Attractions in Paris
Parc André Citroën
This innovative modern park was created at the site of the former Citroën automobile plant near the Seine River. The park is arranged into several gardens, all with very contrasting designs.
Sainte-Chapelle
This chapel was built in 1248 by King Louis IX to store important religious relics. The magnificent chapel in Gothic style is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. It is located on the Île de la Cité, not far from the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Île de la Cité
One of two central islands in the Seine River, this is considered the heart of Paris. First settled in the 3rd century B.C., the island now features some magnificent sights such as the Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.
Musée de Cluny
The National Museum of the Middle Ages, also known as the Cluny Museum has a magnificent collection of medieval art. It is housed in a medieval mansion with Gallo-Roman ruins.
Pont Alexandre III
The Pont Alexandre III is the most ornamented and most popular bridge in Paris. The beautiful bridge, designed by Résal and Alby at the end of the 19th century consist of a single 107m long span.
Palais Royal
The Palais Royal is a palace built by Cardinal Richelieu in 1629. King Louis XIV - later known as the Sun King - spent his youth in this palace before moving to the Louvre. The central courtyard and garden can be visited free of charge.
Cirque d'Hiver
This tent-shaped building, known as the Winter Circus, opened in 1852 as the Cirque Napoléon. The building is still used to host circus productions during winter time as well as some other events.
Musée Carnavalet
Located in the popular Marais district, this museum covers the history of Paris, from its early beginnings over the French Revolution up to the modern times. The museum features many recreated historic rooms.
National Library
This modern library was built in 1996 and consists of four 24-story buildings shaped as open books. The four towers enclose a central garden of about 1 hectare or 2.5 acres.
Promenade Plantée
The world's first elevated park was created in the early 1990s on an abandoned elevated railway viaduct. It has been imitated by several cities, most notably New York.
Tour St-Jacques
This late gothic tower is all that remains of the 16th century St-Jacques church. The church was demolished during the French Revolution, but its tower was fortunately spared.
Arc du Carrousel
The Arc du Carrousel is the smallest of three arches on the triumphal way between the Louvre Museum and La Défense. The top of the arch originally featured four gilded horses taken from St. Mark's Square in Venice.
Arènes de Lutèce
This amphitheater - built in the 1st century A.D. - is one of the traces of Paris's Roman heritage that can be found throughout the city. Paris was known at the time as Lutetia, hence the name of the arena.
Conciergerie
Once part of a royal palace, this medieval building was used as a prison for more than 500 years. During the revolution, important prisoners were often held here before they were led to the guillotine.
Château de Vincennes
For several centuries, this castle was one of the main residences of the French Royals. They abandoned the site however after the completion of the Versailles Palace outside Paris.