The Top 10 Most Iconic Landmarks in Paris, France
#10 - Moulin Rouge
Built in 1889, Moulin Rouge continues to be one of the most iconic spots in all of Paris. Here, the can-can dance was first introduced and is still considered the most famous cabaret in the world. With its deep red-coloured windmill displayed outside (renovations when we visited), Moulin Rouge is a must when visiting Paris for the first time.
#9 - The Panthéon
What was once a church around 1828-70, the pantheon now stands as a civic building that contains the burials of Marie Curie, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and many others. This neoclassic architectural style can be seen from miles away as it stands in the Latin Quarter within the city.
#8 - Luxembourg Gardens
French-style gardens are world-famous for their precision and symmetry. The gardens at Versailles are spectacular (not quite in the city enough to make it on this list). However, there is something special and unique about the Luxembourg Gardens. The square-patterned trees along with the sounds of the flowers being swayed by the wind makes for the perfect afternoon unwinding and taking in the natural beauty of Paris.
#7 - Palais Garnier
Photo Credit: Opera National de Paris
If you’ve been wanting to see the real-life opera house where the Phantom of the Opera took place, this is the spot! The Paris Opera House offers stunning classic and Baroque style architecture that was built in the mid-1800’s. It is considered one of the main architectural treasures of Paris, and for good reason, especially when you walk inside the entrance. The famous book, The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux in 1911, probably contributed in making the opera house so iconic and internationally renowned.
#6 - The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre
Sitting on the hilltop of Montmartre is the famous Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre. This catholic church has a wide range of architectural styles, such as Byzantine, neo-Byzantine, and ancient Roman style. It opened in 1910 and was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. People flock from all over the world to see this Catholic symbol along with catching great views of the city.
#5 - Musée d'Orsay
Located right off the Seine River, this building used to house the city rail station back in the day, but it was converted into an art museum in 1986 and is home to some Monet, Manet, van Gogh, Degas, and many more famous paintings from around the world. The breathtaking architecture makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time when it was a rail station in the early 1900’s.
#4 - Notre Dame
We were a little bummed that the renovations of Notre Dame were still in the works while we were visiting, but it is still worth a visit even if you can’t go inside quite yet. This is the epitome of French Gothic architecture…this is the centre of Catholic Parisian life… and this is where you will want to take lots of time to marvel in the beauty, the history, and the artistry of this stunning cathedral.
#3 - The Louvre
It houses the most famous painting in the world: the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. But, the clear glass pyramid structures and the immense size of the building are also iconic. Built in 1793, the Louvre is the largest art museum in the entire world! It houses a goldmine of fine art. Within about 700,000 square feet, it can hold a lot of artwork, so don’t even bother looking at your watch for the time. It’s safe to say you will be there all day!
#2 - Arc de Triomphe
This has become one of the main symbols of Paris. It sits on the western side of the city and was built to honour those who gave their lives during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. It also is where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (under the vault) is viewed.
#1 - Eiffel Tower
Lastly, a trip to Paris is never complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Originally, it was temporarily put in place for the Exposition Universelle in 1889. Many locals and foreigners hated the look of it, with one recounting that he enjoyed eating in the tower so that he couldn’t see its damage and eye sore to the city. Eventually, it grew in popularity and became the official landmark of France, not just Paris. Today, it is one of the most viewed and visited attractions on Earth.
