Notre-Dame de Paris stands as a remarkable example of early Gothic architecture. Its original design dates back to the 12th century, yet construction was not fully completed until the 14th century. Over the centuries, the cathedral has witnessed many changes, providing an impressive record of the evolving Gothic style. One distinct feature is the west, or main, portal, which is noted for its unusual rigidity compared to the more fluid lines found elsewhere in Gothic design.
In April 2019, a major fire caused severe damage to Notre-Dame. Flames swept through the historic structure, destroying the wooden roof and leading to the collapse of the spire. The event left many parts of the cathedral in ruins and shocked people around the world.
Restoration efforts began soon after the fire. Expert craftsmen and workers spent years repairing the damage, preserving every detail possible. After extensive renovation, Notre-Dame de Paris welcomed visitors once again when it reopened in December 2024.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre-Dame_de_Paris
The east wing of the Palais de Tokyo holds the modern art collection of the city of Paris, dating roughly from World War I to date (the older part of the collection is at the Petit Palais in the 8th), including around 10,000 works.
The house in which the famous French novelist Victor Hugo once lived.
Numerous artists paint portraits of tourists and also sell their paintings.
Housed in a 15th-century abbey, alongside 1st century Gallo-Roman baths, the museum has an extensive collection of medieval art and artifacts. Highlights include the medieval "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries, a papal golden rose, and the original heads from the facade of Notre Dame.
For many visitors one of the must-see places in Paris is the Avenue des Champs-Elysées which was first created in 1667 by Louis XIV's gardener, Andre Le Nôtre, in order to improve the view from the Tuileries garden. This elegant and broad avenue was extended towards the end of the 18th century, now running from the place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It is noted today as one of the most prestigious shopping boulevards of Paris.
Guimard's own home, built in 1909-12. It is less decorated than Castel Béranger, but still beautifully shaped. Privately owned and not open to the public.
One of Paris's best kept secrets, painted by Monet numerous times. It is a very elegant centre of green in the middle of cosmopolitan Paris. Make sure you check out the statues, entrance rotunda and the surrounding mansions. Thanks to Haussmann himself this precious slice of parkland was reserved for the enjoyment and leisure of the people of Paris. It is unusual in France due to its casual, informal "English" style planning, and is a contrast to other Parisian parks such as the classically laid out and formal Luxembourg Gardens and the Tuileries. Randomly placed throughout the park are scaled-down architectural replicas including an Egyptian pyramid, Dutch windmill, and a Chinese fort. Free Wi-Fi in the park.
A controversial church serving as de facto headquarters of the arch-traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X, who occupied the church in 1977 and have ignored subsequent eviction orders.
Paris's international exhibition centre (the 4th largest in Europe) has millions of visitors annually.
For an interesting take on Paris, check out the underground sewers of Paris. See swords found in the sewers over the years and get an appreciation for what it takes to keep Paris running.
Contained within two historic houses (hotels), the museum explores the history of Paris through objects in over 140 separate rooms.
A must for anyone interested in the history of the American Revolution. This small cemetery includes three mass graves from the French Revolution, plus a section that includes many of France's most noble families that lost members during the French Revolution and consequently have a continuing right to be buried there. In the farthest right hand corner is the tomb of General Lafayette, the friend and fellow soldier of George Washington. Beside him is his beloved wife plus other members of her family, the de Noailles, who were almost completely wiped out during the French Revolution because of their closeness to the Court. Since 1834 the American flag has apparently flown continuously over his grave, even during the German occupation of Paris during World War II. Well worthy of a visit.
One of the best-known and most beautiful churches in Paris, in the guise of a Corinthian order classical temple. Construction started in 1764, although the church was not finally consecrated until 1845. The Madeleine has a lavish interior of marble and gold.
The house of the symbolist painter has now become a museum to his life and work.
A Gothic church tower in a square 150m to the west of the Hôtel de Ville was restored by Ballu, is all that remains of Eglise Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was the meeting place in Paris for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compestela. As such it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.
Beautiful round "square" with an equestrian statue of King Louis XIV and matching 17th century buildings.