Fly to Paris: the places you must see
Fly to Paris
A smooth landing in Le Bourget, and Paris will open the arms to you. Thinking about Paris, the first thing that pops into your mind is the “city of love”. But Paris is much more than this! Luxwing can bring you to this cosmopolitan city, in perfect comfort. We can arrange the best catering for your flight, exclusive transfer with limo and reservation of the most charming hotel.
Here is our selection of the best things to do in Paris.
by Luxwing Communications
1 – On top of the Eiffel Tower
We can say this is the symbol of France itself, it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. It is 330 meters high, and its construction was a technical and architectural challenge. Strong emotions kick in as soon as you start climbing the Eiffel Tower. That’s why more than over 8 millions of visitors make the trip every year, climbing its three levels to get to the very top. Paris seen from so high up is worth the detour and the climb! The higher you go the more the city reveals itself: monuments pop up here and there, definitely a must-do for anyone who visits Paris! Don’t forget that the Eiffel Tower takes on a different person at night. Twinkling and shining above the “City of Lights,” as Paris is nicknamed, you can also take in the Eiffel Tower during the evening while enjoying a gastronomic meal at one of its restaurants.
2 – A River Boat Cruise on the Seine
Elegant riverboats traditionally called “bateau mouche”, offer an alternative way to discover the city of lights. Once onboard, navigating monuments and buildings, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your time on the Seine. The Seine is the artery that runs through the heart of Paris. Geographically speaking, the river is the capital’s central axis and has always played a major role in Paris’s history and now is the heart of tourism. Several landmarks throughout the city attest to this rich past. Bay windows provide sweeping views of the Seine and its banks. As if you were living a daydream, taking a cruise on the riverboat is a fantastic way to spend quality time with loved ones, enjoying a perfect French meal.
3 – Garnier Opera House
Entering the opera, you’ll see how the building opens up and spreads out like tentacles, each part revealing a specific purpose that lends even more theatrical airs to the opera.
This neoclassical masterpiece was created by the architect Charles Garnier at the end of the Second Empire. Inaugurated in 1875 as the “New Opera” in a Haussmannian Paris, it fascinated onlookers with its ornate richness, eclecticism, architectural and decorative audaciousness. Garnier brought together France’s best artisans, painters, and sculptors. And for the first time in France, Garnier used mosaic to decorate the gallery vaults that lead to the grand hall. The Garnier Opera has become one of the most spectacular Italian-inspired theaters.
4 – Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Initially spearheaded by bishop Maurice de Sully, the cathedral’s construction spanned for more than two decades: from the beginning of the 11th century to the first half of the 14th century. The cathedral has been a firsthand witness to several historical events such as the arrival of the Holy Crown in 1239, the exoneration of Joan of Arc in 1456 and the coronation of Napoléon I in 1804. Before the horrible fire that hit the cathedral in 2019, people could visit its towers allowing to access the Galerie des Chimères (Chimera Hall) before continuing to the top of the South tower where, in the company of gargoyles, the city of Paris could be seen.
5 – Luxembourg garden
Paris is a city of large green spaces and one of the most well-kept and most visited is the Luxembourg Gardens, south of the Seine River. Its design, fountains and flowers are worth a visit, but don’t just go there to do the tourist check: sit and read, buy an ice cream and live the daily life of Paris go by in this park. The hustle and bustle of Paris comes to a halt in these impeccable gardens, within which you’ll also find the palace that gives them their name.
6 – Louvre Museum
You can’t miss the glass pyramid located in the Napoléon courtyard, the symbol of the museum. The 13th century Philippe Auguste fort that surrounds the museum was reorganized until becoming the royal residence for centuries. In 1793 it became the Central Museum of Arts, France’s first national museum. Year after year the museum’s collections grew larger, thereby taking up more and more place at the palace. Today, the immensity of the Louvre is incredible: it has been estimated that nine months are needed to see each and every work of art on display. The Louvre is indeed one of the world’s biggest museum; its exhibition surface area of 18 acres displays 38,000 works of art out of the 460,000 that the museum possesses within its walls. These masterpieces are spread out in 8 main galleries: Oriental Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Arts, Decorative Arts, Sculptures, Paintings, and Graphic Art.
7 – Montmartre
Montmartre is the highest point in the capital and is famous for the Sacré Coeur Basilica (Sacred Heart) as well as panoramic views of Paris. While admiring views of Paris, take a break at the lively Tertre Square where painters and portrait and caricature artists work outside, the perfect way to get a sneak peek at a masterpiece in the making! By the way, both Renoir and Van Gogh rolled up their painting frock sleeves at the Tertre Square.
After following the more “standard” route, take the time to head off the beaten path and discover more intimate spots to fully enjoy the neighborhood. Montmartre is more than just painters; it’s a cultural and gastronomic hotbed with its own authentic charm. Steep streets wind their way past vine-covered homes and hidden staircases lead to quaint, cobblestone squares. This is Montmartre’s undeniable charm. Let yourself be guided by it and you’ll discover more than what you expected, from the romantic Allée des Brouillards to the architectural delights at Clichy Square.
8 – Pompidou Museum
In a city as cosmopolitan as Paris, contemporary art has a lot to say and a visit to the George Pompidou Museum is proof of that. At the Pompidou you will see one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Europe, with works by Duchamp, Kandinsky, Picasso and Matisse, but also original montages by other artists that will make you have a great time during your visit. The Pompidou is a museum to have a good time, have fun and enjoy art while learning, that’s why I always say that the Pompidou is an ideal museum to visit if you are travelling to Paris with children
9 – Versailles
We all know the history of the rise of absolutism and its fall with the French Revolution, but to visit the Palace and gardens of Versailles is to relive it in each of its rooms. History aside, a visit to Versailles is a must for both the sumptuousness of the palace and its stunning gardens.
Any trip to the Palace of Versailles from Paris: it will take almost a full day and you can get to Versailles from central Paris by train or hire independent transport and a guided tour.
When planning your visit, check the opening times of the Palace of Versailles, but be aware that the queues for tickets to the Palace of Versailles are at least two hours long; booking your tickets in advance will save you precious time which you can then spend on all there is to see inside the Palace of Versailles.
10. Paris by Night
The Moulin Rouge is Paris’s number 1 show, if not Europe’s. For more than 126 years, the most legendary French cabaret has been welcoming spectators from all over the world to see the famous French Cancan dance firsthand. Around the globe, the Moulin Rouge is appreciated and admired by spectators and performers alike.
The lights dim, the curtains open and the troupe enters on stage and spectators can take in the beauty of the Doriss Girls and Doriss Dancers. These 80 artists coming from all over the world, wear a total of 1,000 costumes decorated with feathers, rhinestones, and glitter that are made by Paris’s most famous tailors. Great decoration in a kaleidoscope of colors and one-of-a-kind designs created by Italian artists liven up the stage. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the show with its numerous original musical scores. Don’t forget the incredible leg-lifts by the most beautiful girls in the world!