What to See & Do
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Notre-Dame Cathedral | ★★★★★ | Cathedral | Free |
| 02 | Saint-Jacques Tower | ★★★★☆ | Tower + Panorama | Paid € |
| 03 | Pompidou Center | ★★★☆☆ | Modern & Contemp. Art | Paid € |
| 04 | City Hall Square | ★★★☆☆ | Square | Free |
| 05 | Place des Vosges | ★★★☆☆ | Square/Park | Free |
| 06 | Victor Hugo's House | ★★★☆☆ | House Museum - Writer | Either |
| 07 | St. Louis en l'Ile Church | ★★★☆☆ | Church | Free |
| 08 | St. Gervais Church | ★★☆☆☆ | Church | Free |
| 09 | St. Paul St. Louis Church | ★★☆☆☆ | Church | Free |
| 10 | St. Merry Church | ★★☆☆☆ | Church | Free |
| 11 | Cheese Museum | ★★☆☆☆ | Museum - Cheese | Paid € |
| 12 | Holocaust Memorial | ★★☆☆☆ | WWII Memorial & Museum | Free |
| 13 | European House of Photo | ★★☆☆☆ | Exhibits - Photo | Paid € |
| 14 | Pavillon de l'Arsenal | ★★☆☆☆ | Exhibits - Urbanism | Free |
| 15 | Archaeological Crypt | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Archeology | Paid € |
| 16 | Elizabeth II Flower Market | ★☆☆☆☆ | Flower Market | Free |
| 17 | Deportation Martyrs Memorial | ★☆☆☆☆ | WWII Memorial | Free |
| 18 | Hotel de Sens Garden | ★☆☆☆☆ | Garden | Free |
| 19 | Hôtel de Sully Garden | ★☆☆☆☆ | Garden | Free |
| 20 | Rosiers Garden | ★☆☆☆☆ | Garden | Free |
| 21 | Notre-Dame-des-Blancs Church | ★☆☆☆☆ | Church | Free |
| 22 | Magic Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Magic | Paid € |
| 23 | Lafayette Anticipations | ★☆☆☆☆ | Exhibits - Contemp. Art | Free |
01. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Cathedral
Cost Free
French Name
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
The construction of this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture began in 1163 and was completed in 1345, making it one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows, intricate sculptures, and flying buttresses, which exemplify the Gothic style.
It has been a significant site for numerous historical events, including royal ceremonies and the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Notre-Dame has faced challenges, including a devastating fire in April 2019 that caused extensive damage. The cathedral remains a symbol of Paris and attracts millions of visitors each year, showcasing its enduring cultural and historical significance.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
02. Saint-Jacques Tower
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Tower + Panorama
Cost Paid
French Name
Tour Saint-Jacques
This massive tower is the only remaining part of the former church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was constructed in the 16th century and demolished in 1797, during the French Revolution. The structure is notable for its Gothic architectural style, featuring intricate sculptures and a striking façade.
Today, It’s a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to climb its 300 steps for the best panoramic views of Paris.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
03. Pompidou Center
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Modern & Contemporary Art Museum + Panorama
Cost Paid
French Name
Centre Pompidou
This uniquely designed 6-floor building is renowned for its striking high-tech architecture, featuring an exposed structural framework and vibrant color-coded pipes.
It houses the National Museum of Modern Art, which is one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe, showcasing works by renowned artists like Picasso and Kandinsky.
Additionally, the Pompidou Centre serves as a public library, and hosts various exhibitions and cultural events.
It also offers views from its upper floors.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)
National Museum of Modern Art
French Name
Musée National d’Art Moderne
04. City Hall Square
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Square
Cost Free
French Names
Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
Esplanade de la Libération
This prominent public square, located directly in front of the city’s town hall, has a rich historical significance, having served as a central location for various events throughout Paris’s history.
The square has been pedestrianized since 1982, making it a popular venue for public gatherings, festivals, and cultural events.
05. Place des Vosges
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Square/Park
Cost Free
French Names
Place des Vosges
Square Louis XIII
One of the oldest planned square in Paris, from the 17th century, it’s lined with trees and red brick houses.
06. Victor Hugo's House
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Writer’s House Museum
Cost Free or Paid
French Name
Maison de Victor Hugo
This museum dedicated to the renowned French writer Victor Hugo served as his residence for 16 years, from 1832 to 1848, during which he wrote some of his most famous works, including “Les Misérables.”
The museum showcases a collection of his personal belongings, manuscripts, and artwork, providing insights into his life and literary contributions.
Visitors can explore the various rooms that reflect Hugo’s life, including his study and the salon where he entertained guests.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
07. St. Louis en l'Ile Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Louis en l’Île
This church dates back to the 17th century. The church is dedicated to King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis. It showcases a blend of Baroque and Classical architectural styles, characterized by its grand façade and richly decorated interior.
The church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural venue, hosting classical music and organ concerts.
08. St. Gervais Church
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Names
Église Saint-Gervais
Église Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais
This church, dating back to the 15th century, has undergone several renovations over the centuries, incorporating a Baroque style. It’s notable for its stunning architecture, including a remarkable façade and a richly decorated interior featuring beautiful chapels and artworks.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
09. St. Paul St. Louis Church
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis
This church dates back to the 17th century. It features a striking façade and an impressive interior, characterized by its ornate decorations and beautiful altarpieces.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
10. St. Merry Church
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Names
Église Sainte-Merry
Église Sainte-Merri
This church was built in the 16th century, showcasing Flamboyant Gothic architecture. It is dedicated to Saint Mederic, a 7th-century abbot. The church features intricate stained glass windows and a striking façade.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
11. Cheese Museum
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Cheese Museum
Cost Paid
French Name
Musée Vivant du Fromage
This small musuem is dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of French cheesemaking. It offers an immersive experience that combines education and tasting.
Visitors can explore the diverse world of French cheeses through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and tastings that highlight the unique terroirs and traditions of cheese production in France.
12. Holocaust Memorial
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type WWII Memorial & Museum
Cost Free
French Name
Mémorial de la Shoah
This memorial serves as a place of remembrance and education about the Holocaust, focusing on the history of the Jewish community in France during World War II. The memorial features a documentation center, exhibitions, and a memorial wall inscribed with the names of deported Jews.
It aims to honor the memory of the victims and educate visitors about the atrocities of the Holocaust, fostering a deeper understanding of this tragic period in history.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
13. European House of Photography
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Photo Exhibitions
Cost Paid
French Name
Maison Européenne de la Photographie
MEP
This center for contemporary photographic occupies a former private mansion and serves as a key exhibition space dedicated to photography. It hosts various monographic exhibitions and retrospectives each year, showcasing both established and emerging photographers.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
14. Pavillon de l'Arsenal
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Urbanism Exhibitions
Cost Free
French Name
Pavillon de l’Arsenal
This prominent center for architecture is established in a historic 19th-century cast-iron building.
The permanent collection showcases the evolution of Parisian urbanism and architecture.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
15. Archaeological Crypt
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Archeology Museum
Cost Paid
French Name
Crypte Archéologique de l’île de la Cité
This crypt is located beneath the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral. It showcases the urban and architectural evolution of the Île de la Cité, which has been the historical heart of Paris for over 2,000 years.
The crypt was established following excavations conducted during the 1960’s and the 1970’s, revealing a wealth of artifacts and structures from various periods, including Roman, medieval, and modern times.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
16. Elizabeth II Flower Market
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Flower Market
Cost Free
French Name
Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II
This is the main flower market in Paris, dating back to the early 19th century. It features multiple vendors selling plants, crafts, and live birds.
It’s open every day, in the morning and afternoon.
17. Deportation Martyrs Memorial
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type WWII Memorial
Cost Free
French Name
Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation
This memorial is dedicated to the memory of people who were deported from France to concentration camps during World War II.
Visitors can access the memorial through a narrow passageway that leads to a central chamber, where inscriptions and symbolic elements honor the memory of the deported.
18. Hotel de Sens Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Garden
Cost Free
French Name
Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens
This small garden is a serene oasis amidst the bustling city, featuring beautifully manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and pathways.
It’s designed in the classic French style, characterized by its geometric layout and symmetry.
19. Hôtel de Sully Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Garden
Cost Free
French Name
Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sully
Jardin de Hôtel de Béthune-Sully
This French style garden, located in a courtyard and designed in the 17th century, features neatly trimmed boxwood hedges bordering four lawns.
20. Rosiers Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Garden
Cost Free
French Name
Jardin des Rosiers Joseph Migneret
This small park, nestled between historic residences, features a community garden and a children’s play area.
21. Notre-Dame-des-Blancs Church
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Notre-Dame des Blancs-Manteaux
This church originally founded in the 13th century was rebuilt during the 17th century. It features a Baroque architectural style and is notable for its beautiful stained glass windows and artistic chapels.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
22. Magic Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Magic Museum
Cost Paid
French Name
Musée de la Magie
This museum is dedicated to the art of magic showcasing a rich collection that spans centuries. Visitors can explore various exhibits related to magic shows, optical illusions, and mechanical figures.
The museum also features magic shows, enhancing the immersive experience for guests.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
23. Lafayette Anticipations
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Contemporary Art Exhibitions
Cost Free
French Name
Lafayette Anticipations
This contemporary art foundation, established by the Galeries Lafayette department store chain, is dedicated to supporting and showcasing local and international creators.
