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Discover Places to Go and Things to Do
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Paris, France
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Once just a village that settled on the "Ile de la Cité" (City Island) on the confluence of the Seine's two branches, Paris has vastly expanded over the centuries, taking the surrounding villages under its wing and making them its own. Nowadays the City of Light - a name Paris earned during the age of the Enlightenment - is made up of several arrondissments or districts, numbered from 1 to 20 and logically ordered with the 1st in the centre and the others following on in a clockwise spiral. The differences are vast and varied between the districts, both in terms of the populations and attractions, which together make up the multifaceted city we know and love.
1st: With its impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, the  Louvre attracts visitors from the world over, who often combine it with a stroll in the adjoining Tuileries gardens.
1st: With its impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, the Louvre attracts visitors from the world over, who often combine it with a stroll in the adjoining Tuileries gardens. Designers of haute couture, including Yves St-Laurent and Dior, have set up shop in Faubourg Saint-Honoré , just a short walk from the majestic Place Vendôme , home to some of the finest jewelers in Paris. If luxury seems to be the prevailing feature in the 1st district, it has also lovingly accepted the Forum des Halles , the city's largest shopping centre.
2nd: With its little back streets harbouring galleries, cafés and boutiques, this district sets a typically Parisian scene. West of Rue Richelieu stands the theatre district where a dozen or so playhouses throng. The Palais Brongniart reminds by-passers of what used to be the location of Paris vibrant Stock market, while certain clothing factories in the Sentier district are now home to Internet companies.
3rd: The Marais district prides itself on being one of the oldest and best preserved in Paris. In keeping with this yearning for yesteryear, a museum charting the history of the capital ( Musée Carnavalet ) can also be found here. Scattered with trendy bars, cafés and stylish boutiques, the Marais has also become the Mecca of gay nightlife in Paris.
4th: Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque districts. Wander across the bridge opposite the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) and you will drift onto the capital's two islands - Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis where a visit to the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral is an absolute must. Back on the right bank, Place des Vosges , a beautiful old square lined with ancient buildings, is a wonderful witness to times gone by, while the Beaubourg centre of contemporary art confirms its resolutely futuristic outlook.
5th: This and the adjoining 6th district comprise the Quartier latin (Latin Quarter), bastion of student life and higher education in Paris. Within a 100m radius around the Panthéon you'll find some of the most prestigious schools and universities in all of France. The Jardin des plantes , Paris' botanical gardens and zoo, is at once a calm and exotic place, and the Arènes de Lutèce (remains of a Roman amphitheatre) remind us just how rich the history of Paris really is. You'll find the Museum of the Middle Ages in Cluny Square. As picturesque as you could possibly imagine, the quaysides double as an enthralling treasure trove of second-hand bookstalls. Come nightfall, the young crowds flock to Place de la Contrescarpe and Rue Mouffetard.
6th: Rue de Seine, de Buci, Mazarine and Dauphine, along with the whole area between Boulevard St-Germain and the river Seine itself, are wholeheartedly characteristic of the allure of Paris. Discover the little cafés and boutiques of the chic-intellectual district of Saint Germain des Prés , and the bars and nightspots when the sun goes down. If on the other hand you want to escape, take some peaceful time out in Jardin du Luxembourg .
7th: More commonly known as the "quartier des ministres" (ministers' quarter), the 7th district also boasts some of Paris' most beautiful monuments - the Invalides , the Eiffel Tower , the Champ de Mars - literally meaning "Field of Mars", this was originally a parade ground for cadets in the Ecole Militaire (Military Academy). Between Quai Voltaire and Rue de l'Université, dozens upon dozens of antique dealers entice you into their shops on the Carré Rive Gauche, and if you are in an artistic frame of mind, the spectacular < Musée d'Orsay is well worth a browse.
8th: Naturally, any visit to the 8th district has to start on the most beautiful avenue in the world - the fabulous Champs-Elysées - which extends from Place de l'Etoile down to the finishing post on Place de la Concorde . Also worth seeing is La Madeleine - a neoclassical church - and jogger's paradise, the Parc Monceau . Music lovers will find heaven in a shopping trip along Rue de Rome. Other places of interest include the Grand Palais and the Palais de la Découverte (the Palace of Discovery), which makes the fascinating world of science accessible to all.
9th: Its impressive elegance makes the Opéra (opera house) undeniably one of Paris' most exquisite monuments. You can take in the waxworks at Musée Grévin , and stroll through Nouvelles Athènes (New Athens) near the St-Georges métro, but this area is also characterized by large department stores, including Printemps and Galeries Lafayette .
10th: Running the entire length of the Canal St-Martin , the Quais de Valmy and de Jemappes extend either side of the water to provide one of the most delightful walks in Paris; from Rue de la Temple to Place de Stalingrad you will pass many a lock and maybe the odd barge or two.
11th: Formerly the haunt of furniture craftsmen, the Bastille district now plays host to an entirely different scene: that of Paris' young and trendy in-crowd. Rue du Faubourg-St-Antoine has seen many restaurants and nightspots spring up and flourish. Neighbouring Rue de Lappe is probably the place to be seen on an evening, while others prefer the buzz of Rue Oberkampf a little further north.
12th: Paris' pleasure beach can be found here, between the Seine and the Place de la Bastille , where the imposing Opéra Bastille stands. The Palais Omnisport de Paris-Bercy serves as the venue for a variety of sporting and musical events, which often sell out very quickly, so be warned! Located to the far west of the city, but still within its limits, the Bois de Vincennes is a wonderful place to wander, especially around the lake.
13th: The easterly part of this district is known as "Chinatown", inhabited by numerous Chinese and Asian restaurants, shops and supermarkets. The Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library) has also taken up residence in this area, overlooking the Quai de la Gare on the Seine. To the west of the district, meander through the small village of Buttee-aux-Cailles - an extraordinary find in the capital city.
14th: Rue d'Alésia stands out for its array of clothing shops, while Parc Montsouris is arguably one of the most charming green spots in the city. The Cité Internationale, where international students reside, stands just opposite and is well worth a visit as it features architectural styles from all over the world. Finally, you can take a look at the Bronze Lion of Belfort or at Rodin's Balzac in Place Denfert-Rochereau.
15th: Set along the banks of the Seine, the delightful André-Citroën Park in this district was, of course, named in honor of the famous car manufacturer, while a little further north, overlooking the river, you'll find Paris' skyline of skyscrapers peering down at a replica (or did this one come first?) of the Statue of Liberty.
16th: There's no denying that this is the most fashionable district of Paris. The Trocadéro offers a remarkable view of the city, as well as the Naval Museum ( Musée de la Marine ). Avenue Foch is destined to impress, as is Parc des Princes (Paris-Saint-Germain Stadium) . West of the ring road, roams the Bois de Boulogne forest, which although best avoided after dark, is a real delight during the day.
18th: The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (the Basilica of the Sacred Heart) is another must-see monument in the City of Light. Looking up at the basilica from the market below is sure to take your breath away (as will all the steps you have to climb to reach it!). A short walk from the Sacré-Coeur takes you to Place du Tertre , drenched in the atmosphere of "old Paris" which cannot fail to captivate, even if it is teeming with tourists. Rue des Abesses, with its trendy boutiques and bars, draws a hipper kind of crowd alongside the famous Pigalle area - Paris' red light district, and home to a famous nightlife of cabarets and bars.
19th: The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (Science and Industry Museum) was designed as Paris' window into the world of science. The Buttes Chaumont - an area of natural parkland - is the ideal place for a relaxing walk or a pic-nic.
20th: The most well-known cemetery in Paris, the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is the final resting place of many famous artists, and is one of the most visited sites in the city. Memories of Jim Morrison are obviously still very much alive as his tomb is permanently carpeted with flowers. While the young artsy crowds of the city tend to hang out further and further to the east of the city - mainly in the Bastille district which is rapidly surrendering to consumerism - this area has managed to hold on to its working-class origins, hence its charm.
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By MyEuropeanDreams
6 days
I'm going to visit Paris, not just because it's the capital of France but because, for as long as I can remember, Paris has been the symbol of ROMANCE! Want to experience first hand, this extraordinary city, filled with a rich history. Want to float on River Seine, sit on a bench & watch artists blend colors on their canvases, maybe buy one or two while the paint is still wet. Of course, I'll visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the multitude of other cultural places, but mainly, I just want to be immersed in the sights the sounds of...everything French!
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By Going Places user
10 days
Going to explore London! And the quieter Cambridge area. Then Liverpool to check out the city that created the Beatles. And I'll finish it up with a 3-day return visit to Paris! Yep, it's gonna be a great vacation!
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388 people reviewed Paris (1-20 out of 388)
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Top
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at 1:13AM May 29, 2008
the most beautiful city i have ever seen
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at 1:41AM May 28, 2008
I serioulsy love this city and am going back in less than 2 months and i'm psyched! There is so much to see and take in it's unbelieveable!
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at 12:56PM May 27, 2008
Gosh, Paris is romantic city for any women. I was same. I have been there good three times still want to go again.
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at 2:38AM May 29, 2008
So many places to see so little time...even living there you discover new places each time, don't hesitate to get lost that's how you discover hidden little gardens or inside courts...it's like a treasure hunt...
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at 7:06AM May 29, 2008
Think Paris is the best place in the world?
Try live there and see past the beautiful buildings and lame clichés...
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at 11:20PM July 12, 2008
My favourite city in the world, it has everything. Enough said
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at 10:55AM May 29, 2008
One of my 1000 places to go B4 I die!
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at 7:08AM May 29, 2008
I've spent there four beautiful days with my boyfriend :)
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at 1:31AM June 9, 2008
It's where i live. And i still can say : one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
To be discovered by night too. Not to be missed : the Eiffel Tower sparkling lights
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at 5:43PM May 29, 2008
A wonderful city!
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at 7:38PM May 28, 2008
Take a date...it's a lot more fun.
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at 1:20PM September 20, 2009
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at 10:20PM July 11, 2009
We took the terminal from London and rode the ferry. We crossed the Channel riding the P&O Stena Line Fleet. We arrived in Paris at Gare du Nord on the overnight train from Calais. We were so tired!
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at 10:21AM August 20, 2008
Absolutely amazing place!! Lots to see and do and lots of friendly people...sometimes a little too friendly though!!
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at 7:32PM July 13, 2008
Wonderful city with great food and lots to see. The Parisians are far friendlier (..if somewhat quirky) then they are made out to be.
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at 10:59AM May 29, 2008
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at 7:36PM May 28, 2008
Visited and worked here many times (while with Air Liquide). A fantastic place to visit, but I'd rather live in the country.
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at 3:02PM May 28, 2008
Another European jewel to discover.
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at 9:16PM May 27, 2008
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at 3:40PM November 16, 2009
though it was a dream come true to see the eiffel tower, paris in itself is rather overrated.
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