By: Elizabeth David
Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world, with over a million visitors every year. Its attractions range from the iconic Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. However, what is the number one attraction for tourists in Paris?
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in Paris, France. This historic church is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the oldest surviving building in the city.
The cathedral is a Catholic church that was built between the years 1725 and 1727. Many architectural masterpieces can be found inside the cathedral. Besides the religious relics, the cathedral also has secular artifacts.
There are three daily masses at the cathedral. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the cathedral hosts the Angelus service. During the day, the cathedral is open from 7:45 to 18:45.
During Lent, the cathedral holds a special Mass, usually given by a leading public figure. Pope Jean Paul II visited the cathedral twice in his lifetime.
The western facade of the cathedral features an impressive rose window that is 9.6 meters in diameter. In the 18th century, the window was entirely rebuilt.
The north transept has a turret that contains an 18th-century clock. Four bells were added to the tower during restoration work in the 19th century.
Eiffel Tower
Thousands of visitors visit the Eiffel Tower every day. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most iconic structures in the world. It is also the most visited paid monument in the world, with more than 7 million people visiting the tower each year.
The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, an engineer and architect. It was constructed over a period of 22 months. When it opened, it was painted reddish brown.
Today, the tower has two main observation decks. The top observation deck is located 276 meters above the ground. It offers breathtaking views of the city.
There are also several restaurants to choose from. Depending on your budget, you can try a French meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant or have a snack in a more casual atmosphere at the Madame Brasserie.
If you want to enjoy a drink at the top of the Eiffel Tower, head to the Champagne Bar. Here, you can find an array of fine champagne.
Louvre
The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most visited attractions in the world. This is thanks to the museum’s extensive collection of art from all eras. It is a place that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Aside from the collection, the museum also offers a wide range of planning tools and services. Visitors can choose to take a guided tour, skip the line, or simply stroll through the grounds. They can also select a theme when they enter the museum.
One of the most popular attractions in the museum is the Grand Arcade. Built for the 1889 World Exposition, the arcade features intricate reliefs, engraved names of soldiers, and Egyptian antiquities.
Another popular attraction is the Eiffel Tower. This landmark is located on the Champs-Elysees and receives over 7 million visitors a year. You can take a walk to the top of the tower on the first Sunday of each month.
If you want a more peaceful experience, you can visit Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Here, you can see funerary sculptures in all shapes and sizes.
Montmartre
The 18th arrondissement is known as Montmartre and is an artist’s heaven. Picasso, Van Gogh, and Debussy lived here. Many famous writers have also called the district home. If you’re visiting Paris, make sure to take a stroll around this unique neighborhood.
One of the most famous landmarks in Montmartre is the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, a towering white dome overlooking the city. You can pray in this quiet and serene sanctuary.
For a closer look, check out the Sacre-Coeur Esplanade, which is filled with street musicians. There are many shops along this tree-shaded square. It is also the ideal location to enjoy the view of the Sacre-Coeur.
Besides its religious significance, the area is a popular hangout for artists. In the early 20th century, painters such as Renoir and Suzanne Valadon were living here.
You can see a wide range of artwork created by local artists on the Place du Tertre. Artists often set up easels in the square and paint scenes of the neighborhood. During the summer months, it becomes a hub for artists who come to work on their masterpieces.
