Top 75 Must-Do Activities in Paris, France

Discover the best experiences in Paris, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems that showcase the city’s rich culture and history.

Even if you have never visited Paris, you likely have a certain familiarity with the City of Light. Unlike many other cities globally, you will find an array of genuinely worthwhile activities to engage in while in Paris.

This city boasts a wealth of globally renowned museums and attractions that perpetually inspire. It is believed that one could easily curate another list of 75 attractions from those considered secondary and still enjoy an unforgettable experience in Paris.

Creating a list of this nature inevitably includes famous landmarks such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower; nevertheless, we have also highlighted some lesser-known yet equally captivating venues that warrant exploration beyond the usual tourist circuits.

Let us delve into the

top activities to experience in Paris

:

1. The Louvre

The Louvre, the world’s largest and most frequented art museum, offers an extensive collection worthy of exploration in its own right.

The Louvre Palace commenced as a medieval fortress and evolved into a gallery where artists could examine antiquities and the creations of Old Masters during the 1700s.

Fast forward 230 years, and this museum now necessitates weeks to appreciate fully.

Its extensive assemblage encompasses artifacts from numerous world cultures, alongside a Renaissance and Baroque collection that eclipses that of any other museum globally.

If time is limited, prioritize the highlights such as the 2,200-year-old Winged Victory of Samothrace, Liberty Leading the People (Delacroix), the Portrait of François I (Jean Clouet), the mysterious Gabrielle d’Estrées and one of her sisters (Unknown), and certainly the Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci).

2. Musée d’Orsay

Housed within a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum showcases French art and culture from the mid-19th century through to 1914. The Gare d’Orsay is situated on the left bank of the Seine and was inaugurated in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle.

Once deemed obsolete for modern rail transport, the building was later repurposed into one of the largest art museums worldwide, bridging the gap between the Louvre and the National Museum of Modern Art at the Pompidou Centre.

This unforgettable venue is home to a multitude of iconic artistic works by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, including masterpieces by Renoir (Bal du Moulin de la Galette), Cézanne (The Card Players and Apples and Oranges), van Gogh (Starry Night Over the Rhône), and Manet (Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe).

3. Eiffel Tower

Despite potential queues and enforced safety measures, visiting one of the most iconic landmarks globally is imperative when in Paris. Constructed for the 1889 World Fair, the tower rises to 324 meters and held the title of the tallest structure in the country until 2004.

For first-time visitors, ascending the tower is crucial; returning visitors can also spot newly constructed landmarks in the city, such as the Fondation Louis Vuitton, from the observation decks.

Each year, approximately 7 million individuals ascend the Eiffel Tower; most visitors explore the first two levels that feature shops and restaurants, while the third level remains the highest accessible observation deck in Europe at 276 meters.

4. Notre-Dame de Paris

Undoubtedly the world’s most renowned Gothic monument, the Notre-Dame’s distinctive towers elevate from the eastern tip of Île de la Cité in the Seine.

In the medieval heart of Paris, construction commenced in 1163 and was finalized nearly 200 years thereafter.

Although the cathedral sustained damage during the Revolution, it was expertly restored in the 19th century by master restorer Viollet-le-Duc.

Numerous reasons exist to navigate the crowds to witness the Notre-Dame, ranging from the unmatched sculpture on its facades—including the iconic gargoyles—to its rose windows, stained glass, bell (immortalized in literature by Victor Hugo), and the views from its towers.

Despite the damage incurred during the Revolution, the treasury still houses relics such as the Crown of Thorns, and one can glimpse into Paris’s ancient history via the excavations at the Archaeological Crypt.

5. Palace of Versailles

The most expansive and arguably the most renowned palace globally is not to be underestimated.

Symbolizing the extravagance and overindulgence of the ancien régime, Versailles transitioned from a hunting lodge in the 17th century to the ultimate expression of power in the following century.

Renowned landscaper André Le Nôtre, who perfected the French formal garden style, and virtuoso artist and decorator Charles Le Brun are just a few of the masters who left their imprint on Versailles.

To maximize your visit, it is essential to allocate ample time to explore the palace, its opulent apartments, and the historically significant Hall of Mirrors that connects them.

The main palace is just one element of the experience, along with its extensive grounds, the Royal Opera House, Grand Canal, Neptune Basin, and the Grand and Petit Trianon, not to mention Marie Antoinette’s charming village, the Hameau de la Reine.

6. Hôtel des Invalides

Founded by Louis XIV in 1670, the magnificent Hôtel des Invalides was established to shelter impoverished and infirmed war veterans.

This building continues to fulfill its original purpose, functioning as a retirement home for military personnel and providing medical facilities.

Additionally, for those intrigued by military history, the site houses several thematic museums.

The Musée des Plans showcases tactical scale models of cities designed for military commanders from the 17th to 19th centuries.

The Musée de l’Armée serves as France’s national military museum, exhibiting medieval armor, cannons, uniforms, military figurines, artillery, a Renault FT17 tank, and a V-2 missile.

The Dôme des Invalides, a major draw, is a former church and the burial site of military heroes.

Napoleon’s tomb, made of red quartzite and green granite, is housed in a circular chamber beneath the dome.

7. Musée de l’Orangerie

Founded by Napoleon III, the grand orangery adjacent to the Tuileries Palace serves as an exceptional museum for Impressionist and modern art.

The building has housed various functions over the years before Monet donated his panels of Nymphéas (Water Lilies) to the French government.

These artworks, commemorating the end of the First World War, are housed in the iconic oval rooms of the orangery.

Decades later, this cycle of eight paintings displayed on the ground floor remains profoundly impactful.

In the basement, visitors can appreciate works from notable artists in history, including Paul Cézanne, Matisse, Renoir, Rousseau, Sisley, Picasso, and Chaim Soutine.

8. Centre Georges Pompidou

More than 40 years since its establishment in the 4th arrondissement’s Beaubourg Area, the postmodern Pompidou Centre, with its unique inside-out design, remains thought-provoking.

Inside, one can find an extensive library alongside the IRCAM, an avant-garde music institute.

However, the main attraction is undoubtedly the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Europe’s largest modern art museum and one of the most visited globally.

Its collections encompass every significant movement in modern and contemporary art, from 1905 to the present day.

Featuring works from Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Braque, Calder, and Klee, major artists of the last 60 years like Yves Klein, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Nam June Paik, and Joseph Beuys are also represented.

Not to forget, major temporary exhibitions grace the panoramic top floor, with recent showcases of Jeff Koons, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dalí.

9. Arc de Triomphe

Located at Place de l’Etoile at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, this monumental arch was constructed to honor the victories and commemorate the fallen soldiers of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

The Arc de Triomphe also occupies a central position along the Axe Historique, a direct line linking various monuments from La Défense in the west to the Louvre in the east.

The arch’s facades feature elaborately carved reliefs depicting significant events from the 1790s and 1800s, such as the Battle of Austerlitz and the Fall of Alexandria.

On the pillars, sculptural groups represent iconic moments, with the famous Marsellaise depicting a winged personification of liberty leading volunteers to symbolize the Revolution’s uprising on August 10.

The names of military leaders grace the pillars, with those who died in battle prominently marked.

10. Sainte-Chapelle

Nestled within the intricate layout of the Palais de la Cité, the historic seat of French kings until the 1300s, the Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel completed within a mere decade in 1248. It stands as one of the first and most significant examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, highlighted by its verticality and lightness, evidenced by its stunning blue vaulted ceilings adorned with gold and fleurs-de-lis.

Commissioned by King Louis IX to house the relic of Christ’s Crown of Thorns, which has since been relocated to Notre-Dame, the chapel survived some damage during the Revolution. Nevertheless, the magnificent stained glass windows remain largely intact, recognized as some of the finest globally.

11. Musée Marmottan Monet

This museum, located on the eastern edge of the Bois de Boulogne, initially served as a repository for works from the First Empire (Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule). However, in the 1950s and 60s, a series of major donations of Impressionist art, including one from Michel, Claude Monet’s second son, transformed the museum into home to the largest single collection of Monet paintings globally.

This collection includes the iconic painting Impression, Sunrise, which famously inspired the term “Impressionism” itself.

Additionally, works from other prominent artists of the period such as Renoir, Degas, Gauguin, Morisot, and Sisley are also on display.

The museum retains artifacts from the Napoleonic era along with an enchanting collection of medieval illuminated manuscripts.

12. Place de la Concorde

As the largest square in Paris, the Place de la Concorde was designed in 1755 and completed by 1772, positioned between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden.

Originally named Place Louis XV, the square features magnificent examples of Rococo architecture from Louis XV’s reign. However, during the turbulent times of the Revolution, the equestrian statue of Louis XV was dismantled in 1789 and the square was renamed Place de la Révolution.

A guillotine was erected, which witnessed the execution of numerous members of the French nobility, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Visitors today can admire the fountains developed during the reign of Louis-Philippe in the 1830s and the obelisk, 3,500 years old, that once graced the entrance of the Luxor Temple.

13. Place des Vosges

Located in the Marais district, this historic square warrants at least an hour of your time to fully appreciate its charm.

Constructed in one cohesive effort in the early 17th century, Place des Vosges played a crucial role in making the Marais fashionable among Paris’s elite over the subsequent 200 years.

The square is adorned with elegant red brick mansions built in the Mannerist Louis XIII style, characterized by dormer windows and white stone quoins.

Take a leisurely moment to admire the arcades on the ground floor or enjoy the tranquil scene from the quaint garden at the square’s center.

Several mansions now function as museums, including one dedicated to the residence of Victor Hugo.

Notable former inhabitants include the renowned letter-writer Madame de Sévigné and Cardinal Richelieu.

14. Musée Rodin

Upon his passing in 1917, August Rodin bequeathed his works and personal collection to the French government, stipulating that his workshop at the elegant Hôtel Biron be transformed into a museum.

This 18th-century mansion serves as an ideal setting for some of the world’s most celebrated sculptures.

Among Rodin’s masterpieces such as The Thinker, The Kiss, The Burghers of Calais, and The Gates of Hell await your admiration.

Rodin’s muse, Camille Claudel, is also featured, alongside thousands of sketches and photographs with some attributed to Rodin.

Rodin was an avid collector of antiquities from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, along with works by contemporary artists including Renoir and van Gogh.

15. Sacré-Coeur

At the pinnacle of Butte Montmartre stands a monument conceived in response to a national catastrophe.

Designed in a Romano-Byzantine style, Sacré-Coeur, is recognized globally and began construction in 1875 as penance for France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.

The ethereal white stone is travertine quarried from Château-Landon, located south of Paris.

Ascend the steps at Square Louise Michel to be rewarded with potentially the finest view of Paris.

Step inside to behold the apse, adorned with one of the world’s largest mosaics in its ceiling, dubbed Christ in Majesty.

For an even more panoramic perspective of the city, consider climbing to the church’s iconic dome.

16. Musée de Cluny

Situated south of Île de la Cité near the Sorbonne, this magnificent Gothic and Renaissance mansion was once the residence of the Abbots of Cluny.

With original architecture dating back to the 14th century, the exterior features a medieval garden and courtyard embellished with intricate stonework and mullioned windows from the 15th century.

The interior houses an impressive collection of medieval art, including stained glass, Limoges enamel, carved ivory, illuminated manuscripts, 8th-century gold artifacts, sculptural reliefs, architectural fragments, and religious statues.

The highlight remains the famed Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, a series created in Flanders circa 1500, celebrated as a pinnacle of medieval artistry.

The site also contains extensive remnants of the 2nd-century Gallo-Roman baths, known as Les Thermes du Nord.

17. Musée Jacquemart-André

In the 19th century, Édouard André, heir to a banking fortune, invested his wealth in an extraordinary art collection.

With his wife, respected painter Nélie Jacquemart, they traveled to Italy each year to acquire works that would fill their residence in the 8th arrondissement.

A tour of their apartments—state and informal alike—includes the winter garden, an Italian gallery, and private chambers, showcasing paintings by Botticelli, Canaletto, Bellini, Perugino, Uccello, van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals, along with sculptures by Donatello and Luca della Robbia.

18. Petit Palais

Yet another Beaux-Arts architectural masterpiece built for the Exposition Universelle in 1900, the Petit Palais stands opposite its larger counterpart, the Grand Palais, between Pont Alexandre III and the Champs-Élysées.

The building showcases a trapezoidal shape and is rich in ostentatious decoration both on its exterior and within the central courtyard.

Housing the City of Paris Art Museum, it can hold its own against many nearby cultural attractions.

With a collection of 1,300 pieces, exhibitions trace the history of art from antiquity to the 21st century.

Highlights include Old Masters like Poussin, Rubens, and Rembrandt as well as a complete timeline of 19th-century French painting, featuring artists from Ingres to Cézanne, including Delacroix, Monet, Courbet, Sisley, and Pissarro.

19. Palais Garnier

As one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, on par with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the Palais Garnier could be regarded as the world’s premier opera house.

Commissioned by Napoleon III and designed to align with Baron Haussmann’s grand renovations of Paris in the 1870s, Palais Garnier exemplifies exuberant Beaux-Arts style, duly named after its architect, Charles Garnier.

The façade showcases busts of famous composers situated between Corinthian columns, accented by figurative sculptures that represent the arts.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the venue’s grandeur either by attending an opera performance (prepare for potential queues) or by taking a guided tour to appreciate the magnificent Grand Foyer and Grand Staircase.

20. Jardin du Luxembourg

Located in the 6th arrondissement, the Jardin du Luxembourg ranks among Paris’s premier parks, conceived in the early 17th century by Marie de’ Medici for the Luxembourg Palace.

Currently, the French Senate operates from the palace and maintains the gardens.

During the summer months, this location provides an idyllic setting for a brief respite amidst the meticulously designed lawns and pathways.

The Jardin du Luxembourg itself is adorned with more than 100 statues, including a series commemorating 20 French queens and notable women commissioned by Louis-Philippe in 1848, along with an orchard boasting rare apple varieties, several greenhouses, and an apiary.

Additionally, the Medici Fountain, which dates back to 1630 but was relocated and renovated in the 19th century, is a must-see.

21. Jardin des Tuileries

Occupying a location on the Axe Historique between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries served as the garden for the former Tuileries Palace.

This expansive space was first landscaped in the 1560s by Catherine de’ Medici, built upon the site of former tile factories, which is the origin of its name.

Later, court landscape architect André Le Nôtre re-envisioned the grounds in the French formal style, centering on the grand fountain, Grand Bassin.

As a royal estate, the Jardin des Tuileries became publicly accessible only post-Revolution.

In 1792, the site was the scene of violence when a mob stormed the palace to reach Louis XVI, resulting in the deaths of the Swiss Guard assigned to protect him.

The gardens are adorned with public art from prominent artists such as Giacometti, Rodin, and Maillol.

22. Musée du Quai Branly

A short stroll along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower leads to the Musée du Quai Branly, dedicated to the indigenous cultures of Oceania, the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

The museum’s standout feature is the ‘green wall’ on the ‘Bâtiment Branly,’ a botanical creation by Patrick Blanc consisting of 15,000 plants across 150 species.

Within the intricately organized and dimly lit interior, visit a winding journey through time, where you will encounter artifacts, including Moorish brooches, West African ritual masks, Native American totem poles, portrait masks from Peru, and ceremonial thrones from Indonesia.

The museum gardens provide an extraordinary experience, reflecting a miniature wilderness complemented by pools, streams, tree groves, and gentle hills.

23. Catacombs

During the latter decades of the 18th century, Paris faced a dire shortage of cemetery space.

As grim as it may sound, mass graves at Les Innocents cemetery had begun to overflow, prompting the search for an alternative solution involving a network of limestone mines established during medieval times.

These catacombs reside 20 meters beneath street level in the 14th arrondissement, where the temperature remains a steady 14 degrees.

Approximately six million bones were relocated here by 1810. Initially stacked without organization, engineer Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury transformed them into a visitable mausoleum, arranging femurs and skulls into artistic, decorative arrangements.

Visitors often find themselves amidst this eerie, 1.7-kilometer labyrinth of tunnels, so it is advisable to remain close to your guide!

24. Coulée Verte René-Dumont

Established in 1988, the old railway line that once extended through the 12th arrondissement was creatively repurposed into this park.

The Coulée Verte stretches almost five kilometers from the Opéra Bastille to the edge of the Boulevard Périphérique, incorporating both viaducts and tunnels.

The original railway, established in 1859, lay abandoned until it was revitalized by architects Philippe Mathieux and Jacques Vergely in the 1960s.

In numerous sections, the natural growth along the railway was retained; however, in other areas, particularly along the Viaduc des Arts, the Coulée Verte has been artistically landscaped, featuring water features and meticulously trimmed hedges.

25. Tour Montparnasse

Located in its namesake neighborhood towards the south of the city, the Tour Montparnasse stands as the second tallest building in Paris.

This 210-meter office skyscraper rose in the early 1970s, and its stark black silhouette starkly contrasts against the traditional stone architecture of Paris.

Because of this and various other factors, the Tour Montparnasse has yet to gain universal affection; however, the tower’s viewpoint is undeniably spectacular, primarily because the Tour Montparnasse isn’t included in it! The fastest elevator in Europe can swiftly elevate visitors 200 meters in just 38 seconds.

On clear days, the view extends over 40 kilometers, visible either from the windows on the 56th floor or the open-air terrace above.

26. Père Lachaise Cemetery

Located atop a hill in the eastern 20th arrondissement, Père Lachaise Cemetery opened in the early 19th century and is currently esteemed as one of the most desired locations for final resting places in Paris.

The cemetery itself carries historical significance, having once been home to François de la Chaise, the confessor to Louis XIV.

Among its 70,000 plots, visitors can find hundreds of significant historical figures.

Reveling in the experience includes tracking down the graves of renowned personalities and examining the historical designs of their mausoleums and memorial stones amidst the surrounding greenery.

Some notable individuals interred here include Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and notable French luminaries such as Balzac, Camille Corot, Chopin, Géricault, Molière, Pissaro, and Édith Piaf, to name a few.

27. Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Situated within a labyrinthine building along the Rue de Rivoli, nestled between the Louvre and Tuileries, this museum celebrates the decorative arts from the Medieval period to the 20th century.

Founded in 1905 by the Union des Arts Décoratifs, the museum boasts a vast collection.

Approximately 6,000 objects are on display at any given time, spanning an array of crafts—ranging from Renaissance tapestries to tableware, graphic arts, silk wallpaper, and sculpture.

If time is limited, visitors may choose to focus on specific areas of interest, such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco design, represented across ten dedicated rooms, or porcelain crafted by the Sèvres Manufactory.

The glass collection stands as the most comprehensive in France, featuring remarkable pieces by Lalique, Baccarat, Tiffany, and Gallé, among others.

28. Musée Nissim de Camondo

In 1911, banker Moïse de Camondo commissioned the construction of a magnificent Neoclassical mansion in the 8th arrondissement to house his invaluable collection of decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The house has been impeccably preserved, retaining its furnishings and decorative items as they were a century ago.

Those who appreciate French craftsmanship will find delight in the three floors filled with exquisite furniture, textiles, and porcelain.

Paintings by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Savonnerie carpets woven for the Grand Galerie of the Louvre in the 1600s, Aubusson and Beauvais tapestries, and furniture and artifacts crafted by artisans connected to the Garde Meuble (Royal Furniture Repository) are showcased.

29. Panthéon

Overlooking the Seine on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon serves as the final resting place for some of France’s most celebrated citizens.

Constructed between 1758 and 1790, it was initially intended as a church.

However, upon its completion, the country was engulfed in revolutionary fervor, leading Mirabeau to order its secularization and conversion into a mausoleum for illustrious French figures.

The Panthéon draws inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome and is recognized as one of the first Neoclassical structures in France.

Among the interred are luminaries of French thought, science, and culture, including Marie Curie, Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and Émile Zola.

30. Jardin des Plantes

France’s primary botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, features over 10,000 plant species thriving in themed gardens and greenhouses located on the left bank.

A centerpiece of the garden includes the Alpine Garden, showcasing 3,000 species amidst meandering paths.

Additional features include an experimental garden, a winter garden in Art Deco style, a remarkably diverse rose garden, along with greenhouses inspired by Australian and Mexican flora.

The north side of the park hosts a small zoo, which transitioned from Versailles during the Revolution.

Furthermore, several branches of the French Museum of Natural History encapsulate various disciplines, including Paleontology and Anatomy, Botany, Mineralogy, Geology, and Evolution, all housed in distinct pavilions.

31. Musée des Arts et Métiers

Set within the Saint-Martin-des-Champs Priory by the Arts et Métiers Métro station, this museum celebrates France’s most notable inventions.

The historic context adds to its appeal, as the monastery buildings preserve some of the finest Medieval heritage found in Paris.

Founded in 1794, the museum recognizes contributions to science and technology from France, boasting around 2,500 exhibits drawn from a collection of over 80,000 items.

Some of the pieces featured, which have significantly impacted the world, include Foucault’s pendulum, Bartholdi’s model of the Statue of Liberty, early aircraft like Ader Avion III, and a Renault type A (one of the earliest automobiles) alongside Lenoir’s Gas Engine from 1860.

32. Bois de Vincennes

Located southeast of the city, the Bois de Vincennes ranks as the largest park in Paris, covering nearly 1,000 hectares.

To provide some context, this constitutes 10% of the entire Parisian area! The park was established between 1855 and 1866 as part of Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann’s Parisian renovations.

Historically, it served as a hunting ground for the Medieval Kings of France, who resided at the Château de Vincennes on the park’s northern borders.

This palace is noted for its impressive keep where King Henry V of England died in 1422. Numerous attractions are available within Bois de Vincennes, which is not surprising considering its vast expanse.

In addition to the Paris Zoo, the park features the Parc Floral, a 31-hectare botanical attraction that includes a sculpture garden showcasing pieces by Alexander Calder and Alberto Giacometti.

33. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Positioned on the left bank of the Seine, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district gained prominence in the mid-20th century, becoming a popular locale for intellectuals, writers, and artists such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Juliette Gréco, Samuel Beckett, and Alberto Giacometti.

The neighborhood’s legacy of vibrant nightlife and nonconformity dates back to the immediate aftermath of the First World War when affordable rents and proximity to the university attracted fashionable youth, establishing Saint-Germain-des-Prés as a hub for jazz clubs and a thriving LGBTQ community through even the Second World War.

Currently, while the original bohemian charm persists, the area retains a youthful and stylish ambiance, ideal for browsing bookstores, bars, galleries, historic cafés, and design boutiques along its narrow streets.

34. Grand Palais

Across from the Petit Palais, the Grand Palais was also constructed during the push for new infrastructure leading up to the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Topped with Le Tricolor, the building is nothing short of spectacular, known for its vibrant Beaux-Arts design along with its floating steel and glass vaults.

To this day, the Grand Palais is a leading exhibition venue, hosting significant exhibitions, including concurrent showcases for Gauguin, Rubens, and Irving Penn at the time of writing.

The Palais de la Découverte, a respected science museum founded in 1937, occupies part of the facility, and features fascinating exhibits, including the School of Rats, where real research is conducted into animal learning processes.

35. Le Marais

The Marais district, spanning the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, was once characterized by marshy, uninhabitable land north of the city.

However, from the 13th to the 18th centuries, it became the preferred residence for Paris’s aristocracy.

The neighborhood’s golden age occurred in the 1600s and 1700s with the construction of the enchanting Place des Vosges.

Historical properties from this era enhance the neighborhoods, notably the Hôtel de Soubise, which now houses the Museum of French History, and the Hôtel de Rohan, which hosts the national archives.

Presently, the Marais emerges as one of the trendiest quarters in Paris, boasting a vibrant LGBTQ community, numerous art galleries, artists’ studios, and an abundance of boutiques.

36. Canal Saint-Martin

Coursing through the diverse 19th, 10th, and 11th arrondissements, the Canal Saint-Martin extends 4.5 kilometers and traces back 200 years.

Beginning at the reservoir in Parc de la Villette, the canal remains above ground until it reaches Place de la République before transitioning underground to Place de la Bastille.

The canal was initiated under Napoleon in 1805, designed to channel clean drinking water into the city, reducing the prevalence of diseases like cholera.

As the century progressed, warehouses began to mushroom along its banks, which have since transformed into chic residential areas.

The canal’s banks are now lined with boutiques, cafes, and bars offering waterfront terraces, providing an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a serene segment of the city often overlooked by outsiders.

37. Montmartre

Renowned for its Belle Époque bohemian spirit, Montmartre proffers a more intimate experience of Paris, distinct from the grand boulevards and soaring apartment blocks.

The cobblestone streets cascading down the slope of Butte Montmartre are flanked by quaint, low-profile houses that invite exploration at your leisure.

Montmartre rose to prominence during the late 19th century when celebrated artists such as Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Pissarro, van Gogh, and Modigliani made their homes and gathered in this neighborhood.

The area boasts lively nightlife, which becomes even more vibrant descending the hill toward the Pigalle quarter, famously known for the Moulin Rouge.

Look out for the Moulin de la Galette, a 17th-century windmill immortalized by the works of Renoir, van Gogh, and Pissarro.

38. Église Saint-Sulpice

A significant landmark in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Église Saint-Sulpice is the second largest church in Paris, after Notre-Dame.

Queen Anne of Austria laid the cornerstone for a grand Baroque redesign in 1646, although the project endured through conflicts like the Fronde civil wars, extending into the late 18th century. The western façade, launched in 1732, was initially inspired by St. Paul’s Cathedral in London but evolved throughout the century to align more closely with classical architecture.

The scale of the church becomes immediately apparent upon entry, notably in the right-side chapel, the Chapelle des Saints-Anges, adorned with murals painted by Delacroix from 1855 to 1861.

39. Latin Quarter

In the era of Ancient Lutetia, the Roman elite inhabited the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, now crowned by the Panthéon.

The Latin Quarter’s name, stemming from the historical usage of Latin as the language of academia, particularly at the Paris-Sorbonne University, persisted until the Revolution.

Despite rising rental prices, the Latin Quarter retains a youthful energy amidst its maze of alleyways.

This vibrancy is fueled by numerous higher education institutions and research centers.

High concentrations of youth transformed the area into a nerve center for the protest movements in the 1960s, culminating in the May 1968 demonstrations which declared independence at Place St. Michel.

40. Les Passages Couverts

The essence of Paris can be felt in its covered shopping arcades, primarily located in the 1st, 2nd, and 8th arrondissements on the right bank.

Most were constructed during the early decades of the 19th century, designed to traverse the space between two parallel streets efficiently.

Of the 150 passages that existed before 1850, many vanished during Baron Haussmann’s renovations; however, the surviving ones are remarkably well-preserved and house tearooms, cafes, and occasionally quirky, vintage shops.

Noteworthy passages include Passage du Grand-Cerf, Galerie Véro-Dodat, and Galerie Vivienne.

Two additional noteworthy passages include Passage du Caire, the longest at 360 meters housing clothing wholesalers, and Galerie Colbert, owned by the National Institute of Art History and the only public passage devoid of shops.

41. Jardin d’Acclimatation

While Paris is famed for its art, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife, it may