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Paris glows with beauty and history at every turn. Famous for its art, cuisine, and grand boulevards, it sits on the banks of the River Seine in Northern France. This city is more than the French capital, with over 12 million residents at the heart of the Île-de-France region.
Often called the City of Light, Paris earned this name during the Age of Enlightenment. Brilliant thinkers brought bright ideas here, giving the city an enduring sparkle. Today, Paris hosts over 42 million visitors each year, making it the world’s most visited destination. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, there’s always something remarkable to discover. Exploring on foot is the best way to soak in the magic, strolling between landmarks, cosy cafés, and lively squares.
Exploring the City: Getting Around Paris
Getting to know Paris is easy thanks to its smart transport options. You can hop on the Metro, catch a taxi, or hire a bicycle, but the city centre is compact enough for walking. Many attractions are close together, and the streets feel like living picture postcards.
Ways to Get Around Paris:
Metro: Fast and covers the city
Taxi: Easy to hail, but can be slower in traffic
Bicycle: Perfect for scenic routes by the Seine or through parks
Walking: The most rewarding way to experience the city's true character
When you wander on foot, every corner invites you to pause—whether it's for flaky croissants in a local bakery or a glimpse of a grand monument rising in the distance. The traffic feels manageable compared to larger cities, so you can focus on soaking up the view.
Curious about planning your trip? Take a look at Paris vacation packages on Expedia.
La Défense: Where Modern Paris Thrives
Just west of central Paris lies La Défense, the city’s business hub. Here, glass towers reflect sunlight and large-scale artworks dot the plazas. The area buzzes with energy, but it's more than corporate buildings—La Défense was designed for work and life.
The centrepiece is the Grande Arche, a modern arch that offers a fresh take on Parisian spirit. Its broad steps are a popular spot for lunch or people-watching. La Défense marks the start of the six mile-long Historic Axis, a visual and cultural link running through the city’s finest sights.
La Défense tells a different story from historic Paris. It combines art, business, and innovation, showing the city’s determination to grow while respecting the arts.
Walking the Historic Axis: From Grande Arche to Place de la Concorde
Paris’s story unfolds along the Historic Axis. It’s a visual line of monuments stretching from La Défense through the city’s heart.
Arc de Triomphe
Standing tall at Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe was built on Napoleon’s orders. From the top, the city opens up in every direction, with twelve avenues radiating like a star. The view is unforgettable, and the monument honours those who fought for France.
The Champs-Élysées
From the Arc de Triomphe, stroll down the world-famous Champs-Élysées. This grand avenue is perfect for:
Shopping in flagship stores and boutiques
Dining at stylish cafés and bistros
Enjoying the latest shows at elegant theatres
Joining Parisians for public celebrations and parades
As you walk, the Champs-Élysées widens into gardens and meets the city’s largest square.
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde anchors the eastern end of the avenue. It features stunning fountains, statues, and the iconic Luxor Obelisk from Egypt. This is a must-see for lovers of grand architecture and open spaces.
If you’re planning your journey from monument to monument, the Paris travel guide on Expedia has helpful info.
Paris’s World-Class Museums and Galleries
The city’s creative spirit lives on through its exceptional museums.
Musée du Louvre
A former royal palace, the Musée du Louvre now houses over 35,000 works. It’s the world’s most visited art gallery, home to international stars like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The collection ranges from ancient artefacts to Renaissance masterpieces and beyond.
Tips for Visiting the Louvre:
Plan your visit in advance to avoid crowds
Focus on a few must-see artworks each time
Allow time to enjoy the courtyard and glass pyramid
The Louvre is simply too vast for one day, making repeat trips worthwhile for anyone keen on art or history.
Centre Pompidou
For something modern, tour the Centre Pompidou. Its radical exterior and colour-coded pipes always spark debate. Inside, you’ll find Europe’s largest array of modern art. Paintings, sculpture, design, photography and performance pieces all live here, giving you a window into today’s artistic movements.
Whether you like classical or contemporary, Paris museums have something to inspire everyone.
The Heart of Paris: Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral
Nestled within the Seine, Île de la Cité reveals Paris’s origins. This natural island is a quiet oasis in the city, best known for its spectacular cathedral.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Completed in 1345, Notre Dame is a masterpiece of Gothic design. Its twin towers, flying buttresses, and carved gargoyles feel like a fairy tale come to life. The cathedral has hosted many key moments in history and features in classic literature. Standing here, you can sense the importance Parisians place on tradition and beauty.
Grab a bench and watch the world pass by, or walk around the building to admire it from every angle.
Take a Break: Luxembourg Gardens
When it’s time for a change of pace, the Luxembourg Gardens offer peace and fresh air. The park features:
Grand Basin for sailing toy boats
Peaceful fruit groves
Over 100 statues and graceful fountains
Grab a deckchair and join locals in the art of doing nothing. People reading, playing chess, and basking in the sun—it’s the perfect slice of true Parisian life.
Experience the Eiffel Tower
Nothing says Paris like the Eiffel Tower. Known as The Iron Lady, this monument is visible from almost every corner of the city. Yet, the feeling of standing beneath its soaring arches can’t be matched by any photo.
Queues here can be long, but the journey up is always worth it. The views from the top will stay with you forever. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the tower sparkling at night—a memory you’ll never forget.
Top Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower:
Go early or late to avoid the crowds
Book tickets ahead of time
Bring a camera for the sweeping city views
Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: The Spirit of Art
Montmartre History
North of the city centre, Montmartre rises on a leafy hillside. Once home to artists like Picasso, Dali, and Van Gogh, the area is a labyrinth of narrow streets and quirky cafés. Wandering here is like stepping back in time, and you never know what hidden gems you might find.
Montmartre keeps its creative traditions alive. You’ll still spot painters capturing scenes or musicians playing in quiet squares.
Sacré-Cœur Highlights
Make your way uphill and discover the white dome of Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It’s a landmark both spiritual and striking. Crowning the highest point in Paris, it gives you panoramic views of the whole city—the perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.
The Quiet Side of Paris: Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
Time spent in the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise feels calm and thoughtful. This sprawling cemetery lies away from the bustle, filled with old trees and the sound of birds. It’s also the final home for icons like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.
Visitors stroll the shaded paths, paying respects to some of the world’s brightest minds. If you want to experience another side of Paris, Père-Lachaise invites quiet moments and gentle wandering.
Visitor Tips:
Go in the morning for calm and soft light
Wear good shoes; the paths can be uneven
Pick up a map at the entrance to find famous graves
Day Trip: The Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a quick half-hour train ride from Paris but feels like a world away. Once a day’s coach journey, this 17th-century château hosts grand halls, mirrored corridors, and manicured gardens. Versailles welcomes everyone, from dignitaries to families and budget travellers.
Travel Tips:
Take RER C train from central Paris for easy access
Allocate at least half a day for your visit
Check hours for garden shows and fountains
The Versailles gardens alone are worth the trip, with endless pathways, hidden statues, and tranquil lakes.
The River Seine and Parisian Bridges
The River Seine winds through Paris, dividing the city into the Left and Right Banks. Its gentle flow gives the city rhythm, and the banks themselves are perfect for riverside picnics or evening walks.
Paris boasts 37 bridges, each with its own story. The Pont Alexandre III is the most ornate, glittering with gold accents and lamp posts. It leads to some of the city’s best sights and feels grand at any time of day.
The Pont des Arts is famous for romance and fantastic views. People gather here for sunsets, painting, or attaching padlocks to the railings as a mark of their love for the city.
Pont des Arts Traditions:
Artists paint river views and monuments
Photographers capture classic Parisian scenes
Couples add “love locks” to the bridge
From these bridges, you can see why poets, painters, and photographers fell in love with Paris.
Conclusion
Paris glitters with life, history, and artistic flair. Whether you're drawn to world-famous landmarks, grand museums, or quiet corners, there’s a part of this city that will speak to you. Each neighbourhood offers its own surprises, and every street holds a story.
For more inspiration or to start planning your own adventure, explore the latest travel info and packages for Paris on Expedia. The City of Light is waiting, ready to fill your journey with memories you'll cherish forever.
Ready for your adventure? Paris is a city to visit again and again.
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