Most Popular Places to Visit in Paris

By turning our route to the most romantic and historical city of Europe, we rolled up our sleeves for the list of the most popular places to visit in Paris. We visited the stunning Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Sein-river surrounding Paris, the Napoleon Mausoleum, the Painters Hill and many other places you must visit in Paris, and we wrote this article that will be useful to you, such as the Paris City Guide.

How to Get to Paris?

It is possible to reach Paris, the capital of France and also the center of the Ile-de-France region, by plane, train or road. It is possible to come to Paris from Turkey only with tour companies that organize Paris Tours or Benelux Europe Tours, or with a round-trip flight ticket and a hotel reservation.

List of Must-See Places in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower
2. Paris Notre Dame Katedrali
3. Louvre Museum – Glass PyramidLouvre Museum Sections
4. Sein River Canal Tour (Sein River)
5. Montmartre (Painters’ Hill)
6. Sacre Coeur (Sacré-cœur) Basilica
7. Arc de Triomphe (Arc de triomphe de l’Étoile)
8. Champs Elysees
9. Napoleon Mausoleum – Les Invalides
10. Concorde Square and Obelisk
11. Disneyland Theme Park

Getting to Paris by Plane

“Charles De Gaulle Airport“, located just north-east of Paris, is open to visitors from almost anywhere in the world who want to arrive by plane. Paris airport is approximately 35-40 km from the city center. If you wish, you can take a taxi to the city center or you can reach the city center very quickly with the “Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle 2 – TGV” train line, which is organized every 8 minutes.

For this, it will be sufficient to get on the Aéroport Charles-de-Gaulle 2 stop and get off at the Paris North Station. Be sure to check theSNCF website for ticket information and Paris High Speed Train TGV departure times. Since Paris has the oldest metro network in the world, you can go anywhere you want by metro after this point.

For those going to Paris from Turkey, Turkish Airlines has direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. A total of 12 flights are arranged daily from Istanbul to Paris, with 10 reciprocating flights from Istanbul Airport and 2 flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

How to Get to Paris by Train?

It is possible to reach Paris by train from any country in Europe. France’s high-speed train, known as the TGV, is world-renowned and works in integration with all of the surrounding countries. Therefore, just like in Spain, you can reach Paris both comfortably and extra-safely thanks to the national train transportation. For this, check the SNCF and STIF internet ticket pages.

How to Get to Paris by Bus or Car?

It is also possible to go to Paris with your own car, rental car or bus. France is also a country with a fast transportation infrastructure with highways and highways. I can even give a little detail.

In Europe, toilets are free only on French motorways. Toilet fee is around €1 in the Netherlands and €0.50 in Germany and Belgium. Fuel prices are almost the same in Central European Countries.

You will see many Wind Turbines and Solar Energy Panels as you move along the highway. Although France has the most Nuclear Power Plants in Europe, it supports clean energy to the fullest. In addition, the famous French High Speed ​​Train TGVs, which run parallel to the road, will accompany you along the way.

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History of Paris and France

Who Are the Gauls?

Before moving on to our list of the most popular places to visit in Paris, let’s take a short trip through the history of France. In France, in BC periods, that is, when the Romans dominated Europe, the people living around France and Paris were called Gauls.

The historical heroes of this region are Asterix and Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar, the month of July, was named after Julius Caesar. Augustus, another name of Julius Caesar, gave its name to the month of August. Julius Caesar Augustus, the first Emperor of the Roman Empire, is also known as a historical character who lifts the 30th day in February.

When we look at the recent history of France, we see that it has gone through quite turbulent phases. Today’s French State is governed by the 5th Republic. Today’s France is France that matured after World War II.

The Architectural Genius of Paris: Georges-Eugéne Haussmann

It is not possible to understand and visit Paris without knowing Haussmann. Georges-Eugéne Haussmann, also known as Baron Haussmann, was appointed governor of the city of Sein, which is now Paris, in 1853.

Many of the magnificent buildings, bridges, cathedrals and other monuments were built during the reign of Napoleon III. Haussmann, who is the idea father and architect of today’s city of Paris, took very radical decisions for the renewal of the city from top to bottom after he was appointed as the Governor of the city of Paris by the 3rd Napoleon.

He has taken the title of architectural genius of today’s Paris city by realizing almost all of it. So much so that the French use the name Haussmann instead of the word Bay. Even on the door of the men’s restrooms at gas stations, it says Haussmann.

You will see the signature of the Governor of Paris, Baron Haussmann, almost everywhere, from the cobblestones to the street lamps, from the magnificent historical buildings to the stone bridges over the Sein. Works designed by Haussmann III. You will see two “NN” symbols on these works, back to back, since they were made during the Napoleonic era.

Haussmann divided Paris into wide streets and avenues, making it a more stylish and livable city. Moreover, it is said that while doing this, he destroyed about 15 thousand old buildings and structures, including his own house.

Today, when you look at Paris on a satellite map, the roads that reach the depths of Paris with the Champs Elysees and other streets are the work of Haussmann, leaving the Arc de Triomphe and the Etoil Square in front of it symmetrically.

A similar architectural genius was designed by the famous architect Gaudi in Barcelona, Spain. The city of Barcelona consists of symmetrical streets, boulevards and streets just like Paris.

While reconstructing Paris, Haussmann moved all the cemeteries in the city center 15-20 meters below the ground and turned them into sarcophagi. He designed public buildings, metro stations and wide boulevards instead of cemeteries.

Haussmann Style Architecture

He designed 6 metro lines by dividing Paris into regions. While reshaping Paris, Haussmann imprisoned the wealthy bourgeois class within the city, but gathered the working class and the lower poor classes in crowded suburbs outside the city.

Therefore, although it is criticized, Haussmann’s architectural projects are not a unique event in the world. Even today, the reason why Paris’ real estate values are at very high levels is actually Haussmann.

In the general architectural characteristics of the apartments built in the Haussmann style; Arched architectural design dominates, mini balconies, giant fireplaces, high-ceilinged rooms, ornate ceilings and tall windows are dominating features.

It is known that Haussman, the man who redesigned Paris from scratch, was invited by the Ottoman Empire to carry out a similar work in Istanbul, but the project was shelved due to economic insufficiency.

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What is the French State Government Form?

Just like Germany, France is governed by the Monarchical Management System. At the same time, he adopted the principles of the Republic. It is even known that the strictest form of secularism is in France.

Although the political administration of France is similar to Germany, the Administrative Management style has a Unitary State structure. That is, the country is divided into cities with local governments, not states. In cities, it is divided into sub-regions called Arrondissement.

While Haussmann was dividing Paris, he drew an arc by centering Notre Dame Cathedral and divided it into 20 different regions. Each region is called the Arrondissement.

What Languages Are Spoken In France?

The official languages of the French State, which is also the strongest military member of the European Union, are French and English. However, it is not possible to understand the English spoken by the French. Because the dominant dialect of French prevents them from speaking English fluently and clearly.

They don’t understand you, they can’t tell you. You do not understand them. When French nationalism is added to this, it becomes inextricable. Here is such a dead end. Anyway, now let’s move on to our List of Top Places to Visit in Paris.

List of Top Places to Visit in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower

When Paris is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is the Eiffel Tower. For this reason, the Eiffel Tower is at the top of the “Places to Visit in Paris” list. Although its history does not go back to ancient times, Paris and the Eiffel tower are identical today.

This iron tower has become the symbol of Paris and even France. The Eiffel Tower means the same to France as the Statue of Liberty is to the USA. The Statue of Liberty had already been given to the Americans by the French.

It is necessary to see the Eiffel Tower, which is approximately 300 meters high and consists of 3 independent floors, from the eyes of a woman and listen to it from her pen. For this reason, I leave the explanation of the Eiffel tower, which is at the top of our list of popular places to visit in Paris, to my precious wife. Just click the link below.

Eiffel Tower – Paris

2. Paris Notre Dame Katedrali

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most important cultural heritages of Paris with its gothic architecture and historical texture that defies years. It also holds the distinction of being the oldest religious place of worship in Paris.

During the restoration work in April 2019, it suffered great damage as a result of an unfortunate, big fire. The fire that broke out in Notre Dame Cathedral was put under control after about 8.5 hours.

Since the eastern part and side walls of the cathedral, whose parts such as the middle roof and bell tower were completely damaged, were not damaged, it is thought that it will be restored in accordance with its original form in a period of 5 years and will be brought back to Paris and the Unesco World Cultural Heritage.

Notre Dame Cathedral, located right on the banks of the Seine, has an 850-year history. It is possible to see examples of Notre Dame Cathedrals and Churches in many European cities.

There are even a few examples in Istanbul. We add the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most magnificent works of the Gothic style, to the second row of our dream Paris and proceed to our next travel destination.

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3. Louvre Museum – Glass Pyramid

The third place on our list of places to visit in Paris is the world-famous Louvre Museum and the Glass Pyramid in its courtyard. The Paris Louvre Museum, which has the distinction of being the largest indoor museum in the world, is one of the important places that must be visited. Moreover, you will need to allocate at least 1 full day here.

The entrance fee to the Louvre Museum, which was built in 1793, is 17€ per person.

In the famous Louvre Museum, located right on the banks of the Seine, many historically significant collections, paintings and pieces are exhibited from BC to the present day.

Louvre Museum Sections

Each block that makes up the Louvre Museum is called a “Pavillon“. The pavilions are named after important French characters. Pavillon Mollien, Pavillon Richelieu, Pavillon Denon, Pavillon Sully.

>> Paris Louvre Museum Sections

In the wide open area between the pavilions, there are pools built in futuristic style and works exhibited in glass pyramids.

4. Sein River Canal Tour (Sein River)

The Seine, or the French equivalent of the Sein, wraps around Paris like an arc with its arms. For this reason, there are many large and small bridges, tunnels and passages in the city center.

Be sure to join the Seine River Canal Tour, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. You will see almost all the places to visit in Paris during the canal tour. Guide service in English, French and Japanese is also provided throughout the canal tour.

The majority of the stone bridges you will see during the Paris Canal Tour were built using the stones of the destroyed great Paris prison.

While the bridges built during the 3rd Napoleonic period bear the traces of the arch structure, the bridges built after the Industrial Revolution, namely in the 1800s, bear the lines of the Modern Age architecture.

Look carefully at the embossed letters on bridges and historical buildings during the Paris Canal Tour.

• The NN symbol marks the 3rd Napoleonic Era.
• RF letters indicate that this building in Paris was built during the Republican period.
• The LL symbol represents the reign of Emperor Second Loui.

5. Montmartre (Painters’ Hill)

It is the highest altitude hill in the city, located in the 18th part of the city of Paris (Arrondissement – 18). We are going to its neighborhood, which can be seen easily even from the Eiffel tower and is famous for its painters and contemporary street art.

You can reach Montmartre Painters Hill by rail lift or stairs. You can have the painters in the artists park on the painters hill get your charcoal or oil paintings done. The price of getting your own painting done on the painters hill ranges from 50€ to 200€.

Fish soup and mussels are the most famous foods in the region where the Painters Hill is located. You can also buy souvenirs related to Paris at the most affordable price here. I recommend you to taste the distinctive Waffle and hot chocolate.

6. Sacre Coeur (Sacré-cœur) Basilica

The Sacre Coeur Basilica, which was restored in 1914 and carries the lines of Roman and Byzantine architecture, designed by the famous French architect Paul Abadie. It is the most visited religious place of worship in Paris after Notre Dame Cathedral. It is an important temple for Christians.

The Sacre Coeur Basilica is located in the Montmartre neighborhood known as Painters hill. Next to it is a stone building that was used as a prison before the 17th century.

It has an important feature that distinguishes the Sacre Coeur Basilica from other Basilica and Christian places of worship. In the “Father-Son-Holy Spirit” trilogy in the Christian belief, the Father, that is, God, is the only religious temple depicted. You can see the depiction in the picture above.

On the dome inside the basilica, the figures of the Son (Prophet Jesus) – Holy Spirit (Dove) – Father (God) are gilded. According to Christian tradition, it is not uncommon for the image of God to be found in churches, cathedrals or basilicas. Therefore, God is present in the official world only in this basilica.

7. Arc de Triomphe (Arc de triomphe de l’Étoile)

The Arc de Triomphe is located in Charles De Gaulle square at the western end of the famous Champs Elysees. Paris is located in the 8th Arondisman.

There is a circular road around the Arc de Triomphe and junction points that leave these roads equally and open to the streets. This part is known as “Etual Junction”, or Etoile Square in French.

It is the busiest place in France with vehicular traffic. In order not to spoil the historical texture, traffic accidents occur very frequently because the traffic signaling system cannot be established. In fact, many motor insurance and insurance companies do not undertake to pay the material damage caused by the accidents here.

If you are watching a movie shot in Paris, the first scene you will see after the Eiffel Tower will be Etoile Square and the Arc de Triomphe. It is one of the places where Adolf Hitler was photographed with his armies when he invaded France in World War II.

8. Champs Elysees

It is the most beautiful street in Paris. Did you know that the French call Champs Elysees “The Most Beautiful Boulevard in the World” among themselves? We had the opportunity to see the Champs-Elysé street both during the day and at night.

Although there are some pavements and constructions for pedestrianization, it is a really eye-catching boulevard in general. It is a unique boulevard in the world, with both the road used by vehicles and the pedestrian pavement on both sides, which is very wide.

Even the trees planted in rows on both sides of the road along the Champs-Elysé Avenue are exactly the same height. In fact, there is a completely symmetrical architecture that is the genius of Baron Hausmann.

Champs Elysees Boulevard starts from the Arc de Triomphe and ends at Concorde Square. The most beautiful street in Paris that appeals to the eyes is undoubtedly the Champs-Elysées. We went down from Charles De Gaulle Square on the right side of the Champs-Elysées boulevard and turned back on the opposite side of the boulevard.

While going down the street in general, there are entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels and cafes on the right side, there are dazzling stores of world-famous brands on the opposite side.

Some of the brands that have stores on the Champs-Elysees street are: Loreal Paris, H&M, Zara, Lacoste, McDonalds, Nike, Adidas, GAP, Rolex and QuickSilver.

You can buy perfumes of famous brands, new season dresses and shoes, make-up materials such as Loreal Paris Mascara from the shops here.

In addition, Turkish Airlines THY has a ticket sales and coordination office at number 102 of Champs Elysées Boulevard. Moreover, people walking on the boulevard are watching a promotional documentary about Turkey, accompanied by our waving flag, on the giant screen right at the entrance of the building.

The world-famous Lido Cabaret Show, Opera, Dance and Ballet Performance Center is one of the artistic venues to visit on the Champs-Elysées Boulevard.

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9. Napoleon Mausoleum – Les Invalides

It is a monument of military and historical importance, including the tomb of the 3rd Napoleon. When you look from the Eiffel tower, you can see its gilded dome. It is surrounded by water channels. However, there is no water in these canals today.

In Les Invalides Mausoleum built by Louis XIV in the 17th century, the tombs of military commanders, Heads of State and French heroes who gave their lives for the French Monarchy are found in the sarcophagi in this monument.

It is said that the inspiration for the Anıtkabir, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk‘s body is located, was taken from Les Invalides Mausoleum. While walking to the Anıtkabir, the tile stones on the road known as Aslanlı Yolu are so indented that it is almost impossible to walk without looking at your feet. In this way, everyone takes a position of respect with their heads bowed while going into the presence of the Ancestor. As a result, the respect for Atatürk is symbolized. Similar tile stones are also found in Les Invalides Mausoleum for the same purpose.

10. Concorde Square and Obelisk

It is located in Paris’ 8th Arondism and is one of the largest areas of the city. “Place De La Concorde“, that is, Concorde Square, begins where the Champs-Elysées Boulevard, which descends from the Triumphal Arch, ends. From here, it is possible to see the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. When you turn your back to the Champs Elysées, the West Entrance of the World Famous Louvre Museum will be right in front of you.

There is also an Obelisk in the middle of Concorde Square. During the French Revolution, guillotines and scaffolds were set up in this area, and the French who opposed the enlightenment were executed here.

However, about 50 years later, a 20-meter-long obelisk was brought from a temple and erected here so that Concorde Square would not be remembered with such a bad event. Afterwards, fountains, pools, fountains and statues of famous French people were placed in various parts of the square.

11. Disneyland Theme Park

Our last stop on the list of the most popular places to visit in Paris is Disneyland. Let’s end our article by talking about the Disneyland Paris trip, which is full of adventure and will take you back to your childhood, not only for young visitors but also for adults.

Disneyland, whose real name is Euro Disney Resort, is located in Marne La Valle in the eastern part of Paris. You can come to Disneyland, where you can’t get enough of fun, from the center of Paris by using the Metro or by the Disneyland tour services.

Located in Paris, Disneyland was opened in 1992 as the third Disneyland Entertainment Center in the world. The first one is Disneyland in California, USA, and the second one is in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. After Tokyo, Disneyland Theme Park was put into service in Paris.

You can buy Disneyland tickets at the box office or online at https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/ using secure shopping methods with your credit card.

Paris Disneyland Tickets, on the other hand, are sold as daily entry, entry on different days, FastPass no waiting, Shuttle (+Service) included entry, or entry for visitors staying at Disneyland contracted hotels, so prices vary.

Disneyland Tickets are priced at $105 for adults and $96 for children ages 3-11.

We have come to the end of the list of the most popular places to visit in Paris. But Paris is not just what we wrote. After visiting the places on this list, get lost in the streets of Haussmann genius Paris. Because the best way to discover a city is to get lost in that city.