Novice visitors to “The City of Lights” often experience a sense of paralysis when they land at Charles de Gaulle International Airport or arrive at Gare du Nord. Paris has so much to offer that it overwhelms the mind. What to see first? What to see, period?
Some points of interest in the capital of France are obvious. Others however, coalesce in a busy sea of attractions and present serious contemplation on the part of active travelers. What to leave out and skip for another visit? What if there is no other visit? Impossible to see it all, even for the most eager and intrepid tourist, Paris packs more sights per capita than perhaps any other city. With a population that hovers just over 2.1 million people (12 million in metro Paris), Parisians are incredibly fortunate. A spectacular array of museums, monuments, parks and heritage architecure makes the city unforgettable and a perennial favorite. No wonder why more than 40 million people a year come to Paris from the rest of Europe and around the world.
Out of the plethora of highlights in the city, here are 10 that are most definitely must-see. Note the absence of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, both of which you’ll inevitably see in Paris anyway.
1. Basilique du Sacre
From the peak of Montmartre, the Basilique du Sacre soars over Paris like a beacon. The Romano-Byzantine Roman Catholic Basilica was built in 1914 and became famous all over again with the release of the film Amélie in 2001.
2. Notre Dame de Paris
The other famous Christian monument in Paris, Notre Dame is a Gothic wonder. Incredibly, construction of the cathedral began in 1163 and did not wind down until 1345. Countless epic events in the history of France have taken place inside Notre Dame ever since.
3. The Pantheon
One of the most famous burial sites in the world, the Pantheon is a conspicuous landmark in the terrific Latin Quarter of Paris. If you want to pay your respects to some remarkable figures in history, this is the place to do it. Voltaire, Hugo, Zola and Dumas are just some of the giants who rest in peace here.
4. Centre Georges Pompidou
A relatively new attraction in Paris, the Pompidou has only been around since 1977. Nevertheless, the massive, hyper-modern facility is home to a vast library open to the general public and the excellent Musee National d’Art Moderne.
5. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
The other notable burial site in Paris for non-military use, Pere Lachaise is known throughout the world and especially among Jim Morrison fans. The enigmatic former frontman of The Doors has a plot here of course, but then, so do Oscar Wilde, Georges Haussmann, Balzac, Edith Piaf, Gertrude Stein and Marcel Proust. Bring a map – the list of famous people at Lachaise is eclectic, impressive and long.
6. Sainte-Chapelle
Île de la Cité is a natural island on the Seine river in Paris and well worth a visit. The site of three superlative Medieval landmarks, the island is accessible by Metro. Of the three, Sainte-Chapelle is the most spectacular. Since 1245 the chapel has been one of the undisputed masterpieces of Gothic architecture.
7. Musee d’Orsay
The result of the most famous railway transformation in history, the former Gare d’Orsay is a pre-eminent institution of fine art. One of the best in the world, the Musee d’Orsay features works from a relatively small but explosive period, namely 1848 to 1915. As a result, the museum is replete with names like Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Manet and Degas.
8. Jardin du Luxembourg
The historic Jardin du Luxembourg dwarfs every other public park in Paris, of which there are many. Size alone however, does not tell the entire story of this monumental space. The park is home to beautiful Luxembourg Palace, where the French Senate convenes to do the work of the nation. A long visit to the Jardin is in order, if not for a picnic then to see myriad monuments, sculptures and fountains.
9. Musee des Arts et Metiers
Every top ten has to have one wildcard and the Musee des Arts et Metiers is it when it comes to Paris attractions. The ominous backdrop of Umberto Eco’s great novel Foucault’s Pendulum, the museum not only contains said pendulum, but numerous other scientific instruments and inventions from throughout history. No other museum in the world is quite like it.
10. The Louvre
No amount of hyperbole can do the Louvre justice. So just go and find out what all the hype is about for yourself and for the love of da Vinci, ignore the life-hating cynics who call it overrated.