Paris Travel Tips & Attractions

The iconic Eiffel Tower.

The beauty of Paris as a city has spawned numerous descriptions from poets and travelers from all parts of the world. What is popularly known as the “City of Lights” is also dubbed as a city of “evil and angel” by famous Middle Eastern writer Dr. Taha Hussein. Depending on what it is that attracts you most in a city – be it the sumptuous food or the beautiful artworks in age-old museums – these could be the angel part; while the evil part lurks in creepy yet historic attractions like the Catacombs of Paris.

An ideal day spent here would be to get your caffeine fix at one of the lovely cafes at Champs Elysees. Munch on a mouth watering croissant with butter as you go people watching and acquire some energy to go sightseeing for the rest of the day. Starting from the magnificent Eiffel Tower, you can work your way towards the Le Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Paris to learn as much about the city as you can during your stay.

Can’t-Miss Tourist Attractions in France

Now, if it is your first time to travel to France, you naturally would want to set your eyes on this iconic tower. But is there more to this European city than the Eiffel Tower? Definitely! France equates to romance, food, love, culture and all the delights that the modern world has to offer. Whether it's your first time or return visitor to France, here are the attractions which you absolutely must not miss out on seeing:

The Louvre Museum housing magnificent art pieces of worldly known artists of all time.

The Musee du Louvre.

Home to the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces from Raphael, Botticelli and Michelangelo, the Musee du Louvre is one of the, if not the finest museums in the world. There’s also the Musee d’Orsay which is just a short walk from the Louvre, where other pieces are proudly displayed for art and history aficionados.

Arc de Triomphe which means "Arc of Victory" was completed in 1836.

The Arc de Triomphe.

Commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate the victory of his armies, the Arc de Triomphe is yet another French sight to behold. A tomb for the unknown soldiers of France is also situated here, along with the Ave des Champs-Elysees.

The Notre Dame de Paris, french for "Our Lady of Paris".

 The Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris.

No visit to France will ever be complete without paying homage to the Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris, one of the most famous churches in the world. More than 12 million tourists are welcomed by the cathedral on an annual basis, and exploring its stunningly beautiful walls is an experience like no other.

Versailles.

Built during the time of King Louis XIV, Versailles may be situated away from the main attractions of Paris – but its stunning beauty is worth the day trip. If you are planning an extended stay in France, make sure to include it in your travel itinerary.

Mont Blanc.

The French name translates to White Mountain in English, and it is the highest mountain in the Alps. Situated between Italy and France, you can visit Mont Blanc both during the winter if you want to go skiing – or during other months of the year if you simply want to bask in its natural magnificence.

Other must-visit sites in France.

You should also consider going to the flurry of museums and galleries here like Mont St. Michel, the Chateaux de la Loire, Carcassonne, Lascaux, the D-Day beaches at Normandy and the French Riviera.

Paris as a Shopping Haven

Enjoy the shopping tours in Paris 'till you drop.

Paris is one of the few fashion capitals in the world which also makes it the ultimate shopping destination. When sitting at a cafe in Paris, an excellent way to pass the time is to go people watching and you will be amazed at how well-dressed the locals and tourists are. Whether you want to splurge or simply go window shopping, Paris has the flagship stores of the most popular fashion houses in the world. At the Triangle d’Or, the flagship stores of Dior, Chanel, Dolce e Gabbana, Prada, Gucci and Ferragamo are located. Walk a bit more towards Champs Elysees and you will see trendy shops like Louis Vuitton, Sephora and Zara.

If you’re more into shopping at discount designer outlets, visit the Rue Alesia. Up-and-coming designers’ works are showcased at the shops at Canal St. Martin. Don’t worry about feeling intimidated by persistent sales people. If you’re simply window shopping, say “Je regarde” which translates to “I’m just looking.”

For great vintage finds, check out the wide array of Paris flea markets where you can also buy accessories and antiques. However, pickpockets are also aplenty so keep your bag close to your body. Always bring extra cash and refine your haggling skills because you’ll never know what little treasure you can find at one of the quaint shops in Paris.

As you can see, there are a lot more things to do in France than simply climbing the top of the Eiffel Tower. From stunning beaches to an interesting local culture; or sumptuous cuisine and magnificent natural attractions to a multitude of shopping options – visiting France is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss out on. 

Be ready for the adventure in Mont Blanc.

To escape the hassles of travel preparation, just visit your online booking sites to find affordable travel packages to Paris and with the help of your online travel agency, all the details of your trip can be prepared for you.