1. EIFFEL TOWER
A trip to Paris isn’t complete until you’ve seen the iconic Eiffel Tower. Standing 1,063 feet tall, this masterpiece built in 1889 for the World’s Fair remains the tallest building in Paris. Offering panoramic views of the city below, visitors can ascend to three different levels offering restaurant options and observation decks for incredible views. And if that’s not enough splendor to feast your eyes on, stick around for the evening light show on each night from sun down until 1 am, where you can watch the Eiffel Tower ignite with a sparkling golden light (cue Kanye “All of the Lights). It’s a captivating must see.
THE EIFFEL TOWER: (ADULTS: $20 / CHILDREN: $9.50)
2. ARC DE TRIOMPHE
You’ll be saying “Holy Monuments!!!” when you come across this magnificent arch. Arc de Triomphe is situated at the Place de l’Étoile, standing at 162 feet high and 150 ft wide, making it the largest arch in the world. Built in 1806, this particular arch has hidden secrets both above and below. Beneath the arch rests the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring those who fought for France during World War 1. Above the monument visitors can get a 360-degree view of the surrounding city below, providing the best views of Paris we’ve seen thus far. (This is the part where you say count me in) #WorthIt
ARC DE TRIOMPHE: (ADULTS: $14.50 / UNDER 18: FREE)
3. NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS
Notre-Dame de Paris (French for ‘Our Lady of Paris’) is the most famous Gothic cathedral in all of France. Known for its flying buttresses (say that word 3x fast), statues and stained glass – you can’t help but get lost in it’s architectural wonder. But what we found most unique was actually inside. Notre Dame contains the world’s largest organ and 13-ton bell, which is rung on special occasions. Sounds pretty bell-tastic to us!
NOTRE DAME DE PARIS: (ADULTS & CHILDREN: FREE)
4. THE LOUVRE
True or False? The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest museum and historic monument in Paris. TRUE! This beautiful atrium of glass holds over 35,000 works of art that are displayed in eight departments and three main wings. This iconic piece of French culture serves as home to thousands of modern and classic masterpieces that are organized in a multi level glass maze of galleries and passageways. Home to the world-famous Mona Lisa – for art lovers and culture enthusiasts alike, a trip to The Louvre will delight your senses in every capacity imaginable. #MONAlisaWE’REaCOMIN’
THE LOUVRE: (ADULTS: $20 / UNDER 18: FREE)
5. LA BASILIQUE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica (also commonly known as The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris) is a Roman Catholic church and popular landmark found in the small district of Montmartre. This church sits at the highest point in the city offering unobstructed views as far as the eye can see. The basilica complex has a beautiful fountain and garden for meditation, but our favorite part was the top of the dome where tourists can experience spectacular panoramic views of the Parisian city below. And as a fun side note - we found our favorite bakery while here too, enabling us to stuff our faces with delicious melt in your mouth pastries while enjoying the breathtaking views. #who’sHUNGRY
LA BASILIQUE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR: (ADULTS & CHILDREN: FREE)
6. PONT ALEXANDRE III
This particular bridge holds a special place in our hearts. And why is that you may ask? Truth be told, my incredibly charming husband proposed to me on this bridge back in 2015 … I of course said YES and the rest is history! But for a side dose of historical information, Pont Alexandre III is one of the most iconic bridges in Paris. At its corners stand four 17-meter high pylons crowned with golden bronze sculptures of winged horses captivating your attention from the start. Said to be one of the most beautiful river crossings in all of the world (probably because it has an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower over La Seine … so yeah that sounds pretty note worthy to us) this elegant bridge will literally make you stop in your tracks as you take in it’s beauty and surrounding glory. I know we did!!!
PONT ALEXANDRE III: (ADULTS & CHILDREN: FREE)
7. MUSÉE D'ORSAY
What to do on a rainy day? We suggest hitting Musée d'Orsay. This internationally renowned museum is iconic for its rich collection of Impressionist art; with a side emphasis on Western artistic creations dating all the way back to the 1800’s. Its collections represent a variety of expressive artistic forms, from painting to sculptures, architecture to photography, this historic museum will dazzle you with its many artistic delights.
MUSÉE D’ORSAY: (ADULTS: $14 / UNDER 18: FREE)
8. MOULIN ROUGE
Why watch the movie, when you can experience the real deal? That’s what we said when visiting this historical piece of Paris. Moulin Rouge is a world-famous cabaret that’s been on the Parisian nightlife scene since 1889. Even to this day, the majestic theater is still decorated with red velvet and burlesque murals that replicate the infamous style of the Golden Age. Viewers of the Féerie Show can anticipate an evening filled with exquisite food, copious amounts of champagne, over the top décor and magnificent Can-Can performances. #KEEPtheREFILLScoming
MOULIN ROUGE: (ADULTS: $215)
9. BATEAUX MOUCHES
Sometimes the best views in life can be found on the water (or so we think)! Point proven with the ever-impressing Bateaux Mouches - This hour-long boat tour navigates you through La Seine (a river that flows right through the heart of Paris), taking you past iconic Parisian monuments and historical landscapes. Think Eiffel Tower up close and personal with an on the water spin. And if that doesn’t sound amazing enough, guests can also opt for a more unique experience with a seaside lunch or romantic dinner on the famous river. #soMANYoptions…SolittleTime
BATEAUX MOUCHES: (ADULTS: $17 / CHILDREN: $7 )
10. PALACE OF VERSAILLES
Size does matter when it comes to the Palace of Versailles. This castle stands as one of the largest in the world; with over 250 acres of landscaped lawns and fountains, chapels, apartments, and auditoriums this attraction will keep you busy for hours. Tours can be purchased for both the interior and exterior parts to the castle, but given we were on a time crunch we opted for the Versailles Garden pass only. Giving us full access to the perfectly landscaped geometric gardens and their never-ending mazes of dirt covered paths, marble statues, manicured lawns and regal fountains. This is one garden experience you won’t want to miss!
PALACE OF VERSAILLES (ADULTS: $25 / UNDER 18: FREE )
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