Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and there's a reason for that. In fact, Paris offers a large variety of things to do that will suit any taste! Museums, parks, art galleries, historical monuments, shops, restaurants, opera, theater… In Paris, there is always something to do and you will never get bored!
If you like art, music, refined cuisine, books, sightseeing, history and pretty gardens, you won't be disappointed and have a fantastic time in Paris.
To help you organize your trip and never run out of things to do, here you can find a list of the Top 100 Sights of Paris, which brings together all the activities not to be missed during your trip to Paris.
Now you can create your own list of places to see in Paris including the best museums, pleasant parks, famous boulevards, historical squares and more. Let's get to it!
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1. Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower has become the icon of Paris. Since 1899, almost 300 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower, making it the most visited paid monument in the world. The Eiffel Tower is the most recognizable symbol associated with Paris and France and can be seen in almost any movie, documentary and even travel features about the city. For forty-one years, this 1063-foot-high metal tower held the title of tallest structure in the world. It represents a symbol of progress that belongs to the late 19th century, a time defined by decades of the industrial revolution.
It was designed by the reputable engineer, Gustav Eiffel, who also contributed to the Statue of Liberty. In 1884, he introduced his project at an exhibition as an art of engineering in an age of industry and science. It was meant to be an expression of gratitude to the great scientific movements of the past century and to the French revolution. If you go around Paris, you can't miss it, as it can be seen by very far.
2. Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum houses one of the richest collections in the world, exhibiting unique masterpieces. Originally, the Louvre was built in the 12th century as a fortress attached to the walls of Paris. In the following years it became the residence of the royal family, and art institutions became a part of palace residents under the patronage of the kings and queens. In the 1980s, the glass pyramid was added to mark the entrance, due to the large volume of visitors. Buying tickets in advance is suggested, especially in the high season.
The Louvre offers a wide collection from many civilizations. From the birth of societies to our current date, you can witness history transform through arts and archaeology. The museum is so large that it is almost impossible to visit all exhibitions, so creating a detailed plan will make your trip more efficient.
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral
The most famous cathedral in Paris and one of the most well known in the world is Notre-Dame or Notre-Dame de Paris. The medieval cathedral is located in the 4th Arrondissement and is a historical example of French Gothic architecture. It was one of the first cathedrals in which the techniques of flying buttresses and rib vaults were implemented.
Notre-Dame has beautiful windows, which reach to the ceiling and is decorated with many sculptures. It is notably different from the previous style of building in France, which was Romanesque. In 2019, it suffered damage to the roof and spire from a terrible fire. It is currently under reconstruction for an indefinite period of time.
4. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Located at the top of Montmartre is Sacré-Cœur Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, or simply, Sacré-Cœur. Its name was given as it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This love is greatly represented in the choir of the Basilica with a huge mosaic.
Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic church seated at the highest point in the city and is the second most popular monument visited by those touring Paris. It is seen as both a political and cultural symbol in the city since the construction lasted 50 years and was consecrated in 1919.
Today, to access the Sacred Heart Basilica, you have to go through Louise Michel Square and its 222 steps or take the funicular that has been running along the square since 1901.
5. Orsay Museum
Located in the heart of Paris, along the Seine, facing the Tuileries Garden, Orsay museum was originally built between 1898 and 1900 as a train station. The French ministry of culture decided to transform it into a museum in 1986. It contains an unmatched selection of paintings and sculptures displaying the birth of modern art from between the years 1848-1914. The paintings in Orsay focus of ordinary people, city life and countryside landscapes, and with the change in subjects, came alternative methods and technical approaches to art.
The main genre of the art collection found here is Impressionism, however there are also works from academism, symbolism and primitivism, which shape the evolution of art in the 20th century. Matisse, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and Rodin are just some the remarkable names found within these walls.
6. Place des Vosges
Here is the oldest planned square in Paris, surrounded by the most elegant houses of 17th century. Place de Vosges is the perfect spot to take a break and rest while observing the history of Paris. Parisians love to sit around the linden trees and chat with friends or enjoy a drink or snacks. This place is also renowned for art galleries with big windows under the vaulted arcs.
The construction of these royal apartments, starting in 1605, is an example of one of the earliest applications of urban planning in Paris. King Henry IV commissioned these buildings for the royalty and close circles of high society. The two tallest apartments which stand in the middle were called the Pavilions of the King and Queen.
Out of all the politicians, aristocrats, poets and artists who resided here, one of the most famous was Victor Hugo. His house now functions as a municipal museum, free of charge. Here visitors can learn about the iconic French writer’s life while touring one of the unique homes in Paris.
7. Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former church turned into a mausoleum, dedicated to great citizens from French history. The name Pantheon is based on the ancient Roman temple which served as a pioneer for future domed structures. In the 18th century, King Louis XV ordered this church to be built and dedicated to Saint-Genevieve, the protector saint of Paris. Completed in 1790, during the French Revolution, the revolutionary assembly decided to convert the church into a secular monument commemorating great figures in national history.
After seizing power, Bonaparte returned the building to its original purpose of a church. But again, there remained a back and forth for the buildings purpose with each regime change until 1885. Inside the Pantheon, the works on the walls portray key moments in the national history narrative. The crypt downstairs houses important deceased figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, Zola and Marie Curie.
8. Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is located only a short ride outside of Paris city center. It has been the home to many kings and members of royalty, beginning with Louis XIV in 1682. Under his reign, it was also home to the French government and entire royal court. It was a palace known for absolute grand luxury, and at one point, even the furniture was made of silver. However, during the war in 1689, these pieces were melted to help cover the military costs.
In the following years, the home was remodeled and expanded as new members of royalty took residence here. An opera house was even added as a gift for the wedding of Dauphin and Marie Antoinette in 1770. Not only is it a palace, but also an important historical site, as is the location at which the signing of The Paris Peace Treaty (1783) took place, the Proclamation of the German Empire and the Treaty of Versailles was agreed to, which ended World War I. The Palace of Versailles is definitely one of the most important museums of the history of France.
9. Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf, built in 1607, was given the name which translates to new bridge. Ironically, today it is the oldest standing bridge in Paris. The 755-foot-long bridge is made from stone and leads to the small island of Ile de la Cité. The bridge consists of a series of mini arcs, resembling ancient Roman bridges, and the wide surface of the bridge was designed for carts and pedestrians.
Unlike the medieval bridges in Paris, there were no houses and stores built on it because Henry IV’s plan prioritized wide-open views for public spaces. Placed in the middle of the bridge, there is an equestrian statue of Henry IV, which is an identical copy of the original which was destroyed during the revolution.
Over the centuries, several repairs and renovations have taken place, with the last one ending in 2007, celebrating its 400th year anniversary. However, most of the fundamental changes were done in the 1850s. Learn more about Pont Neuf bridge and the 5 Most Famous Bridges in Paris.
10. Champs-Elysées Avenue
Possibly the most renowned street in the world, Champs-Elysées Avenue is visited by more than 300,000 people daily. At 1 ¼ miles long and 230 feet wide, it has the reputation for being a shopping heaven because of the fancy brands of cosmetics, fashion, sportswear, jewelry and watches that can be found from Concord Square to the Triumphal Arch. For even more luxury shops, you can also visit Montaigne Avenue close by, only visited my celebrities from around the world.
Several events and celebrations take place here, including National Day, New Year’s Eve and the Tour de France. We recommend you to walk all the way up to the Triumphal Arch, using the right sidewalk, feel the turmoil of Paris at its heart and maybe shop for your favorite brands on one of the most famous streets in the world. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! Learn more about things to do on Champs-Élysées Avenue.
11. Arc de Triomphe
The 165-foot-tall Arc of Triumph stands in the middle of the Square of Star, which is at the junction point of twelve streets. After his conquests around Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered this to be constructed in 1809, modeled after an ancient arc in Rome built by Emperor Titus.
The monument’s decorative reliefs on the pillars and facades display key moments from the French Revolution and Napoleon’s reign. Inside the arc, the names of hundreds of military commanders of the era were carved, and those which are underlined died in battle. The 284-stair climb to the top is worth taking, in order to see the panoramic view of Paris.
12. Luxembourg Gardens
Luxenbourg Gardens are a pleasant public park in the gardens of a renaissance style palace. In the 1610s, Queen Marie de Medici of Florence brought engineers and gardeners from her hometown to establish gardens around the palace she built after her husband, Henry IV, was assassinated. In the mid-19th century, the statues of twenty French queens were sculpted and placed around the higher ground in the garden.
Today, Luxembourg Gardens are very popular with locals for open-air lunch breaks, jogging, yoga classes, student gatherings and bringing children to the playground located at the southern end. From Victor Hugo to William Faulkner, many great writers have admired these gardens and written about them in their books. Learn more parks and gardens in Paris.
13. Seine River Cruise
A Seine River Cruise is a great way to discover Paris from a new angle. Whether it's a classic panoramic boat tour or a dinner cruise, a cruise on the Seine takes you comfortably along numerous landmarks. For many Paris travelers, especially first-time visitors and families with children, it is an absolute highlight. The evening tour is particularly beautiful and romantic, when the City of Lights is illuminated in the most beautiful colors.
14. Vendome Square
Place Vendome is a three-century year old square designed by royal architects and is famous for its luxurious surroundings. In 1702, Jean-Hardouin Mansart, the architect of Versailles Palace, planned a royal square for the elite. It was deigned to be a newer version of Place de Vosges in Marais.
After the revolution, the original statues of King Louis XIV and his victories were destroyed or moved to the Louvre museum. In 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte erected a Roman-style victory column made from melted bronze captured from enemy cannons. At the top, he placed a statue of himself which was removed during the uprising of 1871, but later replaced with a copy for historical accuracy. Learn more about 7 Famous Squares in Paris.
15. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Pere Lachaise is the most famous cemetery in the world. This world famous cemetery was built by King Louis XIV in 1804, and was dedicated to Pere François de la Chaise, his confessor. However, back in the days, people did not prefer this location for burials because it was far from the city, concessions were too expensive and the secular regulations bothered the predominantly catholic society.
In later years, the local government wanted to create interest in the cemetery. They moved two iconic names in literature, Moliere and Jean de la Fontaine to the unpopular cemetery, and it worked! Ten years later, the remains of the tragic medieval love story couple, Eloise and Abelard, were buried here, in addition to 33,000 other people. Today, the cemetery holds more than a million souls, including very famous painters, writers, actors and other public figures. Visitors enjoy a walk between the tombs though the magnificent alleys lined with greenery. Some of the most notable names are Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, neither of whom were French.
16. Champ de Mars
On sunny days, this location is filled with both travelers and locals who come to enjoy the playgrounds for children with a view of the iconic tower. This is one of the best spots for photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background. At night you can also come here to catch the Eiffel Tower light shows from one of the best angles.
The park stretches from the doorstep of the military school founded in 1750 and was originally intended to serve as a training ground for the students. This is why it was named after the Roman god of war, Mars. In French history, the Champ de Mars has always been remembered for a massacre in 1791, during the tumultuous times of the Revolution. For a brief moment, when the national assembly opened the way for the king to remain in power, the republican crowds started to gather here, and the national guards tragically opened fire on them.
Despite this tragic imprint, Champ de Mars is still a place that symbolizes joy, gatherings and outdoor activities.
17. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. The College was established in 1257, founded as a theological school by Robert de Sorbon, a cleric close to King Louis IX. It not only represented the Roman Catholic Church institutionally in Paris, but also attracted many students from different parts of Christian Europe.
The Latin speaking communities around this campus helped create what would become the neighborhood known as the Latin Quarter among the locals of Paris in medieval times. Today, the Latin Quarter is a pleasant neighborhood to meet friends, shop for books or drink a glass of wine while chatting about politics with strangers in your favorite café.
The university has grown and changed throughout the centuries but has always remained as a central actor regarding the political, social and intellectual life in Paris.
18. Picasso National Museum
Paris was once home to the globally renowned artist Pablo Picasso, as it has been over the years to many international artists. This 17th century building is exhibiting a massive Picasso collection thanks to a donation of more than 5,000 pieces made by the artists family to the French State. They honorably preferred to donate his art rather than receive payment for an inheritance tax in 1973. The historical Hotel Salé was selected to house many of these works and is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Marais. The museum's exhibition offers a striking cubist collection.
19. Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is a globally-famed 19th-century cabaret renowned with dancers wearing elaborate costumes, while entertaining diners. The theater was built during the Belle Époque period, a time marked by peace, progress and cultural exuberance. It is most famous for the can-can dance which is believed to have originated here. Many of its shows were inspired by circus culture and the high energy performances are great for audiences from around the world.
Moulin Rouge is still performing in the heart of Pigalle, a neighborhood well-known for its animated nightlife and hipster-bohemian culture.
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20. Louis Vuitton Foundation
Located in the 16th district of Paris, is the cultural center of the Louis Vuitton Foundation. Opened in 2014, the stunning building was designed by the internationally famed architect, Frank Gehry. Made primarily of glass, the building itself is a beautiful example of art and culture. It was designed to model a sailboat, with sails being blown by the wind. The building hosts temporary exhibitions and aims to promote talents from around the world.
21. Tuileries Garden
In 1564, the queen of France, Queen Catherine de Medici, commissioned an extension of the Louvre Palace and a vast garden where once there had been tile factories, “tuileries” in French. The building was destroyed in 1871 during the Paris Commune insurrection. The layout of the garden remains the same today as it did then, in 17th century style. At the two western corners, Napoleon III added a tennis court and a plant house, the Orangerie, which exhibits a small but very reputable collection from the painter Claude Monet, including his masterpiece, Water Lilies.
22. Sainte-Chapelle Church
Built in the Gothic style, Sainte-Chapelle church, meaning Holy Chapel, was completed and consecrated in 1248. It is especially well known for its amazing stained glass architecture, which is one of the most extensive exhibits from the 13th century, in any church in the world.
It is located within the Palais de la Cité, which served as the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century. When it was originally constructed, its purpose was to hold the collection of religious items brought by Louis IX from the Holy Lands. The church suffered damage during the French Revolution but was restored in the following years.
23. Catacombs of Paris
Visitors can tour the underground city of Paris though a maze of galleries and view an ossuary composed of the remains of more than six million bodies. The Catacombs of Paris are a very popular attraction that gathers more and more curious foreigners and also locals every year.
The original intention of the catacombs was to find a burial place for the people of Paris, as the cemeteries began to overflow. Beginning in 1786, bodies were transported nightly to the underground tunnels, where they were organized into what are now called the famous Catacombs.
24. Conciergerie
Formerly known as a prison, the Conciergerie is now a historic building which is used for the purpose of law and tourist visits. It once belonged to a building complex that was composed of the royal Palais de la Cité. Other buildings included were the Palais de Justice and Sainte-Chapelle.
During its original function, the Conciergerie housed hundreds of prisoners, who were all to be executed during the French Revolution. These executions took place by guillotine, in various locations around the city. The Conciergerie's most famous prisoner was Marie-Antoinette, the last queen of France, guillotined on the Place de la Concorde in 1793.
25. Shakespeare & Company
Maybe the world's most famous bookstore, Shakespeare and Company was opened in 1919 by an American, Sylvia Beach. The famous English-language shop has been a gathering place for both famous and aspiring poets and writers over the decades.
Located on the Left Bank of Paris, writers such as Ezra Pound, Ford Madox Ford, Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Djuna Barnes have all gathered here. After several moves, the shop is now available at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, in the 5th district of Paris.
26. Opéra Garnier
This legendary opera house and historical monument was built between 1861 and 1875 by the architect Charles Garnier. This was the original home for the Paris opera, but now serves as a performance hall for ballet. It was given the name Palais Garnier due to its extraordinary opulence and grandeur. Located in 9th district of Paris, it is built in the Beaux Arts architecture style and can seat more than 1,900 guests.
The opera house is perhaps one of the most famous buildings in France and was named a historical monument in 1923. It was also the famous setting for the novel, Phantom of the Opera. You can attend performances all year long, just make sure to wear your most elegant outfit.
27. Arts & Métiers Museum
With the English translation of its name, the Arts and Crafts Museum is Europe’s oldest science museum and an unmissable hidden treasure in Paris for people with an interest in industry and machines. This small monastery, turned into a museum in 1794, houses a collection of tools and machines invented over the last six centuries. Today, thousands of machines, clocks, technical tools, manufacturing instruments display the historical journey of engineering and design.
28. Montmartre Museum
This place is possibly the cutest art museum in the country. Located in the Montmartre Quarter, this art museum was founded in 1960 and became a Musée de France in 2003. Before becoming a museum, the building was once home to multiple famous artists, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Suzanne Valadon.
The collections exhibited display photographs, manuscripts, posters and paintings, which tell the historical story of the neighborhood. It focuses on the culture of the 19th and 20th century bohème and cabarets.
29. Orangerie Museum
The Orangerie was a modest greenhouse building in a distant corner of Tuileries Garden attached to the Louvre. It was designed as a part of the palace extensions. While only the citrus trees remain, the attraction now is for the collection of 150 paintings inside the museum. These paintings display the work of artists such as Monet, Picasso, Modigliani, Cezanne and Renoir in two impressively large exhibition rooms and a basement.
30. Pompidou Center
Located in the 4th Arrondissement in Paris, this unusual construction is the Pompidou Center. Named after the former French president, Georges Pompidou, it was opened in 1977. Designed by a team of architects, the building boasts a high-tech style of architecture. Within the building visitors can find the Public Information Library, Europe’s the largest modern art museum as well as the IRCAM, a music research center. All around the museum, the neighborhood offers colorful street art and spots to sit and chat with friends on sunny days.
31. Vivienne Gallery
Located behind the Bibliothèque Richelieu and near the Palais-Royal is the iconic Galerie Vivienne. The market, which was built in 1823, is a gorgeous building decorated with stunning mosaics and topped with a beautiful glass roof. Within the gallery, shoppers can browse between clothing boutiques, bookshops, wine cellars, tea rooms, gourmet food boutiques as well as grocery markets. If you want to go through one of the most archetypal arcades in Paris, it's this one!
32. Disneyland Paris
This Famous Theme Park's Attractions definitely stands at the top of the list of activities for kids in Paris, and possibly grown ups. Formerly known as Euro Disney, Disneyland Paris is a world famous attraction park, and the most visited theme park in Europe. Located slightly outside of the city, the large Disney complex includes two theme parks, Disney Nature Resorts, multiple resort hotels, places for shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as a golf course and recreational venues.
The theme parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, have hosted over 320 million people since opening 25 years ago. It is the largest Disney resort outside of the original park, which is located in America.
33. Cluny Medieval Museum
Located in the Latin Quarter, in the 5th district in Paris, is the Museum of the Middle Ages. It is situated in two buildings, known as their thermal baths and mansion. The thermal baths, Thermes de Cluny, is built on a 20,000 square foot cooling room, and the mansion, Hôtel de Cluny, is home to the collections. Among the many works on display are the collection of tapestries, The Lady and the Unicorn (La Dame à la licorne). More details about Cluny Museum.
34. Les Invalides
Located in the 7th Arrondissement is Les Invalides, formally known as the Hôtel National des Invalides, which translates to The National Residence of the Invalids. Built by request from Louis XIV in the 17th century, a king who was known for his love of conflits, it makes sense that now, Les Invalides is home to a complex of buildings which all focus on France’s military history.
The very luxurious buildings include the tallest church in Paris, the Dôme des Invalides, the tomb of Napoleon, tombs of other war heroes, a veteran retirement home, a veteran hospital and also museums like the museum of Army, the museum of Plans-Reliefs and the museum of Contemporary History. Learn more about the Army Museum located inside Les Invalides.
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35. Victor Hugo's House
Once the home of famous writer Victor Hugo, who rented it from 1832 to 1848, visitors can now tour the apartment-turned-museum. The story of the writer’s life is told through displays of his furniture, works of art and personal items that either belonged to him or were created by him. The artifacts are arranged into sections, before exile, exile and after exile, based on his life’s major periods. Beyond the legacy of the writer, the apartment also reveals a perfect example of 17th century Parisian elite housing. Learn more about 10 free things to do in Paris.
36. Galeries Lafayette
Built in 1912, this fabulous department store, filled with high-end global and French brands, was designed in the uniquely French art style, and completed with stain glass touches and a domed roof. From the top floor, you can admire an incredible 360-degree view of Paris. In the food market, you will taste delicious treats and unique gastronomical experiences. Tourist come from all around the world to shop here.
To find it, it is very easy, the store gave its name to the street and is located at Number 1. Find out about other famous shopping centers in Paris.
37. Concorde Square
With its very central location between Champs-Elysées Avenue and the Louvre Museum, this major square in Paris was first given the name of Louis XV in 1772. After the French Revolution, it became synonymous with the guillotines that were erected here and the many executions that took place, including those of royalty. The central piece of the square is the 3,300-year-old Egyptian Obelisk from Luxor Temple, which was a gift from the governor of Egypt in the 1820s. This seventy-five-foot high statue is a single piece red granite and weights more than 200 tons.
The two fountains located here are from the 1840s, the first being the Fountain of Seas, referring to the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. The second being the Fountain of Rivers, dedicated to the Rhone, Rhine and Seine rivers. From this location you can also see the Big Wheel.
38. Trocadero Gardens
Would you like to find spots where it is best to enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower? Trocadero Gardens might be your favorite choice. Originally created in 1937 for the World’s Fair, these gardens are now surrounded by thematic museums of maritime history, architecture and anthropology.
During the summer, visitors can always be seen lingering on the upper part of the gardens for its comprehensive view of the Eiffel tower. You will also be able to see dancers, magicians and others entertainers perform with joy. During the winter, the Christmas market attracts many locals and visitors as well.
39. Pont Saint-Michel
Saint-Michel Bridge, built in 1857, gives the nicest angle to see Notre-Dame Cathedral. Since the 14th century, this stone bridge has been at this very strategic conjunction point of Ile de Cité and the neighborhoods of Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter. Along the riverbank, visitors will see many bookstalls, referred to as “bouquinistes,” in which many books, post cards, magazines and souvenirs can be found.
40. Dauphine Square
This tranquil square, enclosed by 17th century homes, was part of the same architectural project as Pont Neuf. Completed in 1616, the surrounding apartment buildings were occupied by merchants and the middle class. The characteristics of the civic architecture have been successfully preserved, and visitors can enjoy many cafes and art galleries, which provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the more touristic points.
41. Bastille Square
This exact place is where once the infamous Bastille prison stood and French Revolution started... As part of the city walls, Bastille was built like a fortress at the eastern entrance of Paris in the 14th century. Beginning in the 17th century, the powerful monarchy regime used the Bastille as a prison, mostly for the political opposition, who were often taken without trial but rather by a royal warrant. This behavior led the Bastille to become the symbol of oppressive autocratic rule. The prison was captured in 1789 and demolished in 1792.
Today you can see the 154-foot-high July Column in the middle of the square which was erected to commemorate the revolution of 1830 in which King Charles X, a repressive autocrat, was deposed after an uprising lasting three days in July of 1830.
42. Saint Germain-des-Pres Church
One of the oldest Churches built outside the medieval walls is now centered in a famous and elegant neighborhood in Paris. It was called Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, founded in the 6th century and was one of the richest churches in France. For many years, it was the burial place for Merovingian kings of Neustria. It was for many years a central point for the intellectual life of the French Catholic community.
43. Pont Alexandre III
This is the most ornate and photogenic bridge of the 37 bridges crossing the Seine river in Paris. In the 1890s, an alliance between Russia and France was celebrated with two highly decorated bridges in Paris and Saint Petersburg. Alexandre III Bridge, named after the Czar, is a fine example of steel construction with its twenty-foot high arcs. It was opened for the Universal Exhibition along with the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, which stand beside the bridge. The most visible statues on the bridge are the Fames accompanied by winged horses. Each of these gold-colored sculptures represents a concept, such as science, arts, industry and commerce. They each also represent a period of French history, such as the Renaissance, Revolution and modern times.
44. Bois de Boulogne
Bois de Boulogne is a giant 19th century public park constructed in a former hunting area, rich with flora and social facilities. This park area is so extensive that it encompasses lakes, botanical gardens, museums, theaters, chalets and restaurants.
While exiled in London, Napoleon III became impressed by Hyde Park. During the expansive modern transformation of Paris in late 19th century, he ordered two spacious parks to be constructed at the eastern and western ends of urban Paris to attract people with different backgrounds. Bois de Boulogne covers 2,100 acres, and was built using different features for water, rocks, a wide variety of flora and fauna and even animals for a zoo. The place is highly recommended to reconnect with nature and spend outdoor time with the kids.
45. Belleville Park
Before the 1860s, Belleville was a nearby agricultural village which supplied wine and fruits to Paris. Once it was included into the city limits, the hillside of the village was transformed into the Belleville Park.
While not located particularly close to major attractions, this park offers a great option for guests with children, as there is a large wooden playground. Every year in the summer, gardeners proudly display their best samples for competitive prizes. Like in Montmartre, there is a small vineyard which was planted in 1992, growing Pinot at the top of the hill.
46. Quai Branly Museum
This museum features the cultures and art of indigenous people from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. With over a million artifacts in the collection, from photographs to documents, ethnographic objects to artwork, visitors can see over 3,500 displays at any given time. The collection is so extensive they also lend some of their works to the Louvre, where they are on display in the Pavillon des Sessions.
