France’s iconic capital city is filled with fantastic monuments. Many monuments in Paris are known all over the world like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe. However, some are less well-known.
Here is my list of the 20 Paris Monuments you absolutely must-see when visiting Paris – a mix of the most famous and those that should be.
1. The Eiffel Tower
Kicking off the top Paris landmarks list is undeniably the most famous monument in Paris France and by far, the most photographed, the Eiffel Tower. Standing in sheer wonder, the incredible edifice in Champ de Mars’s center is the tallest structure in Paris. It stands 324 meters (1,063 ft) tall.
Built between 1887 and 1889 by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is made of iron rather than steel. It was built to be one of the main attractions at the Paris World’s Fair in 1889.
Parisians quickly fell in love with The Eiffel Tower and more than 2 million visited in the first year that it was open. The tower symbolised French know-how and industrial genius.
Today nearly seven million people visit The Eiffel Tower every year. The top of the Eiffel Tower, which can be visited, is at 276 meters. The other key viewpoint is on what is called the second floor which is at 116 metres.
I highly suggest you take an Eiffel Tower summit tour and climb to the very top; there, you’ll be welcomed with panoramic views of the capital. Though the tower is impressive at any time, it becomes magical at night as its lights twinkle and oozes with romance.
Ticket prices vary depending on how high you want to go and how you want to get there – stairs or lift. It is possible to take a lift all the way to the top (with the option to stop at the second floor) or to walk up to the second floor and then get a lift to the top.
July and August are the busiest times of year to visit The Eiffel Tower but it is usually quite busy all year round. It is possible to book tickets two months in advance of your visit. I would highly recommend booking a skip the queue ticket for the Eiffel Tower ahead of your visit to Paris.
You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about Paris: Paris in May, Paris in April, Paris at Night, Sunrise in Paris, Best Hotels in Paris with a View, How to Plan a Trip to Paris, Paris Monuments, and Facts about Paris.
2. Pere-Lachaise Cemetery
Whilst Paris is home to many cemeteries, Pere-Lachaise is the most famous. It holds the strange honor of being a beautiful cemetery and a lovely place to visit. It is also home to many famous characters from Oscar Wilde to Jim Morrison.
This 44 hectare cemetery is in the 20th arrondissement and more than three million people visit it every year.
3. Le Louvre
When you’re in Paris, you’ll certainly not want to miss attending the most visited museum in the world: The Louvre Museum. It first opened in 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, and today, it houses around 38,000 historical objects.
This iconic structure is the world’s largest art museum and is famously known for housing Mona Lisa. The original of this famous painting hangs in the Louvre today and has been since 1804.
Apart from Leonardo Da Vinci’s jaw-dropping painting, you’ll find plenty of other interesting antiques in this mega museum and symbol of Paris.
From Oriental, Egyptian, Roman & Etruscan antiques to the Greek antique section. Aside from antiques and famous paintings, the museum also houses impressive sculptures like the ‘Venus de Milo’.
IM Pei’s iconic glass pyramid was completed in 1989, adding another element to this Parisian landmark.
The Louvre Museum receives over 15,000 visitors per day, so I highly suggest booking a skip the line tour to get your spot in this iconic space. Tickets purchased online ahead of time are slightly more expensive than those purchased at the museum. However, you will be given a timed entry ticket and will not have to queue, which I think is worth the extra.
In 2019, the Louvre was the most visited museum in the world, receiving over 9.6 million guests.
4. La Conciergerie
Located next to Saint Chapelle in the first arrondissement, the Conciergerie was part of the former royal palace rebuilt under Philip IV in the 14th century. Only the Guards Room, the Hall of the Soldier and the kitchens are left of the palace.
The Conciergerie was then used as a prison during the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette spent her last days there. Today it is possible to visit La Conciergerie and take a fascinating tour.
5. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris was initially erected in the 14th-century to honour the Virgin Mary. The French Gothic cathedral is located in the heart of Paris on Île de la Cité island in the middle of the Seine and is considered one of the most famous and beautiful in the world.
Notre Dame’s full name is Notre Dame de Paris. This means Our Lady of Paris.
With its grand facade and equally awe-inspiring interior, Notre Dame was certainly built to impress. From its noble church bells, marvelous sculptures, bell tower, and stained glass windows to one of the world’s largest music organs.
Notre Dame was damaged during the French Revolution in the 1790s. But it was Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame that really drove interest in the cathedral.
In April of 2019, Notre Dame caught fire whilst it was being restored. Severe damage was done but restoration plans began quickly. Notre Dame re-opened earlier this year.
6. The Seine River
This is France’s best known river and runs from Dijon to the English Channel via the center of Paris. The Seine borders 10 of the city’s 20 arrondissements and the city of Paris grew around it.
Today half of the water used in Paris comes from the Seine River. Thirty-two bridges cross it in Paris, and it is popular with both locals and tourists. There are many ways to enjoy the Seine – from romantic strolls along its banks to running to taking a cruise.
7. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of the Champs-Elysee in Place Charles de Gaulle and in the middle of one of the scariest roundabouts in the world.
This famous European landmark is a tribute to those who died fighting for France in the Napoleonic and Revolutionary Wars. The names of all French victories as well as the generals are inscribed on the arc. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War 1 lies underneath the Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon. However, it was not completed until 1836. By this time Napoleon had been banished to Elba. He could never see the Arc de Triomphe but his remains passed through it on the way to Les Invalides.
Every year the Bastille Day parade on July 14 starts at this triumphal Arch and the Tour de France also finishes here.
8. Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge over the Seine River in Paris. The first stone of the bridge was laid by Henry III in 1578. However, it wasn’t until 1604 that it was open to traffic, and not until 1607 that Henry IV inaugurated it.
Like most bridges built during that time, it followed Roman precedents. It was constructed as a series of short arch bridges and made using stone. Over the years, it has gone through many repairs and renovations, including a major restoration project that took place from 1994 to 2007.
An equestrian statue of Henri IV stands proudly on the bridge. It was commissioned by his widow, Marie de Médicis, after his assassination. During the French Revolution, the statue was destroyed. However, it was replaced in 1818.
9. Vendome Column
The Vendome or Austerlitz column is located in Place Vendome in the 1st arrondissement. It has a statue of Napoleon dressed as Caesar on its summit and was made from 1,200 enemy canons.
Place Vendome is one of the most luxurious squares in Paris. It was built on the orders of Louis XIV and he wanted it to embody power. Today it is filled with expensive jewellry stores.
10. Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III is a deck arch bridge that’s widely viewed as the most ornamented and grand bridge in Paris. It crosses over the Seine River and connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.
It was named after Tsar Alexander III to celebrate and honour the diplomatic relationship between France and Russia. Although, it was Alexander’s son, Nicholas II, laid the first stone for the bridge in 1896.
Pont Alexandre III was built for the Exposition Universelle of 1900. It features an array of masterful and unique sculptures, including cherubs, nymphs, winged horses, and Art Nouveau lamps. It’s also one of the best spots to watch the sunrise in Paris.
10. Le Centre de Pompidou
Opened in 1977, Le Centre de Pompidou is a modern art museum with over 100,000 works of art. When it opened, its high-tech architecture was very cutting edge. The centre is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris near Les Halles and it is the largest museum for modern art in Europe.
The building was named after ex-French President Georges Pompidou. The building covers 5 acres and has 7 floors. The design is based on the “open approach” to architecture. Nearly 15,000 tons of steel lattices went into this modern art museum as well as glass facades and metal frames.
The result is a building that almost looks like it is inside out. The pipes, cables, plumbing and all the other “internals” are external and colourful.
In addition to art exhibits, the Centre Pompidou also has a public library, a research centre for acoustics and music and more. And don’t miss the fantastic views of Paris from top of the Pompidou Centre.
The Pompidou Plaza in front of the museum is also known for its street performers and home to other cultural activities.
11. Hotel de Cluny
This medieval residence in the 5th arrondissement is the home of Musee Cluny. Located in the Latin Quarter it is home to the famous tapestry The Lady and The Unicorn and has a lovely garden.
In addition to the National Medieval Art Musuem, Hotel de Cluny also has the ruins of thermal baths from Roman times.
12. Place de La Concorde
Located between the Champs Elysee and the Tuileries Gardens, Place de La Concorde is the largest square in Paris. During the French Revolution, the square was renamed for a time the Place de la Revolution. This was where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed.
Between 1836 and 1840, an Egyptian obelisk that was already 3,300 years old was placed in Place de La Concorde. Around this time, two beautiful fountains were added to the square.
Today, Place de La Concorde is the finish line for the Tour de France and home to the beautiful Hotel Crillon.
13. Sacré-Cœur Basilica In Montmartre
France is home to some of the most exquisite palaces, cathedrals and monuments and the Sacré-Cœur is no exception. Situated on the highest natural point in Paris, giving you sweeping aerial views of the city as it wakes and turns golden.
Climb the stairs up the hill going towards the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Once you are at the top facing the Basilica, turn to the city. This is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Paris.
From here you will be able to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe in the distance. But the most impressive view is the horizon turning pink as the sun rises.
Take the opportunity to explore the Montmartre neighborhood where you will find quaint cafes serving delicious coffee and fresh pastries.
14. Les Invalides
Whilst you may not know the name Les Invalides, many are familiar with its golden dome, which reaches over 107 metres high on the Paris skyline. Hotel Les Invalides was built by Louis XIV as a home for those wounded in battle or homeless water veterans in the 7th arrondissement.
Today, Hotel des Invalides contains three museums: The Army Museum, the Order of the Liberation Museum, and the Relief Map Museum. The Army Museum has a collection of over 500,000 items and is the most important site of military history in France. It is also home to the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Les Invalides and the Army Museum are open every day all year round apart from major holidays.
15. Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation
Designed by G.H. Pingusson and constructed on the banks of the Seine opposite Notre Dame in 1962, this Paris monument is a tribute to the 200,000 people sent to Nazi death camps from France during the second world war.
The narrow chamber contains 200,000 crystals with light shining through them. These lights are to represent those who lost their lives. The memorial includes an eternal flame.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.