It’s a complex of museums, gardens, statues and fountains built for the World Fair of 1937. The gardens, which cover more than 90,000 square meters, are the ideal place to stroll while enjoying the view of the Iron Lady.
Beside the square, the Trocadero neighborhood is a must for travelers: although it’s very posh, this area is a real postcard of Paris with its typical and luxurious architecture, its lights and the views of the Eiffel Tower you’ll have on every corner. It’s the perfect area to get different angles of the tower, and one of the best arrondissements to stay in Paris.
14. Place de la Concorde
Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris on the right bank of the Seine river, the Place de la Concorde is a very large square marking the beginning of the Champs-Élysées avenue.
Built in the 18th century in a classical style, you can see an obelisk and a fountain which are real masterpieces. But before that, the Place de la Concorde was called Place de la Révolution and was the square where Queen Marie-Antoinette was beheaded in 1793.
Spreading over 8,64 hectares in the heart of the capital city, this square is now the largest in Paris. A Ferris wheel similar to the London Eye is regularly settled on the Place de la Concorde to offer a breathtaking view on the Tuileries, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
15. Place de la Bastille
The Place de la Bastille is a major symbol of the French Revolution and holds an important place in French history.
The Bastille fortress used to be a prison for the king’s personal enemies who were often famous people such as Voltaire or Fouquet. The fortress was destroyed on July 14, 1789, which is the official beginning date of the French Revolution and the French national day. The Bastille column that stands now was erected in 1840 on the site of the old fortress and has since symbolized freedom.
Since the Revolution, the Place de la Bastille has been a place of gathering, social and political events, fairs, parades, concerts, markets… The square is also a hot night spot among young Parisians who come to enjoy the restaurants, nightclubs and cinemas around.
16. Place Vendôme
Located near the Tuileries Garden, the Place Vendôme is one of the most chic stops on a visit to the French capital. Lined with internationally renowned jewelers and luxury hotels, this square is the symbol of French luxury and refinement.
The 44-meter high Vendôme column that sits in the center of the octagonal square was erected by Napoleon in 1810 and cast in bronze from 1,200 cannons of enemy armies.
Most of the facades lining the square are classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. They’re representative of the classical Parisian architecture and are worth the trip alone. But above all, the Place Vendôme is known worldwide as one of the high places of luxury: the Ritz Palace is an institution, as well as brands like Chanel, Chaumet or Cartier. Needless to say, you’ll have to pay a fortune to shop there!
Famous Gardens in Paris
The city has also some green spaces that have to be in this list of the famous landmarks of Paris because of their history and their design. Paris gardens are really loved by locals, especially on sunny days.
Let’s discover 4 gardens that are true monuments of Paris. 🚀
17. Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden is the oldest garden in Paris. It was once part of the Tuileries Palace, but this royal residence is no longer there.
Initially laid out in the Italian style by Queen Catherine de Medici in the 16th century, it was redesigned in the French style by Le Nôtre in 1664, who also designed the world famous gardens of the Château de Versailles.
This garden, located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, is now one of the favorite places for locals to stroll, relax by the ponds or admire the magnificent statues. Every summer, the garden hosts the Fête des Tuileries, a fair where visitors can ride various attractions.
18. Luxembourg Gardens & Palace
Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the favorite green spaces of Parisians and a must-see for tourists.
In 1612, Marie de Médicis decided to build a palace surrounded by a beautiful garden. The Jardin du Luxembourg was modified many times on the course of its history, until the great works of Haussmann which will give it its current look. The garden, dominated by this wonderful palace, is divided into a French and an English part, separated by a forest and a large pond.
Today, locals come to the park to play chess, tennis, admire the artworks regularly exhibited on the outside gates, or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation. If you visit the park, you’ll probably see children playing with remote controlled boats on the pond or riding ponies in the park.
19. Jardin des Plantes
Located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Jardin des Plantes is a huge green space of 2,5 hectares that is part of the National Museum of Natural History.
In addition to the flowerbeds and its avenues of majestic plane trees, the garden has large greenhouses including a winter garden with exotic plants such as palms and banana trees, and another one dedicated to desert plants.
But the main interest of the garden is definitely its own zoo called the Menagerie. Open since 1793, it’s one of the oldest zoos in the world! The Jardin des Plantes is a must-visit attraction for young and old.
20. Bois de Vincennes
Located in the southeast of the capital in the 12th arrondissement, the Bois de Vincennes is the largest green space of Paris and one of the local’s favorite spots to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
The wood was once the favorite hunting ground of King Louis XV in the 11th century. It was progressively developed to later host the Colonial Exhibition of 1931. For this occasion, various pavilions were built and a zoo was created.
Spreading over 995 hectares, the park has 4 lakes where it’s possible to ride a boat to take a closer look to the small islands and swans. The wood also offers 27 kilometers of trails for pedestrians, horse riders, bikers and runners.
Other Famous Monuments & Landmarks of Paris
There are much more famous monuments in Paris outside the categories we’ve seen above, such as palaces, operas, churches and other kind of buildings you could include on your Paris itinerary.
I’ve selected 10 of them so keep reading! 👇
21. Panthéon
Located in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon is one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris. Built in 1781 in a neoclassic style, it’s now a necropolis where important French figures are buried.
Initially planned to be a church, the building finally served as a burial site to honor the great characters of the history of France such as Voltaire or Victor Hugo since the French Revolution. Inspired by the Pantheon of Rome, the building has been deeply modified during its history to become a secular place.
If you decide to enter the Panthéon, prepare yourself to be amazed: the huge Renaissance-inspired dome that rises to 67 meters high and the paintings on canvas that adorn the walls are impressive. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be allowed to climb to the top and discover the beautiful panoramic view of Paris.
22. Palais Garnier
Located not far from the Louvre Museum and the Place Vendôme, the Palais Garnier is one of the most important places of French culture and one of the most visited historical monuments by tourists in Paris.
Built under Napoleon III by Charles Garnier in 1875, this opera house is a marvel of architecture that is now a national theater, an academy of music, choreography and lyric poetry.
Also known as the Opera Garnier, you’ll be amazed by its wonderful facade, its majestic staircase and of course by its huge auditorium with its 220m² canvas ceiling. The forecourt of the opera is also a popular meeting place for locals and many events take place there such as dance classes.
Read more: Best Things to See in Paris Palais Garnier
23. Palais Royal
Located across from the Louvre, the Palais Royal is a palace housing the Council of State, the Constitutional Council, the Ministry of Culture, a garden, galleries and a theater.
This palace which was built in 1628 had several functions during its history: it was first the Cardinal Richelieu’s palace, then the residence of King Louis XIV, and finally a gambling place until the mid 19th century. Since then, it has mainly an administrative function but has never lost its theater activity.
Tourists love the 180 arcades adorning the palace facade, Bury’s steel bowls as well as the Colonnes de Buren, the perfect spot for photography lovers and influencers.
24. Sainte-Chapelle
Located close to Notre-Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité, the big island in the middle of the Seine river, the Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic style you don’t want to miss when in Paris.
Completed in 1248 by King Louis IX to house his collection of the Christ relics including the Crown of Thorns, this chapel is a now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Often overlooked because of its exteriors, the interior is simply incredible. The Sainte-Chapelle is composed of 2 parts, the lower chapel and upper chapel: while the lower chapel impresses by its incredibly detailed ceiling, the upper chapel is full of stain glasses that are mind blowing.
Read more: Discover the Sainte Chappelle.
25. La Conciergerie
Also located on the Île de la Cité right next to the Sainte-Chapelle, La Conciergerie is one of the best kept secrets of Paris. Even some locals don’t know about this monument!
Completed in the 13th century, this medieval castle used to be the seat of power of the Kings of France and the royal palace. But during the French Revolution, it became a prison for over 2,500 people. Chemist Lavoisier and Queen Marie-Antoinette were the most famous prisoners of La Conciergerie.
Beautiful both inside and outside, the Conciergerie stands out from others because of its medieval architecture rather unique in Paris and its tower that features Paris’ oldest clock.
Read more: Discover La Conciergerie.
26. Hotel de Ville
Located between the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Centre Pompidou, the Hotel de Ville is the largest city hall in Europe and one of a famous building in Paris.
Built in 1628 and rebuilt in 1882 due to a fire, the building is remarkable for its facade on which are sculpted statues of famous French figures who have marked history such as Molière, Richelieu, Voltaire or Le Nôtre.
Unfortunately, visitors can’t access freely to the building except by reservation or once a year during the Heritage Days. But even without entering, the Hotel de Ville square is a magnificent place where you can admire the beauty of the building, or ice skate in winter.
27. Catacombs of Paris
Covering 11,000 square meters at a depth of 20 meters, the Catacombs of Paris are the largest underground ossuary in the world and certainly the best off the beaten path attraction in Paris.
Accessible from the Place Denfert-Rochereau, the Catacombs house 6 million bones from various Parisian cemeteries in a giant underground labyrinth. But only a tiny part of it is open to the public. The most impressive part is the gallery of bones, a 800-meter long gallery covered with bones from floor to ceiling.
Be aware, visiting this underground cemetery isn’t for everyone. This place filled with thousands of human bones has indeed a special atmosphere.
28. Père-Lachaise Cemetery
Located in the 20th arrondissement at the eastern end of Paris, the Père-Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and a major Paris monument.
Opened in 1804, it wasn’t very popular at first due to its geographical location in a poor neighborhood. But everything changed when the burials of Molière and La Fontaine were transferred there. Since then, great sculptors were employed to build graves that became monuments and many celebrities chose to be buried there.
Among the great names buried there are Guillaume Apollinaire, Honoré de Balzac, Beaumarchais, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and much more.
29. Moulin Rouge
Considered the most famous cabaret in the world since its foundation in 1889, the Moulin Rouge welcomes spectators from around the world to attend its extraordinary shows.
Located in the Montmartre district, the Moulin Rouge is known for its famous showgirls dressed in sequined and feathered costumes dancing to the rhythm of the French Cancan. Great artists have also performed on the stage of the Moulin Rouge including Ray Charles, Liza Minelli, Elton John, Frank Sinatra or Edith Piaf.
The best way to visit the Moulin Rouge is to attend a show with a good meal, but you can simply admire the building from the outside, preferably at night!
30. Grande Arche de la Défense
Located in the business district of La Défense about 10 kilometers from the city center, the Grande Arche is an iconic landmark that defines Paris’ skyline along with other important monuments such as the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.
Open in 1989, the Grande Arche’s architecture is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe. Rising to 110 meters high for a length of 112 meters, this huge cube made of marble, glass and concrete will make you feel very tiny.
Until 2010, Visitors can climb to a terrace on the rooftop of the Grande Arche to discover a wonderful panoramic view of the business district’s high buildings and of the west part of Paris.
Congrats 🎉 You’ve been through all the 30 Paris famous landmarks!
But wait before leaving, I have one bonus that may be helpful if you want to visit these landmarks in the future. 👇
Map of the the Famous Monuments in Paris & Landmarks
To get the free map of all the famous Paris monuments and landmarks, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
I hope you’ve made your list of the must-see monuments in Paris France thanks to this guide. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I’d be very pleased to read your feedback!
🔍 Read more:
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- Safest Areas in Paris to Stay
- Dangerous Areas in Paris to Avoid
- Best Beaches Near Paris
- Interesting Facts about Paris
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