January 17, 2023

Paris is one of Europe’s most famous and popular cities. Often called “the city of love and light”, just the thought of the grandiose city invokes feelings of wonder, inspiration and romance. In modern times, the city of Paris has become a hub of business, entertainment, art, fashion and gastronomy cultivated over the centuries through rich culture and history.

Undoubtedly, you would have heard about the many wondrous things to see and do in the French capital; from seeing its world-famous landmarks, the magnificent museums, the divine cathedrals, boutique shopping avenues, the exquisite city parks and those tucked away hidden-gem cafés and restaurants.

As one of the greatest cities in the world to visit, and with so much to do and see we’ve narrowed it down to the 5 absolute must-see attractions in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower

If you know about Paris, then you probably already know about the Eiffel Tower. It may not always be regarded as one of the most prestigious landmarks in the city, but it is undoubtedly the most emblematic and instantly recognisable one.

Standing an imposing 324 metres high upon the banks of the Seine River, it was designed by famous architect and entrepreneur, Gustave Eiffel. The 18,000-piece wrought iron tower was constructed to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution for the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1889 and to show off France’s industrial expertise. Initially designed to be a temporary structure in the city, it was saved by its usefulness as a site for scientific research and meteorological experiments and its potential as a broadcasting tower.

The Eiffel Tower is a popular tourist hotspot with over 8 million visitors annually. The first floor, which is also the most spacious, is home to the restaurant Eiffel Tower 58 (aptly named as it stands 58 metres above the ground). The second floor (115m above ground) offers impressive panoramic views of the city, as well as the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jules Verne. The third and final floor (276m above the ground) offers sweeping views of over 60km of the Parisian cityscape and offers a sneak peek into Gustave Eiffel’s apartment (also known as his “secret office”).

The Eiffel Tower is an inescapable and mesmerising feature of the Paris skyline which can be enjoyed equally during the day as well as the evening. Let us help you avoid the queues or arrange for that once-in-a-lifetime romantic dinner in the City of Light.

The Louvre

In the heart of the city resides the most famous and largest museum in the world, the Louvre. Visited by over 9 million people annually, the iconic entrance to the museum is distinguished by the signature glass pyramid (designed by IM Pei in 1989) and is home to over 38,000 art objects including masterpieces such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”, Paolo Veronese’s “The Wedding at Cana”, Théodore Géricault’s “The Raft of the Medusa” and thousands more. 

The Louvre was built upon the ruins of a historic 12th-century royal palace, with the remains still visible from the basement section of the museum. 

The vast collection of the Louvre is split into departments including; Egyptian antiquities, Oriental antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Art, Islamic Art, Sculptures of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Modern Times, Objects of art, Paintings and Graphic arts. Due to the sheer size of the museum (the entire building and grounds span over 210,000m²), you can spend multiple days exploring the art exhibitions.

The Louvre is best explored by private tour, to avoid the queues.

The Arc De Triomphe

The famous Arc De Triomphe is one of Paris’ most recognisable attractions (besides the Eiffel Tower) and was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 in commemoration of his army’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. However, he never was able to see it in its full glory as it was completed over 30 years later (in 1836) after his death. 

The design of the arch was heavily influenced by ancient Roman architecture and is the largest monument of its kind in the world. Standing at an impressive 50 metres high, 45 metres wide and 22 metres in depth, the massive arch is adorned with elegant and intricate sculptures and inscriptions, of which the names of all 558 generals who participated in Napoleon’s battles are immortalised.

At the base of the arch lies The Tomb of the Unknown Solider, who was laid to rest in 1921 in honour of over 1.3 million French combatants who were killed in action during the events of World War I. 

The Arc de Triomphe stands amidst one of the most iconic photographed traffic scenes where 12 major avenues converge. Although you can easily see it at a distance, you’ll get the best views and experience when you’re close to it. Climb the top of the arch and experience sweeping views of the surrounding avenues, including the famed Champs Élysées.

The Seine River

After having seen so many of the most popular and famed attractions that Paris has to offer, you probably would like to just rest and take in the breathtaking city and one of the best ways to do that in the city is to explore the Seine River.

The Seine River flows over 800 kilometres, meandering through the centre of Paris and arrives at the English Channel. Promenade along the riverbanks, admire the picturesque bridges and explore the parcs along the Seine.

The “city of light” is especially beautiful from the riverbank during the evening, where the dusk of sunset provides the backdrop whilst all the monuments are one-by-one lit up for the upcoming night festivities. 

We can craft a luxury romantic dinner cruise, which is a wonderful way to make the most of this experience, enjoy the delights of french gastronomic fare and take in the beauty of Paris, including panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and so much more.

The Ritz

The Ritz Paris, situated in the first arrondissement (in the centre of Paris and very close to The Louvre), is a storied and famous hotel established just before the turn of the 20th Century (in 1898) by Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier. This luxurious hotel was one of the first in Europe to offer guests in every room basic utilities such as; electricity, bathroom facilities and even a telephone.

The Ritz became world famous, playing host to many celebrities including; fashion designer Coco Chanel, American authors F. Scott Fitzgerald & Ernest Hemingway, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. It also served as a meeting place for American and French Allied forces during World War II.

In recent times, the Ritz underwent its first extensive renovation and remodelling, which cost more than $450 million and re-opened with much fanfare in 2016. So much so that, the 159-room masterpiece has earned the distinction of being a national monument by the French government. Two years later, five men conducted the grandest robbery in Paris’ history involving €4.5m worth of jewels.

Patrons of The Ritz have witnessed and been a part of many historical moments and events that are forever etched into the city’s rich history, making it one of the most significant buildings in Paris.

Ritzy Experience would love to help you explore any of these iconic sites and craft a unique luxury experience for you in Paris. Get in touch with us on our Enquiry page.

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Dr Susan

You are very kind. Tres gentille
Ritzy Experience
5
2019-10-04T09:42:30+10:00
You are very kind. Tres gentille

Mona

The itinerary you sent me looks amazing!
Ritzy Experience
5
2019-10-04T09:44:13+10:00
The itinerary you sent me looks amazing!

Dr Susan

Keep up the good work please
Ritzy Experience
5
2019-10-04T09:46:07+10:00
Keep up the good work please

Dr Susan

You've done well. We know Amboise and the Loire. It looks very appealing, it's in a great location.
Ritzy Experience
5
2019-10-04T09:46:53+10:00
You've done well. We know Amboise and the Loire. It looks very appealing, it's in a great location.

Dr Susan

Thank you so much for all your hard work
Ritzy Experience
5
2019-10-04T09:48:15+10:00
Thank you so much for all your hard work

Tim S

Great company crafting great experiences!
Ritzy Experience
5
2019-10-07T10:00:23+11:00
Great company crafting great experiences!

Martin H

I've heard good things about this company!
Ritzy Experience
5
2019-10-07T10:01:29+11:00
I've heard good things about this company!
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