There is no shortage of beauty in Paris, but when you find yourself in the position to visit. Then suddenly the amount of beautiful and exquisite attractions can become intimidating, or even the root of pre-vacation stress. Trying to figure out what to visit in the time you have there. Whether you’re visiting on vacation, business trip, or just a layover between connecting flights. This can be crucial to being able to experience some of the best sights Paris has to offer. Richard Clayton writes.
There are some unbelievably beautiful sights in the city, as well as within a short distance. While some are free, others will require a ticket for a tour if you want to see more than just the outer details. Be sure you drop your bags at one of the prime locations for luggage storage Paris has, and you’ll be ready for some unencumbered fun. Fire up your camera app, here are the 5 of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris.
Photo by Daniel Robert on Unsplash
Versailles Palace
The Palace of Versailles was initially a small and simple hunting lodge that King Louis XIII had built back in 1623 and eventually replaced it with a smaller chateau. Louis XIV began constantly adding to the chateau, eventually moving his court and the seat of the entire government there less than 60 years after it was built.
In pre-pandemic times the palace would see more than 14 million visitors annually. These numbers boast some of the most opulent decor and design of any similar palace.
There are seven state apartments for the king, as well as private apartments for the king and queen. The royal chapel, royal opera house, Hall of Mirrors, museum of history, and breathtaking royal gardens.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Formerly known as “cimetière de l’Est”, or the Cemetery of the East. The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise was established as the first municipal cemetery and the first garden cemetery in all of Paris. Not only is it the most visited necropolis in the world, but it is the final resting place of a long list of historical and celebrity figures. You can visit the graves of notable composer Frederic Chopin, as well as members of the Rothschild family dynasty Robles, Singer, and Fould Rothschild.
Loire River Valley
The Loire River valley has an approximately 175-mile long stretch that features more than 300 castles spanning nearly every style and appearance imaginable. It was originally established as a place for the rich and elite of Paris to leave the city proper and have their own cultural playground. From massive fortress castles to more modestly-sized but still opulent chateaus, there is something in the valley to suit every taste.
Arc de Triomphe
Arguably one of the most recognizable and iconic structures in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile is built at the center of an intersection where 12 avenues meet and radiate out from the location. It was commissioned by then-emperor Napoleon, with countless reliefs and details. Which can take hours to take in and fully appreciate. The Arc is also the home of the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier for all of France. The site of the French Eternal Flame, and is the focus and location for many state events such as the Bastille Day parade.
Photo by Arthur Humeau on Unsplash
Cathédrale Notre Dame
Notre Dame is another iconic Parisian location that draws millions of visitors and tourists every year. Construction of this massive and beautiful cathedral began back in 1163 and was finally completed in 1270. It has seen countless upgrades and modifications since then. It is currently being reconstructed after a large portion of the cathedral was damaged in a 2019 fire. Despite the damage, the Notre Dame Cathedral remains one of the most breathtaking examples of architecture and design in the city.
Photo by Pascal Bernardon on Unsplash
Take Your Time
With such beautiful locations as these, the most important thing to remember is not to rush. No matter what you plan to see or how long you’ll be in the city. Make sure you give each location you visit your full attention and appropriate time. Some locations can take several hours or even a full day to fully experience, particularly larger locations like the Loire Valley and the Palace at Versailles.
Even though it may be hard to choose. Trying to squeeze too much into just one day will leave you frustrated and feeling like you simply spread yourself too thin. The most fulfilling experiences will be where not only can you tour and view the attractions, but when you can do so without a constant time crunch.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels
Main Photo Credit
The beautiful main photo of Paris on this post was photographed by Chris Karidis on Unsplash
