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Paris Landmarks and Paris Monuments (Paris, France)



It is hardly surprising that France's most important city is crammed full of spectacular landmarks and monuments.

Famous throughout the world, many of these date back hundreds of years and are in remarkable condition. Here are some of the top Paris landmarks to visit.




Paris Landmarks: Notre Dame (Cathedrale de Notre-Dame-de-Paris) - 6 Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame (Ile de la Cité area), Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 34 56 10
Founded in the 12th century, this famous French cathedral known as 'Our Lady of Paris' lies at the heart of the city on the banks of the River Seine, on the Île de la Cité area. The histories of Paris and Notre-Dame are interwoven and it was here in 1804 that Napoleon crowned himself emperor and then crowned Josephine as his empress. Crusaders prayed here before going off to fight in the holy wars. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Notre Dame can accommodate a congregation of over 6,000.
Landmark open: Cathedral - daily 08:00 to 18:45 year round
Towers and crypt, April to September, daily - 09:30 to 17:30
October to March, daily - 10:00 to 17:30
Museum - Wednesday and Saturday and Sunday - 14:30 to 17:00
Treasury - Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 17:45

Paris Landmarks: Sainte-Chapelle - 4 Boulevard du Palais (Ile de la Cité district), Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 73 78 50
Sainte-Chapelle, consecrated in 1248, is widely considered to be one of the Western world's greatest architectural masterpieces. The chapel was built to house the crown of thorns, reputedly worn by Jesus, and other items purchased by King Louis IX. The chapel contains the oldest and finest stained-glass windows to be found in Paris. The best view of the chapel is from the magnificently gilded 18th-century gate which forms the main entrance to the law courts.
Landmark open: April to September, daily - 09:30 to 18:30
October to March, daily - 10:00 to 17:00

Paris Landmarks: Basilique du Sacre Coeur de Montmatre - 35 Rue du Chevalier-de-la-Barre, Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 41 89 00
Basilique du Sacre Coeur de Montmatre is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Christ and the crypt contains what many believe to be Christ's Sacred Heart. The 19th-century basilica towers over Paris and provides wonderful views of the city. It features a magnificent mosaic of Christ and was built after the 1870 defeat in the Franco-Prussian war.
Landmark open: Basilica, daily - 07:00 to 23:00
Dome and crypt, daily - 09:00 to 19:00
Landmark admission: charge for crypt and dome

Paris Landmarks: Panthéon - Place du Panthéon, Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 32 18 00
Overlooking the Latin Quarter, this magnificent church was built in honour of Sainte Genevieve by Louis XV. Voltaire and Victor Hugo are among the many famous Frenchmen buried here.
Landmark open: April to September, daily - 09:30 to 18:30
October to March, daily - 10:00 to 18:15

Paris Landmarks: Arc de Triomphe - Place Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, 8e, Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 55 37 73 77
Commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate the victories of his Grand Armée after the battle of Austerlitz, this triumphal arch is a world-famous landmark. From the roof there are magnificent views of Paris and inside the Arch there is a small museum documenting its history and construction.
Landmark open: April to September, daily - 09:30 to 11:00
October to March, daily - 10:00 to 22:30
Landmark admission: charge

 
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