17 Things to Do in Paris, France

Paris is a destination that is both iconic and historic. Paris is the capital city of France and is known for its magnificent view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. There are art museums and historic buildings to explore, as well as cute cafes and restaurants to try out! The food is incomparable to any other place, as the croissants and tea are quite delicious. Listed below are 17 things to do in Paris, France!

17 Things to Do in Paris, France
Photo of me in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral in June of 2018

My Experience:   

Favorite Places: My trip to Paris was in June 2018. My favorite experiences in Paris were witnessing the view of the Eiffel Tower from the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck and enjoying a bottle of wine in front of the Eiffel Tower at night. Yes, you are allowed to drink alcohol in the streets of Paris. The other bucket list item that I got to knock off was seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum. I enjoyed going to different baristas and cafes because we got to people-watch, as most outdoor seating faces the street.

Expectations: A few things I did not expect when I arrived was that there was no air conditioning. The people smoked cigarettes on almost every corner. The culture shock was a certainty there as I explored. I enjoyed wandering the streets of Paris and do recommend experiencing the city for yourself.

Facts About Paris:

  • Paris was originally a Roman City called Lutetia.
  • Paris is one of the most-visited cities in the world.
  • The Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to complete.
  • The Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum is the most viewed piece of art in the entire world.

Tours to Book:

  1. Eiffel Tower Tour
  2. Louvre Museum Guided Tour
  3. Food Tour
  4. Moulin Rouge Tickets

#1- Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is an experience you do not want to miss, as the tower lights up and looks stunning. Did you know? There are 1,665 steps to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. You will find a range of dining and gift-shop options inside.

#2- Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden near the Louvre Museum. The garden was created in 1564 and became a public park after the French Revolution.

Address: 113, Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris, France

#3- Louvre Museum

17 Things to Do in Paris, France
Louvre Museum

I highly recommend visiting the world’s largest art museum, as the oil paintings are beautiful and unforgettable. Book a guided tour to see the Louvre Museum.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

#4- Musee d’Orsay

Visiting Musee d’Orsay is for you if you love art and architecture. This museum holds French art like paintings, sculptures, and photography. This museum is open from Tuesday until Saturday. The first Sunday of the month is free.

Address: 1 Rue de la Legion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France

#5- Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Gothic Cathedral is temporarily closed. The Notre Dame Cathedral burned to the ground on April 15th, 2019. The roof and walls were severely damaged. I was lucky enough to see the Cathedral in June of 2017. They are rebuilding the cathedral.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France 

#6- Rue Cremieux

Why not stroll along one of the most colorful streets in Paris? This charming cobblestone street is one of the most popular places to take photos for Instagram in Paris.

Address: Rue Crémieux, 75012 Paris, France

#7- Catacombs

The Catacombs hold the remains of 6 million people in a small tunnel. The Catacombs are closed on Mondays and a ticket is $15.90 to visit.

 Address:  1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France

#8- The Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in France. The venue is iconic, and the show is spectacular.

Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

#9- Crazy Horse

The Crazy Horse is another cabaret in France that you can go and see for yourself!

Address: 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris,  France

#10- Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck

Visit the Montparnasse for a view of Paris from a spectacular angle, as shown in the photo above.

Address: Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France

#11- Sacre Coeur

Sacre Coeur

This Roman Catholic church is a famous monument that was built in 1919. This church is at the highest point in the city and you can visit for free.

Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

#13- Montmartre

17 Things to Do in Paris, France
Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic district that goes uphill located in Northern Paris. Stroll along the streets and go shopping or try out different cafes and baristas while you are there. Montmartre is known for its artistic history, as Vincent Van Gough and Picasso have lived there.

Address: 12 Rue Cortot, Paris, IdF 75018

#14- Luxembourg Gardens

Visit Jardin Du Luxembourg or the Luxembourg Gardens to see famous statues of politicians, scientists, sculptors, artists, poets, composers, and painters. This garden was created in 1612.

Address: Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, Île-de-France 75006

#15- Les Invalides

Les Invalides has monuments and museums all relating to the military history of Paris, France, and the architecture is stunning.

Address: Place des Invalides, 75007

#16- Cafe De Flore

If you are a Gossip Girl fan, visiting Cafe De Flore is a must-do activity! Seating in Paris faces the street at cafes and restaurants. You can watch people strolling the streets, as you enjoy your coffee!

Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006

#17- Garden of Versailles

17 Things to Do in Paris, France
Garden of Versailles

The Garden of Versailles is in front of a massive palace built by King Louis XIV. It was home to three generations of French kings and queens from 1682 until 1789.

Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France 

Have you ever been to Paris? Please comment below about your trip!

Photo of me in front of the Eiffel Tower

Similar Post: Europe Trip 101

31 Things to Do in Rome, Italy

25 Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Europe Trip in France, Italy, and Greece

02654af2e47f9fd4727f5019760d4c1a

Europe Trip in France, Greece, and Italy

Paris, France —> Florence, Venice, and Rome in Italy —-> Santorini and Athens in Greece

Europe is the planet’s sixth-largest continent, which includes 47 countries and islands. This specific Europe trip will take you to the beautiful city of Paris, France, and a few popular destinations in Italy! The last place you travel to is Greece. We provide things to do on the Greek island of Santorini and the ancient ruins of Athens, Greece. The trip listed below has no time limit, as you can spend however much time you would like in each place. The more time you have, the more you can do on this list! Below is our Europe Trip in France, Greece, and Italy.

How to Get Around Europe? The cheapest way to travel throughout Europe is by purchasing an Interrail Global Pass. The global pass will enable you to see and travel to any country for seven days within one month for 251 Euros.

Book Your Flights: If you’re on a budget, compare flights and get the best deals by booking through an App called Hopper. This itinerary begins in Paris, France, and ends in Athens, Greece.

Stop #1: Paris, France

Paris is a destination that is both iconic and historic. Paris is the capital city of France and is known for its magnificent view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. There are art museums and historic buildings to explore, as well as cute cafes and restaurants to try out! The food is incomparable to any other place, as the croissants and tea are quite delicious.

4 Facts About Paris:

  • Paris was originally a Roman City called ‘Lutetia’
  • Paris is one of the most-visited cities in the world
  • The Arc de Triomphe took 30 years to complete
  • The Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum is the most viewed piece of art in the entire world

16 Things to Do in Paris, France:

#1: Eiffel Tower-

Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is an experience you do not want to miss, as the tower lights up and looks stunning. Did you know? There are 1,665 steps to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower and on every floor, you will find a range of dining and gift-shop options. If you would like to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, then purchase a ticket in person because it is cheaper than buying one online!

35806857_10214218031737437_6124299940173709312_n

#2: Jardin des Tuileries-

Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden near the Louvre Museum. The garden was created in 1564 and became a public park after the French Revolution.

Address: 113, rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris, France

 #3: Louvre Museum –

I highly recommend visiting the world’s largest art museum, as the oil paintings are beautiful and unforgettable. The entrance is 9 euros and is open 9 am to 6 pm Monday-FridayIt is not open on Tuesdays.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, Francetour_img-335314-148.jpg

#4: Musee d’Orsay-

Visiting Musee d’Orsay is for you if you love art and architecture. This museum holds French art like paintings, sculptures, and photography. This museum is open from Tuesday until Saturday. The first Sunday of the month is free.

Address: 1 Rue de la Legion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France

#5: Notre Dame Cathedral-

The Gothic Cathedral is temporarily closed.  The Notre Dame Cathedral was burned to the ground on April 15th, 2019. The roof had been destroyed and its upper walls were severely damaged. I was lucky enough to see the Cathedral in June of 2017. They are rebuilding the cathedral and it is expected to be completed in 2024.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France  notre-dame-quai-de-montabello.jpg

#6: Rue Cremieux-

Why not stroll along one of the most colorful streets in Paris? This charming cobblestone street is one of the most popular places to take photos for Instagram in Paris.

Address: Rue Crémieux, 75012 Paris, France

#7: Catacombs-

The Catacombs hold the remains of 6 million people in a small tunnel. The Catacombs are closed on Mondays and a ticket is $15.90 to visit.

Address:  1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, Franceskip-the-line-paris-catacombs-tour-in-paris-147943-1.jpg

#8: Moulin Rouge:

The Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in France. The venue is iconic, and the show is spectacular.

Address: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

#9: Crazy Horse:

The Crazy Horse is another cabaret in France that you can go and see for yourself!

Address: 12 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France

#10: Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck –

Visit the Montparnasse for a view of Paris from a spectacular angle!

Address: Montparnasse, 75014 Paris, France

 #11: Sacre Coeur-

 This Roman Catholic church is a famous monument that was built in 1919. This church is located at the highest point in the city and visiting is free. 

 Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, FranceIMG_20160128_124141.jpg

#12: Montmartre-

Montmartre is a historic district that goes uphill located in Northern Paris. Stroll along the streets and go shopping or try out different cafes and baristas while you are there. Montmartre is known for its artistic history, as Vincent Van Gough and Picasso have lived there.

Address: 12 Rue Cortot, Paris, IdF 75018 mvg-01-montmartre-quarter.jpg

#13: Luxembourg Gardens-

Visit Jardin Du Luxembourg or the Luxembourg Gardens to see famous statues of politicians, scientists, sculptors, artists, poets, composers, and painters. This garden was created in 1612.

Address: Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, Île-de-France 75006

#14: Les Invalides:

Les Invalides has monuments and museums all relating to the military history of Paris, France and the architecture is stunning.

Address: Place des Invalides, 75007 Paris, France: sinvalides-dome-golden-cloudy-dreamstime-800-2x1.jpg

#15: Cafe De Flore-

If you are a Gossip Girl fan, visiting Cafe De Flore is a must! Seating in Paris faces the street at cafes and restaurants. People watching while enjoying your coffee is a relaxing experience you do not want to miss!

Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France

#16: Garden of Versailles-

The Garden of Versailles is in front of a massive palace built by King Louis XIV. It was home to three generations of French kings and queens from 1682 until 1789. It is now a public garden closed on Mondays and costs 14 euros to enter.

Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

93247.ngsversion.1482510724470.adapt.1900.1.jpg

Other things to do in Paris include eating Macarons, enjoying a glass of wine, visiting a Bistro or two, and taking a painting or art class!

Stop 2: Paris, France to Florence, Italy

-11 hours and 15 minutes-

Florence, Italy:

  • Italy: Italy is a country in the south, central of Europe, often times described as a country shaped like a boot. Italy has the greatest number of Roman Catholic churches per capita.
  • Facts About Italy:
    • Italy is slightly larger than Arizona.
    • People have lived in Italy for Over 200,000 years.
    • The longest river in Italy is the Po.
    • The ice cream cone, the typewriter, and eyeglasses are Italian inventions.
    • Over 75% of Italy is mountainous or hilly.
    • The Roman Emperor was Augustus Octavian, who came to power in 27 BC.
    • Italy’s national dish is pasta.
  • Florence, Italy: Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region. The charming area is beautiful and has historical attractions. Florence is a perfect place to immerse yourself in art, history, and architecture.
  • Facts About Florence, Italy:
    • Purchase a Firenze Card to skip the lines at Museums
    • Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance
    • More than 15 million visitors explore Florence each year.
    • The Ponte Vecchio bridge is a famous landmark.
    • Birthplace of Gelato in the 16th century
    • Leonardo da Vinci was born in Florence and is one of the most famous artists of the Renaissance.

3 Things to Do in Florence Italy

Continue reading “Europe Trip in France, Italy, and Greece”